first-gen isuzu trooper

Hooniverse Asks: What’s the next smart vintage SUV buy?

Jeff Glucker

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Comments

I have a problem.

My phone. I can’t put it down. No, it’s not because of Twitter of Instagram. Instead, it’s because of the BRZO app. I am on a hunt and my prey is an older SUV. Currently, I have about 10 different saved searches running and I check them on what seems like an hourly basis. The goal is to find a cheap beater truck, but I have a few caveats. It needs to be clean on the inside. I would prefer zero leaks, but a drip here or there isn’t enough to scare me away. The truck needs to be in solid running and driving condition, and I can live with faded paint and a few minor dents.

Here’s what I’m thinking about at the moment;

I’d love an FJ60-era Land Cruiser but those have become Bring-A-Trailer darlings. Broncos, Blazers, and Scouts are more expensive than you might think. The 4Runner doesn’t do much for me. And so I’ve narrowed down my search to the vehicles listed above.

Good options, aplenty

There are some good options out there, but a number of them have minor issues that keep me from pulling the trigger fully. Regardless, I truly believe this is the next round of SUVs to receive a value and appreciation bump. I’m not out to buy one to make money, but that would be a nice bonus when I’m ready to move on.

When I find the right truck, I’ll officially list my 1974 Mercedes-Benz for sale. The Wombat is at the shop so stay tuned for updates there. And that will mean whichever truck I buy will become the new daily driver/project mobile.

Which vintage SUV would you buy? Is there another one I should have on this list?

[Lead image taken from this Craigslist ad]

About

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker is the co-founder and Executive Editor of Hooniverse.com. He’s often seen getting passed as he hustles a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero up the 405 Freeway. IG: @HooniverseJeff

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46 responses to “Hooniverse Asks: What’s the next smart vintage SUV buy?”

  1. mdharrell Avatar
    mdharrell

    Ramcharger/Trailduster?

    Reply
  2. Manxman Avatar
    Manxman

    In my neck of the woods the xj Cherokee is cheap, parts are available and they seem to run forever. I’ve been thinking about one for a long time.

    Reply
    1. Maymar Avatar
      Maymar

      These will definitely be strong in years to come – I think they’re already past their absolute low point, as rust and mods have shrunk the supply considerably. I’m wondering if the mystique will transfer to the ZJ as well, since it shares so many of the same positives.

      Reply
    2. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      Never should have sold mine. Far better than the Subaru wagon that replaced it.

      Reply
    3. acarr260 Avatar
      acarr260

      XJ is the correct answer. They’ve been steadily rising in price for a year or two here in the Midwest. It took me almost two years to find a good, rust-free example here in Indiana. After seeing what they’re selling for in dry climates, I think I could legit make a side job of “importing” dry XJ’s to Indiana.

      Reply
  3. Zentropy Avatar
    Zentropy

    I’m an FJ55 fan, but my budget for one falls well below the point where you can see through the floor and the fenders are rusted through. What about a Jeep SJ? I know their prices are rising, but maybe haven’t peaked?

    https://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/jpg/201803/jeep-wagoneer-roadtr.jpg

    Reply
    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      Yep, FJ55 is on the list too

      Reply
  4. Alff Avatar
    Alff

    Late first-gen V8 Explorer for me. Positives: BOF, Limited Slip, not too big, excellent power extracted from the 302. I keep my eyes open for them for the engine alone.

    Reply
  5. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    2 door GMT 400 based Blazer or Yukon. Bonus points for 4X4, manual transmission, 350 V-8, and barn doors.

    Reply
    1. neight428 Avatar
      neight428

      My brother-in-law has one of these, minus the manual and barn doors. If I had the room and appetite for another vehicle, I’d consider strongly buying it off of him. If Jeff likes the idea, we can make a Hooniverse love connection.

      Reply
    2. neight428 Avatar
      neight428

      Here’s one in Jeff’s neck of the woods, with the bonus site content potential of the sale listing including a security cam shot of it involved in repo operations!

      https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/san-bernardino-95-tahoe-z71/6782822301.html

      https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/b34f25afed2d55f94e63a5d129f7c2e1eecc24107e0ac1c8ca8177ff55bddf76.jpg

      Reply
  6. SlowJoeCrow Avatar
    SlowJoeCrow

    Of your short list, the Trooper and Montero make good alternatives to Land Cruisers or 4Runners, also consider an FJ80, either US spec or grey import. As far as LR products, the Range Rover Classic is an icon but beware of corrosion and complexity, the same applies to the Discovery where base spec SD models last longer. I wouldn’t touch a 38A Range Rover, way to much to go wrong and they look too much like a MetroCab.

    Also consider a grey import FJ78.

    Reply
    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      I don’t want the FJ80 because i know three people that have them. I know another three that have FJ60s, including one person who owns two and wants to sell the second one.

      Reply
      1. Sjalabais Avatar
        Sjalabais

        They have them and they are not happy, or they have them and that makes the FJ80 too common?

