Advice for changing rides

[Carp]

Hey gang, it's been quite a while since I have posted. Between Clemson football, paying off the wife's car, raising a child, and trying to figure out what to do automotively, I've been swamped. I've enjoyed it, but it's meant little time left for UC or Mud.

Down to the meat of the post. As my sig indicates, my DD is getting a little tired. Plus, my commute to work is about to double. So, I am going to sell the Chevy and look for something else. Here are my requirements.

I need something that gets better than 16-18 mpg for my DD.
I need a truck.
I need a rig that I can drive the family in (getting Christmas tree, camping, etc).
Low to NO payments. (I can probably add $1k to the deal)

Here's where the advice comes in.

I've been looking at 2001-2004 Frontier Crew Cabs and Toyota Tacomas. Unfortunately, they only get 20-23 in 2wd configurations, so I wouldn't be gaining much in the way of MPG. Also, I would assume at least a $3-5k loan.

My other option is to buy a mid 90's toyota or chev s-10 2wd ext. cab 4cyl truck for cheap <$2k and a 60 series LC. This does a bunch of things. The truck will get almost 30 mpg, with a 5spd. It gives me a truck for mulch, leaves, dirt, etc. The LC gives me the family rig and the option to WHEEL (what my heart is set on).

Can I get a decent (read: weekend driver) 60 series for ~3k? Is this an outrageous plan and I'm blinded by the opportunity to own a LC, or is this a logical solution? Any pros/cons for the 60 series vs. an early 80? (I've noticed some of them in the price range)

Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post.
Carp

 

[89s rule]

Yeah you can get a 60 series for that much. Rust is the biggest thing. 80 vs 60, thats been debated more than you want to hear. I would go with a 62 b/f a fj80. The extra weight would be tough on a 3fe, but you do get coils and a 3rd row. Bottom line for me is the 60 series is the last of the true cruisers.

How much $ are we talking total? How clean does the wheeling rig need to be?

 

[Carp]

How much $ are we talking total? How clean does the wheeling rig need to be?

I am thinking that I will have anywhere from $2500-$4k for a Cruiser, depending on how the sale of the pickup, and subsequent purchase go.

As far as the wheeling rig, I would like to end up with a decent rig that has a 2-3&quot; lift, armor, and recovery points. Mechanically, I would like for it to be running and not need much for me to make one of the upcoming UC events (maybe MLK if we decide where). Relatively easy fixes, I'm OK with. I don't want to have to replace any major components.

Cosmetically, If it has some rust on the fenders, faded paint, needs interior cleaning, needs seats, etc. I'm OK with that, if the price is right. In other words if I find a bone stock LC in that state, I'd want to pick it up with money left to get it capable, or same money for a capable rig.

Sorry for my long winded post, just thought this might help you help me

 

[Carp]

How hard would it be to replace the front seal, clutch and hood?

https://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-trailers-sale-wanted/195009-84-fj60-sale-1000-a.html

 

[89s rule]

If I didnt have my 62 I would have bought this a few weeks back.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-t...-fj-60-2500-alcans-35s-locked-rebuilt-2f.html
Guy emailed me some other pics and its a nice set-up. Especially with a rebuilt 2f. It does have some trail dents, but they wouldnt bother me. Means you can do more without worry of messing things up.

There is a guy in GA (he actually just bought jcoles's fj62) selling a 1st gen toy that is clean! I dont know if it has rust under the nice paint or not, but it looks great.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-t...91941-1980-toyota-4x4-mini-truck-georgia.html

Guy in NC selling a carb'd 2nd gen that is clean as all get out for $3500, claims it gets 30 mpg. I considered it back when I was looking for a truck, but wanted a FI truck. (Not that it really matters.) Guy bought it and doesnt need it now so hes selling it.

On a side note, this is just me, but I can fix cosmetic things, but if the mechanicals have been gone through then thats what matters to me for a personal vehicle. (But for the wife it has to be both clean and mechanically perfect.)

Anyways good luck, let me know if you need to check on the 2nd gen truck for you. I can dig the link up somewhere.

 

[Carp]

Guy emailed me some other pics and its a nice set-up. Especially with a rebuilt 2f. It does have some trail dents, but they wouldnt bother me. Means you can do more without worry of messing things up.

Do you still have the pics? It sounds like what I'm looking for with money left for sliders, winch, etc. I'm not too interested in 4x4 mini's right now. Thanks though.

On a side note, this is just me, but I can fix cosmetic things, but if the mechanicals have been gone through then thats what matters to me for a personal vehicle. (But for the wife it has to be both clean and mechanically perfect.)

I am kind of in the opposite boat from you. I am good with a wrench, and can handle most mechanical issues. I've never done much body work, but have always wanted to learn. If it is something that would be a trail rig, I can live with dents and may fix them along the way. Function over beauty is a good motto.

On my own side note, my dad has a 2004 Rubicon, and it has been in the body shop 4 times for small touch up jobs from wheelin. He wants to keep it pristine, I don't need pristine.

Thanks again for your help

 

[89s rule]

I do still have the other pics. I forgot yu said 2wd mini for a DD. Thats why I was listing the mini 4x4's for ya as a DD.

Whats your email, I will send you the full size pics of the 60. I would call him to see if he still has it, but it looks like a good to decent deal to me. Its been wheel without sliders so the rockers are dented, but liek I said b/f for a wheelign rig, I dont want to have to worry about body damage too much.

I cant imagine taking a rig that has to go to a body shop b/c of a little wheeling. thats why I bought my 62 and not an 80 (when 80's were still some $.) Not saying I can do body work, just that I dont worry about it as much as mechanical stuff that would take me awhile to get completed and not be able to enjoy it in the meanwhile.

Good luck and I will see what I can get with those pics.

edit found them: (pm me your email and I can email full size ones so you can zoom in on the damage and stuff.) Also, he told me the truck itself has 233K on it.

Edit #2:

I have a part 60 with mostly rust free doors and no dents. Color is close to this guys truck, but not exact. also have most of the interior and various other parts if you need them. Or I'll give you a deal and you can have whats left on it.

 

[Carp]

PM Sent, thanks for the pics!

 

[Carp]

Update: The truck is still for sale, and I'm still going to buy a cruiser when truck sells. But now I am looking for a small car (civic, corolla, sentra) to accompany the cruiser instead of a small truck. Does anyone know of such a car for sale under $3k (cheaper is always better )? Mileage is not as much of a concern as age, if the car's been taken care of.

Thanks!

 

[Southeast Overland]

Carp - I shopped pretty heavily for a gas sipper (Accord, Civic) over the past few months before I bought a FJC. There are a good many Accords but not so many Civics for sale for around $3k on Craigslist.

 

[GXO]

I vote for a lil commuter and a family wagon route. Just makes sense.

 

[Carp]

Carp - I shopped pretty heavily for a gas sipper (Accord, Civic) over the past few months before I bought a FJC. There are a good many Accords but not so many Civics for sale for around $3k on Craigslist.

Thanks, I'll check into that, the right Accord will still get decent mileage. Unfortunately, my and my $$ won't let me fold and get an FJC. We should all be so lucky to buy a FJC as our gas sipper...