Best 4x4

[mtree]

No doubt you'll get a billion opinions on here. Just to keep it in perspective, 99% of the "roads" you'll be accessing require nothing more than 4WD, good tires, and good clearance. I've also found the more narrow the vehicle, the more adaptable it will be. Beyond that, it's a personal choice. Happy shopping!

[Frog 85]

No doubt you'll get a billion opinions on here. Just to keep it in perspective, 99% of the "roads" you'll be accessing require nothing more than 4WD, good tires, and good clearance. I've also found the more narrow the vehicle, the more adaptable it will be. Beyond that, it's a personal choice. Happy shopping!

This is really what was at the heart of my question. I've never driven in most of these areas, and the ones I have driven in, I haven't done it since 2010 in my (now ex-) gf's Toyota Solara, so obviously I wasn't doing anything that needed 4wd. I'm trying to get a feel for what kind of vehicle I REALLY need to actually get where I want to be, considering that I am a pretty average driver, with probably pretty average experience. I think it's obvious that at this point I'm leaning toward Jeep, but I do like keep my options open for as long as possible.

All that said, I'm always down for a spirited discussion on the merits/flaws of a particular vehicle.

[mtree]

No doubt you'll get a billion opinions on here. Just to keep it in perspective, 99% of the "roads" you'll be accessing require nothing more than 4WD, good tires, and good clearance. I've also found the more narrow the vehicle, the more adaptable it will be. Beyond that, it's a personal choice. Happy shopping!

This is really what was at the heart of my question. I've never driven in most of these areas, and the ones I have driven in, I haven't done it since 2010 in my (now ex-) gf's Toyota Solara, so obviously I wasn't doing anything that needed 4wd. I'm trying to get a feel for what kind of vehicle I REALLY need to actually get where I want to be, considering that I am a pretty average driver, with probably pretty average experience. I think it's obvious that at this point I'm leaning toward Jeep, but I do like keep my options open for as long as possible.

All that said, I'm always down for a spirited discussion on the merits/flaws of a particular vehicle.

Perfect. Then you have things in proper perspective! Have fun!

[RockCaCO3]

I've owned 2 Jeep Cherokees (I-6, 4.0 liter, both 1990's era), and 1 Jeep Wrangler (2011), and never had them in the shop for anything other than normal service (or upgrades). I would buy another similar Cherokee in a heartbeat.

[San Juan Ron]

I have two Jeep Wranglers ('05 & '13) and neither has had any service issues. The tires need upgraded to really handle some of the difficult 4WD roads and getting an additional 2" of lift makes a big difference. Ron

[hessma]

Food for thought: https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/auto/2016 ... ma/review/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I agree with the trans complaints in this review, but Toyota has been working with me on smoothing it out. I drive up and down 285 and in the hill country, and this is primarily where the gears want to shift. I don't have the problem in the city.

[12ersRule]

Honda Odyssey with the following features:

-heated side mirrors
-HondaVac
-power tailgate

Ftfy

[Cruiser]

Xterra ought to tick a bunch of boxes for you. I certainly enjoyed the 2 we owned over the years and would seriously consider another one if our situation warranted it.

[Indigomountain]

It will have to be a used Xterra. I believe they have discontinued the model. Sad news as it may be.

[rmattas]

4 Runner…2 1/2 years, no complaints.

[summit co kc]

Check out a Lexus GX470 2008-2009.
I recently had a Tahoe totaled (by a guy in a parking lot ) and had to get a new vehicle. The Lexus is basically a 4runner limited with a solid v8, great ride, and tons of after market parts. Took off the running boards and it looks dramatically tougher, and really is a great truck. I have had three Toyota Tacomas and the GX is just as burly, and can be bought for around $17,000. I recommend the 2008- 2009 because they have the ability to manually shut off the vehicle stability control system, 2007 and lower lack the manual disconnect and will not let you spin out in the snow, or gun it pulling out into traffic in snow

2010 and newer are based on the new 4runner and much more expensive, and at some point 2011? they got the new Lexus front end and look terrible IMHO.

Take off the running boards, put one size bigger than stock tires on it and go damn near anywhere.

KC
Skiandbootlab.com

[Conor]

Gx470 is sold as a landcruiser parado overseas. Much smaller than a landcruiser. You're much better off with a 100 series landcruiser (lx470). It's the sweet spot in the landcruiser world right now. You can find them decked out with 100 to 150k for $12 to 15k. Much cheaper if you forgo the gizmos.

If you want a real wagon though, you'll need to step up to the plate and get an 80....