What vehicle should I buy to begin this adventure?

[HappyOurOverlanding]

Well guys I have $10,000 for a down payment, this will be my first overland vehicle and will also be my daily driver. I just can't seem to decide and would like to know your thoughts. I'm a complete newbie in all of this so I would appreciate the help.

So I read the whole thread...all vehicle recommendations sound good. Now for my two cents. It all comes down to the dog. Will you install a crate for the dog? If So, and based on my good friends dog, you will loose a significant area in the cargo area. Thus I would look at a vehicle a step above the 4runner sized rig for added room, and get a roof top tent. I have a 4Runner but no pet so I carry some of his gear that he used to have in his Rover.

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[California Overland]

Sorry for this late reply everyone!

1. for now its my girlfriend and 1 + one dog. We will have kids in the future so it will be used for family trips as well.
2. Camping and cross country adventures will take priority and some rock crawling eventually but I don't think I will be doing much of it(once or twice a year, but then again I haven't done it yet so that might change)
3. I like hiking and I love shooting and some fishing.
4. Not loyal to any brand just want something that's reliable and easy to add parts to.
5. Sleeping in or on top of the vehicle preferred.
6. Used definitely
7. Modifying it for sure like new bumper, hitch, roof rack, lights, suspension etc.

Uses daily driver, used for adventures and zombie apocalypse lol.

This is something my wife and I have been going over a lot recently. I've almost pulled the trigger on some fully loaded rigs so I wouldn't have to do all the mods myself, but a lot of the loaded rigs have TONS of miles on them and multiple, multiple owners and not a lot of service receipts. Checking the Carfax and smog records of each vehicle is something that is second nature now. The other issue we've confronted is people selling their used rigs for WAY over KBB values because of all the mods they did. And that's the tricky part, figuring out what a rig is worth above and beyond the KBB value. Figuring out that price can be so subjective. I've thought about getting an FJ, a Land Cruiser, and LC Disco, a Wrangler and even an Xterra. But after all the hemming and hawing over what to get, for me it's come down to three things: 1) Reliability. 2) Availability of after market parts. 3) Enough room for three plus a dog. (Ok, number 4 reason) Not a full sized vehicle.

So with all that in mind, we're most likely going to go with a Tacoma double cab, 4x4, TRD Off Road. Tacoma's are known for their reliability, the after markets parts are huge, and with a camper shell, an RTT and some DIY bed platform work we'll be good to go. If I can find a loaded Tacoma that'd be great, otherwise I'll slowly build it up. $10K would be a good down payment on a gently used TRD Off Road. Just my .02.

 

[Revere]

I knew I wanted something with IFS because it handles better on road where it spends 90% of its time.

+1 to this. A lot of people hate on the IFS because they can't pose don't have the flex of a solid axle. It does mean they behave a lot better on the road though. If you get something that has lockers all-round like mine, or a really good brake-lock differential like the newer Toyotas then you can overcome most of the problems of IFS. You can still get some scary moments with IFS though.

If you're looking for something with a lot of choice in aftermarket parts then I believe you're limited to something like the 4Runner, Tacoma, or Wrangler. I love my Grand Cherokee, but there isn't a whole lot of aftermarket support.

 

[tsteb112]

+1 to this. A lot of people hate on the IFS because they can't pose don't have the flex of a solid axle. It does mean they behave a lot better on the road though. If you get something that has lockers all-round like mine, or a really good brake-lock differential like the newer Toyotas then you can overcome most of the problems of IFS. You can still get some scary moments with IFS though.

If you're looking for something with a lot of choice in aftermarket parts then I believe you're limited to something like the 4Runner, Tacoma, or Wrangler. I love my Grand Cherokee, but there isn't a whole lot of aftermarket support.

Good video. I have a Overland WJ with 4” of lift and 32” mud terrain. It’s not perfect on the road by any means. It rides a little rough compared to some vehicles but it is much smoother than my old wrangler was. Most replacement parts will be in stock at auto stores and are pretty simple to change out in the parking lot. I’m partial to Jeeps though but I did test drive an 05 4Runner and an older Tacoma and the ride was extremely stiff compared to the Grand Cherokee (all stock at time).


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[Ronald Miranda]

You need to set 3 things!

1. What do you want to do with it?
2. How much do you want to spend on the build? (Not just the vehicle)
3. How often will you use it?

As @tsteb112 and @WindyBadger said. I own 2 GC's - WK Limited 07 and a WJ Laredo 01. For DD my WK is awesome, even with his big gas sucking HEMI. Great On and Off Road. but not many aftermarket parts. My WJ, on the other side, great offroad, solid axles and rear lockers! but On Road, runs like a jumping horse, a lot of noise.

Tacos and 4Runner are great, IFS and decent 4x4 systems. JKU's awesome offroad capability, solid axle, not much room, stiff ride, lots of parts and accesories! X's are good, basic 4x4 system, decent room.

Every model has pros and cons!

 

[James Deaton]

If I was in your position I would put $5k down on a 4Runner (pick whatever generation you prefer), and take the other $5k and buy:

-Tires
-Mild lift (something inexpensive just to increase ground clearance, not full blown shocks and a-arms and stuff)
-A roof rack (build your own, or a FrontRunner, or whatever your brand of choice is)
-A used roof top tent (used to save money, you can pickup a nice used CVT for $1k or less)
-Maxtrax (or knock-offs... I bought 4 X-Bulls on Amazon for $200)
-Recovery strap
-First aid kit
-iPad with 1 year subscription to Gaia maps app
-A gps unit for Gaia to tap into (I use a Bad Elf GPS Pro +)

*If you have enough leftover, pickup a front bunper and a winch...

This will get you the Overland vehicle you need for the next several years (the kids won’t need more room until they are teenagers, and you can let the dog roam around in back with a seat folded down)... it’s not just the vehicle you have to budget for, but all the gear to go on it... (oh, and if you guys don’t already have camping gear like sleeping bags, and camp stoves, etc, hhen you have to budget for that too)...

James

 

[Lindenwood]

Honestly, it really sounds like a 4Runner is about what you need. Id keep considering the other options, but I had almost the exact same requirements (my wife and I, 3 dogs, and our first born coming any day now). Now we have 2 4Runners lol.

To further clarify, for the stuff you need to carry, it will probably provide the most space and comfort with the least compromise in offroad capabilities or aftermarket support.

I roll with my dogs in the back, on top of my fold-out sleeping platform that is about as big as a full-size mattress (not as long, though).