New Rig seeking guidance and direction!

[w0ngster]

Hi Guys,

As the title states, I'm looking to dive in to overlanding and this time its serious! I've been having an internal back and forth battle with myself for over 2 years (all the research and time is overwhelming) but I've finally decided to hunkered down and buy a rig!

The use?
I want a rig I can camp out of, adventure in, 4x4 (Mild crawling if I had to answer) for <1week -- as a weekend warrior. (2people max per trip. Possible 3!)

The priority?
I am a worry wart and need reliability above all!

The problem?
I don't have confidence in the know how or knowledge required ....all on the wrenching side. I learn by touch and feel but I don't really have a support buddy to show me how and explain the nuances involved. I learn through experience and guidance (in person) rather than through reading and online tutorials. But having to hunt for the information myself and starting from ground zero causes a lot confusion with a bunch of contradicting information coming from multiple avenues. I don't want to get stuck with a miantence heavy rig where i'd just be stranded for days searching for information =\

All in all, I'm still looking for clarity on what kind of platform to start off and what to expect in terms of maintenance & reliability. Any idea on what a beginner budget would be as a starting point?

Ps: For those who started from similar roots but were brave enough to take the dive, I'd love see your comments.

 

[Raul B]

whats your price range? buying new vehicle? What area are you in?

 

[w0ngster]

I'm in Long Beach California. I think for a Rig I'd really like to shop below 20k all in + shocks, tires, and post purchase maintence. If it's just a banging deal, i'd be open to spending a bit more.

For me it's more about, making the right choice for a platform.

This wouldn't be a commuter by any means.

 

[000]

Hard to go wrong with a 4 runner or Tacoma. Maybe avoid the 3.0 v6 that were in some of the 90s 4 runners do to head gasket issues, otherwise all of the other engines are reliable. The aftermarket sources for these are huge and allow you to build in any direction you want. If you get one with a factory locking differential you will be ahead of the game from the start. Good tires like bfg all terrains will make a stock yota able to do any trail you will probably want to do while you’re learning the ropes. IMO a 4Runner is probably better for wheeling due to the better departure angle, but I chose a short bed double cab Tacoma so my cargo is separate from the cab and be able to haul a little more gear. Aftermarket bumpers can address the lower clearance in the rear on these. Depends on if you plan on needing back seats for passengers and if you want your gear in the cabin area. Everyone has their rig of choice, but for reliability, wheel ability stock, cargo room for gear, and aftermarket support I think these two rigs would be hard to beat.


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[w0ngster]

Hard to go wrong with a 4 runner or Tacoma. Maybe avoid the 3.0 v6 that were in some of the 90s 4 runners do to head gasket issues, otherwise all of the other engines are reliable. The aftermarket sources for these are huge and allow you to build in any direction you want. If you get one with a factory locking differential you will be ahead of the game from the start. Good tires like bfg all terrains will make a stock yota able to do any trail you will probably want to do while you’re learning the ropes. IMO a 4Runner is probably better for wheeling due to the better departure angle, but I chose a short bed double cab Tacoma so my cargo is separate from the cab and be able to haul a little more gear. Aftermarket bumpers can address the lower clearance in the rear on these. Depends on if you plan on needing back seats for passengers and if you want your gear in the cabin area. Everyone has their rig of choice, but for reliability, wheel ability stock, cargo room for gear, and aftermarket support I think these two rigs would be hard to beat.


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What are your thoughts on Land Cruisers? or Jeeps?

 

[000]

What are your thoughts on Land Cruisers? or Jeeps?

I had a 03 Jeep Wrangler, the 4.0 is a solid motor and the thing was great to wheel but seriously lacked the space I needed, the Tj ultimate with the longer wheelbase would’ve been nicer for camping, but still was too small for me. The new jeeps especially the 4 doors look nice and look to wheel great with enough room and I actually wanted one bad, but I am a tow truck driver and just tow too many of the newer jeeps of all models to be able to consider it reliable enough myself. I’m sure there’s plenty of people who disagree, but it’s just my experience and what I see at work. When I went from the jeep to the Tacoma I wanted a land cruiser a lot, but to be in my price range they were usually in need off lots of expensive maintenance. They are amazing vehicles, I’m especially especially fond of the late 90’s fj80s. The maintenance involved with these can be pretty expensive and everyone that I had looked at of course was in dire need of all of the expensive stuff. I kept hoping for the unicorn- a well maintained fj80 with front and rear lockers but after a year of looking I gave up and just bought a new Tacoma trd off-road and am very happy with my decision. I don’t want to say anything is better than anything else, it’s just my opinion formed from my experiences. Hopefully you’re able to find a rig that works out great for you!


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[w0ngster]

Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk[/QUOTE]

I had a 03 Jeep Wrangler, the 4.0 is a solid motor and the thing was great to wheel but seriously lacked the space I needed, the Tj ultimate with the longer wheelbase would’ve been nicer for camping, but still was too small for me. The new jeeps especially the 4 doors look nice and look to wheel great with enough room and I actually wanted one bad, but I am a tow truck driver and just tow too many of the newer jeeps of all models to be able to consider it reliable enough myself. I’m sure there’s plenty of people who disagree, but it’s just my experience and what I see at work. When I went from the jeep to the Tacoma I wanted a land cruiser a lot, but to be in my price range they were usually in need off lots of expensive maintenance. They are amazing vehicles, I’m especially especially fond of the late 90’s fj80s. The maintenance involved with these can be pretty expensive and everyone that I had looked at of course was in dire need of all of the expensive stuff. I kept hoping for the unicorn- a well maintained fj80 with front and rear lockers but after a year of looking I gave up and just bought a new Tacoma trd off-road and am very happy with my decision. I don’t want to say anything is better than anything else, it’s just my opinion formed from my experiences. Hopefully you’re able to find a rig that works out great for you!


