Yet Another Car Thread

[doctor712]

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Hi Gang,

So, I have an SUV at home, but am looking for second ride to accomplish some very specific goals, would love suggestions (and photos too of course). 🙂

1- looking for a true 4-wheel drive (not AWD, at least I don't think) for winter rides in mountains of Colorado. May sometimes use chains, will always need top traction with the special cargo I'm towing. :thumb up: (the boys). I have a 2011 Volvo XC90, but it's more a luxury SUV (mid size), and while the Swedes surely made it rock in the snow, it's not gonna plow through the rough stuff like I want. I've had a Jeep Grand Cherokee, 3 actually, so, I'm kinda bored with it anyway.

2-Want something nice to look at. I think a pick-up truck would probably do the trick, but the handsome ones are 50K and, for a pick-up, I cannot justify it. I'll never make use of its bed.
I also don't want a used 2005 Matthew McConaughey surfer beach ride. Not into it. It's gonna be new.

3- Wanna take this ride off-loading to places like THIS:

http://www.nps.gov/grsa/medano-pass-road.htm

Cross water. Through sand. Off-roading and tough conditions.

On the website, it reads:

"A high-clearance 4-wheel drive, full-size SUV, truck, or Jeep is required. Low wagons, mini-SUVs, or all-wheel drive vehicles will get stuck in sand or in creek crossings. All vehicles and drivers must be street-licensed to drive in Colorado; off-road vehicles and motorcycles are not permitted."

4- I'm willing to spring on nice tires, maybe a little oversized, but I'm not gonna go nuts with the 86" rims where I'm riding 8 feet off the ground. But I'd totally go for some killer black rims, slightly oversized tires, get me some nice traction.

Anyway, would love thoughts on REAL TRUCKS. I've never owned a REAL truck. Volvo would probably kick me for saying that, but it is what it is. Maybe the XC90 would rock in the winter, who knows. But off-loading, I'm not taking the Volvo with the rear seat DVD players and leather seats through water, creeks, sand etc.

5- Does off-loading nullify any warranty? If it's legal off-roading like that site above...

🙂
Thanks,
D712

 

[kazuma]

My answer is always the same, Toyota Land Cruiser. There is a very active land cruiser community in CO, and one of the best cruiser shops is located in Golden, CO. The new ones are $80-90k, but if you are willing to look into a used 100 series, I'd be willing to bet that you'd be extremely happy with it. CO is arguably the land cruiser capital of the US, and the 100 series LC would be right at home exploring the back country. Check out the Rising Sun club and see if you can hitch a ride with someone on one of their trips

Since you are local, pay Christo Slee a visit but be warned, cruisers can be very addicting.

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/past_projects/project_vehicles.htm

 

[loveoforganic]

Holy hell, I thought those things were in the $30k range.

 

[BobBarker]

You can get a new F150 FX4 or Lariat for less than $40k. I have a 2011 F150 XLT with Ecoboost and offroad package. Love it. That trim level is quite a bit cheaper but cloth seats.

 

[kazuma]

Holy hell, I thought those things were in the $30k range.

A used 100 series (98-07) can be had for anywhere between $9k to $40k+ depending on the year/miles. The current 200 series (2008 to present) starts out at arround $80k or $90k for the lexus trim. Personally, I'd much rather have a 100 series over a 200 but my loyalty is still with the 80 series (91-1997). I drive a 97 and my wife drives a 93. They are extremely reliable, safe and can go just about anywhere offroad with the factory front/rear locking diff's.

 

[doctor712]

100 series. 200 series. Are u talking land cruiser here kazuma?

 

[kazuma]

100 series. 200 series. Are u talking land cruiser here kazuma?

Yes, toyota land cruisers

200 series 2008- present (Lexus LX 570)

100 series 1998-2007 (LX 470)

80 series 1991-1997 (LX450) 😍

Starting in 1996, toyota started re-badging land cruisers and selling them under the Lexus line, so if you are looking for more bells and whistles you can find a Lexus "land cruiser."

