SUVs and trucks I can sleep in

[Rupert]

I might replace the Ranger in a couple of months with something better. I don't know what my budget will be, but it won't be very high. Probably no more than $6k, and cheaper is better (duh).

I'm sure someone here has this all memorized (ifcar ), but I can't find a good source of all the information I need. The two big things I want in any replacement are 4WD and enough room for me to sleep in the back. I'm 6'2", so, with seats folded down, I would need about 6'6" to be comfortable. This obviously rules out 6' bed pick-ups, and most mid-size SUVs. So which small pick-ups that came with 4WD, and a 7' bed about 10 years ago, and which SUVs have 4WD a fold-flat cargo area with 6'6" or more? I also prefer manual transmission and small engine (fuel economy), but I'd pick a 4.3L Vortec over the GM 4 cylinder because it's a much better engine.

I was thinking about this, but the bed is too short. 
http://boise.craigslist.org/ctd/1281373552.html

[Eye of the Tiger]

[Eye of the Tiger]

Trooper? http://boise.craigslist.org/ctd/1283321924.html

MPV? (you'll have to put some mud tires on it ) http://boise.craigslist.org/ctd/1274731665.html

[Tave]

Just sleep askew.

I could fit well in the 4runner with the seats down, and it was very tiny.

[S204STi]

I recall a guy here picking up a new body style Sierra (99MY) for about 8K last year... you might be able to find something along those lines.

[CALL_911]

http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/1286358673.html

If you bargain and get rid of the rims, that will work.

[CALL_911]

http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/1285825809.html

The I6 is a good motor.

[93JC]

http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/1285825809.html

The I6 is a good motor.

And everything else about it blows.

[Eye of the Tiger]

And everything else about it blows.

good call

[Submariner]

http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/1286358673.html

If you bargain and get rid of the rims, that will work.

Those wheels are ricer trash, but the truck looks decent otherwise.  However, it's going to be a gas pig, and maybe that's a little too big

http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/1285825809.html

The I6 is a good motor.

The engine may very well be good, but nothing can make up for the monumental ball-suckage that is the rest of the Chevy Trailblazer

I like the Trooper posted, but then again, I've always liked those cars.

[Rupert]

Whoa, there, I'm not looking now, I just want a list.

So,
Trooper (as usual)
Vanagon: too spendy, IRS
'Yota 4WD van: too old
MPV: actually, having done a little research, looks pretty good, even if it is sans 4low

The Trailblazer blows in all ways (I have experienced second hand this suckage), 'Burbans and their like are waaay too big, and that rules out full sized pick ups. I've thought about putting a pop-up camper on a small truck, but they ain't cheap.

[Rupert]

Just sleep askew.

I could fit well in the 4runner with the seats down, and it was very tiny.

That works with just me, but not for the ladies.

How tall are you?

[Tave]

6'4"

[Rupert]

Maybe I would fit in the back of a 4Runner, then. I'll try to lay down in the back of someone's 4Runner to see.

Too bad they're just so damn expensive...

List now:
Trooper
MPV
4Runner

[Eye of the Tiger]

Maybe I would fit in the back of a 4Runner, then. I'll try to lay down in the back of someone's 4Runner to see.

Too bad they're just so damn expensive...

List now:
Trooper
MPV
4Runner

I was kidding about the MPV    (or was I?  )

[Eye of the Tiger]

Did you read this article?
http://www.4wdtraveller.com/2009/06/4wd-vans-mazda-mpv-89-98.html

[Rupert]

Yeah, I did read that. At first I laughed at the MPV, but it's RWD based, has a solid rear axle, and is pretty tough (being a Mazda). I'd have to give it a little lift and some better tires, and maybe even a two speed transfer case, but it's probably as capable or more capable than a 4WD Vanagon.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Yeah, I did read that. At first I laughed at the MPV, but it's RWD based, has a solid rear axle, and is pretty tough (being a Mazda). I'd have to give it a little lift and some better tires, and maybe even a two speed transfer case, but it's probably as capable or more capable than a 4WD Vanagon.

Meh, what do you need a two-speed transfer case for? With an automatic transmission, there is less need for a low range. Torque converters are nice things sometimes.
Yeah, a little lift and some A/T tires would rock.

[Rupert]

It would be unique, too.

[Catman]

[Eye of the Tiger]

It would be unique, too.

I bet you could stick a locker in the rear end, too. It would be unstoppable.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Thank; I've been trying to lose weight, and I just lost my appetite.

[Rupert]

Ha!

If I was going to bother setting up that tent thing, I would just set up a tent.

[Rupert]

I bet you could stick a locker in the rear end, too. It would be unstoppable.

Yes!

[Rupert]

MPV is currently at the top of the list. Maybe I can even find one with a five-speed.

[The Pirate]

I always liked the Mazda MPV.  First bike shop I worked at, the owner drove one.  With deliveries, etc. I probably logged a few hundred miles in it.  Nice and comfy, and it was unstoppable in the snow.  I'm sort of tempted to look at one now, but I've only ever seen automatic ones.

[Eye of the Tiger]

MPV is currently at the top of the list. Maybe I can even find one with a five-speed.

I don't know if those exist.

[The Pirate]

I don't know if those exist.

They are out there, but I think only with the 4-banger in the 1st year or two.  Like I said, I've never seen one.

[Rupert]

They are out there, but I think only with the 4-banger in the 1st year or two.  Like I said, I've never seen one.

Ah, I read something that said they came with the V6, but then I read a better thing that says they only came with the 4 cylinder, and the 4 cylinder never had 4WD.

[NomisR]

Element?  Not sure how much of actual 4WD you need though since it's AWD.