(really) cheap storm chasing vehicle

[Derek Weston]

How about, lets say, up to a 1000 dollars.

Can you find something well enough running?

In a position where my current vehicle option isn't quite suitable for storm chasing out in the plains -- though well running -- and I'm not up for spending lots of cash on a car right now. In fact, after the season, I'd look to dump the vehicle.

Basically, could you get anything reliable enough to last you 5,000 miles or so out in the plains/midwest?

At any rate, want opinions on storm chasing vehicles < 1000.

 

[John Erwin]

How about, lets say, up to a 1000 dollars.

Can you find something well enough running?

In a position where my current vehicle option isn't quite suitable for storm chasing out in the plains -- though well running -- and I'm not up for spending lots of cash on a car right now. In fact, after the season, I'd look to dump the vehicle.

Basically, could you get anything reliable enough to last you 5,000 miles or so out in the plains/midwest?

At any rate, want opinions on storm chasing vehicles < 1000.

While not impossible, I'd have to say you have the odds stacked against you in terms of reliability. When you get down into that price range you generally can assume all the various critical systems have had some significant wear and tear on them and are very very tired.

Personally I'd say you would get better value investing the $1000 on your current vehicle correcting any shortfalls than trying to strike it lucky with a "beater".

 

[Derek Weston]

While not impossible, I'd have to say you have the odds stacked against you in terms of reliability. When you get down into that price range you generally can assume all the various critical systems have had some significant wear and tear on them and are very very tired.

Personally I'd say you would get better value investing the $1000 on your current vehicle correcting any shortfalls than trying to strike it lucky with a "beater".

Probably. Having just talked to somewhat of a car guru, I basically got the same advice. Even if it's in good running order you'd have to likely invest...

I might spend a little more and then dump it after storm chasing season. The vehicle I'd be interested in for storm chasing would likely be purchased next year, so it's just a matter of making this year work.

FWIW, my vehicle is a 4 cylinder Jeep, automatic. Doesn't have much punch at all... (nice big tires though, can off-road)

Problem is that it has a soft top and doesn't get very good gas mileage. Runs well, but needs a little bit of work. (though < 500) Plus I'd have to buy a hard top (not cheap), too, due to the hail threat.... at least I assume big hail would tear it up. Not that I plan on knowingly seeking this sort of hail, but you know how that goes.

 

[D. Hayes]

Check craigslist.org I find older vehicles there in with minor issues from time to time. But you'll be hard pressed to find a solid 4x4 under $2500. That's here in kansas though.

 

[Phil Kurimski]

I struck gold several years ago on a car for $1200 that was owned by an older gentleman and being sold at an estate sale. His son just wanted everything sold and did not dicker much on price. The downside was the car was scraped up because the guy could not see to well...but it ran fine. Being a chaser the outside won't matter much because of all the hail damage we accumulate. So I would look for estate sales in your area.

 

[Gene Moore]

How about, lets say, up to a 1000 dollars. Can you find something well enough running? In a position where my current vehicle option isn't quite suitable for storm chasing out in the plains -- though well running --

Derek, have what you need if you'll settle for a simple sedan. At least for the money I don't think you can do better. This was my daughter's vehicle in high school. We recenty bought her a new one after she proved she could drive without totaling her vehicle....unlike her brother. It's a Ford Taurus, working air-cond, new tires, passed state inspection and gets about 30 MPG on the open road. It's just sitting here and we'll let it go for well under $1000, contact me off line, Gene Moore

 

[Jason Foster]

A low cost sacrifice

I believe your expectation will not be high, but I would suggest an option of going out to the plains, buy a cheap old, rundown pick-up, which you might find for $500-$1000. Of course it won't last long, but you likely can get away with a 5,000 or more chase season. If you chase for a month or less you might be able to only use the temporary tags and at the end of the month, sell or donate the remain heap of junk (donating will get you a little bit off your taxes).

I'm sure there will be issues with the vehicle, but if it's minor and you can still chase, who cares. Any you won't have to worry about hail damage, or a minor fender bender or two.

I have heard and read a few folks use this option, but not as of late. And I don't know of any of those $500 trucks I use to see in the 1990s can still be found, but I bet with the economy, there will be a few few vehicles for a rather cheap price out there.

 

[Darin Kaiser]

Just some food for thought. I have a few questions for you. Are you wanting to chase locally or are you willing to cross a few state lines to chase. I used to work in the car business and have seen alot of vehicles under a thousand dollars. Are you willing to risk life and limb and then have the vehicle crap out on you when you need it the most? I know even a new vehicle can give out on you too. But I think the odds are stacked against you. Just my personal opionion.

 

[John Erwin]

FWIW, my vehicle is a 4 cylinder Jeep, automatic. Doesn't have much punch at all... (nice big tires though, can off-road)

Problem is that it has a soft top and doesn't get very good gas mileage. Runs well, but needs a little bit of work. (though < 500) Plus I'd have to buy a hard top (not cheap), too, due to the hail threat.... at least I assume big hail would tear it up. Not that I plan on knowingly seeking this sort of hail, but you know how that goes.

