[t1fosI]

Looking out of the window at the miserable weather got me thinking that it might be fun to go off-roading/mud plugging when the sports cars can't come out to play.

The question is, what with?

I was thinking something...

1. Cheap so < GBP 5k
2. Comfortable-ish
3. Reliable
4. PAS is a must - for when it is on the road
5. Competent

the motors that come to mind are

1. Jeep Wrangler
2. Land Rover Defender - although a late one (2000- ) of these is min GBP10k

Welcome any suggestions.



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[alsaautomotive]

We ran a '98 Grand Cherokee 4ltr with LPG as the works transport for a number of years, fab towcar, go anywhere & never once let us down.
Given the price of petrol now they are dirt cheap , mega comfortable as well. Towed a two & a half ton Derby Bentley across the country at ***mph fab vehicle

[t1fosI]

I was having the Petrol v Diesel debate in my head - I know diesel is better value cost/MPG trade-off, but I like the power of the petrol engine, not sure...?

I have never really driven an LPG conversion - what's it like?

[alsaautomotive]

Manufacturers reckon there's a 5% drop or thereabouts in power, TBH with the power of the G/C I never noticed a difference

[archiegibbs]

T1f, what about a series 1 Disco V8, it should have PAS and might fall in the £5K region.
Or a LR Defender V8, not sure about PAS as they are very agricultural.

Or an old Mitsubishi Shogun/Pajero or Toyota Land Cruiser - being Japanese they will never break down.

[Pete04222]

I'm a Jeep guy, I've got two of them currently. An '82 CJ7 that my Dad bought brand new and I took it away from him and rebuilt it for off-road use and a '69 Commando that I use for a yard truck. I have also owned a YJ and a TJ. I've belonged to a couple of Jeep clubs also for off-roading. I think the stock Jeep Wrangler is the best "out-of-the-box" on and off road vehicle you can buy for the money.
My second choice, given your requirements, would probably be a Subaru. Mind that you are not going to take this thing rock climbing or mud bogging, but if you want a mild off-road experience or just want to get through some nasty weather safely, comfortably and confidently for not a lot of money than the Subaru is a good option. They are very popular here in Maine.

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by archiegibbs

T1f, what about a series 1 Disco V8, it should have PAS and might fall in the £5K region.
Or a LR Defender V8, not sure about PAS as they are very agricultural.

Or an old Mitsubishi Shogun/Pajero or Toyota Land Cruiser - being Japanese they will never break down.

I second the LR Disco reco. I have had one for over ten years. It spends most of the year sitting. Despite this it starts every time. Built like a tank.

[t1fosI]

Originally Posted by archiegibbs

T1f, what about a series 1 Disco V8, it should have PAS and might fall in the £5K region.
Or a LR Defender V8, not sure about PAS as they are very agricultural.

Or an old Mitsubishi Shogun/Pajero or Toyota Land Cruiser - being Japanese they will never break down.

Originally Posted by Boxer

I second the LR Disco reco. I have had one for over ten years. It spends most of the year sitting. Despite this it starts every time. Built like a tank.

I never seriously considered the Disco, thought it might be too 'civilised' and had heard negatives about reliability. I'll take a better look.
Boxer, is yours the V8 or the Diesel?

I thought about a Landcruiser, but both the Amazon and Colorado are too big for what I want, like the look of the mid 80's/early 90's SWB 'Cruiser but most seem worn out and apparent good ones still go for GBP2-4k! I recently drove a new FJ Cruiser - that was cool - love the looks and the power! But outta my league for this game.

Originally Posted by Pete04222

I think the stock Jeep Wrangler is the best "out-of-the-box" on and off road vehicle you can buy for the money.
My second choice, given your requirements, would probably be a Subaru.

The Wrangler is def on my list, I too have heard good things about its on/off road prowess. The one's I have driven on road are pretty good, my dad used to have a ex-WWII Willys way back when... and he has fond memories about it to this day. I think the Sub is def an accomplished motor, but reckon it might get bogged down in the swamp if what I am imagining is anything to go by!!

Pete, would you go for the square lamp/leaf spring model or the round lamp/coil spring model?

I think i'll start off taking a closer look at the Disco (maybe a TD5 - more power!!) or the Wrangler (4.0 - Empty wallet!!).

Thanks guys - any other suggestions welcome. Also any opinions on lift kits? and other must haves for mud-plugging?


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[Boxer]

Originally Posted by t1fosI

I never seriously considered the Disco, thought it might be too 'civilised' and had heard negatives about reliability. I'll take a better look.
Boxer, is yours the V8 or the Diesel?

.

I have the V8.

[archiegibbs]

Originally Posted by Boxer

I have the V8.

No surprise there Boxer

T1f, don't rule out a SWB V8 Defender. I have some friends who do serious mud plugging up in the peak district and they swear by the Defender. Very easy to mod and fix when things break off.