Recommendations for a semi DD that can double as an expo rig?

[ncbeachbum]

I've just started looking for a general purpose vehicle that I can use for camping, hauling kayaks/SUP/surfboards, as well as road trips. I don't see myself needing a RTT as I have a regular tent with an airbed that we use heavily. I SUP and kayak a lot and this vehicle will help me haul the gear to the lake (10 min to 2 hours away). We'll be doing road trips in it too, 1500 mile RT 4 or 5 times/year. The ability to drive on sand (Frisco, NC) is important as my fave beach spot requires 4x4 and a drive. A vehicle that is comfortable would make the mrs happy. I have a DD that I can use, this will also get me to work a few days/wk.

On my list:

• Tahoe
• 4Runner
• Pathfinder (not the unibody ones)
• Xterra
• Explorer

I like 4Rs but the ones near me all have 200k on the clock and are going for mid teens still. Tahoes are less, but that might be a bit big for the 2 (and sometimes 3) of us. Pathys might work, not too big and they have decent creature comforts. XTerra are an option, though I've never driven one. Explorers are all over the place here. I've looked at LCs and I can't stand behind mpg in the low teens, esp if I'm having to drive 1500 miles.

Ideas? Vehicles to avoid?

TIA.

 

[doubleroses]

Have you looked at the 100 Series Land Cruisers?

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[ncbeachbum]

Have you looked at the 100 Series Land Cruisers?

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Coworker had one. I love them but it's a bit more than I need. Local trails I'd be driving on are just FS gravel roads that my DD can mostly handle with a few "oh #%$#%" moments.

 

[WyoCherokee]

Xterras are nice. rather compact storage wise, but nice out of the box off road rigs.

 

[As Scooter]

I found the Xterras rattle and are noisy. I ended up with a wrangler, because overall I found it more quiet and solid.

 

[comptiger5000]

I'd add Grand Cherokees to that list too. And the first and 2nd gen ones are solid front axle, so they're fairly cheap and easy to build / modify if desired. The interiors are pretty comfy (and decently put together) too, at least on the nicer optioned ones. In terms of cost to buy them, they're not worth their weight in dirt anymore, as there's tons of them out there and they're too old for the yuppie soccer moms now.

 

[BEG]

Look at Monteros. The full-size versions are comparable to LC and very capable. Sports are an even better value if you're looking at Xterras.

 

[XJLI]

Coworker had one. I love them but it's a bit more than I need. Local trails I'd be driving on are just FS gravel roads that my DD can mostly handle with a few "oh #%$#%" moments.

Subaru.

 

[Zemiller]

Lexus GX470. Just bought one myself because it was the same price as the 4Rs in my area but with half the miles. Really liking this vehicle.
The Toyota platform is hard to beat for DD and exploring duties. A friend has an Xterra and it has been extremely reliable as well.
I've owned a couple Grand Cherokees, both first and second gen. The first gen was trouble free for the few years I owned it. The 3 second gens have been electrical nightmares. Easy to work on and gets parts for but I don't trust mine to get me home every time.

On that note, if forest service roads are the worst you'll see, a Subaru might be a great option as well.

 

[freshlikesushi]

The fact that you arent looking at Outback/Forester is astonishing.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Tahoes are only slightly larger than 4runners with a bigger engine. I was a die-hard "mid sized" driver for many years (85 Toyota 4x4 PU, 1990 Montero, 1999 Ranger, 2004 Taco, 1999 4runner and 2007 4runner) and I finally came to the conclusion that I was no longer going to accept the limitations of a mid sized vehicle when a full sized vehicle offers a much larger space and capability for only a slight increase in fuel consumption. I ended up in a Suburban, which would be overkill for you (although the main selling point of the Suburban to me was the 31 gallon fuel tank vs. the 26 gallons in the Tahoe) but something in the Tahoe/Expedition size class would probably do what you need and can be found relatively cheap.

 

[ncbeachbum]

The fact that you arent looking at Outback/Forester is astonishing.

Not trusting either on Hatteras mid summer when that sand turns to sugar. If I didn't have to deal with the sand then I'd be in an Outback already.

 

[doubleroses]

Look up the Forester AWD system on youtube. I watched a video where they compared it to similar vehicles with AWD systems and the Foresters AWD system was awesome. There is also a video of someone taking one all over Ouray, CO too.

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[freshlikesushi]

Not trusting either on Hatteras mid summer when that sand turns to sugar. If I didn't have to deal with the sand then I'd be in an Outback already.

Obviously you have no idea what you are doing then....

 

[pittsburgh]

Out of your list my vote is the Xterra, lots of accessories available, seems like a solid platform and with what you want to do a stock set up with some storage accessories and you are probably ready to go. I currently drive a 2015 Tacoma DCSB and it is a great daily driver with tons of potential.