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clmbrdancer
Apr 11, 2006, 2:46 AM
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So my 97 Subaru Outback (160,000mi) is going to need some major repair (tranny, cv joints and possibly head gasket).
If you had to pick a low cost, say under $5000, vehicle, what would you pick? Should have inexpensive insurance. I'm fine with a van, wagon, some SUVs. The vehicle doesn't need to be anything special. Dirt roads and some snow roads will be driven on.
Cheers,
Brad
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echo
Apr 11, 2006, 2:56 AM
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I personally drive older BMW's... Everyone thinks that parts and repairs are SOOOO expensive, but if you are even a little bit mechanically inclined, they are no problem to work on. The E30 chassis (84-91 3 series) is extrememly stout and will last forever if properly maintained. If you want something that can handle a little dirt or snow, i would suggest a 88-90 325ix. Its 4wd, and because so many e30's were built, used parts are easy to come by. Not to mention, you could find a really clean one for under 5k.
Too bad your scooby is in rough shape. Those cars are amazing. If i had the cash id totally be driving an STI. One of the best performing cars for the money out there.
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alpine_monk
Apr 11, 2006, 3:02 AM
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the search function is in the top right hand courner. your brain...who knows.
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nedsurf
Apr 11, 2006, 3:12 AM
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If I had to sleep in the thing, I think I would pick one of those GMC safaris / Chevy astros. with the AWD package. It can be secure from break in, a truck frame, does not guzzle gas as much as a full size van, can get you down most rough roads and through reasonable snow, it will take a nice big rack on the roof, it can fit surfboards inside on the ceiling, and parts can be pulled from many other light trucks in the junk yard. If money were no object, either diesel new 4WD VW van, or the mercedes version. Biodiesel, yeah!
I have a civic hatchback and like it a lot; but at 6'2" I do not sleep in the back. It does fit loads of stuff including my skis inside and is a bombproof car. I would be scared to take it out to those western BLM land back roads. I have an old Bronco also but it has become unreasonable execpt for a large group and deep snow because of it being a thirsty beast. :roll: It does not see much use.
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tonloc
Apr 11, 2006, 3:30 AM
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i have one of those beloved old wrx's and it has been a pain in the ass lately, broken axle, new differential, all that crap...still not running right now a computer problem is to blame, i bought an 86 civic hatch in NZ and it ran great for the whole time i was there, you could sleep in the back the seats fold down, but it may be a little tight, but hey hondas will run forever, and if it is as big a piece of shit as my honda you can paint it for fun and basically just mess around with it, its a great time...by the way cost was 700$ NZ, about 466 US, pretty good price, no idea how many miles were on it, the odo and trip were both busted...happy hunting
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chh
Apr 11, 2006, 12:48 PM
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I have a minivan that I like. It won't get you down any particularly heinous roads. (I took mine down a couple and ended up repairing it) But, they are comfy and you can do a lot with the inside if you don't want the back seats. You can still do a lot with them even if you want to keep the seats inside, it's just more work everytime you go on a trip and plan to sleep in your car. That is, if you plan on sleeping in your car. If not, I might get something else. Minivans are cheap mostly because there are a ton of them around. You can get a pretty decent price. They are not terribly complicated, but I can't speak for anything over around a 1994 caravan (what I drive). I've replaced an axle, the struts, the brakes many times, and done some other minor mechanical repairs, and I'm no mechanic. You start adding computer chips into that though, and things start to get expensive. My van has a six cylinder engine - which I would definitely suggest getting if you are looking at a van. I wish they made more vans with manual transmission, but I can't afford those snazzy new VW's, though I wish I could. All in all, it's been a great car for climbing and when it dies I'll probably get another van.
Good luck.
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trebork2
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Apr 11, 2006, 2:00 PM
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I have a 97' Civic Hatchback and I take it everywhere rain snow or shine. It can go over or through anything. They are pretty cheap in price and get kick ass gas mileage.
