What car should I buy?

[synchromesh]

I don't actually have my license, even though my Dad already gave me his DeLorean, so this would be my first car. Basically, I need GTP to find me a suitable car. I cannot afford a Lister Storm.
I am a motocross racer, so I need a vehicle to carry my ATV in. The first choice is a Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana AWD.

It's AWD so good in the winter, the ATV would be safe from weather and vandalism.

Jeep Comanche

A sick pickup truck, but would an ATV fit in the back?
Or, any other suggestions? My budget is 10-13k.

 

[Jet Badger]

Wouldn't a trailer to haul the ATV when needed and something like an AWD estate to tow it be a better option? You won't be driving with the thing with you all the time eitherway so not having to drive around in something excessive like a van or a truck when not needed could save you some sanity. And comfort.

 

[Tornado]

Why a Comanche? That's kind of an odd solution to your problem.

 

[Harry6784]

Wouldn't a trailer to haul the ATV when needed and something like an AWD estate to tow it be a better option? You won't be driving with the thing with you all the time eitherway so not having to drive around in something excessive like a van or a truck when not needed could save you some sanity. And comfort.

I was thinking the same thing. Mileage/size of a full size van would get annoying when you don't need to haul around stuff.

I would suggest a mid-size pickup, something like a Tacoma or Ford Ranger. Small, practical and still able to haul stuff if you have a trailer...hell you may be able to fit a quad in the bed of a ranger.

 

[synchromesh]

Wouldn't a trailer to haul the ATV when needed and something like an AWD estate to tow it be a better option? You won't be driving with the thing with you all the time eitherway so not having to drive around in something excessive like a van or a truck when not needed could save you some sanity. And comfort.

I bring my fourwheeler to tracks a lot. There's a lot of places around here, and having to tow a trailer every time I go seems a bit impractical.

Why a Comanche? That's kind of an odd solution to your problem.

Comanches are sick. There's a lot of Jeeps in NH.

I was thinking the same thing. Mileage/size of a full size van would get annoying when you don't need to haul around stuff.

I would suggest a mid-size pickup, something like a Tacoma or Ford Ranger. Small, practical and still able to haul stuff if you have a trailer...hell you may be able to fit a quad in the bed of a ranger.

My brother had a ranger, and it fit in the back. However, it was unreliable. One time, he was backing down a friend's driveway, and the brakes failed, and he smashed right into a tree. The Tacoma sounds like a pretty good idea I suppose.

 

[phillgt2002]

Stay away from Tacomas. I think Toyota back-ordered them due to frame issues and made them fairly rare. I saw a Tacoma sitting at 150,000 miles going for $6,000. Sucks because I love the way the body of the Tacoma looks.. perfect for a home project baja.

 

[Parker]

What about a '94-'98 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 with a 12 Valve Cummins?



They can be had in pretty good shape with fairly low miles in your price range, you may have to travel a bit though. The 12 Valve Cummins is one of the most reliable engines of all time, mine has about 400K miles on it with nothing but general maintenance. My father's and brother's trucks have well over 200K miles as well without much more than general maintenance. My father just blew his headgasket but that is because he is making far more power than stock, you can't fault the engine for that.

A 4wd Cummins should see anywhere between 18-22mpg depending on how you drive it and whether or not it is an automatic or manual, which isn't too shabby for a full size truck and you'll certainly be able to get your ATV in the back. Plus, if you ever decide to sell the truck there is a huge market for them and you could probably get close to what you paid for it if you keep it in good shape.

I would suggest an '89-'93 as well (like I have) but they are pretty rare and a lot of people want stupid money for them. Hell, I've had a few people offer me over $15K for my truck, if you can find one for a decent price though, I'd jump on one.

 

[RVDNuT374]

1995-2005 Ford Explorer:

These can be bought in good shape with normal to low mileage for well below your $10-12K price range, leaving extra for ATV upgrades and/or repairs. 👍 Reliability is good overall, although the 4.0 SOHC V6 engine in 97-05 Explorers is infamous for bad intake gaskets and timing chain guide/tensioner failure, especially in higher mileage motors (130K+), so pay attention for the "death rattle" as well as an erratic idle when cold, as those are telltale signs of the issues mentioned above. The 4.0 OHV V6, 5.0 V8 (1995-2001), and the 4.6 V8 (2002-2005) have no major reported problems. Fuel economy is typical for a mid-size SUV with a range between 13-20 MPG depending on the motor and driving conditions. While Explorers came with 2WD as well as 4WD, the vast majority were equipped with 4WD, so winter travel will not be an issue with good, matching tires on all 4 corners. With the back seats folded down, an ATV should fit in the back in terms of length without any issues, although height may be a minor issue around the interior side of the hatch.

 

[synchromesh]

1995-2005 Ford Explorer:

These can be bought in good shape with normal to low mileage for well below your $10-12K price range, leaving extra for ATV upgrades and/or repairs. 👍 Reliability is good overall, although the 4.0 SOHC V6 engine in 97-05 Explorers is infamous for bad intake gaskets and timing chain guide/tensioner failure, especially in higher mileage motors (130K+), so pay attention for the "death rattle" as well as an erratic idle when cold, as those are telltale signs of the issues mentioned above. The 4.0 OHV V6, 5.0 V8 (1995-2001), and the 4.6 V8 (2002-2005) have no major reported problems. Fuel economy is typical for a mid-size SUV with a range between 13-20 MPG depending on the motor and driving conditions. While Explorers came with 2WD as well as 4WD, the vast majority were equipped with 4WD, so winter travel will not be an issue with good, matching tires on all 4 corners. With the back seats folded down, an ATV should fit in the back in terms of length without any issues, although height may be a minor issue around the interior side of the hatch.

That's what I'm worried about, the height issue. My Dad used to have a Jeep Commander, and a Suzuki Quadsport Z250 wouldn't fit in the back, nevermind a Z400.

 

[Doog]

What about a '94-'98 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 with a 12 Valve Cummins?

* * *



Now, I'm not sure how common Tundras are where you are (people are more accepting of big foreign trucks out west), but they have all the strengths of Tacomas in a larger package. Granted, just like any other truck-based Toyota, they're practically immune to depreciation, but it is possible to find them for under the $13k mark. The mileage will probably be higher than the comparable domestic truck, but these things last forever. And for what it's worth, I hear Tundras were more refined and car-like than domestic trucks of the time, if you place much value in that.

 

[Sage Ages]

Why a Comanche? That's kind of an odd solution to your problem.

It's a Cherokee with a bed. Not much to go wrong with.

 

[McLaren]

Ford Explorer to carry an ATV around? Pretty sure there is a reason no one has ever done that.

 

[ScottPuss20]

Do have a trailer for your quad?

 

[magic_town]

If you are riding a lot, the van is the most practical by far. As long as you don't mind driving it all the time. Some people despise driving them, you'll just have to try it out I guess.

 

[synchromesh]

Do have a trailer for your quad?

Yes but only a large one (probably holds 3) that I'd hate to lug around. I'd only use it if I'm going with some friends and one of them doesn't have a suitable vehicle.