Learn me on SUV's, OPPO

Kinja'd!!! by "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
Published 08/09/2017 at 19:08

Tags: SUV ; 4Runner ; Xterra ; Mall Crawling
STARS: 1


I’ve been thinking about a new DD lately and want something with utility. I would like to transport my Mt. Bike, Paddle and Surf Boards, Camping Gear, skis, or larger items (not at the same time). It was also be nice to have something that can transport more than two people. I also have visions of hitting a few fire roads or other soft-roading.

Kinja'd!!!

I want a 4Runner for all the obvious reasons but I also have an unexplained soft spot for the Xterra.

On the same age and mileage, it looks like the 4Runner is about $10k more than the Xterra. Do you think the 4Runner is worth the premium? I know they hold resale value like crazy, which is a bonus. In 5-10 years, will the 4Runner still be worth $10k more or will the gap grow further as the Xterra fades away into obscurity?

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I’m honestly not going to buy anything right away, and when I do, it will probably be something wildly impractical (again). But, it’s always fun to pretend I’m a responsible adult (:

Kinja'd!!!

What do you think, OPPO?


Replies (92)

Kinja'd!!! "shpuker" (shpuker)
08/09/2017 at 19:12, STARS: 2

Kinja'd!!!

WRX/STI with a nice roof-rack setup!

Kinja'd!!! "jkm7680" (jkm7680)
08/09/2017 at 19:14, STARS: 2

4Runner all the way. With the Xterra, you’re paying for unadulterated 2005 tech. The 4Runner at least looks recent.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 19:14, STARS: 1

I thought about just doing a custom roof-rack setup for my Bug. If I’m getting a new vehicle, I sorta want some ground clearance. Or a Morgan 3-Wheeler. Or a 4C. LOL

Kinja'd!!! "HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
08/09/2017 at 19:17, STARS: 2

not to say you don’t need an SUV, but...why do you need an suv? if you never plan on using it for towing, or heavy loads or off road pursuits (beyond crossover country) then is it just fashion? In which case go with what you like more so you don’t regret it.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 19:18, STARS: 0

Isn’t the current gen 4Runner from ‘09? I’m not arguing the Toyota is better, but is it that much better? There is something charming about the simple roots of the Xterra

The roll-down rear window is probably worth half the cost difference, though.

Kinja'd!!! "BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather" (bugeyedacura)
08/09/2017 at 19:19, STARS: 0

What about a first-gen X1? They’re cheap now, pretty indestructible, and based off of the E90 chassis.

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Kinja'd!!! "Saracen" (manualdoucheelitist)
08/09/2017 at 19:21, STARS: 1

V8 4Runner is the way I’d go.

Kinja'd!!! "jkm7680" (jkm7680)
08/09/2017 at 19:21, STARS: 2

The 4Runner is better in almost every way. I would never drop any amount of money on an XTerra simply because of how unapologetically crap they are.

Kinja'd!!! "CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
08/09/2017 at 19:22, STARS: 1

I like the Tacoma with a bed shell

Kinja'd!!! "Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
08/09/2017 at 19:24, STARS: 2

Give in, buy a Subaru Outback.

Kinja'd!!! "shpuker" (shpuker)
08/09/2017 at 19:27, STARS: 2

Kinja'd!!!

But it looks so good!

Actually though, if I were you I’d look at a newish or new (depending on budget) Tacoma with a topper. It’d be perfect for the boards, they aren’t any worse on gas than the 4Runner/Xtera, and the bed can come in super handy. Oh and they look awesome.

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Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 19:30, STARS: 0

I actually want a mini-van because there is so much room for activities. But, there are a few places I would like to go that need a bit of ground clearance that a van likely couldn’t traverse with a noob like me behind the wheel.

A CUV would work too, but I just don’t like them. They all look like similar amorphous blob mommy-mobiles these days and try too hard to do everything. I’m a firm believer in having one vehicle designed to do one thing with as little compromise as possible. Also, SUV’s are fun to drive in their own way. They have a bit of character since they are pretty bad on road. I also have fond memories of off-roading in my friend’s jeep or driving on the beach in my uncle’s SUV.