 

[doctor712]

Cool. I'll explore. Other suggestions welcome!

D

 

[kazuma]

Lexus lx470

And for when you go back to LA you could mod it to look like this.....

 

[Bertelman]

Yes, toyota land cruisers

200 series 2008- present (Lexus LX 570)

100 series 1998-2007 (LX 470)

80 series 1991-1997 (LX450) 😍

Starting in 1996, toyota started re-badging land cruisers and selling them under the Lexus line, so if you are looking for more bells and whistles you can find a Lexus "land cruiser."

You're old school. Don't even acknowledge the Lexus name.

I always have liked the old Land Cruisers. I think I may end up with a Defender one day, though.

 

[doctor712]

And for when you go back to LA you could mod it to look like this.....

GREAT PICS. Yeah, that's exactly what i'm looking for. The Land Cruiser would be ideal, but at that price... Hmmf.
The black rims are killer, love it. I had actually just discovered the FJ from Toyota (never thought I would). PICS BELOW. Not that crazy blue or yellow color, but something more like this... (granted, no comparison to a Land Cruiser).

Also, the MOD LA pic, CLASSIC!!!!

Tell the truth, I'd love to buy American for once, but it's not a deal breaker. Should be though.

D712

Just saw the reviews on FJ. They brutalize it, everything except its off-road capabilities, gets killed.

 

[MRW]

Can you get a Hilux in the states?

 

[doctor712]

Can you get a Hilux in the states?

I wouldn't have the patience to import a car to the US.
But it's fun looking!!!! 🙂

Kind of curious to know how people would compare the US made dodge, for and Chevy 4x4s to the land cruiser...

D712

 

[kazuma]

You're old school. Don't even acknowledge the Lexus name.

I always have liked the old Land Cruisers. I think I may end up with a Defender one day, though.

The old defenders are awesome, but I definitely can't afford to buy or maintain one. But that shouldn't be a problem for you now😎

GREAT PICS. Yeah, that's exactly what i'm looking for. The Land Cruiser would be ideal, but at that price... Hmmf.
The black rims are killer, love it. I had actually just discovered the FJ from Toyota (never thought I would). PICS BELOW. Not that crazy blue or yellow color, but something more like this... (granted, no comparison to a Land Cruiser).

Also, the MOD LA pic, CLASSIC!!!!

Tell the truth, I'd love to buy American for once, but it's not a deal breaker. Should be though.

D712

Just saw the reviews on FJ. They brutalize it, everything except its off-road capabilities, gets killed.

Like I mentioned, a used 100 series would be in your price range, I'd forget about the new, high dollar bloated 200 series.

Honestly I'm not a fan of the fj loser😉 I mean cruiser. They are built on the same platform as the new 5th generation 4runner, which IMO is a better setup (4 doors, larger cargo area, no huge blind spots). I'd take a new 4runner or 4door Tacoma over a fjc.

Can you get a Hilux in the states?

Nice arctic truck. No hilux over here, we have the 4 door taco's now, but no diesel motors.

I wouldn't have the patience to import a car to the US.
But it's fun looking!!!! 🙂

Kind of curious to know how people would compare the US made dodge, for and Chevy 4x4s to the land cruiser...

D712

No comparison IMO, unless you are talking about the jeep JK/wrangler/rubicons etc. The jeep rubicons are very capable and come with fairly stout solid front and rear axles, coil spring suspension and front/rear locking differentials (things Toyota quit importing into the US in 1997 with the last 80 series). Aftermarket Goods are plentiful and cheap compared to the land cruiser. Supposedly the quality and reliability of the jeep has improved over the last decade too.

 

[kazuma]

3rd generation 4runner

4th gen 4runner

5th gen 4runner 2010 to present

Older double cab taco

New double cab tacoma

 

[BobBarker]

The 1/2 ton trucks don't compare well with the landcruiser at all. Completely different ball games.

