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 bandana wearin', pole huckin', view lovin', dog herdin', 4x4 navigatin', lake huntin', butt-slidin' bridge crosser, who enjoys postholing with an overnighter pack
Surrey, BC
Canada
4647 Posts |
Posted - 11/17/2010 : 7:10 PM
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Lot's on Craigslist right now ... was just browing earlier ...
quote:
Originally posted by brucew
Soon I will sell my 2006 subie and hopefully get a 94-96 Tracker 4x4 power nothing, with scratches so I don't worry about the fine finish of the subie anymore.
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Night owl posting,Subie driving, backpacking Dad who is perpetually trying to catch up to his kids on the trail.
Vancouver, BC
Canada
3054 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2010 : 12:04 AM
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I have a 2007 Jeep Wrangler (that's the first year of the JK designation). I got the base model which was $20K at the time. The 2011 is $21.5K. Maybe I got lucky but I have had absolutely zero problems with the vehicle to date: just regular maintenance. I've upgraded the tires slightly, and added a new front bumper to accommodate a winch. Because the winch is electric I have also upgraded the battery. Beyond that it is stock and has proven to be a perfect vehicle for trail head access via old FSR roads etc. Huge water bars are pure entertainment and alder thrashing is no concern with big, unpainted fenders taking the brunt of their abuse.
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
330 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2010 : 05:45 AM
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Couldn't agree more with ChuckLW. I have a 2007 Rav4 V6. It is fast (270hp), safe, and with traction control, antilock, airbags galore the vehicle of choice for most trips - especially stuff involving highway travel. It is not a good choice for any kind of wheeling.
I am also fortunate enough to own a 2002 TJ. This short wheelbase 4X4 has over 100,000km and has had no problems to date. A lot of the Jeep complaints are myth and stem from vehicles built in the 80's and 90's. The TJ was built "to get you there". In many respects it is a no compromise vehicle. Rough riding and burly. You can alder bash a TJ where you wouldn't dare to take a Rav, or couldn't fit a full sized truck. Water bars are not obstacles - they are entertainment. I could go on. Just my recommendation.
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chilliwack, bc
Canada
79 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2010 : 08:15 AM
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Mitsubishi Delica
Good on the back roads, lots of room in back and right hand drive fun at the Timmy's drive thru. |
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Lillooet
24 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2010 : 08:33 AM
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Our adventure vehicle Suzuki Samurai   Will get us to trailhead no problem. Downton Creek comes to mind I was told wouldn't be able to make it to trailhead - didn't even notice where to obstacle was.
And for when we need to carry extra gear  |
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Burnaby, BC
Canada
667 Posts |
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Vancouver
Canada
286 Posts |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
262 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2010 : 3:51 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by MatthewBaldwin
If I had the cash.. if only. WOW!!!
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/ctd/2064202166.html
My friend just bought this. Taking it out around Pemberton this weekend :)
We put his first 2002 TJ through hell, stock with 32" tires..was able to push through lots of places we watched guys with fancy, brand new libertys and hummers get stuck due to longer wheelbase.
Some vid of the road to Upper Hut Lake (good place to push your stock vehicle)http://vimeo.com/7279775
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Burnaby, BC
Canada
667 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2010 : 4:25 PM
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| Your friend just got this one ? shooot what a lucky fella. |
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nanaimo, BC
Canada
84 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2010 : 7:22 PM
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Nothing can top a pre-93, full size, Chevy Blazer. These machines are TANKS that will take you anywhere. They will also turn on a dime and you can do burn-outs with all 4 wheels ON PAVEMENT... woo hoo!!!
Put in a 2" lift and 33" all-terrain tires and you can go anywhere AND haul a pile of gear, 3 buddies, and some big dogs.
Make sure your buddies have lots of cash to keep the 130 litre gas tank full, and carry a couple of extra driveshaft u-joints
with you at all times and you're "good to go" |
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68 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2010 : 7:28 PM
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| Wrangler Rubicon comes stock with AT tires, 4H and 4L, skid plates and 3 locking diffs (front, rear and centre). Very few vehicles have this stock. In terms of something you can buy off the lot, I believe it is only the Rubicon (~30K) or the Mercedes G-class (~155K). |
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Calgary, Alberta
318 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2010 : 7:35 PM
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| That TJ video is pretty impressive! I am not sure I would use the term "road" in describing the way to Upper Hut Lake. |
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1448 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2010 : 12:40 AM
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pathfinder...cost 1k
Problems rear frame rust
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Edited by - camshaft on 11/19/2010 12:43 AM |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
262 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2010 : 01:31 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by camshaft
pathfinder...cost 1k
Problems rear frame rust
I loved my 87' Pathfinder ($1400). I had the z24 engine (not 6 cylinder-great on gas) and was still able to bash through slide alder and muck up snowy logging roads without any problems. Gave her up when the head gasket started to go around 300,000km. Once I can afford to stop bugging my friends with 4x4s to get me places, I'll buy a 95 Pathfinder...solid beasts and cheaper than their 4runner counterparts (and for some reason less rust and electrical problems). |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1262 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2010 : 06:45 AM
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| Seems to me that if you want something that gets good mileage and 4x4 performance without paying with your childrens education funds , then you have to buy something from the 90's. Car companies marketing strategies have all pointed out that we need more power and luxeries to keep up the appearance of quality. I have yet to see any survey from any company that requests what I or you would like in a vehicle. |
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Vancouver
Canada
286 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2010 : 08:19 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by brucew
Car companies marketing strategies have all pointed out that we need more power and luxeries to keep up the appearance of quality
I couldn't agree with you more Bruce. I'd only add size as another surrogate for quality. |
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Victoria, BC
Canada
87 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2010 : 2:03 PM
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From 1992 to 2006 I had a Nissan Pathfinder, and it got me everywhere I wanted to go.