TL;DR: Legitimately, I don’t need an SUV. It’s a bit of fashion, a bit of utility, and a bit of confidence in that I could go off the beaten path. I’ll probably just buy another sports car anyways. Time will tell.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 19:33, STARS: 1

The STI would be sweet, don’t get me wrong!

A taco with a shell would perfect too. In my mind, they seem harder to park but I have nothing to base that opinion on. If I went in the Toyota direction, I would definitely consider the taco.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 19:36, STARS: 0

I am probably a core demographic. 27, urban dwelling, want to look like I’m outdoorsy. I really like two box SUVs though. They seem rugged and reliable. I don’t really need either of these features, but I don’t need 2 two seat convertibles, either. This is strictly a want haha

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 19:37, STARS: 0

This would definitely be in the running If I went Toyota. I wanted to make this a simple x vs. y though.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 19:39, STARS: 0

I think that is why I like them! I have issues. I love the 4Runner, 10K goes a long way.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 19:40, STARS: 0

I forgot they made a V8 for a few years. Will explore this option too, when the time comes.

Kinja'd!!! "CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
08/09/2017 at 19:40, STARS: 0

Oh, well 4Runner 100%. My Mom’s best friend had an Extra, but it was never as comfortable as any gen 4Runner I’ve been in. Personally my favorite is the 92-95 2nd Gen with the 3rd gen a close second.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 19:45, STARS: 1

I really don’t like crossovers/lifted wagons even though they would be better for my situation. I’d rather have a van or 2 box SUV.

A van is not cool, but it’s not trying to be. I like that. Plus it has all the room.

A 2 box is compromised, and likely overkill for me, but I like the aspect of mild off-roading, if I was so inclined.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 19:49, STARS: 1

I really like the new TRD’s and the new Taco. I have always liked the roll-down rear window of the 4Runner too. There is something too perfect about hanging your boards out the back on a summer morning. 10 grand is 10 grand though. I could buy up to 3 Miatas for the cost difference between a 4R/Taco and an X.

Kinja'd!!! "CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
08/09/2017 at 19:49, STARS: 0

Yeah, hence why you buy used ones

Kinja'd!!! "Spasoje" (Spasoje)
08/09/2017 at 19:50, STARS: 0

I’d probably go for the Xterra myself, given it has more headroom and a manual.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 19:53, STARS: 1

The Tacoma tax is sooo real though! Especially in LA where everyone (including me) wants to pretend they are great outdoors-(wo)men when in reality, they sit at a desk all day and see about an hour of natural sunshine a week. haha

Kinja'd!!! "Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling)
08/09/2017 at 19:54, STARS: 1

If I was buying something for myself and was willing to suffer through living with an SUV, I’d be looking at the FJ Cruiser and the 4Runner. They’re so much better than a Jeep and nothing else that isn’t a truck could fill that spot for me. With trucks there are a lot of additional options, but SUVs have almost all gone soft.

Kinja'd!!! "OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars" (jakeauern)
08/09/2017 at 19:54, STARS: 1

The interior on the Toyota is a 1000x nicer place to be then the Xterra. Now that I think about it, I’ve never been inside a Nissan that did not feel like plastic-crap everywhere. Sorry to any Nissan people here but they’re bad.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 19:56, STARS: 1

I love the FJ! It fits in as a beach vehicle. They seem too small inside though.

Kinja'd!!! "CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
08/09/2017 at 19:57, STARS: 1

Dude, I feel you there. It is almost as bad as the diesel tax

Kinja'd!!! "SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media" (silentbutnotreallydeadly)
08/09/2017 at 19:58, STARS: 3

I’m with HHFP. If you don’t really need or expect to use the capabilities of a 4Runner, Tacoma or Xterra (despite all being reasonable vehicles) during your DD then they probably aren’t the best thing to be using as a DD.

