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giza
Mar 18, 2005, 5:55 AM
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toyota van dude!!! They're the dopest. Once you have one there's no turning back. I've got 310,000 km on mine and it runs awesome (however, doesn't quite resemble the picture). Some are 4x4 too. I'd highly recommend these vans.
http://media8.motorcities.com/00D49151329555D.jpg
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weasel
Mar 18, 2005, 6:04 AM
Post #27 of 74
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In my opinion, if you're choosing a car it probably isn't a climbing-mobile.
Most people's climbing-mobiles (a.k.a. their homes), fall under the following catagories:
Bought for under 150$
Will probably spend over 900$ in repairs (usually in something that can't be ignored. like the driveshaft).
Is about 4 inches shy of having enough room to sleep in.
Has the unmaskable smell of old people.
Will soon smell like someone's been living in there (which you will be).
Has enough room to store the climber's entire life but not enough room for one extra passenger.
Cats sleep in the engine compartment.
So if you're looking for the ideal car, look for these traits. Don't worry, you'll find just the right one for you. ;)
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tnchief
Mar 18, 2005, 6:13 AM
Post #28 of 74
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Registered: May 29, 2003
Posts: 100
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I currently drive a '97 Nissan Pathfinder 4WD. I bought it new, and it has given me very few problems. Other than basic wear and tear, all I've really had to do fix was a blown manifold. I currently have ~120k miles on it. It still runs great, gets decent gas mileage (particularly for 4WD), and there's plenty of room (lots more than the 4Runner). Plus, it handles MUCH better than a Jeep.
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rainontin
Mar 18, 2005, 6:24 AM
Post #29 of 74
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Posts: 262
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In reply to: toyota van dude!!! They're the dopest. Once you have one there's no turning back. I've got 310,000 km on mine and it runs awesome (however, doesn't quite resemble the picture). Some are 4x4 too. I'd highly recommend these vans. http://media8.motorcities.com/00D49151329555D.jpg
Yeah, but can you bolt holds on the outside and boulder it?
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weasel
Mar 18, 2005, 6:31 AM
Post #30 of 74
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In reply to: Yeah, but can you bolt holds on the outside and boulder it?
I don't. I use the rust holes.
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reno
Mar 18, 2005, 6:36 AM
Post #31 of 74
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Registered: Oct 30, 2001
Posts: 18283
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1970's Jeep Wagoneer.
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tigerbythetail
Mar 18, 2005, 6:40 AM
Post #32 of 74
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Registered: Aug 28, 2002
Posts: 514
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Toyota -
Pickup: Don't bother (unless you have the dinero) to get a Tacoma as it's more or less the same as a Pickup repackaged and you'll weep more when you f&ck up the paint job...yet again. The extra cab is nice but the standard cab wheelbase approaches that of a Jeep, if that matters. Great offroad, but don't expect to blow people off the line in the city. One of the great Japanese imports. 1985 and earlier had solid axles (like the Jeeps) but 82-97 (including some Tacomas) is good.
Four-Runner: The original and much copied SUV - here's who to blame! Ditto the Pickup apecs except it comes (optional) with four doors, 4 seats and all the (factory covered) space of the pickup bed. A predictable high-quality, well-made, low-maintenance ride. 92-96 are muy bueno.
Land Cruiser: These things are badass and very popular worldwide for getting you and all your shit to where you want to go in style. The older models (pre 1991) are what you really want as they are slow, steady and tough as nails. Not the most fuel-efficient but it's all shades of gray isn't it? The 84-90 models are exceptional.
Jeep -
Cherokee: Get the 2 or 4 door (more convenient) model with the 4.0 litre engine (HO for more power/fun) and get a very capable offroad rig that has a fair amount of room if you go somewhat light. Look at the 90-96 models for best luck.
Grand Cherokee - Not much experience with this, but it seems more hit or miss than the Cherokee. A plusher ride, but less predictable. Kudos if you can find a good one. Not sure the good years for this.
Subarau -
These are mostly unfamiliar with me but I hear they go and go. Perhaps somebody else can vouch for this.
Otherwise, remember that your rig only gets you so far...and then you have to rope up.
