Vehicle Selection Survey

[mountainpete]

This is a hypothetical situation - but I would appreciate as many opinions as possible.

Based on the following conditions, what vehicle would you select:

1. A 30 day adventure in North America during summer.
2. Travelling over 12,000 miles round trip.
3. Over 80% highway travel some interstate/freeway - more two lane highway - no travel over 70 mph needed.
4. Remote locations - think something like the Dempster, Dalton or James Bay Roads
5. 2 people
6. 80% camping - roof top tent required.
7. No real "off-road" other than fire roads or a max of a "2" rating on the Scotty Scale
8. Vehicle MUST be brand new
9. You are returning the vehicle at the end of the journey (think short term lease)
10. And the kicker.... You are not paying for it. (but be realistic - MB G-Wags are out)

So what do you think? What vehicle would you select?

I have an idea of what my top choice is, but I'm going to share just yet.

Pete

 

[kcowyo]

Hypothetically speaking & based on your criteria, my new vehicle choices would include....

SUV Option - 4th Gen Toyota 4Runner w/ V6
Truck Option - Crew Cab Nissan Frontier
Soft Roader Option - Hybrid Highlander
Big Dog Option - Crew Cab Duramax (Chevy or GMC)


My choices are based soley on ride comfort, MPG, parts availability and reliability ratings.

I would love to know what you have up your sleeve....:lurk:

 

[Christian P.]

This is a hypothetical situation - but I would appreciate as many opinions as possible.

Based on the following conditions, what vehicle would you select:

1. A 30 day adventure in North America during summer.
2. Travelling over 12,000 miles round trip.
3. Over 80% highway travel some interstate/freeway - more two lane highway - no travel over 70 mph needed.
4. Remote locations - think something like the Dempster, Dalton or James Bay Roads
5. 2 people
6. 80% camping - roof top tent required.
7. No real "off-road" other than fire roads or a max of a "2" rating on the Scotty Scale
8. Vehicle MUST be brand new
9. You are returning the vehicle at the end of the journey (think short term lease)
10. And the kicker.... You are not paying for it. (but be realistic - MB G-Wags are out)

So what do you think? What vehicle would you select?

I have an idea of what my top choice is, but I'm going to share just yet.

Pete

Get a Toyota.

4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser or even Toundra.

Best resale value. 100% reliable.

 

[asteffes]

Toyota 4Runner V6
Nissan Xterra
Land Rover LR3 (except the V8 guzzles fuel.)
Honda Pilot
Honda Element AWD

 

[bigreen505]

Tell me about the passengers, including four-footed friends.

All the above options are great, but need to know a little more about priorities. I also would look at a Lexus GX-470 and Suburban.

 

[mountainpete]

Tell me about the passengers, including four-footed friends.

All the above options are great, but need to know a little more about priorities. I also would look at a Lexus GX-470 and Suburban.

Passengers are a husband and wife team - no friends along four legged or otherwise.

Some interesting vehicle options so far... keep it all coming please :smiley_drive:

 

[njtaco]

http://bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=r1200gsa

or

http://bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=r1200gs

With a camping mini-trailer, of course...:roost:

 

[mountainpete]

http://bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=r1200gsa

or

http://bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=r1200gs

With a camping mini-trailer, of course...:roost:

LOL! I love the GSA's, but it doesn't fit into the hypothetical situation

 

[njtaco]

LOL! I love the GSA's, but it doesn't fit into the hypothetical situation

There must be more parameters I am not aware of... :box:

FWIW, I'm a bit envious of this "hypothetical" trip.

 

[durango_60]

My practical side(which rarely shows) can't find a reason that a Subaru Forester wouldn't fit the bill.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

there are a whole slew of diesel options coming out in the next couple years.. I read that JD powers is estimating 10-15% of vehicles by 2012 will be diesel, up from about 4% right now. F150, Dakota, Durango, Tundra, 1/2 ton Dodge, plus a slew of cars are all coming out with diesel models. For what its worth.. Then you get the increased economy...

 

[teotwaki]

Would love to recommend a V-6 4Runner but I suspect you won't want to modify your leased vehicle at all (?)

 

[mountainpete]

Would love to recommend a V-6 4Runner but I suspect you won't want to modify your leased vehicle at all (?)

You're right - mods would be very minor and would need to be removable. But based on the requirements, the only real mod needed for a 4Runner would be a solid rack system.

 

[mountainpete]

I'm surprised... nobody recommending a JK 4-door?

 

[Rhode Trip]

OK, Pete, I know this isn't what you had in mind. But based on conditions #1 to #7, Here's what I've come up with. Used by husband/wife team for 30+ day trip through Labrador, Newfoundland, Northern Quebec, Maine.

That's it on the Trans-Lab. 100% camping, think remote, gravel roads, wet, changeable weather. Plenty of capacity for food, clothes, etc. 36 gallon fresh water capacity, plus filtration to resupply. Generator, heat, hot water shower!
This years update, a larger version of this:

Additional 6 jerry cans of diesel means an increased range to 800 miles, additional 40 to 60 lbs propane to power the onboard generator. Move front mounted spare to trailer for increased performance on mountain grades. trailer also carries 2 mtn bikes and a canoe for further offroad range. Up north, off road usually means on the water.
My one reservation is 12,000 miles in 30 days is too much driving. All you'll see is road!