 

[kazuma]

The ford raptor is pretty sweet, but it's really in a class of its own.

 

[doctor712]

Hey Kazuma,

I've never dabbled in doing much to a car other than make lease or finance payments, :roll eyes:, so I'm wondering, in those 3rd and 4th gen 4runners, what would need to be done between buying in showroom, and getting it to look like that suspension wise?

AND,

importantly,

do these changes nullify any warranty, insurance, etc when you make them (raising on lowering suspension, changing out springs, big tires and rims?

What I mean is, if I'm driving on the highway and I kill someone with my car, will my insurance company say, well, you screwed with the car, you're not covered fully? Will Toyota come back to me at the end of the lease, if I leased, and say, well, change it all back or pay a big fine?

Anything here I have to really worry about liability wise?

Same goes for off-roading, if I break something on a Land Cruiser while climbing through a rocky creek, I am up said....creek?

Just wondering what the deal is,
thanks
D712

 

[doctor712]

The ford raptor is pretty sweet, but it's really in a class of its own.

I like it. No back room for boys though...

 

[doctor712]

The 1/2 ton trucks don't compare well with the landcruiser at all. Completely different ball games.

It's interesting, when I look at low-end torque, the 1/2 tons (like the F-150 with the EcoBoost engine) gives 420@4000RPM. All the SUVS out there, 4runner, Explorer, Pathfinder, give around 275@4000RPM. I would think the 1/2 tons rock in snow and off roading for this reason. However, I agree, the Land Cruiser is a gorgeous luxury car as well, and well worth the price.

If I could splurge, I would buy a new Land Cruiser or Ranger Rover, after market it up and call it a day. For 90,000$. 😱

So, I'll keep looking. Maybe the used 100 series is the best idea... I'm poking around.

D712

 

[Bertelman]

Hey Kazuma,

I've never dabbled in doing much to a car other than make lease or finance payments, :roll eyes:, so I'm wondering, in those 3rd and 4th gen 4runners, what would need to be done between buying in showroom, and getting it to look like that suspension wise?

AND,

importantly,

do these changes nullify any warranty, insurance, etc when you make them (raising on lowering suspension, changing out springs, big tires and rims?

What I mean is, if I'm driving on the highway and I kill someone with my car, will my insurance company say, well, you screwed with the car, you're not covered fully? Will Toyota come back to me at the end of the lease, if I leased, and say, well, change it all back or pay a big fine?

Anything here I have to really worry about liability wise?

Same goes for off-roading, if I break something on a Land Cruiser while climbing through a rocky creek, I am up said....creek?

Just wondering what the deal is,
thanks
D712

I wouldn't make mods to a leased car. If nothing else, you lose your baby at the end if the lease, and some one else makes a profit. Most of the lifts and aftermarket mods will void the factory warranty, which is probably in violation of the lease. I'm pretty sure just adding fat tires will void portions of the warranty.

Warranty and lost investment aside, if it's street legal you aren't really taking on any additional liability from an insurance perspective.

If you snap an axle off-road, you've just bought another axle, whether it's a mod or factory.

 

[BobBarker]

The raptor is available in a crew cab. Plenty of room. Certainly, the Ecoboost has more power, better for towing, and faster accelerating than the landcruiser. Offroad the landcruiser would be better. A lot of it has to do with the lack of rear end weight in a pickup.

 

[DreamMachine]

 

[scudrunner]

How about a Hummer...

 

[MTGas2B]

Hummer, so Gulf War.

Go for the MATV

At some point Oshkosh will offer their civilian line.

Sent from my iPad using SDN Mobile app

 

[loveoforganic]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDoRmT0iRic

 

[MTGas2B]

I like the color.

 

[xf3rn4nd3sx]

Have you look at land rover or range rover at all (if you're in the land cruiser price range)? Off road capabilities are great and it's very family friendly (comfortable for passengers). I haven't driven the land cruiser, but in my off-road experience I've been able to take the range rover up very steep slopes and through, mud, sand, etc. I like it because it looks great and is capable to be driven daily for casual use, as well.

