Carb850
New member
I'm looking for some advice and input about a future purchase. Honestly I may be 9-12 months away from pulling the trigger but I want to do as much research and planning as I can in that time. Essentially I'm coming from zero offloading background. I currently drive an Accord but I want to start getting into some family tent camping trips which require more room than I currently have and I love the idea of some offroad adventures with like minded folks. The question I'm still debating is whether to keep the Accord and add a used off road truck/suv or sell my DD and get a nicer newer 4WD. I can make an argument for either and will likely not know for sure until it comes closer to the time to make a decision. The one thing I know is that I want a 4WD Toyota in the form of a 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Tacoma, or Tundra. If I go new I'm leaning toward a 4Runner TRD Offroad.
The real question comes in is what I would get if I went used and kept my Accord. I do not have an exact budget this early in the planning process but a $15K initial investment is in the ballpark. Anything I would get I would not go too wild of a build. I don't want something that stands out too much in my neighborhood. Also, while I had to admit it my mechanic abilities is rather limited. I have a great academic knowledge of cars and mechanics but I tend to struggle with the actual work. I used to own a Jeep Commander which I hoped to wheel but life changes had me sell before i got it Offload. Even with help, I was unable to get the OME struts installed, I had to take it to a mechanic. So that being said, I want the most reliable platform I can find.
If I was to look for a $15K (+) or (-) Toyota what would be my best bet for factory capability and reliability? I keep thinking about a Land Cruiser series 100 since I think they have craw control and center locking differential on many models but I do wonder if they are so sophisticated that they could cost a lot to keep running. If I opted for a used 4Runner in this price range I'm thinking it would likely not have a locking diff or crawl control making it less capable stock. BTW, I'd consider the Lexus LX or GX if the price is right but I'd assume they should cost more than their Toyota counterparts.
I'd like to what everyone thinks.
Thanks,
carb850
The real question comes in is what I would get if I went used and kept my Accord. I do not have an exact budget this early in the planning process but a $15K initial investment is in the ballpark. Anything I would get I would not go too wild of a build. I don't want something that stands out too much in my neighborhood. Also, while I had to admit it my mechanic abilities is rather limited. I have a great academic knowledge of cars and mechanics but I tend to struggle with the actual work. I used to own a Jeep Commander which I hoped to wheel but life changes had me sell before i got it Offload. Even with help, I was unable to get the OME struts installed, I had to take it to a mechanic. So that being said, I want the most reliable platform I can find.
If I was to look for a $15K (+) or (-) Toyota what would be my best bet for factory capability and reliability? I keep thinking about a Land Cruiser series 100 since I think they have craw control and center locking differential on many models but I do wonder if they are so sophisticated that they could cost a lot to keep running. If I opted for a used 4Runner in this price range I'm thinking it would likely not have a locking diff or crawl control making it less capable stock. BTW, I'd consider the Lexus LX or GX if the price is right but I'd assume they should cost more than their Toyota counterparts.
I'd like to what everyone thinks.
Thanks,
carb850