Your choices are varied as to what you want, it all depends on what you want in a 4x4. If you want to be able to go topless
you'll have to go with a utility vehicle like a Cruiser, Samurai, Jeep, etc, etc. If you want a truck your choices are few in the mini's but fullsize trucks are plentiful. Most will tell you that the cheapest to build is a Samurai but I disagree in a bang for your buck way. I've built everything from Willys to Toyota to fullsize and the cheapest and easiest to maintain is without a doubt the Toyota truck/4Runner platform. Sure the parts cost a little more than a Sammi's but to make a Sammi a capable rig you end up having to do more to it to get to the level a Toyota is already at. With a Toyota all you'll need to get playing with the boys is a minor three to 4 inch lift, rims, 33 inch tires and a couple lockers. You'll be ready to go with a simple setup that can grow with you as you become more and more involved.
