Originally Posted By: tomcat27
4 Runner. Another Xterra.
+1 Or a Tahoe.
4 Runner. Another Xterra.
+1 Or a Tahoe.
Yet Another Vehicle Recommendation Requested
- Thread starter ryansride2017
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Jeep Renegade Trailhawk
http://autoweek.com/article/car-reviews/2016-jeep-renegade-trailhawk-4x4-review
31mpg 4wd with rear hatch and looks to be fun to drive.
http://autoweek.com/article/car-reviews/2016-jeep-renegade-trailhawk-4x4-review
31mpg 4wd with rear hatch and looks to be fun to drive.
If you don't mind a smaller size AWD vehicle, The mazda CX3 is a pretty awesome car. If you want something bigger, the Mazda CX5 is also available in AWD. Both get super awesome fuel economy which would help quite a bit with the kind of mileage you are driving.
I think I'd wait for a clean Xterra offroad to come off a short lease.
I'd have a hard time springing for the extra bucks a 4runner costs but that's me, maybe you are ready for something different.
I guess if you are off roading enough to make a locking diff important, I doubt you'll want to pilot a long wide pickup in the woods? Even the "compacts" get quite long with a quadcab.
I'd have a hard time springing for the extra bucks a 4runner costs but that's me, maybe you are ready for something different.
I guess if you are off roading enough to make a locking diff important, I doubt you'll want to pilot a long wide pickup in the woods? Even the "compacts" get quite long with a quadcab.
It kinda sucks that a tough, utilitarian, small SUV like the older Xterra, 4-runner, and Jeep XJ (84-01 Cherokee) just don't exist anymore.
The current 4-runner is probably the closest, but its a far cry from the simplicity of an older Xterra. I'd probably look at a pickup with a cap, also. A Colorado or Tacoma would be where I'd start for something about the same size as what you have (or at least not TOO much bigger). But if bigger is OK, then any one of the 'big 3' half-ton trucks (F-150, Ram 1500, Silverado) would be another choice. For really piling on the miles the Ram Ecodiesel is attractive, but 30k/year probably isn't really enough to make it worthwhile.
The current 4-runner is probably the closest, but its a far cry from the simplicity of an older Xterra. I'd probably look at a pickup with a cap, also. A Colorado or Tacoma would be where I'd start for something about the same size as what you have (or at least not TOO much bigger). But if bigger is OK, then any one of the 'big 3' half-ton trucks (F-150, Ram 1500, Silverado) would be another choice. For really piling on the miles the Ram Ecodiesel is attractive, but 30k/year probably isn't really enough to make it worthwhile.
Originally Posted By: krismoriah72
Jeep Renegade Trailhawk
http://autoweek.com/article/car-reviews/2016-jeep-renegade-trailhawk-4x4-review
31mpg 4wd with rear hatch and looks to be fun to drive.
Coming from a Jeep fan: No. Just no. A bulked up Fiat 500 may be a hoot to drive and might make a GREAT occasional offroad toy, but its not going to hold up to real offroading and 30k miles/year.
In fact I'll extend that further: NO front-drive derived SUV is going to be suitable- just look at the failure rate of the Ford PTU used to scab AWD onto the Flex/Edge/Explorer and SHO. The one possible exception might be the Jeep Cherokee because its 4x4 drive system was designed for offroading from the get-go (not "only when front-wheel slip is detected" like the Fords), but given the checkered past of the Cherokee's 9-speed ZF transaxle, I would only go with the very latest model year and even then I'd be nervous.
Jeep Renegade Trailhawk
http://autoweek.com/article/car-reviews/2016-jeep-renegade-trailhawk-4x4-review
31mpg 4wd with rear hatch and looks to be fun to drive.
Coming from a Jeep fan: No. Just no. A bulked up Fiat 500 may be a hoot to drive and might make a GREAT occasional offroad toy, but its not going to hold up to real offroading and 30k miles/year.
In fact I'll extend that further: NO front-drive derived SUV is going to be suitable- just look at the failure rate of the Ford PTU used to scab AWD onto the Flex/Edge/Explorer and SHO. The one possible exception might be the Jeep Cherokee because its 4x4 drive system was designed for offroading from the get-go (not "only when front-wheel slip is detected" like the Fords), but given the checkered past of the Cherokee's 9-speed ZF transaxle, I would only go with the very latest model year and even then I'd be nervous.