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tattooed_climber
Apr 11, 2006, 2:00 PM
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pre89 4 runner..(22R or 22RE if you can work with electronic injection.....don't go near the 3.0L v6)... .anything else is a compromise
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bigjohnny
Apr 11, 2006, 6:22 PM
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Wagoneer or Cherokee. I'm not talking about the dinky XJ. I'm talking about the old school full size jeeps. You can pick em up for well under 2000$ and they're simple to work on. I'm 6'4 and can sleep in the back with the seat folded down. I can haul 6 people with gear. I've fit about 15 packs in the back for a hiking trip once. The mileage sucks, but they're cheap to insure. I've worked it out and even with my crappy mileage I'm still paying less per year than if I were to buy a new Honda. The other extra awesome thing about them is that FSJ owners tend to be reallly cool people. If you get on www.ifsja.org and tell them where you're going plenty of people will be willing to help you out if you have any problems. It's like having our own free AAA. They're awesome rigs. so easy to work on. I've had a few problems with mine but it's always made it home.
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harmonydoc
Apr 11, 2006, 7:30 PM
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I want one of those. Does it cost a lot in upkeep?
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billcoe_
Apr 11, 2006, 7:39 PM
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In reply to: Wagoneer or Cherokee. I'm not talking about the dinky XJ. I'm talking about the old school full size jeeps. You can pick em up for well under 2000$ and they're simple to work on. I'm 6'4 and can sleep in the back with the seat folded down. I can haul 6 people with gear. I've fit about 15 packs in the back for a hiking trip once. The mileage sucks, but they're cheap to insure. I've worked it out and even with my crappy mileage I'm still paying less per year than if I were to buy a new Honda. The other extra awesome thing about them is that FSJ owners tend to be reallly cool people. If you get on www.ifsja.org and tell them where you're going plenty of people will be willing to help you out if you have any problems. It's like having our own free AAA. They're awesome rigs. so easy to work on. I've had a few problems with mine but it's always made it home.
Maybe just strap an extra tranny or 2 on the top before you leave home.
I can't speak on that idea, but will say that I own a Honda CRV and would not even consider it near the top of this list. Noisy on the road, low end gearing for real 4 x 4 sucks as does ground clearance, but mostly, somebody 6'4" would have to be folded in half or shrunk to 5' to fit in the back.
If you pass on the van (Van = good idea, IMO) and Jeeps: another choice might be a 4 x 4 mini truck with a canopy. You could build it out to spec. to fit your stuff and still sleep in it during rainstorms. Mileage would be reasonable as would the price too.
Good luck
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porcelainsunset
Apr 11, 2006, 7:41 PM
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In reply to: I want one of those. Does it cost a lot in upkeep?
Oh if I could only find one of those in a biodiseal. Sigh. Otherwise, I say spend a little more money, and get a used Prius. Lots of storage space for a hybird, but mainly, sweet gas mileage! All of a sudden the Valley would seem so much closer when it only cost you 20 bucks to drive there.
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guavajelly
Apr 11, 2006, 7:45 PM
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upkeep you say? that is the million dollar question.
depends on what you mean buy alot. I guess i'll break it down a little bit. it is an 83, which if you know vanagons it is the last of the air-cooled engines.
i bought it 2 yrs ago for $800, knowing that it needed work. I imediatly put close to 1500 into it, mostly on the engine (which is now almost like new). the interior also needed some TLC, but being somewhat handy with a sewing machine and a staple gun i was able to reapolster the seats, make new curtains, and make various other repairs.
that said it ran like a champ. along the way in the last two years i have replaced the tranny and clutch (again 1500) and bought new tires (350-400)
So I've put money into it, but it has been worth it. The odometer reads nearly 200,000, but with a rebuilt engine and new transmission its hard to look at all those miles.
And if you are at all mechanical there are many things that can be done without paying the shop to do it.
