Looking for a 4x4 winter driver for under $10,000, any advice?

[Jomo1994z71]

Hi guys/gals,
I live in North Texas and I currently drive a 2004 Honda Civic as my daily and last winter I felt very uncomfortable in the small car in occasional snow and ice.
I'm looking for a 2nd daily driver vehicle under $10,000.
Any advice on what's a good vehicle to get me through the winter for several seasons and something I can use in the summer that's big and safe that will also tow my jet ski?

I've been looking at the following:
1995-1999 Chevy Silverado z71s (thinking I prefer a pickup)
1996 Ford Bronco

What other options are out there?

Thank you kindly!

 

[4u 2 nv]

I've seen numerous 2003-2006 FX4s for that price. Truck price must be high in your area as 99 and earlier silverado 4x4s usually run around 5-7k.

 

[getTwisted]

99-04 tacoma. It will have to be a high mileage truck, probably 150k+ or if you get a double cab probably 175k+ to be under $10k. But they are reliable and last a long time.

 

[offroadkarter]

1996 Ford Bronco

What other options are out there?

No other options

I've had this thing in 3ft of unplowed snow on the roads and cut right through, it doesn't even have a limited slip or locker in the rear.

Also for the summer time, the roof comes off...

 

[Jomo1994z71]

I've seen numerous 2003-2006 FX4s for that price. Truck price must be high in your area as 99 and earlier silverado 4x4s usually run around 5-7k.

Yes you are correct,
$10,000 is my max but missed a few deals for older z71s for $3000-5000

 

[Silverstrike]

1988 Suzuki Samari

 

[Camaro_94]

Just remember... 4wd allows you to move forward in snow, but it doesnt help you stop! And if you hit ice, youre ****ed regardless.

That being said, bronco! Mine was a ****ing animal in the snow. I couldnt get it stuck.

 

[streetassasin]

I've been wanting a Subaru Baja for a dd for some reason

 

[rotor_powerd]

Bronco, or 4.0 XJ if you want (slightly) better fuel economy. Either one will be fun to drive year round.

 

[Woody6799]

4.0 explorer... solid, just passed 200k on mine an I bought it in 09 with 80k for $11, its an 03

 

[black92]

4.0 explorer... solid, just passed 200k on mine an I bought it in 09 with 80k for $11, its an 03

I second this. I have had my '02 4.6V8 for 8 years and it's at 190,000 miles and gets me 19 mpg consistently on my daily commute (70mile round trip). Plenty comfortable, gets out of it's own way, roomy and with the Hankook ST RHO6 tires, it does surprisingly well in the snow.

 

[Deceptive]

Ranger 4.0 sohc

 

[balls]

xj or wj

 

[bigblue95z]

I've got a 2000 Silverado with 218k and an 02 Tahoe with 255k and both LTs with the 5.3 and still run top notch. Owned both sine around 100k. Only had to do water pump on the truck, alternator on the Tahoe. Don't be afraid of the miles!

 

[kevinatfms]

4.0 SOHC Explorer. Cheap, reliable as hell and roomy to boot. Gas mileage is 10x better than the Bronco. If offroading at all, Bronco 100%.

 

[ViciousJay]

02-05 Wrangler

 

[Stateguy]

99+ silverado or a 4runner

 

[ttk53]

Snow tires and save money

 

[5spd07gt]

Jeeps go great with OW terminators

 

[hoamskilet]

At that price point I'd just make a short list of vehicles that you like and then go with whatever you can find that's in the best shape/lowest miles.

Anything with 4wd will be capable in the little bit of snow you get and tires are the biggest difference maker when it comes to ice