Small convertible 4x4's

[andyb28]

My wife is fed up with me launching my jetski with her truck, so I am looking for a small covertible 4x4.

My list so far is

Suzuki SJ / Samurai
Suzuki Vitara
Suzuki Jimny
Jeep Wrangler

Are there any others worth considering?

Not looking to spend loads and it doesn't need loads of power to pull a jetski off a beach, although 4x4 is essential. Ideal if you can put it in 4x4 from in the cab.

[300bhp/ton]

What is your definition of loads? And what other uses will you have for it? Will you tow with it, drive it long distance, carry people in it?

Also how much a convertible? The Jimny only has the rear portion, while a Vitara or Wrangler will have all the roof removable.

I would say a Wrangler will likely be in a different price league to the others. And may be of similar cost to a Land Rover Series III or 90, both available with full tilts or as pickups.

3 door Freelander 1's have a removable rear section and frameless tailgate with retractable window. Most are of the hardtop variety and require the top to be lifted off, but they were available as a fold down soft top.

Likewise, I think the Vauxhall Frontera also has a lift off roof section. Although I don't know how easy it is to actually remove. We had T plate one, and the interior trim would not have made it easy to remove the roof section.

[andyb28]

300bhp/ton said:

What is your definition of loads? And what other uses will you have for it? Will you tow with it, drive it long distance, carry people in it?

A rolling jetski isnt very heavy at all. My friend launches his with an SJ and its fine.
No other uses, other than some local driving sometimes, the thought process was by using a smaller convertible, it becomes a fun car. No need to carry passengers really, but would use it to cart the dogs around.

300bhp/ton said:

Also how much a convertible? The Jimny only has the rear portion, while a Vitara or Wrangler will have all the roof removable.

Either full roof or part is fine. The more the better.

300bhp/ton said:

I would say a Wrangler will likely be in a different price league to the others. And may be of similar cost to a Land Rover Series III or 90, both available with full tilts or as pickups.

Defenders and Wranglers seem to be very expensive now. I had a T Reg Sahara many years ago, I wish I had kept it now as they seem to be worth double what I sold mine for.

300bhp/ton said:

3 door Freelander 1's have a removable rear section and frameless tailgate with retractable window. Most are of the hardtop variety and require the top to be lifted off, but they were available as a fold down soft top.

Likewise, I think the Vauxhall Frontera also has a lift off roof section. Although I don't know how easy it is to actually remove. We had T plate one, and the interior trim would not have made it easy to remove the roof section.

Have had both the a full size Freelander and Frontera, was trying to avoid those as they aren't so much in the fun category.
At the moment the top of my list is either a Fatboy Vitara or Wrangler with a soft-top, but before I made a decision I was just curious to see if I had missed any other models.

[KevinCamaroSS]

I would not describe a Wrangler as 'small' either. Way bigger than most of the Suzuki stable. Later ones are bigger than early ones. All fetch good money unless an absolute dog. Mk 3 start at a minimum £10K for a 10 year-old car.

[300bhp/ton]

Wrangler is still a fairly small vehicle. 93.1" wheelbase makes it shorter than most hatchbacks. But yes, slightly bigger than the Zuks.

Btw op. When I say loads... I was meaning you reference to spending

[Codswallop]

Suzuki X90

[InitialDave]

While "utility" Land Rovers and Wranglers are expensive, they do hold their value, so your loss over your ownership should be minimal (or possibly nil).

In fact, as a utility-job-only, some-local-use second/third vehicle, I'm going to suggest an older Series Landie. Free tax, piss cheap insurance, and you might actually make money on a well-bought example.

[andyb28]

Codswallop said:

Suzuki X90

No no no!

[andyb28]

InitialDave said:

While "utility" Land Rovers and Wranglers are expensive, they do hold their value, so your loss over your ownership should be minimal (or possibly nil).

In fact, as a utility-job-only, some-local-use second/third vehicle, I'm going to suggest an older Series Landie. Free tax, piss cheap insurance, and you might actually make money on a well-bought example.

I do kind of agree with you, however they have shot up in value.

I was looking to spend max £5, but they are not nice landies for that money.

[InitialDave]

andyb28 said:

I do kind of agree with you, however they have shot up in value.

I was looking to spend max £5, but they are not nice landies for that money.

Oh, they're not the cheap option, and prices have indeed jumped up. But they'll probably stay there. And a few years of £0 tax and £100 insurance makes a big difference over £200+ each!

[300bhp/ton]

andyb28 said:

No no no!

Why? Basically a Vitara pickup with a closed bed.

[300bhp/ton]

andyb28 said:

I do kind of agree with you, however they have shot up in value.

I was looking to spend max £5, but they are not nice landies for that money.

Assume you meant £5k??

Which would buy you a very tidy Series III 88 or maybe even a IIa in ok condition. And there are still good 90's about. Just don't go for the blingy shiny paint examples.