Lurker getting more serious: Need help deciding on a Rig

[JJBiggs]

Hey folks...

Long time outdoor nut and former FJ Cruiser owner. I am based in the Southeast (Around Atlanta, GA). I have been lurking on here just drooling over the rigs and the setups. My wife and I got rid of the Fj due to the lack of 4-doors. Loved the truck, hated the 3rd door thing. With kids it was a PITA.

Soo...here I am today. I have been looking at the following rigs:

2009 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon
2008/09 Toyota Tacoma TRD OffRoad Dbl cab
2007-2008 Toyota 4Runner Sport V8 Offroad
2009 Nissan Xterra OffRoad

I just drove the Jeep this morning. I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised. I did not know that the Rubicon had so many options for offroad. Lotsa room to boot.

So out of the list I have, what is the best to start with? I'd like the towing capability. So that narrows the field a bit. But given how much fun the Jeep was, I may compromise. Given the factors of reliability, capability, comfort, and storage...how would you rate my list? I am always glad to hear input from those who own them. It's one reason why there is not a Land Rover on the list. I was considering an LR3, but after reading all the horror stories about the cost to repair and the frequency of repair, I have decided to go a different route.

Looking forward to the input. Thanks...

cheers, :wavey:
Biggs...

 

[Martinjmpr]

The 4runner would probably be closest to your FJC in terms of ability, since it's built on the same chassis. Be aware that the V8 gets you full time 4wd whether you want it or not. Personally I like being able to turn off the 4wd but that's just me.

The Jeep would probably be the most capable, but I can't believe it's a very good towing platform. What are you pulling, a boat or heavy travel trailer? If so I think you should probably cross the Xterra and V6 Taco off your list, too.

Of course, if a V6 Taco can pull what you need to pull, then there's no reason a V6 4runner can't, since it's the same engine. If your FJC could tow what you needed to tow, then you can get a 4runner set up pretty much the same way with the V6, auto, part time/full time 4wd, etc. Plus with the 4runner you get things like the hill descent control and interior climate control, which you don't get with the Xterra nor the Taco, I believe.

Have you considered the Jeep Grand Cherokee? With the V8 that might give you the towing power you need. Don't know much about them but I sure see a lot of them around.

 

[JJBiggs]

The 4runner would probably be closest to your FJC in terms of ability, since it's built on the same chassis. Be aware that the V8 gets you full time 4wd whether you want it or not. Personally I like being able to turn off the 4wd but that's just me.

The Jeep would probably be the most capable, but I can't believe it's a very good towing platform. What are you pulling, a boat or heavy travel trailer? If so I think you should probably cross the Xterra and V6 Taco off your list, too.

Of course, if a V6 Taco can pull what you need to pull, then there's no reason a V6 4runner can't, since it's the same engine. If your FJC could tow what you needed to tow, then you can get a 4runner set up pretty much the same way with the V6, auto, part time/full time 4wd, etc. Plus with the 4runner you get things like the hill descent control and interior climate control, which you don't get with the Xterra nor the Taco, I believe.

Have you considered the Jeep Grand Cherokee? With the V8 that might give you the towing power you need. Don't know much about them but I sure see a lot of them around.

Thanks for the feedback Martin. The Jeep Unlimited is rated at 3500# or so. Towing will be mainly for an overland trailer or camper possibly a boat in the future. I was considering possibly towing my weekend track car to the race tracks...maybe...(kinda on the fence about this.)

For some reason, the Grand Cherokee has never really appealed to me. Also, the interior room is lacking for me and my wife (we are both quite tall). I was really surprised by the room the JK has. Not to mention the fun factor.

4Runner: I prefer to be able to switch off the 4WD as well. I did not know that the drive system on the V8 was full time. That's a downer. FWIW- I liked the FJ's capability, but not the function of the styling...

Thanks, I appreciate the comments.

 

[78Bronco]

I've never been a fan of V6 engines in general. They have to rev to get any decent power from them. Jeep should have built a new inline6 for the JK or offered the Mercedes Diesel. Do not touch an LR without some sort of warranty. The electrics are crap. Xterra is over priced for what you get.

For a lot less money you could get a real nice used Land Cruiser. Just a suggestion.

 

[JJBiggs]

I've never been a fan of V6 engines in general. They have to rev to get any decent power from them. Jeep should have built a new inline6 for the JK or offered the Mercedes Diesel. Do not touch an LR without some sort of warranty. The electrics are crap. Xterra is over priced for what you get.

For a lot less money you could get a real nice used Land Cruiser. Just a suggestion.

Agreed. I've thought about the Land Cruiser. But, finding one (a good one) around the Atlanta area is a whole other problem.

C.

 

[zukrider]

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/ctd/1323540665.html

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/ctd/1321458641.html

here is a few!

 

[off.track]

X OR is an excellent vehicle. very capable.

 

[StumpXJ]

Sounds like you have already made your decision, and if you have clearance from the tower, go ahead and pull the trigger on the Rubicon.

I think you would be able to sell the rubicon easily with the least amount of loss compared to the others if it doesnt work out.

Welcome to the portal. Hope to meet you at an ATL meet and greet sometime.

~James

 

[JJBiggs]

Sounds like you have already made your decision, and if you have clearance from the tower, go ahead and pull the trigger on the Rubicon.

I think you would be able to sell the rubicon easily with the least amount of loss compared to the others if it doesnt work out.

Welcome to the portal. Hope to meet you at an ATL meet and greet sometime.

~James

Hi James... Thanks for the input. I am still a bit on the fence with either the Taco or the Rubicon. The Taco still has my attention due to its capability and storage possibilities...

Definitely looking forward to meeting the local folks and getting the plans up to speed.:victory:

Biggs