5 seater Ariel Nomad on a budget?

[rottie102]

What car would you choose to buy and modify?

I want it to be fast and fun to drive on the road where it will be spending majority of its life, but equally fast on gravel/mild off road tracks. I need good handling but also highISH clearance and suspension travel. I want it to be capable to drive in snow and mud so 4x4 is a must. As reliable as possible. Ideally I want it to be a convertible/with removable roof but if not then a big sunroof also works. It needs to be able to move 5 people with some luggage (ideally estate or SUV) across the country comfortably. Aircon is a must. Budget - let's say around 5k max but if there's an amazing alternative, then up to 12k

My choice is Subaru Forester XT SG:
- within budget
- reliable
- cheap 16" on/off road tyres available (Yoko geolandars etc)
- light, drives and handles very well for its size, IRS
- spacious with all creature comforts plus moonroof
- easy to modify to around 300bhp
- cheap body panels available if I damage it
- good 4x4 drivetrain
- I can easily buy skid plates

I was also considering:
- Jeep Wrangler 4.0; looks cool, can be a soft top but drives like a pig on roads, just like most of the other dedicated 4x4s. Hard to find with aircon and no luggage space with the soft top version
- Subaru Forester SG STi; double the price of the XT, more fun to drive, better gearbox but also much bigger wheels needed due to bigger brakes which will make it more difficult to buy off roadish tyres for. Less clearance, harder suspension, much more expensive body panels in case something gets damaged
- BMW X5 E53 4.8is; fast and comfortable but boring, small sunroof only, no skid plates available, massive wheels needed. Big and heavy, not as much fun to drive as Forester. Auto only. Not as reliable as Subarus, lots of things to go wrong.
- Mitsubishi Pajero EVO; I actually really like them and the idea is very similar to what I'm after but they are very expensive, with very exclusive and expensive body panels

Can you think of any other options?

[jhonn]

Depending on how much you’re prepared to modify (in terms of suspension, brakes and engine) then you could consider a Freelander, or maybe also a Toyota RAV-4.

This one was for sale a few years ago for £19k. Outwith your budget, but it'll give you an idea of what can be achieved and what it costs.

http://www.eliteracecars.com/v6-land-rover-freelan...

I like what you're trying to achieve, but can't help thinking that your needs (seat 5, comforts, etc) take it away more and more away from the ethos of a Nomad (lightweight, rear engined, etc) - especially on a budget.

[rottie102]

jhonn said:

Depending on how much you’re prepared to modify (in terms of suspension, brakes and engine) then you could consider a Freelander, or maybe also a Toyota RAV-4.

This one was for sale a few years ago for £19k. Outwith your budget, but it'll give you an idea of what can be achieved and what it costs.

http://www.eliteracecars.com/v6-land-rover-freelan...

I like what you're trying to achieve, but can't help thinking that your needs (seat 5, comforts, etc) take it away more and more away from the ethos of a Nomad (lightweight, rear engined, etc) - especially on a budget.

Thank you!
The Nomad reference was only as that's the only "factory" car that I know that is equally fun on tarmac and in mild off road.