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

[doubleroses]

Man, you mean Mom-card. 4 of 5 LC's here are driven by kid-hauling moms.

Hahaha that's actually pretty accurate. My wife happens to be one of those! She drives the 2000 while I have my 94 for fun and my 06 as a DD. She won't touch my 94.

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[dstn2bdoa]

Any of these suggestions will work for you.

I've had many Subarus and they will take you almost anywhere. Sporting a Forester XT now. Our Xterra was awesome, best all around vehicle we've owned. 4X4 Suburban are dirt cheap, can carry the whole world and are pretty reliable. Find a good deal on something nice and don't look back.

 

[PirateMcGee]

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.

X2 the sports are really nice for the price

 

[Dmski]

I've owned both generations of xterras and my brother owns a 4th gen 4runner. Can't really go wrong and it more depends on your budget. The 1st gen Xterra is pretty bullet proof, although smaller and less powerful. The second gens are fantastic as well, but early automatics had faulty radiators which would kill transmissions (well documented and fixes are plentiful). Otherwise they are a solid platform to work with though aftermarket isn't as strong as a jeeps but I'd say is comprable to newer gen 4runners.

 

[lysol]

Do you like Wranglers? A decent 2008 JK Unlimited X model goes for in the teens. Will give you a decent 4WD setup without all the fancy drivetrain doodads and with a small lift, you could put a set of 32" Rubicon takeoffs for cheap.

 

[ZMagic97]

I saw Tahoe on your list: I highly recommend one. My Sierra and Silverado, 2006 and 2005 respectively, have both been great vehicles. No real issues with 130,000 miles and 153,000. I find the Tahoe to be the ideal all around vehicle for DD, comfort, reliability, price, and off road capabilities.

 

[Kevin108]

The cargo room in a Subaru is going to be a limiting factor. I'd look for something larger with the ability to securely mount things to the roof and with a real transfer case.

 

[ncbeachbum]

I've owned both generations of xterras and my brother owns a 4th gen 4runner. Can't really go wrong and it more depends on your budget. The 1st gen Xterra is pretty bullet proof, although smaller and less powerful. The second gens are fantastic as well, but early automatics had faulty radiators which would kill transmissions (well documented and fixes are plentiful). Otherwise they are a solid platform to work with though aftermarket isn't as strong as a jeeps but I'd say is comprable to newer gen 4runners.

We looked around this week. A 4th gen is what we decided on, now to find one. The Xterra and the FJ got good marks. The family gave 2 thumbs up to the Tahoe but it's more vehicle than we need. The 4R checks all of the boxes, I'll just have to plan on spending a bit more. Still tempted to look at a Tahoe but I drive a lot and the mpg savings for the 4R will be worth it.

I'm going to get the kids a Corolla to drive around in and will keep my 5 series as a DD until it croaks.

 

[nalledge]

If you are looking at 4th Gen - you might as well look at a GX470. You get a nicer interior, the V8 from the 100 series, and similar aftermarket support since it shares the 120 platform with the 4runner and FJ. There are a couple NC guys in the 120 section on IH8MUD that would second my suggestion and could tell you how the truck performs out in the OBX as well as the trails in Uwharrie.

 

[AdventureHare]

Can you please explain the Tahoe being "more vehicle than we need"?

The Tahoe is bigger, 6" in wheelbase, 5" wider, 9" longer, but the V8 fuel economy (2005 T4.7L:C5.3L) is a wash, 14/18:13/18, and the V6 isn't significantly better. I'm in the market for my first 4x4 and the Tahoe is really difficult to ignore. The minor fuel difference will be quick be eaten up by any replacement parts required. And I have known several people that have owned a GMT, and none have anything bad to say.

In my research and my opinion, the GX470 is so much more attractive than the 4G 4R: great visibility, comfort, barn-door, common components (as nalledge mentioned), and it's a Lexus (which is good given the differences in production). And given the fact that here (Seattle) the Toyota tax doesn't seem to apply to the GX, it's relatively the same price.

For me, I really like the idea of the Jeep WK 3.0L diesel. But just below that is a log jam of the GX, Tahoe, Commander, Liberty CRD, and 3G 4R. A lot depends on my wife as she will occasionally be driving my vehicle too (and she's not ready to go car shopping). There are a number of other possibilities, but that's my short list.

 

[p nut]

Can you please explain the Tahoe being "more vehicle than we need"?

The Tahoe is bigger, 6" in wheelbase, 5" wider, 9" longer, but the V8 fuel economy (2005 T4.7L:C5.3L) is a wash, 14/18:13/18, and the V6 isn't significantly better. I'm in the market for my first 4x4 and the Tahoe is really difficult to ignore. The minor fuel difference will be quick be eaten up by any replacement parts required. And I have known several people that have owned a GMT, and none have anything bad to say.

In my research and my opinion, the GX470 is so much more attractive than the 4G 4R: great visibility, comfort, barn-door, common components (as nalledge mentioned), and it's a Lexus (which is good given the differences in production). And given the fact that here (Seattle) the Toyota tax doesn't seem to apply to the GX, it's relatively the same price.

For me, I really like the idea of the Jeep WK 3.0L diesel. But just below that is a log jam of the GX, Tahoe, Commander, Liberty CRD, and 3G 4R. A lot depends on my wife as she will occasionally be driving my vehicle too (and she's not ready to go car shopping). There are a number of other possibilities, but that's my short list.

Tahoe will be a solid platform. Out of the ones you listed, I think that would be the most economical and comfortable option. Just understand the limitations of its size, and you'll be fine.

 

[ncbeachbum]

Can you please explain the Tahoe being "more vehicle than we need"?

For us, it's either 2 or 3 of us. Most of our trips it's my daughter and myself. I could probably hide all of my gear in a Tahoe though. If I can't find a suitable 4R that's what I'll end up looking at.

 

[Martinjmpr]

For us, it's either 2 or 3 of us. Most of our trips it's my daughter and myself. I could probably hide all of my gear in a Tahoe though. If I can't find a suitable 4R that's what I'll end up looking at.

.
A Tahoe is really only a little bit bigger than the 4runner. And whereas you will have to hunt to find a 4runner with a V8 (and pay a premium price for it), you can't find a Tahoe without a V8. Tahoe/Yukon also has a bigger gas tank which gives slightly longer range depending on your driving style. Not as easy to lift because the GMT800 and earlier Tahoes used torsion bar rather than coil spring front suspension, but on the plus side it's quite common to find a Tahoe with a rear auto locker (even my Suburban has one.) Look for the G80 code on the sticker in the glove box.
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The biggest difference size-wise is going to be width. Whether that's a factor depends on where you drive it.

 

[ncbeachbum]

I ended up with an Outback. MPG is nice, spacious enough for our gear. I'd not take it on the beaches of hatteras, but everywhere else is fair game so far.

 

[rayra]

There's a ton of room in a Tahoe for 4 people and it's fine for day trips with 6. We've used ours - both the current '05 and a '99 in the years before that - for all manner of trips and hauling and road trips, been very happy with it. Just the two of us now and two big dogs. Over a hundred cubic feet of cargo space with the 2nd row folded and 3rd row seats out. And the Suburban is 140cu'.
As pointed out above, they're only a few inches bigger in dimensions but seem to have a lot more cargo space.