If most of what you do is on-road (lets be conservative and say 80%) then you should grab something that can do this part really well whilst also still being useful enough for the 20% off road.

Personally, I’d look at an AWD station wagon like the Subaru Outback or Toyota Highlander and then consider a suspension lift.

On the other hand, if one wants a ute then a 2WD dual cab ute with a diff lock would be awesome. I’ve no idea whether such a beastie is available in the US (they are in Oz) but I suspect the Chevy Colorado might be worth a chase as the 2wd versions typically have the same suspension height as the 4x4 versions

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 19:59, STARS: 0

Headroom isn’t an issue for me. I do like having a manual but not a deal breaker in this hypothetical situation. I think I could treat an Xterra more like a beater which is fun in itself. I would be worried about denting/scratching a 4runner because they are so expensive.

Kinja'd!!! "shpuker" (shpuker)
08/09/2017 at 20:01, STARS: 0

I mean they’re a little longer but newer ones should have a camera and all that so it shouldn’t bee too terrible. Really that or a 4Runner would be great choices.

Kinja'd!!! "B_dol" (bdolan40)
08/09/2017 at 20:07, STARS: 0

My purchasing habits are so skewed for the demographic I supposed belong too. Late twenties purchasing like a frugal adult and mid-life crisis all at the same time.

27 with a 348 - not too shabby, good on you!

Kinja'd!!! "Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
08/09/2017 at 20:08, STARS: 2

In that case, my answer to the question of 4Runner or Xterra is still none of the above.

Assuming one of the reasons you want an SUV is for on-road snow capability, you’ll be best served by something that has a full-time 4wd/awd mode.

The Xterra is part-time 4wd only. Cross off the list.

The 3rd gen 4Runner has an electronic on-demand 4wd mode on some years/trims. It’s also super narrow inside and slow as balls.

The 4th gen 4Runner has a very nice Torsen center differential standard on all years and trims, and the motors are generally good, but you sit down on the damn floor in the thing even though you’re way high off the ground. I hate them.

So, what to get? Some ideas:

WJ (1999-2004) Grand Cherokee - it has full-time 4wd standard with a hydraulically controlled center LSD. I would go for either an I6 because the old AMC 4.0 is rock solid and it has a 2wd mode, or a fully-loaded 265 hp 4.7 HO V8 with Quadra-Drive which is a super capable 4wd system with 3 LSDs. This is basically the ’03-’04 Overland trim. Quadra-Drive was also available with the regular 235 hp 4.7. The seats in these are like your grandpa’s beat up old recliner. Overstuffed and super comfy.

R50 Nissan Pathfinder LE (and Infiniti QX4) with the VQ35 V6 - I believe the VQ came around in 2001 or 2002, I forget. These have an electronic on-demand full-time 4wd system kinda like the 3rd gen 4Runner, but with 240 hp instead of like, 165 in the 4Runner or whatever anemic number it is. Much more comfy and roomy inside. The non-LE Pathfinder trims are part-time 4wd only.

3rd gen (2001-2006) Mitsubishi Montero Limited - these have a very capable full-time 4wd system. The 01-02 have a rear Torsen LSD and the 03-06 have an off-road biased traction control system. Bigger and roomier than the WJ and R50. Not very quick with about 200 hp and aerodynamics of a brick.

All of these options are unibody instead of body-on-frame like the Xterra & 4Runner. The WJ & R50 are roughly the same size as those two but much roomier and comfier inside. The Montero is bigger and has a 3rd row.

If you want a body-on-frame truck platform, the Montero Sport is basically the old 2nd gen Montero platform but with a shorter body on top. It gained a full-time 4wd system similar to the regular Montero starting in 2002. It suffers from the same interior room restrictions as the 4Runner and its base 3.0 liter V6 is similarly underpowered. The 02-04 Limited gets the 3.5 liter V6 from the big Montero and adds a rear LSD.

So there you have it. Buy any of those.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 20:10, STARS: 0

My friend has a new highlander and there can only be one (sorry).

