I want to buy a DEPENDABLE , fairly capable 4x4 that will not be used as a DD. I live in the desert and will use it on trails close by and a seasonal wash that has some mud. I want it licensed for gas/store runs and as a back-up to the DD. No heavy rock climbing, just some washes with loose rock,cacti, mud, etc. Low budget is important, dependability is huge. Not getting stuck or stranded are the main concerns. I really do not care if it is auto or stick. IFS is fine if it can handle some abuse. I will run a moderate lift and tires , maybe a locker.
Any thoughts on years, models that are good for my needs. Ones to avoid. Easy mods. A small backseat is needed for the 3 and 5 year olds.    thanks, JE

Well then... Buy the sounds of what you will be doing with the vehicle a 2dr Track/Kick seems to be the right choice... Any one after 93-94 would be the best as the 91-92 Track/Kicks have a tendancy to blow the capacitors out of the ECM. Sounds like one with a removable top would be good as you will be desert running it... Might even be able to find one with A/C to be a bit more comfy.
As for getting stuck... well here is the thing... No matter what you buy wether it be full size or small like a Track/Kick they all have a tendency to get stuck depending on your driving style. Experience is the best way not to get stuck. Also... Never go wheeling alone as if you do get it stuck and have no one (or a winch) to get you out you will not be happy.
As for mods and a mild lift, well a Track/Kick is probably the cheepest 4x4 to lift as you can source out parts from alot of places for a decent price from many a vendor or do yer homework and find what ya need to lift it from a wrecker.
Kelly

"Never go wheeling alone as if you do get it stuck and have no one (or a winch) to get you out you will not be happy. "

What?   Thats why I sold my heep.  my winch on my sammie has only been used or needed once in four years, I wheel alone most of the time and just carry supplies to last me a few days and have my gps, ham radio, cb radio, cell phone with me, you put some wide tires on a sammie it will go anywhere I want to go and then some, plus mine gets better mpg off road than on road, not like a few heeps that I have had in the past, I run mine in nine feet of snow, mud, and sand dunes, it does better than most quad's and has a heater and a radio and room for a quest or two or three, and can pull a trailer, out of the twenty five or more 4x4's that I have owned (yes I have a couple of kicks) this is the one I picked for wheeling to get me there and back!

Still, if your solo a winch is nice backup.  At the very least a comealong and some straps. 

I agree about the Tracker though.  My parents keep steeling mine to go over to Eastern Washington for turkey hunting/fishing trips.  They did it often enough I ended up buying them one of their own.   

my worry about wheelin' alone is so much getting stuck, it's rolling and perhaps being pinned (or hurt).

Thanks for the tips. I have been reading up a little and see that the front diff. seems to be a weak link in the Sidekick.  Is it stronger in any model year than the other years ? Is there any transmission to advoid ?   Thanks JE

You are not likely to break the front diff running desert washes and sand if you keep tire size around 30" or less. For desert running you should keep lift to a minimum...low center of gravity = stability for running berms and sandy creek beds.

HEY, arn't you guys supposed to be at work ?