Originally published at Notes from the bunker…. You can comment here or there.

So what are the deficiencies these days? Hmm…an uber-reliable vehicle capable of hauling me, my gear, preps, and anything else long distances and over variable terrain. And before you say it, a LandMaster is not in the picture. I’d *like* to, but it aint gonna happen.

I’m leaning towards either an older Toyota LandCruiser or an older Ford Bronco.

Why the older models? I want something that can be fixed using a Leatherman tool and a pair of Vise-Grips while parked by the side of the road. The Toyotas are used all over Africa where the nearest service department is half a continent away..theyre designed to be fixed by illiterate natives using handtools found in the back of a leftover Panzer.

One of the LMI’s had a ‘77 Bronco and it was nice to look under the hood and actually *see* how things worked. No computers, no fuel injection, nothing that would be beyond the ken of yours truly. A Chilton Manual and some tools were all that really seemed needed. And, being Commander Zero, speed, aesthetics and style all take a backseat to utter, stone-cold reliability. When Im stuck in traffic and the hordes of refugees are swelling the freeways I want to be able to lock the hubs, drop it into 4-low and climb up the embankment, through the chain link and onward to freedom and my pre-planned escape route. You cant do that in a Honda CRX. I dont mind spending a bit more for the things I want if I know they’ll always work when I need them.

Additionally, these two particular vehicles have cult followings that create a huge aftermarket parts supply. Spare fuel tanks, fibergalss body panels, roll cages, etc, etc..all available.

My buddy’s ‘77 set him back about $5k. I think he dumped another $2k into it but it was a great righ and climbed over some scaly stuff out in the sticks…angles so steep youd be laying in your seat like you were about to be shot into space. Me, I need something that’ll bounce over logging roads, crumbled roads, no roads, sidewalks, fields, and rubble strewn freeways.

No, Im not getting a Hummer. Where the bloody hell would I find parts for it? I need something that I can find parts in any Napa or Checker from coast-to-coast.

One. Glaring. Deficiency.