Looking for a DD/Expo vehicle

[Cadavern]

So basically, I’m looking for a decent overlander I can mod a bit and daily drive around Dallas, Tx. Something
3rd/4th gen 4Runner
1st gen Sequoia
GX470 (seems out of my range as well as awful MPG for DD)
Isuzu trooper
LR3
2nd/3rd gen montero
XJ?

Any advice would be great!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Exploring the outdoors]

You can't go wrong with any of those models you mentioned. But I really think that for the money, the Montero is an amazing platform to build. Check out a walk-around I recently film on this Montero.

 

[Cadavern]

You can't go wrong with any of those models you mentioned. But I really think that for the money, the Montero is an amazing platform to build. Check out a walk-around I recently film on this Montero.

My main worry is ground clearance. I don’t believe they can be lifted. What out of the others are worth? I see some decent 4runners, but all near 200k miles while the Troopers I’ve seen are at 120k and monteros the same.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bkg]

that's a wide range of vehicles you listed...

Can you share any addition personal requirements?

 

[DaveInDenver]

On that list I'd go 4th gen 4Runner. Haven't achieved silly cult status like the 3rd gen 4Runner and there's still values to be found, lowish miles, decent shape family cars.

The only question I have with the Sequioa, Trooper and Montero are aftermarket. The flip side of Toyota 4Runner/GX/Cruiser/Hilux/Tacoma cult ecosystem is there is everything under the sun for them and a lot of people to ask for advice. Sometimes you even get good advice.

Both Isuzu and Mitsubishi make fine vehicles, although I doubt there's any factory better than Toyota's Tahara at making mass produced trucks.

 

[Porkchopexpress]

I think it's best to be open minded when shopping used vehicles. Unless you are willing to wait for the right deal, you might come across a great deal on your second choice model but only overpriced examples of your first choice. Also, I agree that you are more likely to find a clean Montero than 4runner for the money and you will definitely pay a premium for the XJ.

 

[Exploring the outdoors]

My main worry is ground clearance. I don’t believe they can be lifted. What out of the others are worth? I see some decent 4runners, but all near 200k miles while the Troopers I’ve seen are at 120k and monteros the same.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The Montero can be lifted. By using Dobinson's IMS lift. This one on the video has a 2'' lift using this suspension:

Dobinsons Direct

Dobinsons Direct

www.dobinsonsdirect.com

 

[Cadavern]

On that list I'd go 4th gen 4Runner. Haven't achieved silly cult status like the 3rd gen 4Runner and there's still values to be found, lowish miles, decent shape family cars.

The only question I have with the Sequioa, Trooper and Montero are aftermarket. The flip side of Toyota 4Runner/GX/Cruiser/Hilux/Tacoma cult ecosystem is there is everything under the sun for them and a lot of people to ask for advice. Sometimes you even get good advice.

Both Isuzu and Mitsubishi make fine vehicles, although I doubt there's any factory better than Toyota's Tahara at making mass produced trucks.

What should the cutoff be for miles if I’m looking at 4runners? Of course factoring in that they’ve been maintained properly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Cadavern]

that's a wide range of vehicles you listed...

Can you share any addition personal requirements?

Big enough cargo to fit my huge frame and my girlfriend who is considerably tinier than me. Decent aftermarket, reliability, competent off road but also is at least moderately decent as a daily driver. I’ll be doing everything besides rock crawling, so it’ll be more than just fire roads.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[zelseman]

Do you have a price range? What is considered good mileage. Our GX is a ball to drive and gets 16mpg in the city and around 20-22 on the highway which seems as good as the v6 runner.

 

[Cadavern]

Do you have a price range? What is considered good mileage. Our GX is a ball to drive and gets 16mpg in the city and around 20-22 on the highway which seems as good as the v6 runner.

Yeah <$10k and hopefully <200k miles if a Lexus or a Toyota.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[pcstockton]

3rd gen 4rnr

 

[zelseman]

Yeah <$10k and hopefully <200k miles if a Lexus or a Toyota.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

In that case, GX for sure. We bought our 06, non-nav, with 145,000 miles on it for 10,700 and it was second owner and is nearly flawless.

 

[Cadavern]

In that case, GX for sure. We bought our 06, non-nav, with 145,000 miles on it for 10,700 and it was second owner and is nearly flawless.

The problem with them is anything under $10k have roughly 200k miles


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Smileyshaun]

May be the area you live but I can find a gx470 with lower miles and in better shape for cheaper than a 4 runner . Picked up the fiancé 03 with 128k on the clock for 10k . And a plus side to a Lexus IS they are usually well taken care of and maintained regularly.