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firsttraxx
Jun 22, 2004, 2:16 PM
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Registered: Jun 7, 2004
Posts: 34
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I seem to be fitting some marketing mold here, but I have the same Toyota Taco, 4x4, cap, yada.
Payments are stiff, but the last truck gave me 12 years of service and 400k -- still ran and still passes me on the freeway every day on the way to work.
Con: No room for more than three.
Pro: No room for more than three
4wd is good, but be careful, I manked my rockers big time trying to access fire roads in the Balls area of Yosemite. Get rocker bars or stay on the pavement.
Otherwise, it's an ideal climbing mobile, as dirty stinky stuff can be thrown in the bed, and keep the funk down on the front.
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rocdaug
Jun 22, 2004, 2:25 PM
Post #27 of 135
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Registered: Sep 18, 2003
Posts: 220
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jeep YJ
2 people
all the gear you'd possibly need 8^)
rides like a lumber wagon so bring the kidney belt :shock:
sucks as a 4X4 but with a winch who cares 8^)
take the roof off... doors off... hot day. it's a fun ride. :wink:
rd
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sarcat
Jun 22, 2004, 2:40 PM
Post #28 of 135
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Registered: Jan 22, 2004
Posts: 1560
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'98 Toy. 4-Runner. I gave mine a 1" lift with progressive springs and some bigger tires and it does OK on the road but great in the dirt. Lot's of room in the back for a mid SUV and can seat 5. Con: 18 mpg. I've only 82k in 7 years. Hope to have it for 15 more. Old Toyotas are cool.
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stewbabby
Jun 22, 2004, 2:51 PM
Post #29 of 135
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Registered: Apr 25, 2002
Posts: 802
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2000 Ford F-250, 7.3 liter powerstroke Turbo diesel, 4 door with the short bed. Can hold 5 people in the cab with room to spread out. DVD for center console. More gear than you could want will fit in the bed, and not to mention diesel is about 20 cents per gallon cheaper than gas. Not to mention that I love to smoke the guys in the little 4 banger rice burners off the line with my big ass loud truck. Turbo Diesel is the only way to go!!!
What can I say, I am a redneck and I love it. There is nothing like the smell of diesel in the morning!
stewart
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pedro_burrito
Jun 22, 2004, 3:21 PM
Post #30 of 135
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Registered: May 5, 2004
Posts: 142
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I bought a 1997 Chevy Suburban 4x4 off of ebay 2 years ago. It seats 9 people plus 2 100+ pound Labs in the back. It's got a fuel injected, 454 ci engine, a 42 gallon gas tank and I only have to fill it up each time I start it! 8^)
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wetrocks
Jun 22, 2004, 3:45 PM
Post #31 of 135
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Registered: Apr 22, 2002
Posts: 102
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Man how do you guys afford the gas?!?!?! I had the big chev Z71 4x4 and the long road trips killed my bank account. So I sold it and fired up the old 87 Nissan extended cab that I learned how to drive on. It's coming up 500k, cheap on gas and hasn't left me stranded on the back roads like that chev did. I've had new but I like the beater. Nothing makes me laugh more than seeing the brand new X-terra or other SUV parked at the bottom of the road when I head up the road in my two wheel drive beater. It's all about the momentum!!!!!!!
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overzealous
Jun 22, 2004, 3:56 PM
Post #32 of 135
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Registered: Mar 24, 2004
Posts: 257
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In reply to: In reply to: I keep debating on buying a new vehicle that is more climbing-friendly ( I currently drive a mazda miata, needless to say it's not a crag car!). You know what I mean- something you can throw all your gear into, fit a climbing pal or two, drive on the highway for a few hours (roadtrip weekends) or take the short cut and off-road up to your fav spot. So... I am curious. What do you guys think is an awesome ride to the crag? Something comfy for road trips, but can most certainly handle some off road terrain. Something not too pricey but will last. Something that can take a beating, but won't scare your parents. We've had two people, climb gear & a big dog in a Miata no problem, but any more would be too much. If you want good performance, good fuel economy, good handling, and reasonably good rutted dirt road capability, get a Forester. Way more fun than a Taco 4x4 on the twisty highways that get you to the dirt. If you value performance over economy (and want a wagon that'll make your Miata feel slow) get a Forester turbo. If you value off-road more than on, a 4x4 pickup is a good choice.
I'll second that... I have a 98 (pre-turbo) Forrester and I love it.