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slobmonster
Mar 18, 2005, 6:53 AM
Post #33 of 74
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Registered: Jul 28, 2003
Posts: 1586
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Toyota Previa.
I have a 1991 5-speed, and though it is not AWD Toyota did make an "altrac" version in the early nineties.
Mine was $2500 straight up, with 130K miles, it drives like a dream (knock on wood) and has that --je ne sais quois-- unimpeachable soccer mom quality to it, especially if you tint the windows.
You are embarking on an adventure. Choose wisely.
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weasel
Mar 18, 2005, 7:00 AM
Post #34 of 74
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Regarding Subaraus:
They are a great make. Many people I know have them and love em. You CAN sleep in them but I don't know if they're 4x4.
And yes it's true they go and go. One of my friends has an old Suby and when you get in, it utters sounds that make you think you're going to die, but it'll get to the mountain and back no problem (usually).
Great cars, I hope to own one someday.
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epic_ed
Mar 18, 2005, 7:37 AM
Post #35 of 74
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A topic close to my heart. The Epic Mobile is a '95 4Runner and it's the perfect vehicle for my needs. Here's my take, and a little abbreviated 4Runner history:
- Toyota has four generations of 4Runners. The first and possibly best SUV ever made was introduced in 1984. The '84 & '85 models had a solid front axle, which is a nice feature for those looking to do some off-road modifications. The first generation body style continued until 1989.
- Second generation 4Runners were produced from 1990 - 1995 and are a nice compromise of comfort and off-road functionality. The 3.0L 6-cylinder engine (3VZ-E) that they started putting in the 1988 model is the predominate engine type in the 2nd gen 4Runner, and it's quite possibly the worst engine Toyota ever built. It's terribly under-powered for the size of vehicle it propels, gets poor gas mileage, and is notorious for a head gasket leak or failure. The head gasket was such an issue that Toyota launched a recall campaign, and to this day, will repair or replace and 3VZ-E engine that has the original engine and head gasket fail. It cover most, but not all 3VZ-E engines made between 90 - 95. Unfortunately, mine fell outside the VIN number range of the recall, but experienced the same problems. It cost me $2,000 for my first engine replacement.
- The third generation 4Runner was built from 1996 - 2003, is a little larger, has a much more appropriate power plant (3.4L V6), and is a very nice vehicle. In fact, my next ride will be a 3rd Gen 4Runner. At this point, I think even the oldest models may still be out of your price range. Toyotas hold their value very well, and for a reason.
- The late 2nd generation/early 3rd generation 4Runner is the sweet spot you're shooting for. There are many advantages of going with the 3rd gen, and if you can get one for a decent price it would be your best option. DO NOT buy a 2nd generation 4Runner with the 3.0L 3VZ-E engine unless you can verify that the head gasket service has been done or the engine has been replaced. Despite the lack of power it's still a very reliable engine once the head gasket issue has been resolved.
- Both generations have extensive aftermarket options available to customize your rig. I've sunk literally thousands of dollars into modifications on mine and I wouldn't trade it for anything right now. You can get a few extra horsies out of the 3.0L for minimum money, but by-and-large expect the engine to be a dog.
- The Jeep Cherokee suggestion is probably one of the best value going in the SUV market right now. You can pick them up for a song, and the 4.0L straight 6 is a BOMBER engine. Powerful and reliable. I owned one for several years and it never let me down. You'll get more miles out of a Toyota, but you won't get more power.
Ed
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cgailey
Mar 18, 2005, 9:17 AM
Post #36 of 74
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In reply to: Subarau - These are mostly unfamiliar with me but I hear they go and go. Perhaps somebody else can vouch for this.
Yes...my '94 legacy has 216,000 on it, has been across the country and back a couple of times, towed a trailer to AK, been up and down from AK a few times, and it's still rockin' with absolutely no problems. I paid 8K for it over 5 years ago. You can sleep in the back...I have more times than I can count, and the mileage is pretty good.
It's 4wd and can't be beat in the snow...
I love the thing!
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snars
Mar 18, 2005, 11:12 AM
Post #37 of 74
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Posts: 38
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In reply to: requirements: vw campers are out (they're out anyway because of reliability and awful-in-snow
:evil: Reliability schmeliability, you just need to treat em right. And bad in snow..... watch this: syncro bus in action.
