Top 10 Used Overland Vehicles: Do you agree?

[kjp1969]

Really, if you're talking about North America, you'd be a fool to completely rule out Big Three fullsize trucks.

There will be another list for vehicles that will take a camper, etc. I mention that in the article. . .

That was an impolite way for me to make my point- my apologies for the "fool" reference. Here I tout civility and courtesy and then blurt out something like that. . .

What I meant was, there's something to be said for drinking the local brew, namely in price point, repairs and parts availability. I'm a car guy in every way and I totally respect the desire to drive something simply because it speaks to you (Unimog, Series Land Rover, Etc), but its equally valid and perhaps more sensible to explore the great beyond in something cheap and common.

 

[Paladin]

The Compass is the same vehicle as the Patriot. The only significant difference I can see is the transmission/Xfer. Pretty easy to mix them up.

Isn't the F150 sold just about everywhere? Seems going around the world in an older F-150 with the 302 and a 4R75W transmission wouldn't be a bad way to go.

 

[Pskhaat]

What year...I bet its an early iteration which had issues with head gaskets, right (same as the 80 series)?

Scott's LC80 is a 1997 (last year) and mine is a 1996. Both of which had HG failure. I've never been convinced the HG LC80 problems had anything to do with date of manufacture. Honestly, I'm surprised there's no class action against Toyota on it (into which I'd happily become a party).

 

[reece146]

Honestly, I'm surprised there's no class action against Toyota on it (into which I'd happily become a party).

This is what happens when you drink the Toyota Kool-Aid and get really smug about the marque you are driving..

 

[bigwapitijohnny]

Any choice is a compromise...

I have begun to consider my next platform change because of my trip last weekend. I participated in the Central Overland rally with my 10 year old, and I had an epiphany. Actually, it was the brutal realization that my 3rd generation 4runner was and is somewhat underpowered when towing. Towing my Sherpa II loaded (10 gallons fuel / 15 gallons water / RTT / Engel 45 / 2 AGM battery system / gear for 2 people) through some of the tortuous highways in N. Arkansas proved to be difficult at times. I can only imagine the trouble I would have had if I were in Colorado...It is not that big of a deal while in the flat state of Kansas.

My 5 year plan is to take my family and hit as many National Parks out west that I can. I have realized that the 4runner will be fine for local backcountry adventures, but not anything out west.

Currently, my wife drives an '04 Sequoia (4.7L iForce V8). I have towed the Sherpa with this rig, and the extra power and room is much welcomed.

Initially, I approached this platform dilemma with several ideas:

1) 'Take over' the Sequoia and build it for overlanding ~ buy my wife a new SUV.

2) Place a supercharger on the 4runner ~ 167K miles...Deal with ALL issues with tuning the supercharger.

3) Buy an '08 or newer Tundra ~ deal with the size of this vehicle on the trail...

4) Buy an 100 series land cruiser...Deal with the low fuel economy...

5) Buy an '10 4runner...See if my family of 4 would fit with all our gear...

All options have their pros and cons, and I realize that my vehicle choice is dependent upon terrain and needs. I have concluded that any choice is a compromise, it is just about picking the one that is right for you.

Talked to Slee Offroad the other day, and I am leaning towards the 100 series Land Cruiser. The gas mileage seemed to be a deal breaker, however, my 4runner is averaging 13-15 miles per gallon now. I don't think that gas mileage is going to be that much different than what I am used to now. I would love the bigger engine and the overall increased room. I'll keep all of you posted on the progress...

Scott ~ thanks for this list...This helps me acquire the needed information to make an informed decision.

Regards,

BWJ

 

[Viggen]

Scott's LC80 is a 1997 (last year) and mine is a 1996. Both of which had HG failure. I've never been convinced the HG LC80 problems had anything to do with date of manufacture. Honestly, I'm surprised there's no class action against Toyota on it (into which I'd happily become a party).

I was talking about the known Subaru HG issues but the LC80 issues are pretty widely known too. Subaru redesigned them to fix the issue though

 

[Viggen]

My 5 year plan is to take my family and hit as many National Parks out west that I can. I have realized that the 4runner will be fine for local backcountry adventures, but not anything out west.

Im taking my naturally apsirated, 3.4 L diesel powered, fully built 60 from Va to Colorado for two weeks. You dont know what slow is.

 

[Bill Beers]

...
Here is a list of countries with operational Mercedes dealerships with service support:
Albania
...
Yemen

What? No Vanuatu? :sombrero:

 

[NOMADIC_LJ]

Man, some of you guys are getting so butthurt cause your junk wasn't on this list.

Do you really need validation for what you drive? Why not just enjoy what you have instead of trying to convince others.

