Does this vehicle exist?

^ Good options above. The Sidekicks are about as close to a Samurai as you can get in size and mechanically they're almost as good. You'll get good MPG, almost Samurai-level offroad ability and avoid the Wrangler tax.

I'm not sure how much off road capability you are looking for, but a Honda CR-V would otherwise fit the bill. I take mine off road quite a bit (didn't buy it for that, BTW), and before everyone jumps down my throat, I know the AWD system isn't intended for off road, but it actually does better than I ever expected it to. I also tow a utility trailer with our buggy on it, and it easily gets 20mpg city if you drive it nice. And first gens can be had in your price range also.

80's S-10 Blazer w / 2.8 V6. Add Multiport injection from same year Camaro for a power upgrade without MPG penalty.

Kinda a random one but did BMW ever make the AWD E30 in a wagon?

93EXCivic wrote: Kinda a random one but did BMW ever make the AWD E30 in a wagon?

They did, the E30 325ix Touring. Good luck finding one though, and it still has car suspension.

GameboyRMH wrote:

93EXCivic wrote: Kinda a random one but did BMW ever make the AWD E30 in a wagon?

They did, the E30 325ix Touring. Good luck finding one though, and it still has car suspension.

Was it available as a manual?

93EXCivic wrote:

GameboyRMH wrote:

93EXCivic wrote: Kinda a random one but did BMW ever make the AWD E30 in a wagon?

They did, the E30 325ix Touring. Good luck finding one though, and it still has car suspension.

Was it available as a manual?

I see some with manuals that don't say a swap was done on them so I guess so. Dunno if that car was even sold in the US though.

GameboyRMH wrote: ^ Good options above. The Sidekicks are about as close to a Samurai as you can get in size and mechanically they're almost as good.

The last gen Tracker/Sidekick was a far better vehicle than a Samurai, and had either the 1.8 or 2L dohc

And a chain-driven transfer case, independent suspension and a big body that tends to get in the way unless lifted...not all positives. Better on the street and more capable on high-speed trail driving, sure, but overall I'd put the money on a Samurai to get through more stuff more consistently.

For what he describes, I'd look at an early- to mid-90s Tracker (probably with 4 doors). Impressively capable off-road, decent cargo space, and could easily tow a small trailer.

I vote 4 cyl 4-Runner as well. My '86 pick up would easily get over 20 mpg puttering around town and I managed to squeeze 30 mpg hwy during a few trips. I even towed a small U-haul trailer from Philly to Niagra Falls once.

The legendary off road capability of Toyotas from that era are what they are still riding on today...

Good luck finding one that isn't rusted out, though, and nice ones tend not to be cheap as they seem to get snatched up and sent south of the border.

Appleseed wrote:

JohnyHachi6 wrote: How about a four cylinder 4 Runner?

This IS the droid you're looking for.

This exactly......find a 22re turbo 5sp and you're in business. Even the n/a 22re would be ok, prolly get the milage in the city you're after, and well.....rust will be the most likely culprit to ever kill one.

Just to clarify on the size, I am looking for 4 doors. A 4Runner is a decent size. One of these monsters= too big.

So far the Tracker and 4Runner look like good candidates.

yamaha wrote:

Appleseed wrote:

JohnyHachi6 wrote: How about a four cylinder 4 Runner?

This IS the droid you're looking for.

This exactly......find a 22re turbo 5sp and you're in business. Even the n/a 22re would be ok, prolly get the milage in the city you're after, and well.....rust will be the most likely culprit to ever kill one.

Not in the rust belt so I will probably be ok. I think.

Mazda MPV 4WD. Manual available (but good luck finding one). I seem to get about 17mpg all the time with my auto, even on tanks where I was pulling stuff around on a trailer. In the 2 years I have had it, I still have yet to really need to put the 4WD to the test but from what I read everywhere else, its actually pretty good. The guy I bought it from said it always did better in deep snow than his son's cherokee. (MPV has good ground clearance and can also fit 29" tires stock) Driving position, you are sitting as high as a full size SUV, in a smaller package. I would have to double check but pretty sure there is at least a 5k tow rating. Tow package vans come with a factory trans cooler.

Another vote for 4 runner.

pinchvalve wrote: 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.

Looks like it was pre-87. And looking at it on the EPA site, it may be one of the cheaper options.

93EXCivic wrote: Just to clarify on the size, I am looking for 4 doors. A 4Runner is a decent size. One of these monsters= too big. So far the Tracker and 4Runner look like good candidates.

I used to think they were too big too...now I'm on my second one. However, I do not get 20mpg. Mine are both 350tbi....not sure what the diesels get.

1990's explorer with 4.0 and twin stick? (5 speed, manual case, manual hubs). the manual hubs allow the 20 mpg cause the front drive line doesnt roll all the time.

I love mine, and as far as power goes ive towed my turbo coupe thunderbird with it at 75 no issues (3400 lb car). A/c works good, 4x4 is excellent with 31x10.50's, and i see about 21 to 23 mixed driving, zero engine mods. no lift needed to clear those tires either, and DIRT CHEAP. mine was $900 in good shape with 130k on it.

-J0N

Cotton wrote: I used to think they were too big too...now I'm on my second one. However, I do not get 20mpg. Mine are both 350tbi....not sure what the diesels get.

Just to be clear. They are too big for I want right now. I may go after one once the Spitfire is done and I need a truck (diesel). Diesels get about 18 I think.

If a 4runner is the right size then go for it!

Can an '80s Honda Civic Wagon tow a small trailer with motorbike and ATV? I know it won't be good offroad but they are cheap, get good gas mileage and I know Civics.

Dakota.

V6 or V8. Not a full size but has either a 6ft or (only with a std. cab) an 8ft bed. 4wd 5speed will get the mileage and a extended cab will have the room.

Ian F wrote: I vote 4 cyl 4-Runner as well.

Maybe I've just had too much Toyota Kool-Aid, but the 4Runner seems way cooler than some of the other options.

For what it's worth, my '98 3.0 gets 18 MPG around town and they're getting cheap enough to fit your price range.