Advice on potential first offroad/expedition vehicle
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Kaisen
Explorer
My F-150 has been the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned ...... I 've had almost a hundred vehicles (maybe more) cars, SUVs and trucks. Had a Ranger as well and it too was bullet proof...... but as to reliability my F-150 wins from experience
Well, that settles that argument!
mortonm
Expedition Leader
I would take a look at the first generation frontier/Xterra. They can usually be found quite a bit cheaper than their Toyota Tacoma/4runner cousins and are every bit as capable and reliable.
I have a 2001 Xterra that I bought nearly a couple years ago, and haven't had to do much other than the scheduled maintenance. This will be a factor on any used high mileage vehicle you buy though.
They can fit 32" tires stock (235/85R16 or 265/75R16) with only a little bit of trimming of the mudflaps in the front. A 2" lift will cost you less than $100, all you need is new, longer, shackles on the rear leafs and a few turns on the torsion bars to bring the front up.
The R50 pathfinders are also quite capable, but my knowledge on them isn't up to par with others, I will leave you with a couple of good build threads from the Nissan section of the site.
stioc 2001 R50 http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/82167-My-2001-Pathfinder-(R50-)-mild-budget-build
Allof75s 2002 R50 http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/84010-2002-Pathfinder-(R50)-Build-Thread-by-Allof75
Good luck with your decision any questions you have I would be more than willing to answer, my build thread for mine is in my signature
I have a 2001 Xterra that I bought nearly a couple years ago, and haven't had to do much other than the scheduled maintenance. This will be a factor on any used high mileage vehicle you buy though.
They can fit 32" tires stock (235/85R16 or 265/75R16) with only a little bit of trimming of the mudflaps in the front. A 2" lift will cost you less than $100, all you need is new, longer, shackles on the rear leafs and a few turns on the torsion bars to bring the front up.
The R50 pathfinders are also quite capable, but my knowledge on them isn't up to par with others, I will leave you with a couple of good build threads from the Nissan section of the site.
stioc 2001 R50 http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/82167-My-2001-Pathfinder-(R50-)-mild-budget-build
Allof75s 2002 R50 http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/84010-2002-Pathfinder-(R50)-Build-Thread-by-Allof75
Good luck with your decision any questions you have I would be more than willing to answer, my build thread for mine is in my signature
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LR Max
Local Oaf
First Gen Nissans are great. I drove one around for work. The V6 has good power. Not overabundant power, but good power. The cab is a great compromise between space and keeping the body compact. Truck was nimble.
If it is just 2 people + gear, it is a great truck. It can tow a small trailer ok. At 150k, that truck suffered from old truck issues, but after a new set of tires and replacing all the front suspension bushings, it was good to go again.
The 2nd gen Nissans are AWESOME. The power of the new V6 is GREAT and the 6 speed manual shifts like a dream. The truck is roomier and the back seat isn't that bad to ride around in. I'd look for a 2nd gen in a hearbeat. Also the Pro-4X is super cool.
If it is just 2 people + gear, it is a great truck. It can tow a small trailer ok. At 150k, that truck suffered from old truck issues, but after a new set of tires and replacing all the front suspension bushings, it was good to go again.
The 2nd gen Nissans are AWESOME. The power of the new V6 is GREAT and the 6 speed manual shifts like a dream. The truck is roomier and the back seat isn't that bad to ride around in. I'd look for a 2nd gen in a hearbeat. Also the Pro-4X is super cool.
X2 on Pathfinder, first gen, second ate more gas but was stronger. My first one pulled a 5,000 pound boat, probably not a good idea but it did fine and had trailer brakes. Loved the Pathy and was another bullet proof vehicle, maintenance was pricey, more so than my Ford but great as well. The F-150 still wins in my mind, it's a heavier build, not much difference on mpg either.
As others have mentioned, please yourself, there are lots of good vehicles and we all have our preference.
As others have mentioned, please yourself, there are lots of good vehicles and we all have our preference.
3/4 k2500. A lot came with the nv4500, a bullet proof transmission. (chevy or GM).
Second gen k5 blazer/jimmy also came with 465's. Some even behind diesels.
Dodge Ram, f150's all the lower trims had options for stick.
For what you want though, I'd stick with a SUV type. Having been through a K5, a burb, two pickups (reg cab and extended)..
Based up on what you want to do now... consider a Subaru Forester. (stick to the 2003+ though, the prior ones have head gasket issues that need to be dealt with every 50k, until they use the new 3 layer gasket).
Their affordable, reliable, and came in stick. (until 2014). Very capable off road, great fuel economy, can sleep in the back (with some adjustments), and very comfortable on road.
The Xterra isnt bad either (especially the second gen).
Second gen k5 blazer/jimmy also came with 465's. Some even behind diesels.
Dodge Ram, f150's all the lower trims had options for stick.
For what you want though, I'd stick with a SUV type. Having been through a K5, a burb, two pickups (reg cab and extended)..
Based up on what you want to do now... consider a Subaru Forester. (stick to the 2003+ though, the prior ones have head gasket issues that need to be dealt with every 50k, until they use the new 3 layer gasket).
Their affordable, reliable, and came in stick. (until 2014). Very capable off road, great fuel economy, can sleep in the back (with some adjustments), and very comfortable on road.
The Xterra isnt bad either (especially the second gen).