Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I am embarking on an "international man of mystery" type career that could take me just about anywhere in the world. From the streets of Paris to the snows of Kilamanjaro so to speak.
But until then, I'll be in the states for a couple years. I'm hoping to be in the market soon for a gently used vehicle and I'm wondering what I should buy. Honestly I'm not going to be doing a lot of hardcore off-roading but I want something that is tough enough to handle some third world streets(I honestly have no idea what the streets are like in the third world other than what I see on the news). I also want something that I won't have to ship back to the US to change the thermostat or something like that. In other words, a reasonable support network of parts suppliers and knowledgeable mechanics would come in handy.
Now, I'm currently single but that may change before I make it overseas. I don't see any kids before then though.
Honestly, I'm leaning towards a Jeep Wrangler or a truck(Nissan Frontier or Toyota Tacoma are contenders). I'm open to other suggestions though. I've also been considering a Prius but if skeptical about how they'd hold up in a harsher environment.
if you plan on shipping the vehicle around the world, then get a land rover. they are known around the world and have a large parts distribution network.
I was thinking about Land Rover. I may have too small of a budget though(hoping to stay under $15K used). I wouldn't mind having one of those old boxy ones though.
In my previous life, I was James Bond and had a number of tricked-out vehicles to deal with anything and everything. Of course I also had Q to deal with the problems arising from demolishing a caviar factory (RIP).
So basically something fairly reliable, able to take abuse, off-roading capability, etc. I'd suggest a Jeep Wrangler as you mentioned or a used Hummer H1. Maybe even a military HMMWV.
In my previous life, I was James Bond and had a number of tricked-out vehicles to deal with anything and everything. Of course I also had Q to deal with the problems arising from demolishing a caviar factory (RIP).
So basically something fairly reliable, able to take abuse, off-roading capability, etc. I'd suggest a Jeep Wrangler as you mentioned or a used Hummer H1. Maybe even a military HMMWV.
Nice. I've wondered where I can get my hands on a military Hummer. I've already been signed off on one.
hmmm...
now that I think about it...
I forgot to add that I'll be a relatively modestly paid international man of mystery. I'd like to be able to afford gas...
Agreede on the H-1 Hummer is the best all around truck you can get seeing as they in use in some of the worse places in the world with some of the worse roads you can drive on and can take tons of hard use.
I would look at a Toyota Land Cruiser, as they are more reliable than the Land Rovers, and Toyota has worldwide reach. A Hummer can be a little more of a challenge to have repaired when you are in some areas that do not have readily available parts. The downside is that you cannot get a diesel in the US, so you would be limited to the V8 models which are not terribly fuel efficient.
__________________
All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.
~William Shakespeare (As You Like It Act II, Scene VII)
Nice. I've wondered where I can get my hands on a military Hummer. I've already been signed off on one.
hmmm...
now that I think about it...
I forgot to add that I'll be a relatively modestly paid international man of mystery. I'd like to be able to afford gas...
You can find them on eBay occasionally, might be able to contact a military surplus store and see if they have connections.
I don't know anyone with an actual HMMWV but I have a friend who has a 1990's H1 Hummer. It's just an awesome vehicle to see in person, it rides like hell though! But if you want to have some serious offroading fun, you can't beat them!
Doubt you'll get one for $15K though, I don't think I've seen any for under $50K.
They, h1 and the humvee can be had for under 50k. If you get one make sure its a diesel. Even as a diesel stock the get real low mileage. It needs more power and a manual transmission. Other than that, expect like 10mpg.
This might be a stupid suggestion but what about an old G-Wagen? they are used by a lot of armies around the world and you should be able to find one cheaper than an H1
Otherwise I agree with the Landcruiser suggestion.
EDIT! just did a quick search and found several G's within your budget
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