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euroford
Jun 22, 2004, 3:59 PM
Post #33 of 135
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Registered: Aug 26, 2002
Posts: 2913
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I live in the city, so i don't drive very often. when i do its usually on a long weekend climbing trip or heading up to michigan to visit family, i also drive occasionally around town for groceries and errands.
i'm sure my requirements are simular to lots of peoples.
economical purchase and insurance costs, good storage space, easy to deal with in traffic, easy to park, fun enough to drive not to be boreing, good on gas.
so, my choice in this was a 2002 ford focus sedan upgraded with the SVT motor and tranny. (yeah you can do that, make the dealer drag the books out). it only cost me $18k, its fun to drive, it gets awsome gas millage and it has way more than enough storage space for two trad climbers and all the gear to survive in the wild for 3-4 days. sure its not an offroad worthy auto, but really, how often do you need that while climbing.
if you take more day trips, look for something a little more fun. if i'm driving i pull the cover off of my 550hp totally moded 1988 Merkur XR4Ti. if my brother in law is driving we pack lite and stuff the tiny trunk of his 1999 diablo vt. we like to emphasise the sport in SUV.
i also have a mustang, but its not street legal, when the focus is paid off i'll probobly sell it and buy a land rover disco. dunno why i've always loved those.
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noface
Jun 22, 2004, 4:35 PM
Post #35 of 135
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Registered: Feb 10, 2004
Posts: 42
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'66 Volkswagon Beetle. Cheep and easy to fix. Fuel sipper even with the 100 hp engine I put in a while ago. Can handle gravel and light off-roading with ease. Funnest car to drive ever.
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sullerito
Jun 22, 2004, 7:55 PM
Post #36 of 135
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Registered: May 12, 2004
Posts: 39
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In reply to: I keep debating on buying a new vehicle that is more climbing-friendly ( I currently drive a mazda miata, needless to say it's not a crag car!). You know what I mean- something you can throw all your gear into, fit a climbing pal or two, drive on the highway for a few hours (roadtrip weekends) or take the short cut and off-road up to your fav spot. So... I am curious. What do you guys think is an awesome ride to the crag? Something comfy for road trips, but can most certainly handle some off road terrain. Something not too pricey but will last. Something that can take a beating, but won't scare your parents.
Funny you should mention that, my parents are giving me their old (1993, I think) Miata next week. I've never owned a car and I'm 28 (I had one for a week once and than got rid of it, I couldn't afford insurance). Anyway, it's relatively low miles (60,000) and in reasonable shape.
I'm planning on driving it out to CA in October and maybe touring around the west coast. I know the trunk is teensy. I want to get a luggage rack so that if something gets stolen it can be my clothes.
Anyone got any Miata touring suggestions? I'm stressing daily on how I'm going to get all my shit in there.
Paul
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sarcat
Jun 22, 2004, 8:05 PM
Post #37 of 135
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Registered: Jan 22, 2004
Posts: 1560
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In reply to: I know the trunk is teensy. I want to get a luggage rack so that if something gets stolen it can be my clothes. Anyone got any Miata touring suggestions? I'm stressing daily on how I'm going to get all my s--- in there. Paul
Put a hitch/reciever on it and pull a teensy (motorcycle) trailer. My friends dad did it to a Honda S2000.
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sullerito
Jun 22, 2004, 8:13 PM
Post #38 of 135
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Registered: May 12, 2004
Posts: 39
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In reply to: In reply to: I know the trunk is teensy. I want to get a luggage rack so that if something gets stolen it can be my clothes. Anyone got any Miata touring suggestions? I'm stressing daily on how I'm going to get all my s--- in there. Paul Put a hitch/reciever on it and pull a teensy (motorcycle) trailer. My friends dad did it to a Honda S2000.
That's a great idea. I was thinking about that, but thanks for reminding me. I wonder how badly that would screw up the mileage? Sounds like this year is going to be getting worse for gas. But I'll look into that. I wouldn't need much extra space. I wonder if I could make a sleeping platform. :idea:
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njari
Jun 22, 2004, 9:11 PM
Post #40 of 135
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Registered: Mar 18, 2003
Posts: 160
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In reply to: I keep debating on buying a new vehicle that is more climbing-friendly ( I currently drive a mazda miata, needless to say it's not a crag car!).
Don't lose the miata! I've gotten mountaineering gear for 2 people (10 day trip) into the car, with a little creativity.
But, for more that 2 people, I love our Blazer. Good 4X4, good clearance, and it's big enough to sleep 2 :wink: .
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sullerito
Jun 22, 2004, 10:14 PM
Post #41 of 135
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Registered: May 12, 2004
Posts: 39
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In reply to: In reply to: I keep debating on buying a new vehicle that is more climbing-friendly ( I currently drive a mazda miata, needless to say it's not a crag car!). Don't lose the miata! I've gotten mountaineering gear for 2 people (10 day trip) into the car, with a little creativity.
Any tips?
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noell
Jun 22, 2004, 10:20 PM
Post #42 of 135
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Registered: Apr 17, 2003
Posts: 313
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Trust me, I LOVE the miata. There isn't a more fun car out there to drive (in my humble opinion!). It's just sooo sweet - can really hang onto those hairpin turns, easy to drive and so nimble and quick! But... if I ever did want to drive up to several of our great NC crags, I'd be way out of luck. One time, it got stuck in my parents' front yard in only an inch of snow. No kidding! My Dad and brother had to push it onto the drive way! Hurray for sports cars and rear wheel drive.
