Ford Escape might be a good choice. We have them here at work and they run 24x7 and don't have much problems. Our Escape I just spent a week driving in and it was fairly comfortable. Gets 20-23mpg and the v6 has enough power to maintain speeds in the mountains.
Traveling vehicle what would you buy?
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I like the idea of the diesel Excursion. Watch out for tree-huggers though. It would probably get as much fuel mileage as a Suburban or the Tahoe. Ooh, just thinking about how easy it is to add a powertuner to a diesel and get an extra 100 or so horsepower just makes me all tingly inside.
If you're staying on a road of any sort, a Honda Ridgeline with a cap is all you need. I'd travel with the dogs in the bed.
1) if you don't have a need to sit up really high
2) if you don't need enough storage capacity to support an infantry battalion
3) if you can survive with AWD vs switchable 4x4
4) if you don't need a lot of towing capacity
Subaru Forester...@ $18,500 and up depending on your amenities package; 173 hp from a 4 cylinder; @ 21/28 epa with automatic tranny; darn reliable family of automobiles to boot
2) if you don't need enough storage capacity to support an infantry battalion
3) if you can survive with AWD vs switchable 4x4
4) if you don't need a lot of towing capacity
Subaru Forester...@ $18,500 and up depending on your amenities package; 173 hp from a 4 cylinder; @ 21/28 epa with automatic tranny; darn reliable family of automobiles to boot
If you really are going to alaska quite a bit I like the idea of something 3/4 ton truck based. The middle-of-nowhere mechanics will get parts. Get the full winter block heating package and glass coverage on your insurance.
If this is just ego-driven fantasy and you'd go maybe once a year, get the forester and rent something for the alaska trip.
If this is just ego-driven fantasy and you'd go maybe once a year, get the forester and rent something for the alaska trip.
If you're into the bigger trucks, then I'd definitely recommmend a new Tahoe or Suburban. They're very sharp looking trucks, inside and out, and drive very well. The chassis is MUCH improved with LOT less flex than before. I like the 5.3L V8, too.
I have a '06 4Runner with the V6. After 16K miles, I am getting 23.5 MPG. I have driven up unpaved roads filled with debris at 50 degree angles carrying 400 pounds of telescope equiptment and this is only a 2WD model!
Mine cost just pennies over $30K (new) as I got a stipped down model with a full leather upgrade (saving some $4K from the top of the line model 2WD)
Mine cost just pennies over $30K (new) as I got a stipped down model with a full leather upgrade (saving some $4K from the top of the line model 2WD)
What about one of those full sized vans that are customized for 4wd? that would be a great adventure vehicle.
If a smaller SUV would work how about a Nissan Xterra. It's a truck based smaller SUV and not unibody. The off-road version comes with a locking rear differential. All but the optioned out high end model should be under $30k. Mileage is not the greatest.
With three medium sized dogs (a large dog is a Great Pyrenees at 140lbs), you really need a van. Unless you buy an Excursion or a Suburban, you just won't have the room you need in an SUV.
May I suggest an AWD Aerostar? You can pick up the nicest one in the world for <7K and you would have a reliable and fairly economical vehicle with lots of space. You can remove the second and third seats as needed to open up room for the dogs and you can even choose between the shorty and the extended length van, based upon the room you need. My opinion is that for most purposes, AWD beats 4WD. 4WD is only prefered for serious rock crawling.
May I suggest an AWD Aerostar? You can pick up the nicest one in the world for <7K and you would have a reliable and fairly economical vehicle with lots of space. You can remove the second and third seats as needed to open up room for the dogs and you can even choose between the shorty and the extended length van, based upon the room you need. My opinion is that for most purposes, AWD beats 4WD. 4WD is only prefered for serious rock crawling.
mcrn- we used a '92 Ford Aerostar E-4WD (AWD) for 13 years in Fairbanks, AK and traveled all over Alaska with it and down to the lower 48 and back several times. It was/is very reliable, always started on the first try even in 40-70 below weather, and the AWD system is great- it locks the center diff automatically when wheelspin is detected and then unlocks within few seconds and looks for wheelspin again, and we were able to make it though some stuff that had other AWD and some 4WD vehicles stuck on several occasions. It also has more cargo room than any of the vehicles that you are considering, and you could get the final model year (1997) for cheap. If you are really looking at practicality and not "what will look cool", this value can't be beat IMHO.
Personally, after having a big dog (85#) at one time and traveling all over myself; while traveling they need some space to stretch, walk-around a snig (at least), and room to not have to lay on top of each other.
A RAV-4, Forester, etc vehicles of that size are NOT going to cut it - this gentleman mention 2-3 BIG dogs, not medium sized.
Personally, get yourself either a 2500HD Chevy/GMC OR Dodge 3/4 quad-cab Diesel (not gas) and throw a pick-up bed shell on there for the doggies.
If these dogs are going to be doing a lot of traveling, within the bed/camper shell I would personally lay down some padding with a layer of carpet over it and get each dog a fluffy bed - TRUST me, if you make them comfortable they will travel greatly.
And/or, inside the camper shell, you could have each dog inside their own dog kennel with that same fluffy bed. Don't normally mention this for BIG dogs, as I was never able to find a dog kennel that fit my big dog comfortably - she had LONG legs.
I would NOT choose to place any dog in an open bed, even if they are in dog-kennel - how would you like to ride in the open for hours on end, in all kinds of weather.
A RAV-4, Forester, etc vehicles of that size are NOT going to cut it - this gentleman mention 2-3 BIG dogs, not medium sized.
Personally, get yourself either a 2500HD Chevy/GMC OR Dodge 3/4 quad-cab Diesel (not gas) and throw a pick-up bed shell on there for the doggies.
If these dogs are going to be doing a lot of traveling, within the bed/camper shell I would personally lay down some padding with a layer of carpet over it and get each dog a fluffy bed - TRUST me, if you make them comfortable they will travel greatly.
And/or, inside the camper shell, you could have each dog inside their own dog kennel with that same fluffy bed. Don't normally mention this for BIG dogs, as I was never able to find a dog kennel that fit my big dog comfortably - she had LONG legs.
I would NOT choose to place any dog in an open bed, even if they are in dog-kennel - how would you like to ride in the open for hours on end, in all kinds of weather.
The best riding vehicle I have ever owned, driven, or riden in was my 2000 Chevy Silverado Ext Cab 2wd.
Having said that, a friend that had a 99 except 4wd says the same thing. He now drives a 2006 HD Duramax/Allison, tho.
I would look at a 1500 4wd GM truck if fuel economy isn't a problem. They get 20-21 MPG highway with the air on.
Having said that, a friend that had a 99 except 4wd says the same thing. He now drives a 2006 HD Duramax/Allison, tho.
I would look at a 1500 4wd GM truck if fuel economy isn't a problem. They get 20-21 MPG highway with the air on.
Toyota's new Fj would get my vote!
What about a used (< 97 I think?) Toyota landcruiser or lexus clone with the excellent 4.7L v8?
According to Edmunds.com there isn't a more reliable and durable SUV on the planet. This is what I'd want to be in when you're 400 miles from anything on a gravel road to Alaska. Plus, this thing is kind of a legend.
According to Edmunds.com there isn't a more reliable and durable SUV on the planet. This is what I'd want to be in when you're 400 miles from anything on a gravel road to Alaska. Plus, this thing is kind of a legend.
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