Help me Jalop!

"Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow" (chriskf) 01/20/2014 at 20:47 • Filed to: None

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So I've moved to Illinois, from Arizona, and am gonna be looking to replace my '05 4Runner (RWD). I want to get something that is 4WD, AWD, or FWD. I'm a big outdoor enthusiast, so whatever it is needs to be able to fit my fishing rods in it. Not that that's saying much, they were able to "fit" diagonally in my '00 Corolla. However, a wagon, SUV, truck, or crossover is preferential to a sedan; but I still want to Jalop! So I'm taking your suggestions on vehicles that will quench that thirst for that certain special automotive thrill that we all feel inside.

Summary of requirements:

4WD, AWD, or FWD
Adequate storage for outdoor gear(including fishing rods up to, and potentially over, 7' 6")
Reliable (this will be my DD and needs to get me to work too)
Manual (where possible)
Can easily be found in good shape (thinking under 80k miles)
That certain special something that we are all seeking in our drive

Budget: $20k'ish. I can go up to around $25k, if I wait longer and get a better down payment together.

Last note: I get supplier discounts on Ford, GM, Chrysler, VW, and Audi through my job. So that can potentially play in as a factor, although I've already explored most of those options. (I wish the diesel Canyons were out already!)

Any and all suggestions are appreciated!

THOMAS5 > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/20/2014 at 20:50

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1st gen audi allroad?

Pedro > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/20/2014 at 20:51

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Illinois huh? Me too.

Welcome first of all. Glad to see you came to Illinois just in time for 70mph speed limits.

I think the best bet would be to find a 4wd 4Runner. I personally think 4Runner's are pretty tough.

If you don't want a 4Runner, then try to find a manual transmission Nissan XTerra or Frontier. I drive the bigger Armada, and if those little ones are anything like it, then you're in for a world of fun.

That's it and enjoy it here. :)

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Pedro 01/20/2014 at 20:52

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Yeah, I was thinking another 4Runner (or maybe an FJ) would probably be the best bet. I love my Toyotas.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > THOMAS5 01/20/2014 at 20:53

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The allroad would be pretty awesome if I could find one in nice shape.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/20/2014 at 20:53

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Also, this place is fuckin' cold! lol

THOMAS5 > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/20/2014 at 20:57

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how about this

Leadbull > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/20/2014 at 21:02

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What part of IL?

Also, what about a Tacoma?

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > THOMAS5 01/20/2014 at 21:02

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If only it was the 6-speed. :(

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Leadbull 01/20/2014 at 21:07

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Libertyville.

Tacoma is definitely at the top of the list as well.

My main considerations are: 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Xterra, Frontier, Subaru (preferably Legacy Wagon or Forester XT, hesitant on WRXs because they are all modded and hooned), Mazdaspeed3, Volvo/Audi/BMW wagon.

Pedro > Pedro 01/20/2014 at 21:20

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Yeah well surprise! Today was actually one of the warmer days. You'll definitely enjoy tomorrow then lol.

I know if you look hard enough you might be able to find one of the Nissan's or a manual Tacoma new for your budget, but IL dealers are really bad at stocking manuals. That's just my 2 cents lol.

THOMAS5 > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/20/2014 at 21:23

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It's in Minneapolis but 6 speed

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > THOMAS5 01/20/2014 at 21:34

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Ooh, nice. Yeah, I'm gonna have to keep an eye out. I get to travel a little bit for work, so I'll have to tie that in with checking out some vehicles if I can. Luckily that travel revolved around visiting auto shops and parts distributors, so there's a good chance of finding people selling cars haha

Big Bubba Ray > THOMAS5 01/20/2014 at 22:01

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Audi Allroads are a bad idea! The maintenance cost on it will bleed your pockets dry in no time.

Big Bubba Ray > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/20/2014 at 22:03

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Subaru Outback XT because reliable, available in manual, decently quick, WAGON, enough ground clearance to get around well enough off pavement, AWD. Here's your next car.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Big Bubba Ray 01/20/2014 at 22:04

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You make a very strong case, sir. lol

Big Bubba Ray > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/20/2014 at 22:05

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haha, thank you! I've got an o5 Outback without the turbo :( but it is a five speed and plenty of fun nonetheless!

THOMAS5 > Big Bubba Ray 01/20/2014 at 22:07

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But this car is only half or his budget.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Big Bubba Ray 01/20/2014 at 22:14

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Definitely been bumped to the top of my list. Now, I just need to stumble across the right deal haha

ThatWillBuffOut > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 01/21/2014 at 08:34

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Nissan Xterra. Two of my friends got them just as temporary or winter beater vehicles and have fallen in love with them. With the manual transmission of course.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Pedro 01/21/2014 at 09:12

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Oh, I already got my indoctrination to the cold lol I drove in on January 1st when that huge snow storm was going on haha.

With a truck I'm ok with going automatic, if a good manual can't be found. It's just cars that I won't settle for anything less than 3 pedals.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > ThatWillBuffOut 01/21/2014 at 09:12

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I do like Xterras, just finding one with lower miles can be tough.