"MIATAAAA" (miataaaa)
11/24/2013 at 12:58 • Filed to: 4X4, SUV, CAR BUYING
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25|
"MIATAAAA" (miataaaa)
11/24/2013 at 12:58 • Filed to: 4X4, SUV, CAR BUYING | 1
| 25 |
Hey Oppo!
I'm in the market for a new car. Can you help me with any suggestions?
Here are my requirements:
1. Manual transmission
2. 4X4 great at offroading/rock crawling.
I've come up with the following options:
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Nissan Xterra Pro-4X
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Question 1: Am I missing any cars that fit my 2 requirements?
Question 2: Of these options, are there any that I should throw out?
Thanks for any and all input!
E30Joe drives a Subaru
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 13:04 |
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My buddy had an FJ (total loss in a house fire, along with their Porsche) and that thing was a blast off road, really fun to rip around in, I'm sure a wrangler is equally as good, costs less, and has a removable top, but I grew attached to the FJ and it's tiny little windshield wipers, all three of them.
The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 13:04 |
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If you're willing to go used, my friend has an H3 in stick. I drove it and it is a blast. He's in northern CA and takes it off road fairly often.
KB Garage
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 13:15 |
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This is a really tough choice. You should probably decide if you want a removable top or not. Obviously I don't know where you live so don't know if you could take advantage of it. Just my opinion, I would go wrangler (only if 2012 or newer) or the FJ. Only my two cents.
Sincerely,
Some random guy on the internet.
Your boy, BJR
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 13:18 |
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FJ!
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MIATAAAA
> KB Garage
11/24/2013 at 13:20 |
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Why 2012 or newer?
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KB Garage
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 13:23 |
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The 3.8 in the 2007-2011 has some known issues. It's also incredibly underwhelming. The pentastar 3.6 they started using in 2012 is much more reliable and actually has some life to it. It's by no means a rocket. But if you did go with the wrangler, drive one of each and see what you think.
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MIATAAAA
> KB Garage
11/24/2013 at 13:24 |
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Thanks for the heads up! :)
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KB Garage
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 13:27 |
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Any time. If you decide to go older than 2007, you can't beat the 4.0L I6. It's pretty much bullet proof. From what I've seen there are several guys on here with Cherokees utilizing that power plant. I'd hit them up about any known issues. Happy hunting my friend.
Drsweetdik
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 13:40 |
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The Wrangler is the most "fun" vehicle I have ever owned. It is also the least "travel ready". Long trips pretty much suck. I use mine strictly for local use. On the plus side, ladies love the Wrangler!
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MIATAAAA
> Drsweetdik
11/24/2013 at 13:43 |
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Why are long trips bad in the Wrangler?
PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 13:48 |
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I'm biased to the Xterra. Stepdad had one till about 3 months ago. It's extremely competent on and off road. The 4.0 V6 under the hood is surprisingly potent, giving it a bit of a sleeper aspect. You can put 1000lbs of bricks and sand in the trunk, and still normally drive it!
The down sides are the Economy (stepdad's 08 SL was getting 15.4 MPG AVG) and back seat comfort (the tower of London in 1500 was a more comfortable place to be)
The front chairs are really comfy though...
BJ
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 13:53 |
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Since you didn't mention a budget: Toyota Land Cruiser
Look at used models to save a few bucks. Also check out the Lexus LX series (LX570, I think) - it's basically an identical vehicle from what I understand.
JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 13:54 |
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Might I suggest this:
Ford Raptor. Incredible off road capabilities and really badass.
If however, you are set on those three, something to keep in mind is that the FJ is being discontinued really soon. This means that dealers will be putting them on extreme markdown soon. So, if you can wait a bit, that might be a good bet.
If you enjoy putting the top down every once in a while and would like something you can make unique, get a Jeep. They have endless customizations.
The Xterra was always a favorite of mine. However, it is extremely outdated. hasn't had an update in over 6 years.
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MIATAAAA
> BJ
11/24/2013 at 13:55 |
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One of my two requirements is manual transmission, which the Land Cruiser doesn't have. Otherwise I'd be all-in!
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BJ
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 13:57 |
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D'OH! Stupid me.
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MIATAAAA
> BJ
11/24/2013 at 13:58 |
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No worries - still a great suggestion. :) Just not for my purposes.
I do love the Land Cruiser.
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MIATAAAA
> JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
11/24/2013 at 14:03 |
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You almost had me with the Raptor! But it looks like it doesn't come in manual transmission (my number 1 requirement).
Good call on waiting for the FJ. I'm leaning toward it. It's relatively reliable, has my two requirements, and has an iconic look.
I really like the fact that the Wrangler is a convertible. I'm just weary of it's spotty reliability. And, for it's price, it feels really cheap inside.
If the Xterra didn't look so lame, I would probably be 100% on board (though it also has spotty reliability, from what I've read).
cazzyodo
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 14:10 |
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This is a great question. I'm interested in what route you go because this is the exact question (and concerns) I plan on revisiting in a couple years. Good luck to you. Keep us posted.
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JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 14:21 |
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I never actually realized the Raptor couldn't have a manual. I thought a big off-road truck would have to have one.
The FJ is a solid truck. And the look is awesome on it.
The Jeep is horribly cheap inside. We ended up not getting one becuase we wanted a more refined ride. And certian things are bad on them like leaky roofs, but its a Jeep.
And I know the older Xtrerra had spotty reliabilty, but I didn't know the newer ones were bad as well.
NotACactus
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 14:35 |
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I've rode in an FJ a few times. Great city run-about, very quick and surprisingly nimble. The half rear doors aren't hard to use either. Also survived being crashed into by an old Volvo. The Volvo wasn't that lucky.
IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 14:36 |
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This seems like a really easy decision: wrangler.
DreaminShelby427
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 18:00 |
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My friend owns an Xterra. Loves it. Takes a beating and is still rocking. 5 years out in the cold in NYC and still no rust.
Sgt GAU-8 Gabe
> MIATAAAA
11/24/2013 at 21:43 |
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Back in 2010 I had the tough choice of deciding between a used FJ vs a 2005 6 speed Wrangler. I bounced alot of ideas with my better half. Honestly they are fun to drive in their own way. One of the deciding factors was the premium gas the FJ takes. I know I know they are both gas hogs and to be expected but over time that adds up for doing the same thing. Now that I have my Jeep. I am still happy 3 years later. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Im always trying to help people choose the right car.
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MIATAAAA
> Sgt GAU-8 Gabe
11/24/2013 at 22:06 |
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Have you had any problems with the Wrangler? I've heard the TJ's were pretty reliable. What model do you have? Does it have the Dana 44 axle?
Thanks!
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Sgt GAU-8 Gabe
> MIATAAAA
11/25/2013 at 02:36 |
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I bought it with 23K miles and now have 45K (I know not alot of miles due to deployments). When I bought there why zero upgrades and that made me happy. I have an no problems what so ever. I took care of every oil change myself but also since I has my Jeep in Germany there was no heavy offoading. It is amazing in the snow an I dont have the Dana 44. I have a 2005 TJ 4.0 liter, the "X" version which is everything needed option to make me happy a 6 speed and two doors! Im not going to get rid of her so I can upgrade things over time so far I have added few thing here and there. A lot of people are obsessed by the Rubi and not hate from me but I dont see me paying that extra or needing electronic lockers at this time in my life.