About taking a miata on a road trip - you can pack very carefully and probably get two people and their stuff in there, but I really wouldn't recommend taking it off-road anywhere. The clearance just isn't there. I am not so sure about hooking up a trailer to a miata. I've never seen that done before, and the miata has no where near the horsepower of a Honda S2000. If you make it work (comfortably), love to hear how!
Thanks for all the suggestions. I do keep thinking about a Jeep Cherokee, for all the reasons people keep mentioning (cost, gas mileage, people-holding-ability, road/off-road ability, etc.).
Here's another question - esp. for Jeep Cherokees, what do you think the pros/cons are to getting manual or automatic? I love driving manuals, but so many Jeeps now come in automatic. I have been told the Cherokee (not the Grand) is hard to find in a manual. Why??? Wouldn't a manual be so much better for snowy/off-road conditions?
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euroford
Jun 22, 2004, 10:35 PM
Post #43 of 135
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Registered: Aug 26, 2002
Posts: 2913
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i know absulutly nothing about off roadin, but my sisters husband is pretty hardcore and so are his buddy's. ALL of there trucks have auto's. they mostly do traily riding, dunes and muddin. maybe a stick would be better for rock crawling, but i dunno anybody involved in that.
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nealric
Jun 23, 2004, 3:29 AM
Post #44 of 135
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Registered: Feb 21, 2004
Posts: 147
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In reply to: have an Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce. Terrible for the crag. But damn is she fun to drive on the way!
Wow- good taste in cars.
A good friend of mine is an alpha mechanic. He has a tricked out alfa gtv6 I have to hold on tight when he drives :D
I drive a 1992 infiniti m30. Its basically a nissan maxima with 2 doors and leather seats. It runs... most of the time.
Its been well abused. I drove 16 hours to hueco tanks from colorad springs in a blinding snowstorm for the first 10 hours. Only spun off the road once :roll:
Even done some offroading in it. The oil pan should have cracked a looongg time ago 8^)
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climbinginchico
Jun 23, 2004, 3:46 AM
Post #45 of 135
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Registered: Mar 24, 2004
Posts: 3032
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In reply to: In reply to: have an Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce. Terrible for the crag. But damn is she fun to drive on the way! Wow- good taste in cars. A good friend of mine is an alpha mechanic. He has a tricked out alfa gtv6 I have to hold on tight when he drives :D
Yeah, mine's not exactly stock either. Just don't tell the SMOG guys ok? My car is waaay too fast for my own good. These little 2L DOHC hemi's can MOOOOOVE. And the exhaust sounds soooo nice. I love the stereo too- volume control is with my right foot. hehehe :twisted:
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davidji
Jun 23, 2004, 3:56 AM
Post #46 of 135
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Registered: Jan 30, 2003
Posts: 1776
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In reply to: One time, it got stuck in my parents' front yard in only an inch of snow. No kidding! My Dad and brother had to push it onto the drive way! Hurray for sports cars and rear wheel drive. |
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godskid5
Jun 23, 2004, 3:59 AM
Post #47 of 135
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Registered: Apr 28, 2004
Posts: 197
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fully loaded xterra.
i don't have one though, ofcourse i prefer my 1990 toyota tercel!! nothin beats it for offroadin and long trips. (not!)
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chuffer
Jun 23, 2004, 4:34 AM
Post #48 of 135
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Registered: Jun 3, 2004
Posts: 135
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I definitely prefer a manual trans. also, but like you said it's tough to find a Cherokee that's a manual. I've had both of my automatic transmission Cherokees on some pretty crazy backroads in Southern Utah and never had a bit of trouble. A manual doesn't really give you any advantage offroading unless you're going to get really hardcore. However, the gas mileage would probably be a tiny bit better. The only other advantage I can think of is being able to clutch start it if you find yourself in the middle of BFE with a dead battery. Overall, I'd buy the one I got the best deal on and not worry about the trans.
J
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areuinclimber
Jun 23, 2004, 4:46 AM
Post #49 of 135
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Registered: May 29, 2004
Posts: 436
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old 4runners (1985-1989) i drive a 1986 and i love that rig man. the engines are super easy to work on, tons of space and a removable rear section which gives me dreams of naked super models with flowing locks of gold and my big white sunglasses goin to the beach........ but anyways, you can fit 4 people (kinda tight getting in and out since its a 2 door) and still have room for all shit in the back. has split folding seats for various stuff. and no payments if you buy one cash (one can be had for about 1500-4000)
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awd
Jun 23, 2004, 4:58 AM
Post #50 of 135
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Registered: Apr 15, 2004
Posts: 34
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In reply to: So... I am curious. What do you guys think is an awesome ride to the crag? Something comfy for road trips, but can most certainly handle some off road terrain. Something not too pricey but will last. Something that can take a beating, but won't scare your parents.
I like my Subaru Outback Wagon "AWD"!
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