I find myself in the predicament of needing something that tows a trailer small trailer with a 2000 pound car, but I hate new SUV's.
I think I need to get something that is a little quirky, a little classic.
3 choices so far.
which is the best choice? (you may include other choices that I have not thought of.)
thank you.
Well, those 3 choices are definitely QUIRKY....also known as expensive.
I don't have direct experience with the L-R or G, but the Scout? Good luck finding one that isn't badly rusted, and the parts? They aren't quirky, but I'd look at a 1st or 2nd gen FULL-sized Blazer, or a 2nd gen Bronco. Both can tow, both use parts that aren't difficult to find/and expensive when found, and shouldn't cost any more than your 3 original choices.
Ford E150 Chateau, there's one in the Classifieds, will tow 7000lbs, seat 7 and lotsa room, my wife loves ours
If I had to choose from those 3 it would be the MB hands down.
But I agree with integraguy, early blazers or 2nd gen broncos are affordable, cheap to fix and reasonably reliable.
yeah, be responsible....Forget that, i like quirky...but I was thinking an old Bronco would be cool...and I do like SBF power...
maybe an old F150 built up as a prerunner would be fun.
Cherokee
grassroots mag has had a lot of success with their Pathfinder...
maroon92 wrote: OMG Want!
Dude you started out looking at 3 SUV wagons, this does not compute with those examples
I'd do an Fj60 landcuiser. They're less of an suv more of a sledgehammer.
I love me some full-size Broncos.
If the government ever came down and limited us to each only owning one vehicle, that's what I'd have.
2nd-gens are my preference as they're nigh indestructable. Weakest point is the engine where your choices are either of the 335-series motors: the 351M or the 400 (I'm not saying they're weak - just compared to the rest of the drivetrain). I'd spring for the 400, that particular 351 was made due to the popularity of the displacement, and is just a destroked 400. Many people consider them boat anchors, though my father has one with cleveland heads, headers, and a 4-barrel that says otherwise. The rest of the drivetrain is either a C6 if you go auto or NP435 if you go stick, into an NP205 gear-driven transfercase, out to a Dana 44 in the front and Ford 9" in the rear.
3rd gens ditch the 385-series V8s in favor of Windsor blocks - 302s and 351Ws. The 300 I6 is also offered. Transfercase is the NP208 which is weaker (chain driven), but has better gearing than the NP205. Around 1984 the 9" rear is replaced by the 8.8", though the 9" was apparently still an option as I had an '85 with one.
If you go 3rd gen, I highly suggest going for a fuel-injected truck, avoiding the push-button transfercase that Ford went to for a while (my '96 has a properly shifted t-case), and ditch the auto-locking hubs for set of manuals (the autolockers break when looked at funny). Skip the 5.0 and head straight for the 5.8 if you go V8, the 5.0 is just as thirsty and has noticably less torque.
I suggest Broncos for a few reasons:
1) based on F-150 chassis. Parts are EVERYWHERE.
2) Short wheelbase, excellent turning radius - doesn't park like a truck/SUV.
3) 2-door with folding back seat, lots of space when you need it, 5 seats when you need to people-carry,
4) Removable top BEHIND the driver's section - this means even if you pull the top off a few times, it will NEVER leak above the windshield the way a Blazer or Ramcharger will.
5) Handles surprisingly well. I'd autocross mine if everything else was broken down, and I have rallycrossed my old '85 with no ill effects.
I second the Bronco. I have driven them are they are pretty reliable AND strong with decent handling.
The rear wheel arches and tailgate like to rust though... so watch that.
Have you ever considered an E150 van?
Whats your price range? Does it have to be an older vehicle or would you consider something newer?
Full-size Jeep Cherokee.
http://www.ifsja.org/
Unless you spend %50 of your time off-road, find one with locking front hubs. Early "Quadra-trac" don't like pavement.
I find myself in the same predicament. I need a winter/towing vehicle but just hate driving trucks and SUVs. I agree your first 3 choices are quirky and as another poster pointed out.......very expensive. I am thinking late 90s, early 2000ish Toyota Land Cruisers, Mitsubishi Montero or Isuzu Trooper. Still "quirky" but a lot cheaper........and probably more reliable. Also regular Jeep Cherokee.