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Thanks for such a thorough response. I would want to avoid spending money on all the "expensive" stuff (Dosen't everybody? :) ). I wish I could add more to the conversation but my experience is limited. I would definitely make the commitment on a new truck however, the thought of using it as my first project rig to learn off is not something I'd be willing to do ...i'd be too precious about it.

The 4 runners definitely run a lot lower of a price range. I am finding a few hits off of i8mud's and craigslist but seem to encounter a lot of supercharged 4 runners.

 

[000]

Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

Thanks for such a thorough response. I would want to avoid spending money on all the "expensive" stuff (Dosen't everybody? :) ). I wish I could add more to the conversation but my experience is limited. I would definitely make the commitment on a new truck however, the thought of using it as my first project rig to learn off is not something I'd be willing to do ...i'd be too precious about it.

The 4 runners definitely run a lot lower of a price range. I am finding a few hits off of i8mud's and craigslist but seem to encounter a lot of supercharged 4 runners.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, superchargers are cool but again, more expensive stuff to break. 4Runners are great rigs that are reliable and are very capable stock with upgrades tires. Depending on if you’re going to use it as a daily driver or planning on lots of highway miles you can find one that should suit your needs and not spend too much getting started. If you’re not worried about a plush ride etc, in 1985 they made them with electronic fuel injection and a straight axel front end. A cleaner unhacked 85 is becoming a bit of a unicorn but they’re still around. After that they went to ifs which is a nicer ride and capable but not as great for harder core off-roading as a straight axel. Though the 22re 4cyl with a 5 speed is IMO the epitome of reliable, the models with the 3.4 or 4.0 v6 have better power, are very reliable. The newer models can have the 4.7 v8 which I had in a sequoia and is a good motor, reliable and with a loaded down camping rig off-road the mpg is probably about the same for any of them- crappy -anyway. Pretty much the same stuff goes for the Tacoma too except for the 4.7 v8. Take some time and ask plenty of questions to avoid spending money on the wrong rig. There’s plenty of information out there and plenty of people willing to help you figure it out. Good luck!


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[Dcwn.45]

I would go to specific forums for each vehicle,such as Tacoma world, etc., you will learn the strengths and weaknesses of each one from current owners.

 

[DanR]

I second the recommendation for a Toyota, but would like to add Nissan; such as a Frontier or Xterra. They are also pretty solid vehicles, with some things to watch out for. Look at 05 and newer, and make sure the radiator has been replaced, otherwise the coolant and trans fluid can mix and kill the trans. Poor maintenance will kill timing chain life.

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

If you can get your hands on an FJ 60 or 80, don't hesitate. I have an '04 WJ with the 4.7 and love it. Only real quarrel with it is the transfer case as it's 4wd all time. Aside from a lack or good aftermarket support, it's truly a good rig.

 

[Jeff Graham]

Since I'm a Jeep owner, let me make the case to look at a Jeep. Every community has a Jeep club. It is very common for the Jeep community to get together and work on their vehicles. In every city/town I have lived in, the Jeep community is always willing to help. This built in support network can help you build the skills you want. Jeep people love teaching other Jeep owners about their vehicles.

 

[JeepWave]

A $10,000 budget and you want an overlanding vehicle with a reliable drivetrain and sufficient room for the occasional third person along with your gear? I'd say late-90's/early 2000s Jeep Cherokee (XJ) or Toyota 4Runner. Both have durable drivetrains that will treat you well with reasonable maintenance and both have ample aftermarket and enthusiast support.

Good luck with your search and come back to show us what you end up with!

 

[Charles_Alarie]

I second the recommendation for a Toyota, but would like to add Nissan; such as a Frontier or Xterra. They are also pretty solid vehicles, with some things to watch out for. Look at 05 and newer, and make sure the radiator has been replaced, otherwise the coolant and trans fluid can mix and kill the trans. Poor maintenance will kill timing chain life.

2011 on for Xterra they solved the radiator/trans SMOD issue was solved, as was a few other smaller issues. I have a coworker who put 300k miles on an Xterra with regular maintenance and sold it with no issues. Hard to beat and there is a sufficient aftermarket with a very active owner community much like Toyota. Check out thenewx.org.

 

[w0ngster]

I'm so in love with the J80/J100 LC that finding one (that fits my check list) at far market value is like finding a damn Unicorn. The bites that I do get just end up being teases, scammers, and a "bad vibe" from the seller.

I'm curious if the rising gas tax in CA and overall cost to own a vehicle will push current soccer mom's to sell their rigs?

 

[w0ngster]

Speak of the devil.

Thoughts anyone? https://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-Toyota-Land-Cruiser-40th-Anniversary/232799085204?hash=item3633e82294:g:WKgAAOSw4ahbGuAJ&vxp=mtr

Would really like to build my wrenching exp.