Vehicle for Outdoor Enthusiast

[alexrex20]

Why do I mention all this...

Because you like to thump your chest.

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[majormadmax]

Because you like to thump your chest.

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Ha ha! No shit!

Sorry, while capable a Subaru isn't going to be able to go where a Wrangler can. They are good for light offroading, but stray off the dirt road and risk getting stuck.

Despite some chest thumping, there really isn't a better offroad vehicle than a Jeep. If Rusty doesn't plan to get intonany serious situations, a Subaru will be fine; but I for one wouldn't risk it. Do the research, a Jeep is your best bet!

Cheers! M2

 

[Nullrejector]

I never said a Subaru could hang with a Wrangler.
I never said there was a better offroad vehicle than a Jeep.

 

[TheDan]

there really isn't a better offroad vehicle than a Jeep

Unimog

There's lots of different variations of "off-road" and I think even your average road car can be quite capable off-road. Hell, I've driven a Fiat Spider off-road. Fiat actually rally raced them in the 70's. Doesn't mean I'd consider a Fiat Spider an actual off-road vehicle. The reason why people talk Jeep so much, is because they are pretty much the standard. There are lots of various SUVs and trucks that can handle the same terrain, but they still get compared to Jeeps. My personal favorite is the '78-79 Broncos. Just dig the style of them... I kick myself quite often for selling mine

I used to have a Subaru when I lived in CO. Decent car that handled the loose stuff really well. It could go down many trails. My Bronco however, didn't need a trail at all.

 

[40Arpent]

there really isn't a better offroad vehicle than a Jeep.

Maybe from the perspective of the pure sport of offroading (and that's ignoring the fact that no OEM vehicle, "trail rated" Jeeps included, is bulletproof), but I think that part of what nullrejector was getting at is that there are other vehicles worthy of consideration depending on what the owner intends to use the vehicle for.

 

[RstyShcklfrd]

It really is a tough call. I can't really see myself wandering too far off of a trail into BFE, and getting something like a Tacoma or Forester stuck. But, then again... if it happened, I'd feel stupid.

 

[Acesn8's]

I've owned my FJ-40 since 1979 and it is a very capable 4X4

 

[TheDan]

I can't really see myself wandering too far off of a trail into BFE, and getting something like a Tacoma or Forester stuck. But, then again... if it happened, I'd feel stupid.

That's why you carry ramps, a shovel, a 2x2ft square of plywood, and a bumper jack

I've always been fond of Toyota trucks. They are quite capable...

 

[ZX9RCAM]

Great thread!
I tell myself I want a 4x4, but I never go off the road, lol.
I would like to have one for "just in case", but I don't think the perfect vehicle exists...

 

[alexrex20]

Or buy a Rubicon and leave all that stuff at home. Even a base Wrangler is more Jeep than most people need.

The key is knowing the limitations of whatever vehicle you choose.

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[alexrex20]

Great thread!
I tell myself I want a 4x4, but I never go off the road, lol.
I would like to have one for "just in case", but I don't think the perfect vehicle exists...

Jeep Commander or Grand Cherokee Overland with the CRD diesel. They're comfortable, presentable, extremely capable off road (with the QuadraDrive II) and get decent fuel economy with the diesel. And they're still quite quick and can tow a decent size trailer.

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[majormadmax]

Maybe from the perspective of the pure sport of offroading (and that's ignoring the fact that no OEM vehicle, "trail rated" Jeeps included, is bulletproof), but I think that part of what nullrejector was getting at is that there are other vehicles worthy of consideration depending on what the owner intends to use the vehicle for.

I don't disagree, there are several offroad vehicles on par with the Jeep such as the above pictured FJ40 or even several Land Rover models such as Defender; but in this country your best bet for the best and most affordable, as well as the easiest to modify, vehicle a person could buy, is the Jeep Wrangler!

 

[Mexican_Hippie]

You know, it's kinda like shooting. If you're adept at driving off road, and do it often, then you can get through more challenging situations with less gear/vehicle.

Also like carrying, if funds are limited and you can only buy one then its prudent to spend money on whats gonna work for 90% of time, not the other 10%.

 

[40Arpent]

I don't disagree, there are several offroad vehicles on par with the Jeep such as the above pictured FJ40 or even several Land Rover models such as Defender; but in this country your best bet for the best and most affordable, as well as the easiest to modify, vehicle a person could buy, is the Jeep Wrangler!

Again, you are talking about the sport of offroading. I dont see your Wrangler, or any other current US model of Jeep, coming close to suiting my offroad needs.

 

[RstyShcklfrd]

In the end, I find myself torn between the Toyota Tacoma, Subaru Forester, and a full size Truck(the big 3, I'm a fan of all their new models).

The Tacoma and the Forester are REALLY neck and neck. Full-size Truck, not so much, but it's there.

 

[Nullrejector]

Other than the obvious comfort and space advantages, why would you want a fullsize truck vs. the Tacoma?

 

[RstyShcklfrd]

Exactly that. The poor MPG, albeit not much worse, is what's really keeping me from it.

 

[RstyShcklfrd]

I'm actually going to go look at a Tacoma on Saturday. My dad is trying to help me find a deal, as he knows a couple of people, so we'll see what happens.

 

[Nullrejector]

I don't think you'll get much difference in mileage. My '04 Chevy 4x4 had the 5.3 engine with 3.73 gears, and some all-terrain tires...and it managed 19 on the highway. I don't think the Fords and Dodges around that time could manage quite that good. What years are you looking at?

 

[RstyShcklfrd]

For full-size trucks? As new as I can afford. - and that pretty much is going for all the vehicles I'm looking at.