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Weekend warrior vehicle

TSluiter · · Holland, VT · Joined May 2013 · Points: 314

If your not set on a truck, I'm biased but I sure love my 01 Subaru. Not sure about the newer models, but I can flip the seats down and sleep pretty comfy (diagonally @ 6'4"). Good mpg (26-28), clearance is adequate, AWD is fuckin' fantasic, two sunroofs for good views of the stars. Lots of space for all the gear (+dogs). I'm @ 247K and hoping for 350k!

Just my 2 cents!

Robert Rowsam · · Grand Junction, CO · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 230

Thanks for the input everyone. Your probably right, I don't "need" a new car. I have a 2000 outback that has some life left with a little work. The 2016 taco is very tempting, and as much as I want to be a good american getting something cheaper gives me the option to take a significant amount of time off for dirtbagging sooner. I mostly climb in the desert and Colorado alpine, so I would use a 4x4 quite a bit.

Mike, I'm with ya on the sleeping situation. That is by far the biggest appeal of a truck for me. Only problem is finding a low cost one with less than 200k on it. What are you driving now? How is the reliability of a 80's Toyota?

It seems like having two cars, one city car and one 4x4 looks like a decent option. There isn't one car/truck that can do everything best. Anyone have experience with the two vehicle option and want to elaborate on the pros/cons?

TSluiter · · Holland, VT · Joined May 2013 · Points: 314

Oh yeah, if you are in Colorado you might as well get a high clearance vehicle. I was out there for a few years and could go many places, but a lot was shut off to me. Well, I'd just have to walk.

Morgan Patterson · · NH · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 8,945

Used subaru outback. Best all around in all categories. . . Sleeping, MPG, Clearance, etc. And you can beef it up with plates, king springs, etc. And they retain their value more than any other vehicle on the road. I'm on my 3rd.

Morgan Patterson · · NH · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 8,945
Robert Rowsam wrote:There isn't one car/truck that can do everything best.
Not best but better than all the rest... The used subaru outback. Best all around in all categories. . . Sleeping, MPG, Clearance, Adaptability, etc. Plus you can beef it up with Primitive Skid plates, King Springs, etc, for a beast of an offroad car with out compromise. And they retain their value more than any other vehicle on the road. I'm on my 3rd...
Michael Brady · · Wenatchee, WA · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 1,316
Morgan Patterson wrote: Not best but better than all the rest... The used subaru outback. Best all around in all categories. . . Sleeping, MPG, Clearance, Adaptability, etc. Plus you can beef it up with Primitive Skid plates, King Springs, etc, for a beast of an offroad car with out compromise. And they retain their value more than any other vehicle on the road. I'm on my 3rd...
I would argue that a truck has greater sleeping and adaptability than a subbie and it definitely has better clearance. Where you live is going to play a huge role in the value your vehicle retains. I bought my 87' yota for 1k on the eastside used the shit out of it, while taking care of it and I sold it in Portland for $2500 with 260k miles on it. The only thing that sucks is the MPG.
Morgan Patterson · · NH · Joined Oct 2009 · Points: 8,945
Mike Brady wrote: I would argue that a truck has greater sleeping and adaptability than a subbie and it definitely has better clearance. Where you live is going to play a huge role in the value your vehicle retains. I bought my 87' yota for 1k on the eastside used the shit out of it, while taking care of it and I sold it in Portland for $2500 with 260k miles on it. The only thing that sucks is the MPG.
Totally agree trucks are better at those things... but they're horrible on gas, not great in snow, etc. That's why I think Suby is the best compromise for all categories. Not the best in any one though, except maybe snow handling and comfort. Plus you slap in a stiffer rear sway bar and the car rides like an Audi!!
Steven Lee · · El Segundo, CA · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 385

There's this on the FS forums...
mountainproject.com/v/toyot…

Michael Brady · · Wenatchee, WA · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 1,316
Robert Rowsam wrote: Mike, I'm with ya on the sleeping situation. That is by far the biggest appeal of a truck for me. Only problem is finding a low cost one with less than 200k on it. What are you driving now? How is the reliability of a 80's Toyota? It seems like having two cars, one city car and one 4x4 looks like a decent option. There isn't one car/truck that can do everything best. Anyone have experience with the two vehicle option and want to elaborate on the pros/cons?
I drive a Sprinter now.

As far as 80's yota's go, they are awesome, reliable and the most simple vehicle to work on. I have a lot of faith in those carbureted years and have drivin the west coast several times without thinking twice. Try doing a valve adjustment or change a fuel pump on a subbie! You can do both on a yota (pre SR5) in the field with 2-3 tools in about 20 mins.

If you do the two car approach, which seems like a hassle without a significant other, you can go for a early 80's yota which will give you a solid front axle (as opposed to an independent) and more dependability/useability out of your front end and your resell value will usually be higher. The reason I mention getting an early 80's as a second car is they are really loud and generally not insulated in the cab making them pretty uncomfortable for longer trips. But as for romping....subbie don't stand a chance.

With that Subbies are sweet little rigs that are a lot of fun.
Michael Brady · · Wenatchee, WA · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 1,316
polloloco wrote:There's this on the FS forums... mountainproject.com/v/toyot…
Those things are sweet..if you find one that is not too funky. Kind of some interesting reading if you look into the Japanese models on wikipedia. There are hundreds of different versions of those vans, I forget what they call them in Japan.

Edit: thought I read 87' not 97'. They are aweet check them out.
Luc-514 · · Montreal, QC · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 12,506

Anyone tried a Mitsubishi Delica 4x4 on the west coast? I've seen a few of them in BC but none on the east coast since the early 90s.

mountainhick · · Black Hawk, CO · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 120
Mike Brady wrote: Those things are sweet..if you find one that is not too funky. Kind of some interesting reading if you look into the Japanese models on wikipedia. There are hundreds of different versions of those vans, I forget what they call them in Japan. Edit: thought I read 87' not 97'. They are aweet check them out.
Called Previa in the US and Canada, Estima, Tarago and Canarado in different regions of the world. First gen made 1990-1999 and sold until 2000 model year, but Toyota ceased exporting the Previa to the US after 1997.

US versions were naturally aspirated until mid 1994, then supercharger was added. 5 speed tranny was available in 1991 and 1992 (though common overseas after that), the 5 speeds are quite rare finds these days. US models all had solid rear axle, some overseas models had independent rear. RWD and AWD models were available.

I have had two, a 92 and now have a 94 which I modified with lifted clearance, 5 sp manual tranny from a 92, true 4x4 hi/lo transfer case from an older Toyota vanagon, and rear limited slip differential. As such it is more capable of 4 wheeling, but the limiting factors are the size/toughness of drive and suspension components to be run on rough dirt roads under high torque. So, it doesn't compare to a taco or similar.

As a camping vehicle they are pretty darn small, smaller than a VW vanagon. Mine is outfitted with a rear hatch kitchen, pull out fridge and stove, convertible bed and table. It is ample for one person as a mini camper, but with my wife and or two dogs, even with a rooftop box it is a bit cramped.

My naturally aspirated 4 cyl engine is gutless, especially since I changed differential ratios, opting for good cruising at 70-75mph rather than acceleration. But with low range 4wd, it'll climb steep dirt roads without trouble.
Jim T · · Colorado · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 469
Robert Rowsam wrote:Anyone have experience with the two vehicle option and want to elaborate on the pros/cons?
I did that for a few years but gave it up because it's problematic. I had a truck for the mountains, working on the house etc...and had a car for saving money when just driving around town etc. The problem is that you don't save money because your fuel cost savings are lost to paying depreciation, insurance and registration on two vehicles. You also have this second vehicle getting in the way in the driveway, and two maintenance schedules to keep track of.

The only pros for me in having a car in addition to a truck are that you do save some fuel which is good for many reasons, you have a backup vehicle if one is broken, and a car is easier to maneuver and park in the city. If these reasons are enough, go for it. I finally consolidated into one vehicle...an SUV.
Ashort · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 56
Mike Brady wrote: Yeah, do that for a month or in bad weather and get back to us.
Since this thread is about a weekend warrior vehicle I think any vehicle + tent works and saves a shit ton of cash in the long run.

I'm right there with you on a vehicle you can sleep in for longer trips, preferable a van.

FWIW I've got an early 2000s civic and a '90 subie. IMO if you will be taking FS roads and generally beating it up on weekend trips it is dumb to get a new vehicle, get a reliable beater.
Michael Brady · · Wenatchee, WA · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 1,316
Ashort wrote: Since this thread is about a weekend warrior vehicle I think any vehicle + tent works and saves a shit ton of cash in the long run.
Good point. And he already has a subbie.
Michael Brady · · Wenatchee, WA · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 1,316
caughtinside wrote:Buy a 30 year old pickup. Sound advice.
Sarcasm?
Robert Rowsam · · Grand Junction, CO · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 230
Mike Brady wrote: Good point. And he already has a subbie.
Again thanks for all the responses everyone. I do have the subbie, its just not on great shape. Still good enough for that "95% of the time". But I'm really looking for something really capable off road. Anyone have any luck with an xterra?
Eddie F · · Edwards, CO · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 25

I have a friend with a Toyota FJ and that thing has become a great desert/mountain vehicle. Minor lift kit, off-road tires, an awning and a fold out table from the trunk. It has taken us everywhere in desert and CO alpine and it gets about 20-22 mpg on hwy. no complaints about sleeping in the back either.

Benjamin Chapman · · Small Town, USA · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 18,797

The Subaru Outback felt too cramped. Like squeezing into a small cockpit. The Toyota RAV 4 is roomer. On my 2nd.

Scott E. · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 20

I agree about avoiding debt. My '84 Civic, with 200k+ took me to many far off the paved road crags. And a tent, or the stars are awfully cheap.
However, I currently drive a Honda Element...sleeps like a queen sized bed.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

General Climbing
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