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billhilly
Mar 18, 2005, 2:09 PM
Post #38 of 74
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Registered: Jan 23, 2004
Posts: 75
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Be a man!! Ride your bike like Goran Kropp. You'll climb harder. If not buy a 4x4 diesel mighty max by mitsubishi, then you can make your own biodiesel and all the climber chicks will think your really cool. If not I have a super sweat 95 Ford Ranger I'll sell ya.
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sandbag
Mar 18, 2005, 2:31 PM
Post #39 of 74
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I had a 1994 4 Runner( God i should have never gotten rid of it...) :cry:
and at 267K miles i had only put 1 set of front shocks, 3 sets of tires, i clutch, 1 set of front brake pads, and was just about to finally get new rear shocks and springs(300 bux)
It was reliable, consistent, and solid.
Its also the last SUV with a drop gate and not those crappy lift gates(and the 95)
If you find one in that age range( i bought mine with 95K miles and put the additional 179K miles) make sure you do the research, they had a factory recall on head gaskets and airconditioners and any toyota dealer will take the vin to alert you to if the work was done. Its free. Its a federally required recall. Ask Epic_ed, hes up on all the 4RUNNER STUFF FOR THOSE YEARS
good luck
btw i currently have an 87 XJ Wagoneer, not nearly as kick ass as the 93-95 4Runners, but its not bad. It comes down to how you treat the vehicle and how much you can work on it yourself.
(edited for being a loser....)
i just read the whole post...ed chimed earlier in and i wasted space once again... OFF TP THE MOUNTAINS AND AWAY FROM THIS INFERNAL NET THING>>>>> ;)
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golgiapp
Mar 18, 2005, 3:03 PM
Post #40 of 74
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In reply to: If not buy a 4x4 diesel mighty max by mitsubishi, then you can make your own biodiesel and all the climber chicks will think your really cool.
You can also find old tacomas with diesel engines. The toyota hilux is the industrial version of the tacoma sold in the rest of the world and you can sometimes find them on ebay.
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runningclimber
Mar 18, 2005, 3:40 PM
Post #41 of 74
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I just bought a used Ranger, 1998, 100K miles, 4x4, manual transmission for around $5K. Slap a camper shell on something like that and you'd be good to go.
I too wanted a Tacoma or 4Runner. I looked and looked and couldn't find anything decent under $10K. Any Toyota I found in my price range had something quirky about it....an obscene amount of miles, engine had been replaced, strange modifications to the body, etc.
Is Ford truck quality as good as Toyota? No, but it's not bad. Check out Consumer Reports or something similar. To put it on a ten point scale, I would say that they generally rate the Tacoma at a 9 or a 10, the Ranger at a 7 or 8, and other American trucks (Chevy, GMC, Dodge) much lower. For me, it wasn't worth paying top dollar for a Tacoma when I could get the Ranger - which is still pretty good - for much less.
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qwert
Mar 18, 2005, 3:43 PM
Post #42 of 74
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Registered: Mar 24, 2004
Posts: 2394
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Those damm SUVs are way overrated.
S hitty
U gly
V ehicles
They eat way to much gas, are way to slow (unless they eat even more gas), and dont have anything you could call "real" offroad abilitys. And plus: they mostly dont offer too much room either.
If you dont plan doing anything hardcore offroad, get a convertible, and if you really think you need it one with awd. Subaru legacy is defintitely nice, or anything VW. My VW ´94 Golf (rabbit?) totally kicks ass. Big enough for 5 people plus climbing gear plus camping gear plus food for ten days and pretty good gas mileage.
Or just get a VW bus. that would be my dream car. the newer TDI diesel engines are just awsome.
But if you really need something to go offroad, then go with some real offraod vehicle, not some of those SUckinVs. They have also a bad gas mileage, but you at least now where its going to. Hummer (but not the gay pimp H2), Mercedes Benz G-class (totally crazy thing. you wont even come near its maximum abilitys, since you will fear for your live bevore) or old Nissan Patrol or Toyota landcruiser.
