Sad Day For My F150 :( Need Huge Advice

[Ala5ka]

So I currently have a 2002 F150 FX4, and I love it for a DD...but not so much as an adventure rig. I know that it could be capable, and it is pretty fun for camping out of, but I believe that 10-11mpg is not feasible for a truck that is too small to tow,and too large to fit on trails. I want to trade my rig for something more capable, reliable, and I can go more distance for less money. So my question is what type of vehicle should I get and for what reason? I hope to trade my truck for one of equal or lesser value KBB $9300. I'm teetering between Toyota, Jeep, or...? What Make and years should I be looking for. I know what kind options I want which would be a slight (very slight) lift, rear locker, trail protection, recovery gear, lights and the other fun yet mild stuff. All makes, models, years are welcome...woo me with your toys I'm happy for all info.

 

[CA-RJ]

Do you want a truck or an SUV? What do you consider good fuel mileage? How many people will travel with you?

 

[Ala5ka]

I'm not dead set on either a truck or SUV, good fuel mileage is something that is above my current 13mpg tops, I travel usually with me and my girlfriend, and sometimes a couple others for rugby games. Four seats would be ideal.

 

[theicecreampeople]

if i was you i would look into a 4 door tacoma ..seems to fit your bill..i have a f250 that i wont sell love that truck..lol..but i wanted somthing smaller and didnt want 2 trucks so i got the fj ,but if could only have one ,iwould go for the 4 door tacoma..there are some sweet builds in the toyota section ..belive me you will miss your truck bed if you get a suv...

 

[sxharr05]

if i was you i would look into a 4 door tacoma ..seems to fit your bill..i have a f250 that i wont sell love that truck..lol..but i wanted somthing smaller and didnt want 2 trucks so i got the fj ,but if could only have one ,iwould go for the 4 door tacoma..there are some sweet builds in the toyota section ..belive me you will miss your truck bed if you get a suv...

Sounds like a win to me. Factor in everything mentioned plus Toyota reliability and aftermarket support.........Had I known I'd end up here four years ago I would've gone this route myself.

 

[Ala5ka]

That's what I have been thinking, what year is the best? What should I I be looking for in suspension and options?

 

[CA-RJ]

What kind of terrain will you be in? A stock Tacoma is very capable, especially when equipped with a good set of tires. The less you do to it, the less you will affect the fuel mileage.

 

[Ala5ka]

I want to be doing light to medium trails, very narrow trails, desert, woods, just light things to go camping and self sustained travel. I want something that will be reliable, bullet proof, and not too nice to get dirty and scratched up, I just feel bad about offroading my gloss black F-150

 

[Ala5ka]

I like the Taco that Sierra Expeditions has but I can't afford that one, and he won't want to trade

 

[Rot Box]

10-11mpg?! That just doesn't seem right to me... Is that typical mileage for that body style Ford? I think a gear swap would help you a lot. Try to figure out what RPM you're motor builds its peak torque and see if your cruising speed is anywhere near that rpm.

That said if I traded up my F350 it would be for a Tacoma or 96 and newer 4runner and not likely anything else.

 

[mtnbike28]

01-04 Taco

Because you say very tight trails, I think you want the 01-04 double cab Tacoma. I have seen them lately for less than 10k with under 150k miles.

The TRD version has a rear locker (make sure it works)
A OME lift is ~$1,000, ARB bumper used $500

I think that would fit all your requests. That is how my truck is now and I avg 17mpg in the summer and 16 in the winter with lots of mixed driving (maybe more city) I can get 19 on the highway, but really have to slow (read speed limit) to do it.

I towed my trailer this past summer all over the east coast and averaged 14 while towing and fully loaded with 3, 4, and 5 people.

hth

 

[Silverado]

2005-06 Jeep Liberty Diesel? :sombrero: