XK or T4R? - New ExPo Rig Choices...

[vengeful]

It has come to be time to put the ole Pathfinder to pasture. I will be researching and looking for a new Expedition Rig over the next several months. As anyone who knows me will tell you, I am very very picky about a potential vehicle. I can continue to drive the Pathy until December when the registration runs out, but after that point, she's going to be decomissioned, as it is cost-prohibitive to make her pass inspection.

I have never been one to conform to "normals" in any sort of society. When I raced ITB Cars around the turn of the Millenium, I chose VW Rabbits to be different. When I decided to buy an SUV, I chose a Nissan Pathfinder, because they weren't a very common vehicle, and because I liked it. I am getting back into racing AutoCross, and I'm building an STS Mazda MX-3. There are currently ZERO MX-3s in the local SCCA Region. That in mind...

I have narrowed my choices to two very evenly matched vehicles, and I am calling on the expertise and knowledge of the ExPo community for insight as to which vehicle I should pursue.

1. 2006-2007 Jeep XK Commander Sport 4.7L V8 - Trail Rated

A very capable and comfortable vehicle. The stadium rear seating provides a good view of the road and terrain ahead, even for rear seat passengers. The available 3rd Row allows for transport of 7 people in some semblance of comfort. Remove the 3rd Row and there is gobs of cargo space. I really like the way they drive, and the seating position is good.

2. 2003-2006 Toyota 4Runner Sport V8

Another very capable and comfortable vehicle. Pretty evenly matched in available features and space as the Commander. Both vehicles have most of the same advantages, but the Commander wins in rear seat view. The 4Runner has a more comprehensive aftermarket than the Commander, but the market is growing for the XK.

One thing I like about the Commander over the 4Runner is you don't see them everywhere. I also like the exterior styling of the XK over the T4R a little bit, but I like the interior styling of the T4R better. The XK seems to have a more usable/modifiable dash setup, while the T4R seems to have a lot more factory integration available.

I'm kind of torn. Just want your opinions on both vehicles for use as Expedition rigs.

 

[Ryanmb21]

Here is a couple of trucks to check out:

http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1742&highlight=andries+rig

my personal fav:
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=100&highlight=total+chaos

 

[DaveInDenver]

It would bother me that Jeep is going to stop building the Commander soon.

 

[The Swiss]

I'll post a little bit more when I have more time. I have a Commander and I am in the process of trading it. One of the vehicles I considered to trade it for was the 4 Runner.

Between the 2, I would choose the 4 Runner for the following reasons:

• The XK is HEAVY (almost 5,000 lbs the XK, about 4,300 the 4 Runner)
• Milage is marginal, I have a very light foot and can't get it above 15.5 mpg mixed. (Compared to 20.5 I achieved in a rental 4 Runner SR5 4x4 zipping around Phoenix)
• Tank is too small; 19 gallons on the 2006, 21gallons on the 2007 and newer. (compared to 23 gallons of the 4 Runner)
• The luggage compartment is not that big, especially with the 3rd row seats folded (I replaced the 3rd row seats with a woodn box that holds all my stuff to create a flat surface again). The side trim bulges far into the area.

Other than that, the XK is a fantastic vehicle. Handles very well with the lift (2.5" Teraflex lift and 245/75-17 BFG AT tires) and is very capable off-road. Also faster driven logging roads no problem at all. Seats are good, seating position and ergonomics are good and the boys love the the stadium seating. The 3rd row however are suitable for kids up to maybe 12 and fellow human beeings you don't like. You should get some killer deals on Commanders, on the down-side, they don't hold value at all, which is not an issue if you plan on driving it until the wheels fall off.

Aftermarket is not that bad (not as good as the 4 Runner, but still) as suspension and engine wise, parts are interchangable with the WK. Build quality seems quite good, no rattles, squeeks or similar. If you lift it, carefull with the rubber boots on the front halfshafts; they are extremely poor quality and rip easily.

There is a Jeep Commander Forum http://www.jeepcommander.com/forums/index.php but you probably know that already.

Just my .02 cents for now.

 

[SunDvl]

Unfortunately, the Commander is being discontinued and with a limited build cycle, I don't see an abundance of aftermarket goodies in the future. Keep in mind with the 3rd row seat deployed in the Commander, you have poor rear visibility and extremely limited interior storage space.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

Unfortunately, the Commander is being discontinued

Seems like this would be a plus for him, given his choice to be different in a rare vehicle.

 

[TheGillz]

Used commanders still in factory warranties are going for 16-19k here in Idaho. That is a steep fall from New, but if you want a deal that's the way to go. No way I would buy one new.

 

[vengeful]

The only reason I would even fathom buying one new is: Employee Pricing Less $1500, Less any available rebates....plus Lifetime Powertrain Warranty...

But, even that isn't enough for me to accept a 56% loss in value in 2 years...

 

[vengeful]

Now, I'm not completely closed to other options, either. I've always liked the 100-Series cruisers, but the cost of one of those is insane.

I found one online that is equipped the way I would want, and with 105,000 miles, it was more money than a 2006 V8 Limited 4Runner with 26,000 miles.:shakin:

 

[madizell]

Go ahead and get the Commander. In a short time, you will have the only one around. There would have to be points for that.

Truthfully, I can't imagine the comparison. If you are thinking seriously of a Commander, why not look at a Suburban, Yukon, or Ford Expedition. They also have lots of room and get poor mileage, and you can find some used ones around town for good prices at the moment.

Or, if you must have an outstandingly different ride and want the interior space, look for an old FSJ. You will get better mileage from the old 360 V-8, and every now and then you will find one in good shape for very little money. They are under-rated as trail rigs.

 

[Skylinerider]

FWIW, we just bought a Commander. We've only had it a week, and it's my wifes vehicle, but I am very impressed by it. She didn't even want to test drive a Commander, but after we did, we came away with a totally different attitude about it. Now we've only had it a week, but I love the rear storage with the seats down, and the other night we went to a baseball game and i sat all the way in back, and while not super comfortable for me, it was fine, smaller folks and kids wouldn't mind it at all. For expedition use, I think it would be a great candidate. Put a 2 inch lift (or the 4 inch superlift) some bigger tires and it would be great.

 

[calamaridog]

Now, I'm not completely closed to other options, either. I've always liked the 100-Series cruisers, but the cost of one of those is insane.

I found one online that is equipped the way I would want, and with 105,000 miles, it was more money than a 2006 V8 Limited 4Runner with 26,000 miles.:shakin:

Gee wiz,

You can have mine for $12,000 obo. It even comes with a free winch

 

[jeepboyd]

if you want the commander try to find one with the quadra DRIVE II in it as it is almost like having lockers front and rear, i wheeled with a guy in a wj with the first gen quadra drive in it and it worked great , from what i understand the new set up is better , just a thought.

ps isn't toyota the company that donated 20,000,000 to the people that don't want us in the woods anyway.

 

[vengeful]

And just when I think I have it all figured out....

This gets thrown in the mix...:26_7_2:

Edit: It's not for sale, I'm just in love with it...

 

[calamaridog]

Mines for sale. I'll cut you a killer deal on it Enough to get a cool bumper like that:shakin: