Wanted Turnkey, Trail-Ready 80-Series wanted - Virginia

Location

United States

My girls are old enough that we can start exploring Appalachia, so I'm looking to trade in my Dodge Durango for a family overlanding-type vehicle.

I'm looking for something that is definitely "turnkey", and preferably trail-ready (with lockers). My husband has had a half-built Bronco sitting in the garage for the last 10 years, so no matter what, I don't want to give him another project I would love something that's been gone through mechanically and that I'd feel safe driving from the Chesapeake Bay to West Virginia.

This will also be my daily driver for now. Fortunately, I only have a 4 mile commute to work every day, so I won't be racking up pavement miles.

Cosmetically imperfect is fine, but we take rust seriously. I'm willing to travel about 400 miles for the right vehicle.

I'd like to spend less than $16k.

Here's the kicker. I have been pre-approved for the vehicle loan and my credit union is aware of my intended "classic car" purchase. That being said, they will require at least a basic appraisal by a licensed appraiser (on my dime of course) to ensure that it meets fair market value. If, by chance, the price is below the NADA average value, I don't need the appraisal. What this means is that I would just need to arrange an appraisal prior to purchase and hopefully it won't be too big of an inconvenience.

Thanks everyone!

 

[JAFO2014]

There are hardly any places in Virginia you couldn't go in the Dodge Durango. It's just a little larger than an 80 series, but for a lot less than $16K you could make a stock Durango much more off road capable. And really how much serious off road trails are there in Virginia? I don't think that many. You don't even need 4x4 to get up to Craptree Falls camping area anymore. Years ago only a 4x4 could get there. Now you could go up there in a sedan. Unless you are doing some really serious off road driving, you don't need much off an off road vehicle to visit the back roads of Virginia. Of course just my opinion.

 

[Tim Martin]

My girls are old enough that we can start exploring Appalachia, so I'm looking to trade in my Dodge Durango for a family overlanding-type vehicle.

I'm looking for something that is definitely "turnkey", and preferably trail-ready (with lockers). My husband has had a half-built Bronco sitting in the garage for the last 10 years, so no matter what, I don't want to give him another project I would love something that's been gone through mechanically and that I'd feel safe driving from the Chesapeake Bay to West Virginia.

This will also be my daily driver for now. Fortunately, I only have a 4 mile commute to work every day, so I won't be racking up pavement miles.

Cosmetically imperfect is fine, but we take rust seriously. I'm willing to travel about 400 miles for the right vehicle.

I'd like to spend less than $16k.

Here's the kicker. I have been pre-approved for the vehicle loan and my credit union is aware of my intended "classic car" purchase. That being said, they will require at least a basic appraisal by a licensed appraiser (on my dime of course) to ensure that it meets fair market value. If, by chance, the price is below the NADA average value, I don't need the appraisal. What this means is that I would just need to arrange an appraisal prior to purchase and hopefully it won't be too big of an inconvenience.

Thanks everyone!

Hi, I just posted an 80 for sale today, I think it's the first one on the classifieds, 1996 FZJ80 for sale, south Mississippi. Take a look and see if it meets your criteria. Good luck.

 

[ExpoGeorgia]

I have a 97 LX450 possibly for sale located in Georgia. Do you have an email address I can send info and pictures to? 235k miles, looking to get 7500.

 

[anjielin]

Thanks all for the replies.

Well, I didn't end up with an 80.
My husband had been eyeing a particular 62 for months, so last week I took the plunge and got it. Sure, it is a bit more of a project truck than ideal for me, but I'll be asking for a new set of tools and a multimeter for my birthday We need to add shoulder harnesses in the rear, fix door locks, add a radiator shroud, etc.

I'll also probably be posting a TON of questions on the 60-series tech site.

Cheers!

 

[Marine7]

Congrats and enjoy! Check out URE in Central NC once your "trail ready". Nice place to camp with the family, and some decent trails (every trail there can be run stock..... If driver and spotter know what they are doing). Just beware of Bigfoot! Lol