@lBasket you should buy this and then bitch about the last owners workmanship
I don't want to hear one word about the rear outboard!

@lBasket you should buy this and then bitch about the last owners workmanship
What's up? Do you have a #3 kiddo on the way?
I'd hate to see a cool project go to the wayside, whether it be Jeep or hotrod or whatever.
Thankfully no, but in trying to get the family to get out and camp and such is a bit harder than it should be in the Jeep - we are needing something a bit more practical for what we like doing.
You decide to keep it and paint it yellow?
That would definitely demand a sale. I'm looking around out there and don't see anything else that seems like it can check the boxes I'd like to. So I'm going to do a few things to try and make it work better for what we've been wanting as my kids are getting older.
Having that boring daily helps a bit.
I'll probably make it so my spare can mount out back again (optionally), and may look for an OEM hardtop. The other things the better half requests are mostly just on me having to clean it more.
You are very likely better off with a dedicated family "SUV" than just having a car for family stuff. The Jeep will never me what the missus/family wants no matter what you do, even with a hardtop and no matter what you do, folks will complain about noise, gas mileage, lack of rear seating/storage and whatever they can complain about. I know because I have "friends" that do the same.
I suggest you look for something the size of an older Forester or a RAV4/Highlander or a CR-V/Pilot for the family outdoor stuff, that can ferry 4 comfortably and carry all the cargo. Sell your car after you find it and use that as the daily/family vehicle. You will be much happier. Newer SUVs are stupid big and also expensive, but something 10-15y old will be a nice option if you can find it.
Just my humble 0.02.
You are very likely better off with a dedicated family "SUV" than just having a car for family stuff. The Jeep will never me what the missus/family wants no matter what you do, even with a hardtop and no matter what you do, folks will complain about noise, gas mileage, lack of rear seating/storage and whatever they can complain about. I know because I have "friends" that do the same.
I suggest you look for something the size of an older Forester or a RAV4/Highlander or a CR-V/Pilot for the family outdoor stuff, that can ferry 4 comfortably and carry all the cargo. Sell your car after you find it and use that as the daily/family vehicle. You will be much happier. Newer SUVs are stupid big and also expensive, but something 10-15y old will be a nice option if you can find it.
Just my humble 0.02.
I considered a lot of options of older cars so far, it blows my mind that 3rd gen 4runners are $20,000+! XJs are 12+, etc.
I'm a minimalist camping, so the rest will just have to learn.
I'll just beat the hell out of the Santa Fe (our other, other car) while finishing saving up for its replacement and sit on the Jeep. I decided that ultimately it's going to be okay that maybe it's just a thing I enjoy (and actually, my kids absolutely love it). I appreciate the advice to avoid chasing that rabbit hole too far.
The fusion has a complicated story, but the short is it can't go anywhere.
I’d say find a good 4x4 F150. Plenty of interior space, can be found decently priced. Significant cargo capacity with either a tonneau of topper.
Then you can buy a trailer and tow the LJ in comfort.
I think F150 is too expensive if you are not doing truck stuff (unless you like having a truck and driving one, of course).
and may look for an OEM hardtop.