        Reply
  7. Jeff Glucker Avatar
    Jeff Glucker

    Forgot a major caveat… I’m thinking of a budget under 4k. Ideally under 3k if possible.

    Reply
    1. neight428 Avatar
      neight428

      That’s high mileage Jeep Liberty/BMW X5 territory.

      Xterra, maybe?

      There’s also this Suburban…

      https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d/pasadena-1947-desoto-suburban/6787498642.html

      https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/5a8c0976788fcc067be3e416f6ea1cea829e3f1d4ebb5f97465c9c42b09b6b2d.jpg

      Reply
    2. P161911 Avatar
      P161911

      The GMT 400 2 door SUVs seem to start at about $5k, but any of the examples on your list would probably easily cost $1k more to repair than the GM, IF you could find the parts. These are a relatively rare version of a VERY common truck. All but a few interior bit and body panels will be all over the local pick and pull yard or if you want to get fancy, you could probably build a complete truck from a catalog.

      Reply
    3. mdharrell Avatar
      mdharrell

      Well, if you’re on a budget, here’s a Laforza for $1500 OBO. According to the ad it “can even be dropped at low heights from an airplane” and it “has good turning radius.”

      https://images.craigslist.org/00K0K_4j7Bv9p0qcM_600x450.jpg

      https://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/cto/d/salt-lake-city-1989-laforza/6775173913.html

      Reply
      1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
        Jeff Glucker

        That’s actually pretty awesome…

        Reply
        1. mdharrell Avatar
          mdharrell

          Of course it is! This is why the world would be a better place if only more people were to take my automotive advice. For example, demand for the Monteverdi Safari and Sahara would be way higher.

          Reply
      2. P161911 Avatar
        P161911

        I hadn’t noticed before how much that grill looks like a Plymouth Voyager.

        Reply
      3. danleym Avatar
        danleym

        Damn… I like most obscure automotive things. I’ve been hanging around here for years. And I’ve never heard of these before. That’s cool.

        Reply
  8. danleym Avatar
    danleym

    I have no love for the Discos- owned one, never felt anything for it. Even though I worked on it, lifted it, drove it on fun trips and a little bit off road, all the things that normally bond you with a vehicle. It just sat in the driveway with my distaste slowly growing until j finally sold it.

    I’d have my old K5 back in a heartbeat though. I’d also look hard for a good clean XJ.

    Reply
  9. neight428 Avatar
    neight428

    Seems to me what you really want is an early 90’s vintage base Euro-spec G-wagen, but alas, we only get the tarted up version stateside. Any imported would be BaT fodder at least.

    A friend in High School had a 2-door Dodge Raider (Montero) that was a solid little vehicle and very nimble off road. It was stupid slow.

    Reply
    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      Actual tough G-Wagens are pretty rare here. I did setup a search for 460 and 461s though, just in case they pop up.

      Reply
  10. GTXcellent Avatar
    GTXcellent

    I can’t believe I’m saying – and recommending this: First Gen S10 Blazer/S-15 Jimmy.
    Now hear me out – first of all, when’s the last time you actually saw one that wasn’t either completely clapped out, or modded into a 90’s sport truck or redneck special? Now think about the nostalgia and rose colored glasses that Gen Y and Millennials will soon be looking back on. How many high school parking lots were filled with these?
    Find a later generation with a 4.3, 5 speed, maybe in Tahoe or Sport trim.
    https://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/chevrolet/s-10-blazer/1993/oem/1993_chevrolet_s-10-blazer_2dr-suv_tahoe-lt_fq_oem_1_500.jpg

    Reply
    1. 0A5599 Avatar
      0A5599

      Jeff has a toddler, so I would suggest an Olds Bravada variant for the extra set of doors. It’s AWD instead of 4×4, but Jeff doesn’t need it to go over rocks.

      Nicer trim level, and all the once-great, now-dead brand nostalgia you could ask for.

      Get a 1992 or later for the L35.

      Reply
  11. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    How about thinking outside of the box and consider a 1994-1996 GM B-body wagon? It might not be so great offroad but it’ll be powerful, comfortable, roomy, reasonably reliable (yes, GM quality has been a crapshoot but the bad ones have probably been junked by now), and good-looking. Better hurry on the Roadmaster wagons because they’re being snapped up but a Caprice is a reasonable alternative.
    http://3-photos7.motorcar.com/used-1994-buick-roadmaster-4drwagonestate-145-15607035-2-1024.jpg

    Reply
    1. P161911 Avatar
      P161911

      For really outside the box, go with a 1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser with a 350. They even appear to hav a little bit of a faux Vista Cruiser roof.
      https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Oldsmobile_Custom_Cruiser.jpg/1280px-Oldsmobile_Custom_Cruiser.jpg

      Reply
      1. tonyola Avatar
        tonyola

        I considered the Custom Cruiser because of its rarity but it doesn’t have the 260-hp 350 of the 1994+ B-wagons.