I agree, not the best for DD duties but I currently drive about 100 mi/week so it wouldn’t be that bad. I could also keep the VW for the good fuel economy and use the SUV for all my activities. But that goes down the rabbit hole of me owning even more vehicles I do not need.

I’ve had cars my whole life and there is something exciting to me about driving something that doesn’t feel like a car. But, if history is any indication, I’ll probably buy another 2-seat convertible. I’m at 3 in a row right now haha

Kinja'd!!! "TorqueToYield" (torquetoyield)
08/09/2017 at 20:11, STARS: 1

Crosstrek.

Or if you want more powah Forester XT.

Or if you want a larger back seat and don’t care about turbo - Outback.

All offer 8+ inches of ground clearance. About the same as a Cherokee and more than most other true SUVs...

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 20:12, STARS: 1

That reminds me. I wanted to check what pre #dieselgate tdi’s are selling for. Not that I’ll ever get rid of mine, but I always like to keep an eye on pricing.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 20:14, STARS: 0

No disagreement from me. I was impressed by the last 4Runner I sat in. But there is something charming about how crappy the Nissan is. It’s bad and doesn’t care haha

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 20:16, STARS: 0

I could pull a Doug and get a 500 HP super SUV from Carmax. X5M. RRS. etc. I like the low 20 price point though.

Kinja'd!!! "OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars" (jakeauern)
08/09/2017 at 20:17, STARS: 1

Charming in the way a crazy girlfriend who can’t take care of herself and relies on you for everything sort of way I guess?

Kinja'd!!! "CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
08/09/2017 at 20:18, STARS: 0

Lol, those must be worth a bundle now

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 20:21, STARS: 0

This is why I like OPPO haha. I like body on frame, but they are definitely compromised. I typically do not mind to compromise comfort for capability. I do like the idea of a pathfinder but I have such bad ADD, as soon as I open up the possibility of unibody, my brain automatically goes to a range rover sport supercharged (carmax) or some other super SUV.

Kinja'd!!! "Bytemite" (bytemite)
08/09/2017 at 20:22, STARS: 3

Mmm more photos of SUVs in offroad places you’ll never go. Good marketing for selling useless SUVS while the buyers barely use them to drive over a gravel driveway. Think about the last time you ever went rock crawling...or even seen a place that has rock crawl trails. Just no.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 20:26, STARS: 0

Thanks! It was a long time life goal so I found a way to make it happen. Made a few sacrifices and skipped on many luxuries.

Demographically, I probably should have bought a mustang or brz. I like, and almost bought both, but I’m glad I waited. My friends were a tremendous help on keeping me focused on the goal.

I also want a van because they are so practical. I’m really bad at shopping for what I’m “supposed” to buy haha

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 20:29, STARS: 0

For sure! There are a few too many good choices out there. Luckily, I do not have to make this decision now, or even this year. I just like to run scenarios in my head haha!

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 20:31, STARS: 1

I was thinking more in a 3 legged puppy that’s not as smart as the others but is super friendly, type of way (:

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 20:33, STARS: 1

I hope in the future, maybe. Mine is the only year of the facelifted new beetle that offered a tdi and it was the last year before they cheated (or got caught cheating). Might be worth it to hang on for 20 more years.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 20:40, STARS: 0

But think of the applications!

I’ve never had a vehicle that could traverse a pebble so I can’t think of the last time I went rock crawling. There are a few trails and camping spots I want to hit that require 4x4 for access. There are also some cool fire-roads in the central CA hills that would be fun.

Honestly, I would be like 99% of other SUV owners and use 75% of the car’s potential once a year. It isn’t any worse than never taking my modified Miata to the track. I drive that at 7/10 occasionally and have a blast. I figure I would follow the same formula in an SUV haha

Kinja'd!!! "B_dol" (bdolan40)
08/09/2017 at 20:41, STARS: 1

Exactly, it is all in priorities. People focus on the end result and rarely the sacrifices and hard work it took to get there.

How much are you budgeting on the 348? Figure it’s like any 10-20 yr old car at this point except a hiccup can certainly set you back a bit further.