Finding a deal on one can be a trick- i'm lucky- in the Bay Area it seems like a buyers market. If you have any other questions let me know.
cheers!
adam
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krusher4
Apr 11, 2006, 7:49 PM
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96 Dodge Caravan, stripped out. Plenty of room, tinted windows. I would say any van would be pretty good as long as it won't break down frequently. Can't go down roads that are too tough but no 4WD rig will get higher then 18 mpg.
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krusher4
Apr 11, 2006, 7:54 PM
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96 Dodge Caravan, stripped out. Plenty of room, tinted windows. I would say any van would be pretty good as long as it won't break down frequently. Can't go down roads that are too tough but no 4WD rig will get higher then 18 mpg.
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harmonydoc
Apr 11, 2006, 7:57 PM
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In reply to: upkeep you say? that is the million dollar question. depends on what you mean buy alot. I guess i'll break it down a little bit. it is an 83, which if you know vanagons it is the last of the air-cooled engines. i bought it 2 yrs ago for $800, knowing that it needed work. I imediatly put close to 1500 into it, mostly on the engine (which is now almost like new). the interior also needed some TLC, but being somewhat handy with a sewing machine and a staple gun i was able to reapolster the seats, make new curtains, and make various other repairs. that said it ran like a champ. along the way in the last two years i have replaced the tranny and clutch (again 1500) and bought new tires (350-400) So I've put money into it, but it has been worth it. The odometer reads nearly 200,000, but with a rebuilt engine and new transmission its hard to look at all those miles. And if you are at all mechanical there are many things that can be done without paying the shop to do it. Finding a deal on one can be a trick- i'm lucky- in the Bay Area it seems like a buyers market. If you have any other questions let me know. cheers! adam
I am in the Bay Area, actually. I don't know Vanagons. I am not particularly mechanical (although I'd might be willing to work on the curtains and upholstery myself like you did).
I've seen a few on Craigslist for around $3000:
http://www.craigslist.org/sfc/car/147337577.html
http://www.craigslist.org/sby/car/148741808.html
Are there reputable repair shops around? I am in the North Bay.
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guavajelly
Apr 11, 2006, 8:04 PM
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i don't want to hijack the thread, but...
In reply to: Are there reputable repair shops around? I am in the North Bay.
those look like nice vans. you may be able to bring them down (mine was initially listed for $2000)
Personally if you are seriously interested in one, take it to a mechanic and have them look at it- it will cost you around $100 but will let know know where the van is actually at.
shoot me an email if you want to talk some more.
guavajelly57@hotmail.com
adam
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tradklime
Apr 12, 2006, 4:56 PM
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In reply to: Sigh. Otherwise, I say spend a little more money, and get a used Prius. Lots of storage space for a hybird, but mainly, sweet gas mileage! All of a sudden the Valley would seem so much closer when it only cost you 20 bucks to drive there.
Overall, this is a tough question. I recently sold my 4x4 F250 powerstroke and camper when I decided the additional cost of ownership wasn't worth the comfort of a queen size bed, stove, fridge, table, etc. Not to mentioned I realized that i can stay in hotels for the additional cost in fuel, even though it was diesel. I recently purchased a brand new ford escape front wheel drive for a bit over 14k. I get 29 mpg with it loaded with gear and 3 people, running over the passes of CO. It has reasonable space and ground clearance, and does well in the snow. In most climbing situations, the need for 4x4 is rare. I'd prefer more clearance over an all wheel drive car for rough roads etc. How many people actually do tough wheeling to get to the crags? It's hard to justify the additional cost of gas and maintenance if you really think about it.
Also, really think about how much you want the option of sleeping in your vehicle, and how much you are willing to pay for this option that you will rarely "need" or maybe even use? A cheap low maintenance car with good mileage and a $40 tent will likely serve you better. With the money you'll save in gas (especially these days) you can buy more beer, an occasional hotel room, or those extra cams you want for your next road trip.
VW Westfallias are neat and all, but are sssssssllllllloooooowwwwww, expensive, and the mpg won't knock your socks off.
