Time to start shopping for a new (to me) vehicle...looking for your thoughts/suggestions!

[ExplorerTom]

Go full size. With a family of 4..... squeezing them into an XJ for an extended period of time....... do you not like them? And kids have a bad habit of not getting any smaller as they get older.

I have an Explorer (very similar to an XJ) and an Expedition (I call it the "super Explorer"). Both are used for offroad camping duties. Guess which one gets called up when it's more than just me going on a trip. It's the same one that has also been driven to both coasts of the highway.

Focus your "build" on interior organization and storage (i.e. Drawers). From the sound of it, any stock 4wd vehicle will be more than adequate of handling your terrain. Maybe put just enough of a lift to fit some +1 or +2 sized tires.

Full size. You'll thank me later.

 

[slowtwitch]

Also, the 'Toyota tax' is a thing of the past. Tundras are very competitive price wise with other options out there. They are behind the curve with engines, mileage, interior dodads, and drivetrain, BUT they are solid as hell, trouble free as can be expected, and enjoy good resale.

 

[ultraclyde]

At least here in the southeast, The Toyota tax is very much in effect on 4Runners, Tacomas, and Cruisers but the full size Tundra and Sequoia miss it. For a family of four I'd be looking for a Sequoia for sure.

I have a ZJ Grand Cherokee, which was basically a slightly larger XJ with a lot of luxury crap that breaks and a V8. There's enough room for me and the missus and a dog, but there's no way I'd be comfortable in it if we had kids. The XJs are even smaller inside. Having said that, I love the damn thing. As long as you have room and knowledge to do your own repairs, the XJ, ZJ, and 6 cyl WJ are a cheap and capable entry point. Plan on driving south for one (they rust badly), plan on rebuilding the suspension, and plan on buying a trailer if you go that way though.

 

[thebmrust]

I’d seriously look at @rayra ’s Tahoe. Good maintenance and history.

 

[rayra]

Thanks, but sold it to an ExPo member already, on Halloween

 

[zerodrift]

Montero is the best bang forthe buck you are going to get. They are very capable right out of the box. The 2003+ trim has a really good traction control system much like what you get with the newer 4Runners. Take a look at the video to see a stock '03 Montero tackle some terrain.


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