A Good, Cheap Offroader ???

[navadv]

Ok, so heres the thing....

I like offroading and am getting into it quite seriously. The problem is I want to increase my level and start heading out into harder territory but am worried that if something goes wrong, my 70,000+ car will be badly damaged and I won't be able to use it - it is a daily driver so that leaves me in a shitty situation.

So heres my question - what can I buy for around 10-15k AED (i know, Im cheap) thats reliable and can take a beating in the desert. I don't mind over time putting money into it, but not for the first few months atleast.

Old Nissan Patrols? Old Grand Cherokees? Old Land cruisers? --- i don't even know if I'll get them for 10k

Suggestions please ..... (if possible, I really want to stay clear of Wranglers... I just dont like em).

[root]

I doubt you'll get anything decent for 10-15k. That's the scrap value for Patrols or Cruisers. A maybe ready to trash old Cherokee, but I would advise against it as you'll spend 10-20k on repairs before you even realize how much you've ploughed into it.

I'd say up your budget before looking.

[kapil]

Have patience and look for a Grand Cherokee 1998 or prefrably 1999 onwards. You should find a good deal in due time. the 1999 onwards GC have Qura trek !! with three locking differentials its quite a beast. If you are not too worrierd about the electronic gizmos then this is teh car but check for three basic things.... 1. steering play (should be none), 2. stability at about 130 km/hr speed and on turns without any cling clang noise.. 3. loud humming sound at 80km/hr or up.

also test it in sand before buying it. If the torque transfer is good get it.

You can also look at teh SWB Pajeros of about the same age and they are not so expensive to run.

[T.N.T]

Wrangler!

[root]

He didn't want a wrangler!

[navadv]

^^ LOL

Anyways, thanx guys. I thought as much ....... Wranglers are not for me. I just dont like em somehow - can't drive a car I don't like