        Reply
        1. P161911 Avatar
          P161911

          I forgot about the late horsepower bump with the LT-1-ish engine. At this point most of these are probably ready for an engine swap anyways. Plenty of room under there for an LS-1.

          Reply
          1. 0A5599 Avatar
            0A5599

            How long is Jeff’s OTHER swap going to take? I think he wants something turn key with his next one. Also, his budget restrictions probably won’t stretch that far.

          2. P161911 Avatar
            P161911

            Well, a LS-1 swap might be a little involved, but a 1990s LT-1 would be pretty much a drop in fit and offer around 300HP. Looks like junkyard examples are around $1500, complete with wiring harness, accessories, and ECM.

  12. smalleyxb122 Avatar
    smalleyxb122

    Discos are pretty cool for what is often “fuck it” money, but it is my understanding that they are cheap for a reason… or reasons.
    Since you specified first-gen on the Trooper, I assume the Acura SLX (second-gen Trooper) isn’t vintage enough for you, but they are generally cheap for what you get.

    Reply
  13. Sjalabais Avatar
    Sjalabais

    I have always loved the Isuzu Trooper for its no-BS-design, even as a kid. I know nothing about them though…would imagine the herd has been thinned a lot by rust?

    Reply
    1. outback_ute Avatar
      outback_ute

      They are only a 4-cyl I think, so very slow. How about a Nissan Pathfinder as an alternative? Probably not if a 4Runner is ruled out. First gen Outback, or how late did they sell Suzuki Vitaras there? The later 2000’s one with a V6 wouldn’t be bad.

      Given the budget, I’d say the first priority should be condition & maintenance status, then if you have multiple options you can choose which model.

      Is this is a short-term thing until the Wombat is finished? If so keeping the other Benz is probably the cheapest way to go. Anything in the $3-4k range will likely swallow a chunk more money keeping it on the road.

      Reply
      1. 0A5599 Avatar
        0A5599

        I have an F-body with a 60 degree GM 2.8 v6 under the hood. Junkyard markings on the intake manifold indicate that the motor came out of a Trooper. Wikipedia confirms that was an option on the Trooper.

        Reply
        1. outback_ute Avatar
          outback_ute

          Fair enough, only the 2nd gen got the V6 here. I don’t think we got the 2.8 V6 in anything actually, only the 3.8.

          Reply
  14. nanoop Avatar
    nanoop

    Gen1 Cayennes are ~15yo by now, and ugly enough to evoke a retro-cool “that’s how they were like in the noughts” eek – in 5-10 years. This gives you a time window to find an appropriately depreciated but not decayed example, and fix all the expensive bits so you’re ready to sell a prime example on it’s height of popularity.

    (I can’t believe I’m writing this…)

    http://zombdrive.com/images/2003-porsche-cayenne-6.jpg

    Reply
  15. Dabidoh_Sambone Avatar
    Dabidoh_Sambone

    Let’s not forget the quirky but capable Daihatsu Rocky:
    https://i.pinimg.com/564x/be/d0/c8/bed0c8b8c6d6a35edecf4869253e9f30.jpg

    Reply
    1. P161911 Avatar
      P161911

      If you like sourcing ALL your parts needs from Japan or some other Asian country.

      Reply
  16. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    How about an Amigo instead of a Trooper?
    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Isuzu_Amigo_XS.jpg/1024px-Isuzu_Amigo_XS.jpg

    Reply
    1. smalleyxb122 Avatar
      smalleyxb122

      I love the Amigo, but it’s not suited for much in the way of “truck stuff”. It’s really more of a toy. As an alternative to a Samurai, Tracker, Wrangler, or even a side-by-side ATV, I’d definitely consider an Amigo. I wouldn’t get one with plans to tow anything. I might consider one as the thing being towed, though. An Amigo would make a pretty sweet “toad” behind an RV.

      Reply
  17. Brian Driggs Avatar
    Brian Driggs

    Look closer at the Montero. The unicorn is the V6/5spd combo, though having owned a SWB 89 with the 100hp 2.6L (from the Starion), I’ll tell it’s a delightful riding lawn mower mixed with lifted British sportscar experience that will deliver all your slow-car-fast needs.

    See also importing a near mint, turbodiesel variant from Japan for under $15k.

    Perhaps laughably, the Montero likely represents the most reliable option on your list, save maybe the Trooper. They were built tougher than most people know.

    Reply
  18. Le Dominus Avatar
    Le Dominus

    Go for a round Montero….

    Reply
  19. Ed Kim Avatar
    Ed Kim

    They’re definitely going up in value. Three years ago, we bought a 1992 4Runner for $2,000 and was in perfect condition except for faded clearcoat on the hood and roof and other cosmetic issues. A year later, an idiot in a Freightliner smashed into the back of me in traffic, totaling the 4Runner. His insurance paid me out $4,600. That certainly helped take away some of the sting of losing that awesome truck. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/596fa04829abf6d69a000cb91f16a4ce89ddc297187bd1b96150b09d41e0b31e.jpg

    Reply