Just some food for thought here if you want to make what you have work:

-Get some appropriately sized tires, something close to stock in size but will handle some off-road use if you need it. I venture to say those over-sized boots you have on there now is one of the largest factors determining mileage and performance right now.

- Forget about getting a hard top (unless you find something really cheap), like you said too expensive. If you're more concerned about protecting your noggin and not too worried about protecting the soft-top consider fabricating a shield that you could place under the soft top between the roll bar and the windshield frame.... simple! Seriously though, if you're careful you could likely avoid running into anything big enough to puncture it. Carry some duct-tape anyways.

- If the engine is basically sound it could likely just use a good going over and replacement of plugs, wires, cap/rotor, air-filter, fuel filter etc. More serious items would include timing-chain and gears and possibly clogged fuel injectors. Also check to see if your exhaust manifold is leaking where it attaches to the head; something somewhat common with some of those engines.

- Take some time to go over common wear items like brakes and steering components, you don't want trouble with those on the road. Have a look at the rad and hoses.. common items to blow on trips.

I venture to say that you could easily get that jeep into good running order if it's otherwise in good condition.

 

[Derek Weston]

Just some food for thought here if you want to make what you have work:

-Get some appropriately sized tires, something close to stock in size but will handle some off-road use if you need it. I venture to say those over-sized boots you have on there now is one of the largest factors determining mileage and performance right now.

- Forget about getting a hard top (unless you find something really cheap), like you said too expensive. If you're more concerned about protecting your noggin and not too worried about protecting the soft-top consider fabricating a shield that you could place under the soft top between the roll bar and the windshield frame.... simple! Seriously though, if you're careful you could likely avoid running into anything big enough to puncture it. Carry some duct-tape anyways.

- If the engine is basically sound it could likely just use a good going over and replacement of plugs, wires, cap/rotor, air-filter, fuel filter etc. More serious items would include timing-chain and gears and possibly clogged fuel injectors. Also check to see if your exhaust manifold is leaking where it attaches to the head; something somewhat common with some of those engines.

- Take some time to go over common wear items like brakes and steering components, you don't want trouble with those on the road. Have a look at the rad and hoses.. common items to blow on trips.

I venture to say that you could easily get that jeep into good running order if it's otherwise in good condition.

Some good thoughts there. Really like your idea on the lack of hardtop...

Yes, I've heard my tire situation may contribute to lower mileage... makes sense.

My exhaust manifold is leaking and that's my one sure fix at this point... I've been planning on getting things checked over here this spring... still not sure if I'd want to take it out on long trips, but I suppose it could be done. (safely, at least -- still not going to get good mileage with this, certainly not over 20 on the highway from what I understand)

 

[Blake Michaleski]

I got lucky and picked up a jeep cherokee for $500 that was flooded in Katrina.

The only thing wrong with it pretty much aside from cosmetics, was that the starter had gone under water (saltwater) and it was rusted up solid. The owner tried to crank it and hten sold it to me with my intentions of parting the thing out...

after some looking around on it and realizinf hte water only got a few inches in the floorboard, I swapped on teh starter and battery from my other jeep, checked the engine nad trans for water intrusion (none!!) and then tried to crank it.... fired right up!

I put a new starter and battery on it then, new tires, new brakes (they were rusted up well) did a full tune up, and a few other minor things, installed radios and laptop desk...and I've put 10k miles on it already, it's been on quite a few chases (did lose a brake master cylinder on one chase)

Over all it's been a good investment. If it lasts me 10k more miles i'll have definitely gotten my money out of it.

The thing is, I do all my own work, and I know jeeps really well since I have a wrangler that is my trail rig.


On your jeep, it's chaseable, I chased in my wrangler a little when it was my daily driver. the 2.5L jeep engine is anemic at best though. I'd go with no more than a 31x10.50R15 tire at the very most with stock gearing and that engine.

Get the exhaust manifold leak fixed (replace it with a good aftermarket header, welding the factory one is pointless, it'll crack again.)

I like the hail shield idea, as large hail can punch right through the hard top... one thing though, you are lacking the lightning protection factor of a metal hardtop. an overhead roof rack grounded into the body, while reducing gas mileage slightly and increasing road noise markedly, it could offer lightning protection.

Those engines are fairly reliable though, give it a good once over, new belts and hoses, new radiator, water pump and thermostat, spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor, keeping all the old stuff as spares.

if you have a manual transmission, its is likely the AX-5 that is an extremely light duty transmission... 5th gear is known to go out...if it does, dont worry about it, the gear actually falls right off the counter shaft. it'll get you home, get it fixed then.

anything else, just ask. feel free to pm me.

 

[Chris Sokol]

Something to think about: If you are looking for a hardtop, start calling around to salvage yards. You might be surprised at how cheap you might find one.