What vehicle to consider?

[Bill Foster]

Ditto on Overbore's 95 Dodge with Cummins diesel. No electronics to fry or go bad. I think all you can do is clog things with bad fuel, but i has to be really bad. I have spoken to many people about the old Dodge diesels and the consensus is unanimous...can't kill them. With the manual shift and good tires, not much can stop them. The 20 plus mpg is also well known. I'm saving for one now to replace my old cherokee.

[brokedownbiker]

After a lot of research, I chose a 1st generation Dodge Cummins diesel, '88-93. My '90 D350 1 ton dually, 5 speed trans., gets 19-22 MPG empty, 17-19 towing a 5500 lb. trailer. These trucks last forever, my present truck has 225k miles and is barely broken in. My neighbor's truck (same era) is pushing 375k with only normal PM. They are bulletproof simple, replace the alternator with a generator and you will be as EMP-proof as a vehicle can get. Get the 4WD version and add a winch if you want the off-road capability.

[kihnspiracy]

The Cummins diesel with a standard tranny is a really good combination.

[barfife]

I was fortunate recently to find a barnfind 1984 big bronco (with only 104k miles) in super nice condition for almost nothing. It had been sitting in a barn with a cover over it for over 26 years.

A lot of elbow grease, wax, all fluids, brake rebuild and fuel cleaning, it runs like a top. And for a total $1600 investment, I have a reliable 4x4 that even has working air! And it is one that I can do all the work on. I would have preferred a diesel but, for the price, I am happy.

[Swordarm4]

73 volkwagon beettle ( Baja style of course).

[BioG8r]

I am a firm believer in the Diesel -

1992 Dodge D350 w Cummins auto and 2wd suck though runs on b 50.,
1990 GMC k20 4x4 4spd with 6.2 non turbo. real dog but 20 mpg 4x4 runs on b100 - blackdiesel and/or petro diesel., I'd run it on goose grease if I could catch enough gooseses!
2011 VW Jetta wagen 2L diesel 6spd 44mpg last fillup, will be a great deal of work or in a basket with an EMP runs on b20 - warranty - you know.
1988 Kioti lb2204 tractor runs on anything between b100 - petro diesel depends on how cold it is outside

***NOTE for those willing to go through the work***
Bio diesel WILL dissolve ANY rubber it gets to. You can change to neoprene or the like, gaskets, o-rings and hoses. The first three tankfulls WILL clean out your fuel system and WILL clog your fuel filter. If you are prepared for this it is nearly painless and WILL be much cheaper in the long run. If you are not prepared and are a novice without the ability to handle these issues on your own, mechanics WILL take advantage of you and tell you what a big a mistake you made. It isn't that tough, just have a couple of fuel filters on hand and do the needed swaps before hand.

The Benefits... CHEAPER FUEL!!! (last batch was $1.40 a gallon - oil was free - had to purchase another gallon of sodium hydroxide only needed 14oz. - Methanol was higher this time) higher lubricity, cleaner, nearly non toxic fuel (about as toxic as table sugar when finished), cleaner fuel system, sweet smell of doughnuts or french fries going down the road. If you are interested see http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel.html and/or http://utahbiodieselsupply.com/ you wont regret the change. And hey if you don't want to keep up with it just keep burning Fossil Fuels no changes nec.

I have a JTF Home brew Bio Diesel setup three older working water heaters (I believe in Clean DRY Fuel) and my son runs a garage so PLENTY of Black Diesel raw materials.

If i gotta G.O.O.D or if SHTF - I will remain mobile!!

I don't think I need to go anywhere though. Bummer!

Get to a place where you can take care of yourself, your family.

Work on your skills and supplies

Oh!, and keep the bore clean and the scope sighted in.

[slightly paranoid]

I had my sweet baby Subaru totaled on the 405 a few months back. I cried rivers of tears. But then I found and fell in love with my beast of a Jeep Grand Cherokee. It is 4x4, V8. I don't think we will have trouble carrying load, as long as we have extra gas, lol

[highender]

I have a daily driver 2002 Volkswagon TDI jetta. IT is 4 cylinders, gets over 50 mpg highway, and its a diesel.

Positive stuff:

1- it is a diesel , so better fuel efficiency compared to gas engines
2- can use biodiesel without any conversion.
3- in a pinch, can pour straight veggie oil or waste veggie oil ( make sure it is summer to prevent fuel gelling)
4- So the multifuel capability, high mileage, and bullet proof engine are the best parts.
5- VW diesel engine is based on their diesel generator, which is rated to operate at 80% capacity for 250,000 hours. Most of us drive 40% capacity, with average of 40 mph, so that converts to about 1 milllion miles rating for the engine.
6- variable fuel oils may be what is available in PAW.
7- biodiesel is specially easy to store, because fuel ignition point is relatively high at 350 deg. Store just liike oil.
8- biodiesel is relatively easy to produce ( you can do it at home) , store, is carbon neutral ( relatively) , renewable, non toxic, and can be alternative to camping or cooking fuel.
9- VW are not as bulletproof as subarus, due to some electrical issues , but engine is easy to maiintain, 10,000 or 20,000 engine oil change interval, easy to change or clean glow plugs and fuel injectors.
10-

[highender]

negative stuff for VW TDI jetta:

1- relatively low storage space when bugging out.
2- occasionaly electrical gremlins, but one can buy the 109 relay and other 2 relays that are easy to change ( pulll out, plug in)
3- biodiesel would be harder to start or use in colder climes. Gasoline engines are better for colder areas.