Hello everyone,
I am an English bloke moving to VI soon as I got a work visa starting, I wanted some advice on what to get for a first rig!
I have been looking around on Craigslist etc to get an idea of prices - thinking of a 4runner as I like Toyotas. Is this a good idea? and should I get one alredy lifted or buy a stock one and mod it?? so many questions!!
I am generally looking to use logging roads and stuff but I want to get out proper backcountry for climbing and photography.. I am also a keen fisherman - so I want somethijng that can handle very rough terrain.
Any advice you can give me on a good first rig would be great! Also I am looking at around 5000 bucks to get something with.
Thanks,
Oli
Get a jeep XJ.
Plenty of aftermarket support. They are durable and pretty capable in their stock form. You can buy a fairly nice trail ready rig for 5K.
I paid 3K for mine. Came with bumpers, roof rack, 31s, 3" lift and a 10,000lbs winch and few brand new parts.
Welcome to the forum.
yea def some nice rigs around here for not too expensive! Like Jas said XJ's are def a good choice, lots of parts for them and usually cheap-ish. can also look into a 4runner, i know many people on here run those. If you have a bit more gold and want a pickup I would say look into a first gen tacoma with the rear locker, super capable and will keep its value! depends on budget!
and as for building or buying already modded, I would say find something in between? like finding one with bumpers winch and rack is nice, or already locked, ect. Im not a huge fan of ones already super done up, especially older ones, never know how it was all done or how hard they ran them
Cool thanks for your help lads!
That Jeep looks like a good deal for 3K!! I'll have a look into the Tacoma aaol1 - I would rather buy once!
Just out of interest do you guys have any idea how much a lift costs? And is it even worth it? Like I know on a 4runner a 3inch lift will essentilly do nothing for the clerance it just means you can get bigger tires on it.. On that note how much is a set of decent off road tires roughly? I have been seeing about 1000 dollars online..
Thanks again for your help
Tires will depend on how big and what kind you get, I got my all terrains all 4 installed and balanced for 1000, some will be more like 1200-1400, but mine are like 31.5's
Lift will also depend, spacers? Full coilover? Blocks in rear? Add a leaf? New leaf pack? Depends on height and whatnot :) mine was 1500, but there's much cheaper options
full coilovers? your looking at like $10 000. LOL
http://iconvehicledynamics.com/shop/674-jeep-jk-45-6-coilover-conversion...
it will always be the end debate, do you want a rig thats IFS, one with a solid axle? one without a frame?
I have had some toyotas, and a cpl jeep zj's. but i personally like my wheelers to have a frame and a solid axle. so a jeep wrangler of your choice fits that bill. with a newer jk, and a 2" budget spacer boost you can run 35's and do a lot with that.
if you could find yourself a Jeep LJ rubicon i would snatch it up.
You dont need much of a rig to be able to take it to most places. I did a lot in my stock pathfinder.
Honestly man, if this is your first rig, just start with something simple. Buy a stock jeep/toyota. Maybe put a 2" lift on and some 31s or keep it as is until you feel you have developed enough driving skill and know enough places where you could use a lift and tires.
Keep in mind. More you mod it, more shit brakes. Keep it simple man.
I got a jeep with 3" lift and 31s and I've gone places.
JK's and LJ rubies for 5k? Where, where ill take 2.
didnt see the budget. LOL
he can get lucky and find a decent TJ.
cool thanks guys, really helpful.. bit of thinking to do but I reckon either a 4runner or an XJ (I want something big enough to sleep in and get a canoe on the roof)
When I get over I'll get onto you lot and see if anyone wants to show me a few trails!
yea for sure those are good options! and lol jay some coilovers are def cheaper than 10,000, thats insane! icon is top stuff though, overkill for most things
yea hit us up well go on some trails :)