I used to 4x4 when i was a kid, but haven't done it in 15 years, and want to get back into it.

What i am trying to decide is what is the best way to get back into it. So specifially I need some assistance with deciding best how to go about it. These were the two things that i thought i should consider first. If you have others as well please feel free to share them

1) Old vs New
Should i just spend 2k - 3k on a 4x4 as a 2rd vehicle or buy a new(er) one and spend a lot more but use it as both off-road and on-road, and why.

2) Make & Model
As it pertains to #1 i understand that everyone has there preferences but what i want to know is there a significant different between models, at my level of 4x4ing (e.g Wrangler, FJ, xterra & 74 Bronco, CJ 5 & 7, 4Runner, etc...).

Also is it realistic to keep the 4x4 for 5-10+ yrs just upgrading and repairing as you go?

Also I am planning on 4x4 on average 1 - 2 a month. Also I would say my skill level is intermediate, i know how to 4x4 but not over big rocks, yet :)

What i am trying to do is be smart in my investment.

Thanks for your help

I don't think this is the right site for you. This is an EXTREME 4x4 site, for serious wheelers. This newbie forum is a good choice to start, though. This is the best place on the Web for tech, but your questions may not be taken too seriously here.

Noone can tell you what brand vehicle to choose, we all have our own reasons for why we chose Jeep, or Toyota, or Chevy, or Samurai or whatever. That is entirely up to you and your comfort level, and personal preferences, and style of wheeling you will be doing. If your family will be going with you, then a roomier vehicle (4Runner or Cherokee maybe) would be a smart choice.

What type of terrain is near you? Mud? Rocks? Sand dunes? That also would determine the vehicle and how to build it.

I got into wheeling late in life. I chose Toyota. My first was a pickup, which I built up and wheeled for a few years. Then I sold it and got an old 4Runner. I've been modifying and wheeling that for 14 years. My rig is a daily driver as well as wheeler, so I haven't done some of the 'extreme' stuff that most guys on this board have done. Gets through the Rubicon with no problems and gets me home.

Your questions should be more specific, and keep them in this 'newbie' forum, or maybe go to 4x4wire.com (http://http://www.4x4wire.com/.

I would start slow, a solid axle toyota is a great base to start with.
( my personal choice is k-5 ) be realistic about where you want to be able to drive, start small & build up. have an end place in mind; and keep making small changes towards your goal, until you a; get where you planned,
or, b; stop breaking stuff! don't be afraid to make changes, search here & ask for advice, and DON'T go out alone if you can avoid it, buddy up..

good luck.

thanks for the info, I noticed that you guys are pretty extreme, i was reading the newbie area, and was like if these guys are newbie i,m a newbie, newbie.

I appreciate you not flaming me. Thanks for the website too.

Well at least i picked a good site :) to ask, since you are the most knowledgeable.

I am a reader so i enjoy learning getting into 4x4 there is a lot to learn and understand it is pretty cool.

Thanks again

i would strongly recommend an older 4x4 as a 2nd rig and build that within your budget. if wheel it and break it, you can still drive you're other rig to work on monday. my persoal preference for a starting point would be one of the following: early bronco, solid axle toyota, suzuki samurai, or 70's era ford 1/2 ton/fullsize bronco. if you want to build something on the cheap, the suzuki is hard beat. if money is not an issue, then pick whatever you like and modify the heck out of it(and let us see the pics:D).

i think an older rig for a 2nd vehicle is the way to go. these rigs arnt cheap to build and youll never get yer $$ back out of them so pick one and stick with it,repairing and upgrading over the years is how most of the trucks on this site have become what they are today.as for make and model thats all up to the you,i like toyota's,scout's,and samurai's but that doesnt mean you will.good luck

we need some info from you before we can point you in the right direction.
1)where do you live? that way we know what kind of wheeling is in your general location.
2)will you have passengers? wife, kid dog? that way we can fit you in a rig.
3)whats your level of mechanical skill? are you comfortable working on an older carbed vehicle or would you be better suited in a fuel injected product.
4) are there any 4x4 clubs close that you can join? getting hooked up with a local club gets you right in the middle of 4wheeling and gives you help in getting a rig and allowing the rig to grow with you as your skills or drive grows.
i have seen lots of guys with money throw 40,000 at a rig and then get so scared they sell the rig because they are afraid to drive it. start small, learn to drive and then build up as your confidence grows.

I'm a newbie fo sho. Mainly I'm just here to read and learn. There is a lot of good info to be had here and I appreciate the folks for being as understanding as they are. Make sure you know what you want to do with it first. What I did is just found a deal. I ran across a 84 GMC 1/2 ton for $1200. Not bad for a truck kinda high for a trail rig. A little later I found that I should have gone with the 77 Dodge 3/4 ton for $800 cause of the axles. I'm gonna try and make the best of a low low budget on the stock trails at Hannibal Rocks. Have fun with it.