Is there a vehicle out there that is decently capable off road (aka 4x4), can tow a small trailer with a motorbike and ATV on it, has A/C, can get 20mpg city and has decent room (aka bigger then Sammy but smaller then those box Suburbans) for less $4k? My first thought was XJ but I don't think those get 20 city. Bonus points for manual transmission.
Not asking for much. 
Cucv blazer?
Last gen Tracker/Sidekick will do all that.
Just go back and read Pheller's threads, I'm sure he asked for something like that. 
In the rest of the world it's easy, small diesels. We don't have them here. 
An XJ with the EFI 4.0 and no lift or rack might get 20 in town with a stick and careful driving. Sane tires, some engine mods, and maybe some gears to help.
Wait, what about an Astro? What do those get MPG wise?
Confused. 
Has OP not heard of Subaru? 
Zomby Woof wrote: Last gen Tracker/Sidekick will do all that.
I had a feeling one of those Suzuki thingies would do that but I couldn't remember what it was called.
MrJoshua wrote: Confused.
I guess an outback might work. I don't know if they are quite capable as I would like off road.
Forester might do it best, actually...
Javelin wrote: In the rest of the world it's easy, small diesels. We don't have them here.
I'm going with this as well. our 99 xj 4.0/auto returned 19mpg average before I lifted it...and I have a heavy foot. I think with a light foot and a manual you'll be good.
I regularly towed dirtbikes and atvs with ours. I also towed the Beetle in my avatar when my regular tow rig was down.
Travis_K wrote: Cucv blazer?
I have one of those too....no ac and it's hard to add it with the dual alternators in place. Still a fun rig, rear roof comes off, and very capable off road. Not near as many creature comforts as an XJ, but would tow better.
Lately, the Suzuki Grand Vitara XL7 has been getting my attention.
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/3154492959.html#.UFqQN1LyDMw
Stretched Geo Tracker with small V6 and real transfer case. I think tow capacity is 3,500lbs. EPA when new was 17/19/20 which is about same as XJ.
Javelin wrote: Wait, what about an Astro? What do those get MPG wise?
AWD Astros aren't known for their offroad capabilities.. the one i had was great in the snow, but i wasn't gonna take it offroad.. it got 17mpg no matter how i drove it or what was in it..
my answer to this thread would be an early 90's Suburban with the TBI 350, but that was ruled out byt the OP for whatever arbitrary reason.
How about a four cylinder 4 Runner?
JohnyHachi6 wrote: How about a four cylinder 4 Runner?
This IS the droid you're looking for.
JohnRW1621 wrote: Lately, the Suzuki Grand Vitara XL7 has been getting my attention.
Seats 5 or 7, depending on options, and has an available manual.This was going to be my answer.
The scoob has my vote. Subaru seems to fit the bill nicely.
Early Wrangler unlimited?
Oh, I know, I know! Pick me!
Early '90s 2-door Montero:
Also available with 4 doors if that's not too big:
^And of course the 4runner above is awesome but I thought it's bigger than what you're looking for.
Mike wrote:JohnRW1621 wrote: Lately, the Suzuki Grand Vitara XL7 has been getting my attention.Seats 5 or 7, depending on options, and has an available manual.This was going to be my answer.
This or the non-stretched GrandVitara. GREAT vehicles, very capable offroad, even on street tires, get decent mpg and did I mention they love the offroad?
So far according to the EPA, the only one that gets 20 city is the Tracker but the Subarus are close at 19. I am sure I could get there. I am trying to budget and save for next year which includes a honeymoon, moving (and getting the last bits of furniture we need) and I could really use a new DD. The Civic keeps coming up with issues and at some point it isn't going to be daily transport.
I had a 4CYL Sidekick for year and it would go anywhere. Tough little vehicles and a lot of fun. No power at all, but the V6 would help a bit.
FWIW, the Isuzu Trooper (late 80's) came with a turbo diesel. In your price range, probably looking at 150,000+ miles if you can find one. Make sure the factory recall to Gen 3 rods has been done.
You'll need to log in to post.