I forgot about the stretch wrangler jeep. Or maybe wait for the Jeep pickup to appear.
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
In fact I'll extend that further: NO front-drive derived SUV is going to be suitable
I strongly agree with that statement.
In fact I'll extend that further: NO front-drive derived SUV is going to be suitable
I strongly agree with that statement.
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
I doubt you'll want to pilot a long wide pickup in the woods?
Good point...this is an issue that I did not raise earlier. Many times I'm able to drive between the trees with my SUV that would be definitely more trying with a larger pickup. I can't express how comforting it is to be able get your vehicle right next to your work location....for shelter, unloading/loading equipment, etc. Thanks for the replies.
I doubt you'll want to pilot a long wide pickup in the woods?
Good point...this is an issue that I did not raise earlier. Many times I'm able to drive between the trees with my SUV that would be definitely more trying with a larger pickup. I can't express how comforting it is to be able get your vehicle right next to your work location....for shelter, unloading/loading equipment, etc. Thanks for the replies.
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Originally Posted By: IndyIan
I guess if you are off roading enough to make a locking diff important,
While my current ride, with LSD, never got me stuck, there were times when I would have felt more confident having a locking rear.
I guess if you are off roading enough to make a locking diff important,
While my current ride, with LSD, never got me stuck, there were times when I would have felt more confident having a locking rear.
I would go with a 4runner. But that is because I have had excellent experience with Toyotas. I haven't bought one in the last 11 years, because the last 2 are still running as new.....The 4runner with over 250k miles.
If you can live with AWD instead of 4wd, I also have a '12 Subie Outback. It has 1" less ground clearance than the 4runner, and exactly the same room inside.....(My 4runner is the old '00 body type). And.....The Subie gets better mileage, by far. But it is unibody, so beating it off road might expose its limitations.
If you can live with AWD instead of 4wd, I also have a '12 Subie Outback. It has 1" less ground clearance than the 4runner, and exactly the same room inside.....(My 4runner is the old '00 body type). And.....The Subie gets better mileage, by far. But it is unibody, so beating it off road might expose its limitations.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
Toyota FJ Cruiser or 4Runner
Originally Posted By: ryansride2017
... But finding a leftover/used is a bit challenging since they were never high volume movers to begin with...you don't find many in good condition. Many I find, since they are generally built for the offroad crowd, have been noticeably beaten. Plus, this time I would want a Pro-4X package which included locking rears.
I'm seriously considering the 4Runner or pickup option.
I like the 4Runner idea also, seems to fit. That said, LINK
... But finding a leftover/used is a bit challenging since they were never high volume movers to begin with...you don't find many in good condition. Many I find, since they are generally built for the offroad crowd, have been noticeably beaten. Plus, this time I would want a Pro-4X package which included locking rears.
I'm seriously considering the 4Runner or pickup option.
I like the 4Runner idea also, seems to fit. That said, LINK
Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
What about an AWD van?
Ground clearance
What about an AWD van?
Ground clearance
Toyota 4Runner, of course. It will most likely be highly reliable and do everything your Xterra did.
My boss at work put over 250k miles on one before selling it. Nothing was wrong with...just wanted a car instead.
My boss at work put over 250k miles on one before selling it. Nothing was wrong with...just wanted a car instead.
What are the thoughts on the Durango? I know it's now unibody, but how do you think it would hold up? Might have to take one for a ride.
What are the thoughts on the Durango? I know it's now unibody, but how do you think it would hold up? Might have to take one for a ride.
OVERKILL
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Originally Posted By: ryansride2017
What are the thoughts on the Durango? I know it's now unibody, but how do you think it would hold up? Might have to take one for a ride.
It is basically a Jeep Grand Cherokee underneath from what I heard when I was looking at one. They are very nice, we had one as a rental and now my wife has her heart set on one to replace the Expedition
What are the thoughts on the Durango? I know it's now unibody, but how do you think it would hold up? Might have to take one for a ride.
It is basically a Jeep Grand Cherokee underneath from what I heard when I was looking at one. They are very nice, we had one as a rental and now my wife has her heart set on one to replace the Expedition
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