The Mutt:
Seem's like a pretty good choice
The scout: my neighbor just sold an '81 for $500 on ebay with a new top, 3 speed manual, NO rust, 4cyl engine had a bad knock. I was looking hard at it until he told me it got 16mpg on a good day (before he spun a bearing in it).
Gas or diesel I think you need to be looking for better than 20mpg, and enough interior room to at least store some supplies in.

My old rag top Sami.. Had 27" wheel travel at all four corners (notice shackels). Sold it about 6 months ago.
I'd lean toward a hard top more now.

Dark tint the rear windows for at least SOME security.
I wonder about 2wd being the better choice though. More "low profile" - draw less attention, faster - get away, better mileage!