Kinja'd!!! "macanamera" (macanamera)
08/09/2017 at 20:43, STARS: 2

Crew cab pickup truck. Do all of the things.

Kinja'd!!! "Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
08/09/2017 at 20:43, STARS: 1

There’s nothing inherently more capable about body on frame. It comes down to suspension articulation, ground clearance, and differentials. Live axles tend to have more articulation than independent suspension, but that’s only important for extreme rock crawling. The WJ has live axles front and rear, the R50 has one in back. Everything I’ve listed is way more capable than you’ll ever use.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 20:55, STARS: 0

I’m budgeting $5k a year or $1 a mile, whichever is higher. I’m hoping not to spend that much. But, plan for the worse and hope for the best. The car is actually pretty easy to work on (except the belts) and there is a lot of public information on how to fix things.

There is also 5-10 348 owners in SoCal that have written procedures, built the cross referenced part database, race the cars, perform diy engine out services, etc. I’ve met a few of them and their knowledge is priceless. It really helps make the car “affordable”.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 20:59, STARS: 0

If I go with the idea of utility vehicle, I will also look at pickups. I might bro out and install a lift and tires though.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 21:07, STARS: 0

There also isn’t a point to a carbon fiber tub in a sports car if you only drive on the street at legal(ish) speeds. This doesn’t stop me from wanting a 4c.

I want BOF simply because I want it. Nothing about buying an SUV is a sane and rational decision for me. I would be better off sticking with my fleet and renting something once a year. But where is the fun in talking about that???

Kinja'd!!! "Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
08/09/2017 at 21:12, STARS: 0

Going by your analogy, the 4C’s carbon tub makes for an extremely light car that’s fun all the time.

I get the “I want what I want” aspect, I’m just saying that the unibody ones are much better for your stated goals of carrying people and assorted crap while being comfy, and still very capable off road.

Kinja'd!!! "Bytemite" (bytemite)
08/09/2017 at 21:32, STARS: 0

If you’re talking about some lightly modded Miata, that is not a track dedicated machine. It is enjoyable on roads at normal speeds or faster speeds. Driving an SUV while not using its SUVness is dragging along fuel sucking and maintenance ridden 4wd and heavy weight and bigger engine and extra running costs for no real benefit on roads. It will actually be worse on road than a car.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 21:39, STARS: 0

I totally agree!

I just want something that feels like a truck. Quite like I want a car that feels racey, I guess. Simple wants haha.

Now that I think about it, I need to run over curbs at Target. Might need a Raptor :D

(I actually do have an irrational want for a Raptor, too)

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 21:44, STARS: 0

Soooo, I should get a Raptor?

I kid, I kid.

I personally like the truck-like feeling of a big, heavy, SUV. I would probably grow tired of it, but it’s a novelty I rarely experience. I drove a few CUV’s and they are boring. I’m not saying the road dynamics of a big 4x4 are good, but they certainly are not boring.

Kinja'd!!! "Spasoje" (Spasoje)
08/09/2017 at 21:58, STARS: 0

Can’t help but agree about the beater bit – the times I drove Corolla and Camry rentals felt surprisingly freeing lol

Kinja'd!!! "BahamaTodd" (bahamatodd)
08/09/2017 at 22:00, STARS: 1

AWD 911?

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Kinja'd!!! "Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
08/09/2017 at 22:04, STARS: 1

Honestly in that case I’d go for one of those 03-04 WJ Overlands. The live axles make it feel trucky, but you have room inside to spread out on the super plush seats. The 4.7 HO has decent grunt, and you can think of how totally overkill having 3 LSDs is. They’re kinda piles of crap but as long as you find a rust free example it’s relatively cheap to get it refreshed into good shape.

(I’ve owned both a WJ and WK Grand Cherokee.)

Kinja'd!!! "HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
08/09/2017 at 22:32, STARS: 1

Like I said, my garage is in no place to try and talk you out of an SUV, just wanted to find out your motivations. Its my 2 cents that living with a capable SUV as a daily isn’t much fun if you never use them as intended. And I don’t mean that its a “waste of the vehicle” or anything like that, I mean the compromises that allow them to be capable can grow tiring if you don’t actually need the utility.

