I'm looking into buying a 4x4 SUV for off road use in the California deserts. I would be taking people with me to camp for a couple of days at a time, so a truck isn't really an option. There is just too much gear to pack.

Most of the areas I would be going would be hot arid climates, Death Valley for example. Of course, this vehicle would get it's share of woodland mud driving as well. This would need to be able to withstand days of off road abuse without breaking down.

My budget is only about $3500.

I was thinking about the Toyota 4runner, I've heard they're pretty great cars, except for the head gasket issues in the second generation. I was thinking about maybe an early third generation 4runner, around 1996-1998. They are within my price range and seem fit, but I really don't want to go diving in head first without some research.

I also like the Range Rover, but I am beginning to think that they might be a bottomless money pit, despite the cheap price. Parts, I'm sure, are expensive.

So, what does gearheads think? I'm open to other options too, anything within my price range is great.

First and second generation Rangies are, IMO, the best for reliability and parts. The third gen P38A had issues with the air suspension and the bored-out Rover V8 had a nasty habit of loosening its cylinder liners. Also, the P38A's electrical system was very complex.

Engines the earlier model came with were the 3.5 V8, 200TDI, 300TDI and the 3.9 in the US I think. Aim for the 300TDI if you want reliability as it's the simplest engine there, although the 3.9 is one hell of a lot more powerful. It's EFI, but the electricals aren't as complex as the later generations.

A truck is going to hold a hell of a lot more cargo than a 4runner ever will.

get a mid 90's jeep cherokee with a 4.0L. reliable, capable, easy and cheap to fix with an absolutly bottomless aftermarket. you can scale everything about the mods to you budget, and you should be able to get a decent starter vehicle with ~$3000.

This.

http://freenet-homepage.de/BJ45/Overloaded_Nissan.jpg

That is hilarious. But I need indoor cargo space, because all of our gear (tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, food, water, flashlights) needs to be out of the rain/mud.

Wow, it sounds like the later Range Rovers have a whole host of electrical demons to deal with. I can deal with most mechanical failures, but if there is an electrical problem, I usually can't handle it, and I hear paying for labor is fairly expensive on Rovers.

I'll definetly look into the earlier models. They are, however, sort of rare around here, but still around. Do you know any particularly good years? Or just anything in the first and second generation?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 300TDI and the 200TDI are turbo-diesels, right? Sounds spectacular.
I was also looking into those, they are absolutely everywhere! Cheap parts too. I just don't know a whole lot about them. My friend's dad used to have one, and it seemed like it had enough torgue to get through most situations.

meh, I throw a tarp on and call it a day. Also, Rubermaid tubs are fucking awesome

You guys do know that the canopy on teh back of 4Runners is removeable, right? If you want to use the 4Runner for transporting dirtbikes, just take the canopy off. It's pretty easy. The aftermarket ones are even easier, for some 4x4s. Weigh less and therefore easier to get off and on, not quite as sturdy though.
The 4x4 versus Ute/Pickup thing is a non issue.

You should get a big ol tarpaulin like Jimany said, either way. You can use them as tents, to cover your gear, to keep stuff from falling off the back, as a windbreak tied to the side of your vehicle, to carry shit on (including an injured person), to screen off a changing room or shitter, put them on the ground to stop moisture coming up into your bedding, and even as slip n slides if you pull into a caravan park at any stage.

I've used them for all those things and more. They're pretty much essential, no matter what kinda 4x4 you get. And they store easy. Underneath the drivers & passengers seat for small ones, under/behind the back seat (pull the cushion up/forward, where you usually store the guns/rifles) for the larger ones, and in the bottom of the bed for the real big suckers. Don't get a hole in them though. The plastic ones that usually come in blue or silver are the best IMHO. The canvas ones are a different beast entirely, not even tarpaulins really.

Nissan pathfinder! I had a V6 one, very capable even in stock trim, and reliable. The 4 banger should be good too although underpowered. The jeep cherokee is a good truck BUT they LOVE to break offroad and otherwise have a number of reliability problems.

You could just get a pickup and put a cap on it to keep your stuff 'safe', you know. Ideally, a X-tra cab.... but newer ones will definitely be out of your price range. Toyotas and nissans are the way to go, 4 cylinders for optimum reliability and mileage.... 6 for grunt or hauling power.

^Yeah, from experience & reputation, the old Nissan Patrols are very good, as are Toyota Landcruisers, and some Hiluxes.