 

[Pskhaat]

 

[Bill Beers]

Man, some of you guys are getting so butthurt cause your junk wasn't on this list.

Do you really need validation for what you drive? Why not just enjoy what you have instead of trying to convince others.

In fairness, the title of this thread is "Top 10 Used Overland Vehicles: Do you agree?" The question invites the discussion.

 

[Scott Brady]

If there is an importer, there would have to be a dealer or two, right?

No. I have never seen a Subaru dealership in a developing country - ever.

A Mercedes dealership is in nearly every major city in nearly every country of the world. As a G-Wagon owner or sedan owner, you could get towed there and have a support network, logistics, location to have parts shipped, mechanics familiar with the brand to work on it (if desired), etc.

It was impressive how many Suzuki dealerships there are in the world too. That was part of our motivation for picking the Jimny for our last big trip.

I am not saying the Subaru is a bad car, just not the right car to head off to some distant land in.

 

[SWITAWI]

On the FJ Cruiser, your description above is why they did not make the list. Same chassis and essentially the same drivetrain, but I find the 4Runner to be a better and more usable/refined vehicle overall. Again, just one man's opinion:ylsmoke:

As an FJ owner and daily driver I must agree. An excellent overlanding vehicle should have more usable interior room than an FJ does. The capabilities of the vehicle are definitely not in question, but I'd want a trailer for extra supplies & storage if I was seriously going off grid for a month. My feelings weren't hurt by the exclusion of 'my' vehicle.

On a side note, where are the diesels? I think this is simply a reflection of the North American market. I would love to have a Prado-derived diesel in my FJ, and I sincerely hope Jeep does bring the CRDs back as has been recently reported. My only real head-scratching moment was about the E-Class wagon and the Patriot... overlanding, not over-roading or over-pavementing, right? The vehicles on this list should be able to do it all. At least the Patriot's picture was somewhat convincing, I guess.

 

[mkitchen]

Geez, I can't believe it!

Well my Tacoma is on the list (now I can tell Mo that I've made at least on good decision in my life, well two, I did marry her). I just can't believe that you left out my old favorite: My 1971, 40 year old F 250 with a 390 stroked out to 410. Just because it only passes a gas station because it has three tanks and you need to take out a small loan to fill it, isn't a reason to leave it out of such a fine list. Or maybe it is it's lack of power steering, air conditioning or comfortable seating. Certainly it couldn't be because of the cement shocks or springs that make a fellow think that the axles were welded to the frame. All small things that really should not impact your choice when it comes to picking the perfect expo vehicle.

Oh well Scott, I am sure that it is just an oversight on your part and I forgive ya and look forward to seeing the above in your next list.
Mikey

 

[Viggen]

No. I have never seen a Subaru dealership in a developing country - ever.

A Mercedes dealership is in nearly every major city in nearly every country of the world. As a G-Wagon owner or sedan owner, you could get towed there and have a support network, logistics, location to have parts shipped, mechanics familiar with the brand to work on it (if desired), etc.

It was impressive how many Suzuki dealerships there are in the world too. That was part of our motivation for picking the Jimny for our last big trip.

I am not saying the Subaru is a bad car, just not the right car to head off to some distant land in.

So, here we go. There are importers but apparently no dealers. That makes no sense to me but since I cannot read Spanish or Portugese, I cannot dispute it. My point is the that the vehicle you are less likely to break down in is the superior one. Your point is that a vehicle that is more likely to break down is a superior one because there might be a dealer network available to fix it. You say that there is a network there for parts to be received. I would say that with importers in numerous countries, parts can be had. Parts having to be shipped in is parts having to be shipped in, whether it be for a Mercedes or a Subaru. You will need to have a mechanic familiar with the Mercedes product as the product will be far more complicated to work on than anything else. Youve mentioned that you can have it towed to a dealer if you have the truck or sedan. All of this will probably be out of pocket, including the tow, special order parts surcharge and then install (as $30k is not going to buy you a CPO 4matic wagon with under 50k miles or a G under 75k miles with an international warranty no less). So, if its out of pocket, whats the difference between a wait for parts at an indie mechanic versus a wait for parts at a dealer (besides the obvious price difference). A specialist is needed to work on the Merc. Guaranteed that its not for a Subaru. I can understand the Suzuki, partly, but a larger POS/ rattle trap, I have never seen. My 1988 MKII Jetta, 22 years after it left the factory had a better feel and quality to it.

Bottom line, the choice of a Merc wagon and a Patriot/ Caliber/ Compass is puzzling at best. What is the real reason for a Patriberass as an overland vehicle? I dont think anyone will ever understand the Merc wagon so youve probably the best chance with the Patriberass.

(in before the 'you are nuts for questioning the owner' statements)