1stgear

I love 4runners. Keep the oil changed and change the timing belt and they'll last forever. We looked a long time trying to find a good one over the past two months, but 300k on one of these models was common in our search. We finally settled on a '95 for $5,900. She's a total cream puff. Speaking to Quadcammer's comment - I have the 993 and a 2012 F350 and still love driving that 4runner!

helmet993

Well...I must be a glutton for punishment...found a new 'toy'.

I wanted something fun...picked this beast up for 2.5k...1979 International Harvester Scout II. We have been running it with the top off and a Bikini Style Top for sun protection. Pretty fun rig. Good for the days when I don't want to drive the 993...and make airport trips a little easier!

15mpg, about the same as the 996 Turbo. But not as fast...

holsen12

There is only one real choice for this budget and 'daily driver': Any MBZ W124, preferably a diesel like the 300D. Bomb Proof. German Style.

avangeline

For this price, you want trouble free - so go for the Toyota's.

Fox 3

For $3,500 you could pick up a 928. Engines and trannies on those cars are bulletproof.

hkspwrsche

Nice! And a steal at 2.5k!

NC TRACKRAT

Congrats on the I-H Scout II. $10 worth of vinyl spray paint on the roof and you're in good shape. You'll make money on that puppy!

pp000830

I believe usability of an older car as a daily driver is not always related to purchasing price. I have owned many old cars with over 100K miles on them over the years. Prices take a dive once cars pass 100k mile as dealers do not want to sell used cars that they cannot run through their warranty payment based shops. A recent example is my 2001 Jetta. It is worth about $3500 on a good day. I looked on line and found a kit that includes both front control arms, bushings, tie rods and the control arm joint for $80, the struts are $60 to 80 each for the car. For this example one can DIY replace basically the entire suspension, front and back in the $400 range in parts, then spending a leisurely weekend in the driveway swapping the parts out. This basically replaces every miles related mechanical part other than the transmission and the engine. The only other major part you may need to replace could be the catalytic converter of which there are several inexpensive aftermarket solutions. All the small plastic parts such as switches, interior fascia and other stuff can be purchased on the cheap on eBay and is relatively easy to R&R.
So if a $3500 ride turns out to need lots of stuff it is reasonable to assume by spending $1000 or less over the first two years of ownership on parts and going DIY on the install an older car can be a reasonable ride.
Andy :-)

pkrasusky

lol @ last few replies - he bought the Scout and has been using it 8-)

well played with that purchase!

I'll admit, I severely envy you CA folk. I fiiiiiiinally visited awhile back and, well, was pretty pissed. Saw those Scouts (and Bronco's and Bus's and and and and and arghhhhhhhhh!) EVERYWHERE... and in awesome shape such as yours.

Living in the Northeast, well..........

I'd say I hate you guys but hate's a strong word 8-).

I too yearn for something goofy like that as a beater. Have a somewhat disturbing draw toward a larrrrrrge Buick coupe d'oh.

Thankfully (OK not really), my 3 kids ensure all my extra resources are duly accounted for...

More pics! And, enjoy!

helmet993

Haha. The scout is here and the top is off. It's been sprayed with some nice semi gloss for when the top goes on.

Very fun to drive. And even has nice ice cold air conditioning.

Totally different than what I originally posted but it is a great change. I always wanted a truck and a real sports car at the same time.

Only trouble with the Scout is gauges. Mostly electrical. Easy fixes but requires knowledge of auto electrical systems.