 

[doctor712]

I Have looked into the Range Rover. The website is a little clunky and I'm still trying to figure out the difference between the regular model (80000) and the Sport (65000). Otherwise, yes they are gorgeous cars, agreed.

D712

 

[IlDestriero]

The sport is significantly smaller with a much smaller rear load space because of the sloped rear door. They're both horrendous gas pigs, if the environment is your thing.😉
The RR is also about 25k more. You can get a great deal on one coming off lease.

-
"The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end; there it is."

 

[barkster]

Okay, so it's been a while since I've been on this board, but I thought I'd reply. I just got a 2012 Wrangler Unlimited. I had it modified by American Expedition Vehicles. They make some of the best stuff for Jeeps. Anyway, anything they modify voids the factory warranty on that specific part of the Jeep (I'm not sure what auto manufacturer would warrant another companies parts) , but AEV will warrant their parts and labor for 3 years/36,000 miles. Essentially the warranty remains intact. Depending how much $ you're wanting to spend, they'll even drop a hemi in it for you!

I know I sound like a commercial, but I seriously couldn't be happier with my Jeep or AEV. What other vehicle can you drive around with no top and no doors? Check out their website: www.aev-conversions.com and the Brute Double Cab coming out later this year...pretty sweet!

 

[doctor712]

Sharp, want something bigger though. Will do some neighborhood and highway driving in it too with kids...the 4dr. Rubicon might be an option though.

D712

 

[doctor712]

The sport is significantly smaller with a much smaller rear load space because of the sloped rear door. They're both horrendous gas pigs, if the environment is your thing.😉
The RR is also about 25k more. You can get a great deal on one coming off lease.

-
“The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end; there it is.”

Hey IlD,

Funny how the RR website photos make the SPORT look essentially the same size as the RR. I couldn't get to the specs page either. The fix was in.

I love the RR. Gas hog 👎

D712

 

[doctor712]

Okay, so it's been a while since I've been on this board, but I thought I'd reply. I just got a 2012 Wrangler Unlimited. I had it modified by American Expedition Vehicles. They make some of the best stuff for Jeeps. Anyway, anything they modify voids the factory warranty on that specific part of the Jeep (I'm not sure what auto manufacturer would warrant another companies parts) , but AEV will warrant their parts and labor for 3 years/36,000 miles. Essentially the warranty remains intact. Depending how much $ you're wanting to spend, they'll even drop a hemi in it for you!

I know I sound like a commercial, but I seriously couldn't be happier with my Jeep or AEV. What other vehicle can you drive around with no top and no doors? Check out their website: www.aev-conversions.com and the Brute Double Cab coming out later this year...pretty sweet!

Care to pop up a photo of your new ride???

Good info! thx,

D712

 

[xf3rn4nd3sx]

Yeah that's true, they do guzzle gas like nobody's business 😛. The RR is much larger than the sport and is a proper off-roader. The sport was designed for commute within the town. The RR has greater traction control (independent settings for mud, gravel, snow, rain, etc. with a dial), and adjustable air suspension. Finally the RR has just higher quality and more luxurious interior.

But yeah, off-road it's awesome. I haven't taken any videos myself, but I know on youtube there is a demonstration of the range rover going up like an 80 degree incline and driving on the side of a hill. As someone above said, you can get a great deal if you get one out of lease or if you just lease yourself. Depreciation is probably higher than average in these cars, so if you can buy 1-3 years used you will save a lot and not really lose out on any features. Have you test driven any of these vehicles yet? Will definitely ease the decision and it's free 😀

 

[doctor712]

I like it. No back room for boys though...

Just test drove a Raptor. 8000 miles.

LOVED. MAN. FUN CAR.

D712

 

[militarymd]

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuDN2bCIyus&feature=youtu.be[/YOUTUBE]

 

[doctor712]

HAHA. Wow. The return of MILMD. And in my thread no less!!!!!