How about a minivan? Most of them will tow 3500#. They drive like a car and haul more than a SUV.
Personally I would stay away from quirky. They are cool, but you're probably better off with an appliance. Something that will run/tow with out being another project car.
what about a later model landcruiser? i bet they can tow up to 5000#, 4x4, and toyota reliability what you save on parts you can spend on buy-in
How 'bout a 3 door Suburban?
I would go with a V8 4Runner...maybe early 2000s model. 2003+ with Xreas suspension actually drives nicely on the street. Strong chassis can tow well. Looks great compared to all the mom-mobiles out there. Toyota reliability. Interior has no quirks...it is just high-quality, perfect functionality, and driving position is more like a car than a truck. Plus they're a good deal since all the soccer moms would rather have a Sequoia, Land Cruiser, or Highlander these days....
If you want more quirk, try to find an old 2-door with the removeable top that has had a V8 swap :)
Plus, 4Runner are just cool 
My parents had a 76 bronco they bought new, they were very happy with it. It towed a tent trailer (and i believe a jensen healey) a few times with no problems. First gen blazers are nice, if you can get a straight one and dont mind getting the mechanical stuff in good shape again. Fullsize jeeps seem decent too, they certainly have sturdy frames.
Full size Broncos...understand that the tailgates are unique, horribly rust prone, and very hard to find.
Anything with "Land Rover" in the name will be tremendously unreliable and expensive to fix. Other than the fanbois, I have yet to meet someone who has bought a second one based on their experience with the first.
G-wagen. Have you priced these? Good gawd they are expensive.
The Scout II was a darn nice vehicle with the V8 only. Rust prone in a way only Vegas can dream of, they will be tough to find in usable shape. At one time they did make a fiberglass body tub replacement for them but I haven't seen one in forever. Parts will only be available through a small community.
The old full size Wagoneer/Cherokee is a tough bit of kit. Have to watch for rust on those too, obviously. The weak point is probably the mish-mash of parts AMC used on them over the years. The AMC 360 did not deal with emissions well.
The pre-Scout II Travellalls were pretty tough. A bit less rusty than those that followed, they are huge vehicles though. Pretty popular in 2wd may mean good examples are still available in the west. If you don't really need 4wd I wouldn't spend the extra to get it.
Land Cruisers are popular but it's a lot of brand loyalty. The older ones are fuel pigs and like to rust. If I'm towing I'd prefer a V8.
How about an old ambulance? Plenty rugged for even heavy towing duties. Lots of cabinets for tools and spare parts and such. And if you break your car and have to fix it overnight, lots of work lights built in.
Or just score a P71 and throw a hitch on... 
I hate SUV's too and I just bought a TrailBlazer SS two months ago.
You can find earlier models/higher miles in the high teens.
The gas mileage isn't the friendliest, but you can tow 6800lbs and when you put your foot down, apply those 400 torques.....yummmmy! Best of all, if you've ever got the itch for more, I hear they make a performance part or two for this...LS2 engine.
A little visual stimulation never hurt / A picture is worth a thousand words:
You don't HAVE to get an SUV. If you are willing to do a little towing preparation to the vehicle, the older LTDs aren't far from being able to tow that. If you can find one that came with the tow package, it's already rated for 5000lbs. My car/trailer setup is about 3500# total. And believe me, I have NO problems towing this car. I've also gotten as high as 14mpg while towing as well, usually it's 12-13. Granted I have a good bit of performance mods as well though. 5.0L HO, dyno'd 195 to the wheels so it's not a lot, but more than stock, 3.55 rear gear, and I've also done a manual trans conversion. If you do a tune up on the stock engine, and get a 3.73 rear gear it should be good to go as far as driveline. Stiffer rear springs, and some better shocks and your suspension will be good. Brakes are fine if you get some nice pads, but there are also options for upgrading the brakes as I have.
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