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paganmonkeyboy
Apr 12, 2006, 5:22 PM
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the old toyota cargo van - its basically a 4 runner with the 22r in it, runs forever with upkeep, tons of room...
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watchme
Apr 12, 2006, 5:25 PM
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In reply to: Also, really think about how much you want the option of sleeping in your vehicle, and how much you are willing to pay for this option that you will rarely "need" or maybe even use? A cheap low maintenance car with good mileage and a $40 tent will likely serve you better. With the money you'll save in gas (especially these days) you can buy more beer, an occasional hotel room, or those extra cams you want for your next road trip.
I have reached the same conclusion. As much as I want a full size van to use as my road tripping vehicle, I just don't think the extra conveniences justify the poor gas mileage.
I drive a 2WD Ford Ranger. Does OK in the snow with snow tires and weight in the bed, and I can sleep in it in a pinch. It gets about 26mpg on the highway. Not great, but not too bad. And these kinds of trucks are cheap (nobody wants 2WD), and are cheap to own.
As for the hybrid, those cars are meant for city driving. They do not get much better mileage than a small economy car on the highway. Check the stats yourself. A diesel Volkswagen is the way to go for highway driving.
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paganmonkeyboy
Apr 12, 2006, 5:25 PM
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In reply to: Also, really think about how much you want the option of sleeping in your vehicle, and how much you are willing to pay for this option that you will rarely "need" or maybe even use?
hmmm. ymmv, but I sleep in my ru all the time...winter trips, showing up in the rain, late night arrivals, etc...its been worth it to me many a time...
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ledavis23
Apr 12, 2006, 5:31 PM
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You need cheap, so if you are into trucks at all I highly recommend the old Mazda B2000. I'm talking the OLD ones, before Ford bought them out. Pre 1994 is best. If you can find a late 80s model still in good condition it will be golden.
They are built very simply and do not take a lot of tools or specialized knowledge to be able to work on. Be careful who you buy from and you should be able to find a good one. Throw a camper shell on the back and you're set. They get 20+ mpg when driven nicely. And with $5,000 to spend you could actually afford more than one of them!
Some people have mentioned the Caravan. The Dodge Caravan is a wonderful vehicle, but at less than 5,000 you would probably be looking at one that has been used and abused by some soccer mom who doesn't know anything about routine maintenance. (Soccer moms, don't be offended, I'm female too)
***Any vehicle that has not been properly maintained will cause you plenty of headaches even before it gets very old.
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cragkiller
Apr 12, 2006, 6:02 PM
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I happen to have a 86 isuzu trooper II 4 cyl 4wd 5spd and get 21+mpg and for aroud $500 dollars I couldn't be happier the only down side its hard to sleep more than 3 with gear.
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mikej
Apr 12, 2006, 6:05 PM
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[quote="tradklime"][quote="porcelainsunset"]
How many people actually do tough wheeling to get to the crags? It's hard to justify the additional cost of gas and maintenance if you really think about it.
Also, really think about how much you want the option of sleeping in your vehicle, and how much you are willing to pay for this option that you will rarely "need" or maybe even use? A cheap low maintenance car with good mileage and a $40 tent will likely serve you better.
quote]
I use(d) 4wd high clearance to get to crags all the time. You can get to some of the local bouldering spots without it, but it'll take its toll if you don't have skid plates. Plus when you park next to all of the toyotas and jeeps, people tend to look at you funny. I've traded my older land cruiser for a 05 wrx wagon, which has been great. Actually has lots of room in the back for gear and a roof rack for my massive bittersweet, or smaller ones (highlander or cheap bastard etc...) fit in the back. Gets about 27mpg on hwy and quick to boot. I agree with that sleeping in car isn't a necessity, but i can do it if i need to. What I'd really like is an 85 4 runner, or any older 4 runner with a solid axle swap. They still get decent mileage and will run forever. There are some places that you need a good four by to get to, or at least eliminates a long approach. Without 4x, there are some places you will never see, unless you want to take a weekend backpacking trip to a crag you haven't been to.
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