D712

 

[doctor712]

Crewmax Tundra's are sweet and look badass with a little lift and bigger tires.

Sat in this car today. A loaded tundra. The F-150 has about 6 inches more leg room in back for kids. Otherwise, Tundra would be a great contender...!

So far an F-150 Raptor impressed the heck outta me, steep price tag though (50K). Shopping shall continue...

D712

 

[sevoflurane]

HAHA. Wow. The return of MILMD. And in my thread no less!!!!!

D712

How do we get Mil to come back? I think I'll start a thread on hayabusa vs. Gsxr 750's... I like the 750's...

BTW, Federer is back on top. #1. 😱

Sorry Murray.

 

[xf3rn4nd3sx]

Just test drove a Raptor. 8000 miles.

LOVED. MAN. FUN CAR.

D712

Nice, raptor is a sweet truck. $50k though for 8000 miles? Isn't the MSRP 43 grand for brand new?

 

[doctor712]

This was crew cab and completely loaded.
Sticker was originally 56k. Down to 48 asking.
I wouldn't pay that for used. But funnnn ride!

 

[barkster]

Here she is. 3.5" lift, 35" mud terrain tires, front and rear bumpers with spare tire carrier, off road lights, skid plates, and a bunch of other stuff, and she still drives great on and off road. Oh, and I can also fit my three kids in the back seat. Check out this video to get an idea of the quality of their stuff, especially their lifts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJUFdgzmBVY

View attachment IMG_2313.jpg

 

[Skip2myLou]

Audi has a great Quattro system that is a beast in snow. I have a 06 a4 that still runs nice and just picked up a q5. the '13s are coming in so got a sweet deal on a '12. all for under 40k including taxes

 

[doctor712]

Here she is. 3.5" lift, 35" mud terrain tires, front and rear bumpers with spare tire carrier, off road lights, skid plates, and a bunch of other stuff, and she still drives great on and off road. Oh, and I can also fit my three kids in the back seat. Check out this video to get an idea of the quality of their stuff, especially their lifts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJUFdgzmBVY

View attachment 20464

nice ride!

 

[barkster]

Thanks! I also own a 2003 F-150 Supercrew. Great truck, but the thing doesn't turn worth squat. I also had my eye on the Raptor, but 11 mpg and with how wide the thing is (and what a pain it would be to park on a daily basis), I decided to go for the Jeep. Just depends what you're looking for. Obviously the Jeep isn't going to surround you in luxury, although if you haven't been inside the 2012's, they may surprise you.

 

[sevoflurane]

I'll put my 2 cents in.

Rubi's are nice, capable vehicles. Totally impressed by their off road capabilities. My wife has never really been wheel'n, but I was a proud man when she got behind a rubi. Here is a pic of her during one of our excursions.

X/IMG]

However, for dr712, I'd recommend a V8 4rth gen 4runner. I've put a good 100k in the colorado rockies in a 4runner. They are fun, trustworthy, and can accomodate a wide range of uses.

You need to haul your kids drum set? You'll have plenty of room in a 4runner.
Offroading? Yep. Does a great job, w/o being too wide.
I'm getting 16-20 mpg in my V8 + she's got a nice sound to her V8.
I'm on my 2nd 4runner. My 3rd gen went to 255k before I retired her.
It is not super luxurious or anything like that... but nice on the inside.

[IMG]X

And can accomodate a lot of equipment + a 85 lb dog.

And doubles for a good size bed for a german shepherd after an 8 hour hiike...😀

You can get a nice 4rth gen for 10-15k. Money well spent, IMO.

Colorado Springs is gonna be FUN!

 

[ZachNear]

I'd get a 911.

 

[K M R]

 

[doctor712]

Sevo,

thanks for the advice. What's weird is, 5th gen 4Runners....they only make them in a V6. I'll go check out used 4th gens. Please PM me the locale of your wife in the Rubicon, I wanna check that site out!!!!

Thanks,
D712