stioc
Expedition Leader
I find myself needing a do-it-all rig, as I'm sure there are many others in the same boat. Since there's really no such thing as a do-it-all rig I'll define what I consider a do-it-all rig.
Daily Driver considerations:
- No more than approx 10 years old (2002 +)
- Looks nice enough to drive to work/client/business etc
- Safe and comfortable enough to drive the family long distances
- Decent fuel mileage (around 18mpg+ on highway)
- Dependable and reliable
- Around $8-10k
Off-road capabilities:
- Minimum of 8" of ground clearance, preferrably 10"
- Part time 4wd
- Low range
- Optional locker or equivalent like VCT, Traction Control that helps stop the spinning wheel
- Be able to fit 31" tires without too much hassle
Yep, that should do it for me
So I started thinking about what trucks would fall into this category in 2012 and to my surprise I came up with several...
1. Nissan Xterra - the cheaper alternative to the overpriced 4Runners
2. Chevy Tahoe - Decent truck all around, dated interior but looks decent on the outside
3. 1st gen Kia Sorrento - the most overlooked truck that has lo-range and aftermarket locker available
4. Honda Pilot - ok ok, no low range or parttime 4wd but the IRS, VTM and VTC combined makes it a pretty decent soft-roader. The only big limitation is the factory ground clearance. On the flip side, it's one of the smoothest, quietest and easy to live with SUV on the market with tons of rear leg room and safety features.
5. Toyota Sequoia - another overlooked SUV next to the venerable LC 80s and 100s.
6. Jeep Liberty - I hear good things about it
7. Jeep GC - I hear quality and reliability issues about this one but not enough first hand knowledge to confirm or deny
What did I miss?
Daily Driver considerations:
- No more than approx 10 years old (2002 +)
- Looks nice enough to drive to work/client/business etc
- Safe and comfortable enough to drive the family long distances
- Decent fuel mileage (around 18mpg+ on highway)
- Dependable and reliable
- Around $8-10k
Off-road capabilities:
- Minimum of 8" of ground clearance, preferrably 10"
- Part time 4wd
- Low range
- Optional locker or equivalent like VCT, Traction Control that helps stop the spinning wheel
- Be able to fit 31" tires without too much hassle
Yep, that should do it for me
So I started thinking about what trucks would fall into this category in 2012 and to my surprise I came up with several...
1. Nissan Xterra - the cheaper alternative to the overpriced 4Runners
2. Chevy Tahoe - Decent truck all around, dated interior but looks decent on the outside
3. 1st gen Kia Sorrento - the most overlooked truck that has lo-range and aftermarket locker available
4. Honda Pilot - ok ok, no low range or parttime 4wd but the IRS, VTM and VTC combined makes it a pretty decent soft-roader. The only big limitation is the factory ground clearance. On the flip side, it's one of the smoothest, quietest and easy to live with SUV on the market with tons of rear leg room and safety features.
5. Toyota Sequoia - another overlooked SUV next to the venerable LC 80s and 100s.
6. Jeep Liberty - I hear good things about it
7. Jeep GC - I hear quality and reliability issues about this one but not enough first hand knowledge to confirm or deny
What did I miss?
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