Oh, and did i mention that SUVs suck?
qwert
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cchildre
Mar 18, 2005, 3:58 PM
Post #44 of 74
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My pick is the VW Passat Wagon TDI model. The gas mileage rules but I am not sure about sleeping accomodations. I am going to be moving to one of these soon. Plus the biodiesel option is becoming more and more viable with the gas prices going skyward. I am going to swap a diesel into my Jeep before I part with it and that will rule.
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angry
Mar 18, 2005, 4:03 PM
Post #45 of 74
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Toyotas are good but as a result, they keep their resale value way too well.
You could get a late 80's toyota truck. You'd be guaranteed a manual. It's about 800-1000 for a rebuilt 22R engine if you shop around. I put 199K on mine before I wrecked it, had I kept it longer a new engine would have been in order then next year.
What I'm doing now is driving a Dodge Dakota. It's a 94 longbed with a camper shell. It's 4wd and V6. It's a little more powerful (though not as punchy) as the toyota. It rides smoother. It's burlier off road. It gets 22-23 mpg as opposed to the Toyota's 19-21. It's a lot bigger, I carpeted the back and sleep there easily. I even have cruise control on this one.
THe trouble is that it has a reputation of being a terrible vehicle. Mine has never broken, I might be getting lucky, I don't know. I got it at 77K and now its at 127K, so far it's been perfect. It doesn't keep it's resale value so if you buy one used, it's a lot cheaper. I don't know man, mine is perfect but a few years ago Consumer Reports said mine and the ChevyAstro van were the worst vehicles you could own.
The experience has me thinking that japanese vehicles are not that much better. My American POS runs as good as my toyota did, and is more comfortable in many ways. Look into a well maintained american truck, they aren't as bad as everyone says.
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strongmadsends
Mar 18, 2005, 5:20 PM
Post #46 of 74
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Posts: 113
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I dont know if anybody mentioned this cause I didnt read the whole post but SUBARU! Last forever and sick AWD
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wayfare
Mar 18, 2005, 6:27 PM
Post #47 of 74
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Registered: Mar 18, 2005
Posts: 17
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the ultimate vagabond climber-mobile:
http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/pix/trucks/jim_steele/2004/feb/fedex_frtlnr_van02.jpg
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yamama
Mar 18, 2005, 7:47 PM
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I'm not saying Jeeps are the best thing for you. I'm just saying offroad the are KILLER and if you get one of the years i said the chances of anything going wrong with it is slim.
Yeah 4Runners are great too... just never had one, so i can't say that much about them.
The Jeep we have has 250,000+ on it and the past 75,000 was mainly off road, which my dad never did anything with it. If you take care of ur jeep it will take care of u. ie... oil changes, new belts, ect...
I say jeeps because we have 3 in my family, so i know what i'm talking about.
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uzziah
Mar 20, 2005, 7:52 AM
Post #49 of 74
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In reply to: toyota van dude!!! They're the dopest. Once you have one there's no turning back. I've got 310,000 km on mine and it runs awesome (however, doesn't quite resemble the picture). Some are 4x4 too. I'd highly recommend these vans. http://media8.motorcities.com/00D49151329555D.jpg
that is dope. must have. must have :D
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uzziah
Mar 20, 2005, 7:54 AM
Post #50 of 74
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In reply to: In my opinion, if you're choosing a car it probably isn't a climbing-mobile. Most people's climbing-mobiles (a.k.a. their homes), fall under the following catagories: Bought for under 150$ Will probably spend over 900$ in repairs (usually in something that can't be ignored. like the driveshaft). Is about 4 inches shy of having enough room to sleep in. Has the unmaskable smell of old people. Will soon smell like someone's been living in there (which you will be). Has enough room to store the climber's entire life but not enough room for one extra passenger. Cats sleep in the engine compartment. So if you're looking for the ideal car, look for these traits. Don't worry, you'll find just the right one for you. ;)
har har har
not looking for a mobile-climbing-home-mobile. rather a weekend and road-trippin mobile. i.e. all i want the thing to do is: drive well in snow, drive well off road (not heavy off road-but need to get to a few desert towers etc.), and give my 6ft self some room to snooze with my wife.
climber-sarcasm..................huh
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