Kinja'd!!!

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 22:45, STARS: 0

That is a great view from your driveway! I do appreciate the questioning. Many people do not need an SUV but claim they do and are dissatisfied that it isn’t comfortable or fuel efficient. The coil-overs on my Miata suck if you have to drive the car everyday but that canyon run is so much fun. I’m lucky in that I currently have a separate DD. Something like the Lexus or Discovery might be a good middle ground though. Comfy on the trip up and still capable when you arrive.

Kinja'd!!! "SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media" (silentbutnotreallydeadly)
08/09/2017 at 22:48, STARS: 0

My DD is a 17yr old VW Transporter dual cab with the AWD transmission. You didn’t get them in the US though you did get the Eurovan version and Canada also got the LWB van with the syncro AWD driveline as well. I’ve had it since new.

It is exactly the sort of this you might be after. It’s good enough off road to be very useful (a 40 mm suspension lift has been helpful) and it is excellent on road, all the while chewing just 10 L/100km of diesel. It runs generic road tyres and minimal additional equipment.

The reason I have made the suggestions I have is that there is no rational reason to choose a DD that is best suited to less than 20% of the driving you will actually do. Obviously, motoring enthusiasts rarely make rational decisions but I can’t help thinking many of us might be happier if we at least tried.

If we all picked cheap reliable DD appliances that were simple to operate and cheap to run then we would probably all have a bit more coin for the somewhat more impractical ‘Dream Drive’. Whereas if our Dream Drive was/is our DD then we are perhaps spending more on fuel and wear on expensive equipment (like specialised components and tyres) that are unsuited for the daily drive in the first place.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 22:51, STARS: 0

I would probably want something newer but you can make a great rig out of a WJ and WK. Did they make the SRT in AWD? Something like an LR4/discovery might be a good option. I’ve know nothing about them but they seem comfortable and capable. Unfortunately, missing that Toyota reliability.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 22:52, STARS: 0

Needs moar lift. I wonder if there is a kit for a 996 available?

Kinja'd!!! "HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
08/09/2017 at 22:53, STARS: 0

Thats the inlaws, but my view aint bad.

Kinja'd!!!

The GX is new to us and aside from a few annoyances and dissapointments in the MPG department (I really though it would do a little better on the highway) its been a great value. Same chassis as the 4runner v8 with the fulltime 4wd and everything but more upright and usable, plus more toys.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 22:53, STARS: 0

That is what I loved about my Escort in High School. It literally didn’t matter if I screwed it up. It already wasn’t nice and it was cheap/easy to fix.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 22:56, STARS: 0

Actually, a modern version of Tyler Hoovers off-road van would be perfect. I need a mildly lifted Sienna with beefy tires and decent engine.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 22:58, STARS: 0

Not bad at all! I completely forgot about those. Might have to add it to the list haha

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 23:03, STARS: 1

I’m using my 11 yo tdi New Beetle at the moment so I can afford fun things to drive on the weekend. I always say I don’t want a nice DD bc of all the wear and tear. So I totally understand where you are coming from. Ideally, now that I think about this more, an AWD minivan with a mild lift and beefy tires would be perfect haha.

Kinja'd!!! "Bytemite" (bytemite)
08/09/2017 at 23:05, STARS: 1

alright we all have our itches. Just dont...buy a 30k truck to scratch it. Go get a rental or Turo something for a day.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/09/2017 at 23:10, STARS: 1

Or convince on of my friends to buy one hahaha

Kinja'd!!! "Wacko" (wacko--)
08/10/2017 at 00:03, STARS: 1

That can be done to a SUV too

Kinja'd!!! "B_dol" (bdolan40)
08/10/2017 at 00:42, STARS: 0

Nice! Yes that is what I have found with the 07 M Coupe as well, doing most things DIY these days even if it scares me a bit.

