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Definitely a TJ Wrangler. I recently sold this bad boy for $11k. You could easily find a nice lifted TJ for under $10k. It was my fun car and I ended up driving it more than my daily driver. Top down, off-road perfection!
This is sort of something we are tossing around too. Either by leasing something or by buying something with a budget close to yours. Thinking of leasing a Mini or buying a Wrangler. We also would want to commute with our toy over the summer.
My choice would definitely be an early bronco---if I could find one rust free and in good shape for that price. I like the scouts as well. If you want to go bigger, the early blazers had the whole top removable. I've had the later broncos, and though the 78/79 are among my favorite vehicles, only the rear portion of the top comes off so that might not work for you. A wrangler would be a good choice as well and may be easier to find a nice one because there will be many more available.
I've heard others mentioning power problems with the 4 banger jeeps. I'll add to that. With the aerodynamics of a brick, the 4 cyl doesn't have any highway go. Mine did great driving up and down dirt mountain roads in Costa Rica but I was only using 1st or second and sometimes low range. It was low speed driving in which gearing took over. Highway driving sucked on it and the MPG's weren't much better then a full sized bronco. I got about 15 on the jeep with a 4 cyl (brick).
Cruising speed wasn't an issue, it was getting up to speed and/or passing that was hard. Especially if an 18 wheeler was beside me or I had a head wind. Before shipping it to CR I lived in S. FL and drove to and from MD a bunch. Going around an 18 wheeler was a chore. I finally determined that the only way I could get around a tractor trailer was to eventually get close on it's tail (which I don't like) and then whip around it as the air that would pull me close to it would have enough "pull" to let me get around it. And I'm talking slow moving trucks doing about 55/60 in the 65/70 of 95 and the FL turnpike at the time. If a truck was going just a tad under the limit it would take miles before I could get around it and I would **** off anyone behind me. The 4 banger just couldn't do it.
I'm in the market for something fun, a third car to throw the kids and the dog into for short drives, tailgating, coffee run and just plain cruising around in. I'm leaning towards a convertible of some sort.
Budget: 8-10K
I'm leaning towards an old jeep, possible an early 70s Jeepster Commando
Throw me some suggestions!
Jeeps would be better if you like camping/off roading
You people are a trip with the photos... I too would go with the Jeep, as far as "fun" and "different" goes. Or what are those California things called with two giant wheels that look like a mutated scooter that cops use because they think it makes them look cool...
Looks like Henry Hill's car in GoodFellas! This was the first year for the "new body" Coupe De Ville, nice looking car!
Don't get too excited about that 425c.i. motor, it probably puts out about 180 hp! The late 70's was a terrible time for HP.....
I think it's 210 HP.
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This was the first year for the "new body" Coupe De Ville, nice looking car!