In 2006 I bought a Nissan Xterra, Off-Road model, and I'm very happy with it.
When doing my research before buying the Xterra, I started with a list of 'a lot' of "Sport Utility Vehicles" - everything that was listed as "SUV" in a Consumer Reports buying guide. I went and saw every one of the vehicles, including ones I knew I wasn't going to buy (e.g. Porsche Cayenne).
I had three main criteria:
- 4 wheel drive capability
- available with a manual transmission
- rear seats had to fold flat, to allow for sleeping in the vehicle
The manual transmission eliminated some otherwise suitable potential candidates, and the fold flat rear seats removed most other candidates - the only serious remaining candidate was the Xterra.
Some photos/info for my Pathfinder and my Xterra:
Cerise Creek, and "just a few trees" (the Xterra isn't afraid of getting 'a few' scratches
PF and X photos
simple portable table for cooking (PF and X versions)
Filling up the back of the X (it can hold a lot!)
Sleeping in the back of the Xterra (just don't forget your thermarest/pad/mattress - I've learned my lesson ;-)
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Edited by - dpatton on 11/19/2010 3:03 PM |
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1448 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2010 : 2:52 PM
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Thanks dpatton
I remember you sending those things with the great tips. On your xterra and older pathfinder.
Great stuff !
thanks
quote:
Originally posted by dpatton
From 1992 to 2006 I had a Nissan Pathfinder, and it got me everywhere I wanted to go.
In 2006 I bought a Nissan Xterra, Off-Road model, and I'm very happy with it.
When doing my research before buying the Xterra, I started with a list of 'a lot' of "Sport Utility Vehicles" - everything that was listed as "SUV" in a Consumer Reports buying guide. I went and saw every one of the vehicles, including ones I knew I wasn't going to buy (e.g. Porsche Cayenne).
I had three main criteria:
- 4 wheel drive capability
- available with a manual transmission
- rear seats had to fold flat, to allow for sleeping in the vehicle
The manual transmission eliminated some otherwise suitable potential candidates, and the fold flat rear seats removed most other candidates - the only serious remaining candidate was the Xterra.
Some photos/info for my Pathfinder and my Xterra:
Cerise Creek, and "just a few trees" (the Xterra is n't afraid of getting 'a few' scratches
PF and X photos
simple portable table for cooking (PF and X versions)
Filling up the back of the X (it can hold a lot!)
Sleeping in the back of the Xterra (just don't forget your thermarest/pad/mattress - I've learned my lesson ;-)
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north van, bc
Canada
940 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2010 : 3:31 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by camshaft
pathfinder...cost 1k
Problems rear frame rust
that looks like a cold kayack trip! |
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Vancouver
1816 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2010 : 3:45 PM
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The first generation Xterra is the same basic vehicle as the first generation Pathfinder. The Xterra was refined in most aspects but kept the crude recirculating-ball steering. Rather than the Pathfinder's sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, the Xterra had the clumsy leaf spring setup from the Nissan pickup so there'd be room to put the spare tire underneath. This forced moving the gas tank under the back seat, which raised the seat and so resulted in the signature bumped-up roof.
We had a '91 Pathfinder for 11 years. It had rear important safety features such as rear ABS and a brake proportioning valve. The frame is prone to rusting out around the back wheels, and will render the vehicle worthless. You have to keep the frame rails flushed out and the car treated with spray-on rustproofing. Don't buy one without checking carefully for this. Other rust spots are the bottom rear corners of the back door openings, and under the back seat. Note that the shocks on the SE versions could be adjusted for stiffness, and actually work. SE's also had desirable positraction rear axles, and less claustrophobic headrests with holes through them.
The current Xterra is a shortened version of the current Pathfinder. The intervening Pathfinder was a unibody, but probably was the best for reliabilty and is almost as capable off-road as the first generation.
The older 4Runners suffer from instability due to fitting a 4wd system under the pickup chassis, resulting in a very high floor and the nose-high stance. The Pathfinder (and Xterra derivative) achieved a more stable chassis by lowering the engine between torsion bar front suspension. The older 4Runners are rust-prone, have an annoyingly narrow cabin, and have a problematic and costly electric back window. Thanks to Toyota-love, the older Pathfinders are better vehicles and cheaper than the older 4Runners.
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Back Road Vehicles