Kinja'd!!! "Spasoje" (Spasoje)
08/10/2017 at 01:10, STARS: 0

Ironically, an Xterra would be less of a beater were I to get one. It’s the closest thing to the first-gen Pathfinder we used to have and regret selling (base model, 4x4, V6, manual, tire carrier). We looked at the 4Runner and it lost out because of – surprise, surprise – headroom.

Kinja'd!!! "Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
08/10/2017 at 02:20, STARS: 0

Import a JDM Mitsubishi Delica. The rounder 90s version is very popular in Canada but they have a 15 year import rule instead of our 25. Could still probably find a clean one of this style though.

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Kinja'd!!! "gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee" (gogmorgo)
08/10/2017 at 08:10, STARS: 1

You obviously need a Niva.

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Kinja'd!!! "CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
08/10/2017 at 11:21, STARS: 0

Quite possibly, or they will recall those ones too

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/10/2017 at 11:28, STARS: 1

I’m seriously suspecting they will get recalled if anyone cared to check haha

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/10/2017 at 11:30, STARS: 0

That would be perfect! Anyone here with a Nevada address I can use to skip CA smog? haha

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/10/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 0

It seemed ok when I sat in one but I’m admittedly not tall

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/10/2017 at 11:33, STARS: 0

Seems hard to fit 3 friends plus gear. I like it though!

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/10/2017 at 11:35, STARS: 0

While this is very true, I see a lot more Bro trucks than BroUV’s. Not counting the Wrangler, of course.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/10/2017 at 11:40, STARS: 0

It’s really nice fixing something for $50, or even free, instead of paying a shop/dealer hundreds of dollars. Even if you break something (I usually do) you typically still come out ahead. Plus you gain knowledge and satisfaction. It’s usually a win-win.

Kinja'd!!! "Wacko" (wacko--)
08/10/2017 at 12:08, STARS: 1

lifted wranglers, FJs, 4Runners... are all in a way Bro Trucks.

Kinja'd!!! "Spasoje" (Spasoje)
08/10/2017 at 14:49, STARS: 0

My hair grazes the headliner in a 3rd gen, while my dad can’t sit up straight at all!

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/10/2017 at 16:41, STARS: 0

I’ll allow it

Kinja'd!!! "gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee" (gogmorgo)
08/10/2017 at 18:42, STARS: 0

I moved all my belongings, including a fairly complete set of shop tools (3 ton floor jack and stands, engine crane, trans jack, air tools, hand tools, etc), and all my household stuff (admittedly college level furnished apartment volume) in my Niva. One trip. Admittedly there was barely room for the driver, let alone passengers. But I did it.

I also did the LeMons rally this winter with the plan to camp every night (didn’t happen, teammate wasn’t up for it but there was still gear for camping at -30 in NoDak), and enough tools to tackle almost every short of an engine swap, and could’ve had the back seat empty if I had packed for space use instead of gear/tool accessibility.

It would be tight but doable.

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/10/2017 at 19:07, STARS: 0

I moved my mini fridge, Mt. Bike, stereo, and all my other dorm shit in my Bug every year. I know it can be done, but I’d rather not do it again. lol

Kinja'd!!! "awmaster10" (awmaster10)
08/16/2017 at 22:08, STARS: 0

If you want to actually use it, you need to get something cheap. First or second gen montero you could pick up under $5k all day and actually use it as intended without feeling bad.

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Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/17/2017 at 00:14, STARS: 1

I would love to have a full blown rig like this but ideally, I would have something that could replace or supplement my daily. I would also like something reliable for road trips. This plan is a few years out though, who knows what will happen between now and then haha

Kinja'd!!! "awmaster10" (awmaster10)
08/17/2017 at 00:36, STARS: 0

Well at $5k you can just get a reliable daily too, but an all in one vehicle is nice too

Kinja'd!!! "SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
08/17/2017 at 11:27, STARS: 1

If I had parking I would probably have something like this already. I need to figure out a work from home scheme business plan so I can move to the CA central coast and buy land haha