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davidji
Sep 9, 2004, 5:43 PM
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In reply to: I want one of these when they come out? |
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crotch
Sep 9, 2004, 6:19 PM
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I drive both a '96 Subaru Outback and an '02 Tacoma. The Outback will get us to most places and gets about 24 mpg (5-speed). I prefer it in snow and rain. On washboards or really really really bad, rutted roads- the ones where you want 4WD-low- the Tacoma easily outperforms the Subie. 6-cylinder, 5-speed 4x4 with a shell gets 17mpg on road trips.
We took the Outback up to Mt. Humphreys a few years back, and we had jetison all passengers and backpacks to get enough power to blast through one really rough uphill section; even then, we barely made it. The Tacoma handled the same road with ease.
In the end it will depend on how often you'll need very high clearance and 4WD low. If it's just 4WD high territory, go with the Subaru and save on gas money.
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balancewerx
Sep 9, 2004, 6:39 PM
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I have a 92 Subaru Legacy Wagon and that thing will and has gotten me everywhere I have wanted to go, with a few exceptions due to ground clearance. I would say get a Subaru, just because it is very functional in the snow, in the city, dirt roads, etc. It has just enough cargo area for 2 or 3 people to go on a week-long road trip and not be that cramped, even with all of your climbing gear. Plus, the AWD feels so good on loose gravel roads. I say Subaru.
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sevrdhed
Sep 9, 2004, 6:53 PM
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Ed is right. Do not get a pre '96 4runner. I was actually in the market and had the same dilemma as you just a couple months ago. I was looking at the exact same vehicles, as well. The only difference was, I needed to use mine to get to and from work as well, so I bought a subaru. However, as far as 4runners vs Tacomas go, instead of telling you what I'd do, I'll just say... go test drive a bunch, and get the guys to let you take them as far off-roading as possible. That'll let you know which you like better. Also, try sleeping in the back for a bit. I personally think the 4runners are more comfortable to sleep in.
Steve
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firsttraxx
Sep 9, 2004, 6:54 PM
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Not much of a difference in my worthless opinion. The decision comes down to one of clearance and cargo needs.
My old subaru literally blasted through a head-on -- just looked a little uglier -- and ran great. No issues with it at all. Not indestructible, but pretty darned close. Easy to high-center in the snow.
The Taco (however trendy) has allowed me more clearance than the subaru, lesser gas mileage, huge cargo gains. Tons more torque.
Those new WRX things are great, though. A minor tire upgrade, and you just can't break it loose in a hairpin. Get the velcro seats and pants.
Both will get infinitely better mileage, performance, and service than those POS Daimler Jeeps.
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aarong
Sep 9, 2004, 9:42 PM
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get a gremlin
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angelaa
Sep 9, 2004, 9:48 PM
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if you get the Subaru forrester there is a TAD more cargo space than the Outback - with the back seats down and a TON more ground clearance. . . . actually my Forrester and my Explorer have nearly the same - actually think the Subie gets 1/4" more ground clearance. . . . but the gas mileage is awesome 30mpg in the mtns. . . . better than any truck or SUV - and GREAT when you look at the amount of cargo you can carry! I couldn't have fit all my stuff in anything smaller - actually the Forrester carries the same amout as our Subie. . .
but . . it all depends on your preferences and usage. . . .
good luck . . but again I VOTE SUBIE!
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davidji
Sep 9, 2004, 9:52 PM
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In reply to: Ed is right. Do not get a pre '96 4runner. |
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climballnight
Sep 9, 2004, 11:06 PM
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Watch out guys! She's done her homework! :wink:
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winter
Sep 9, 2004, 11:07 PM
Post #62 of 103
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Holy Crap about to peel, can you fill us in on your set up with your truck? I know plenty who sleep under their topper, but on top of it?? Wow. Those little support poles don't look like much if you've got more than one person in there...
thanks
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crossfit2
Sep 9, 2004, 11:10 PM
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Im a big fan of Toyotas and currently have a 2002 Landcruiser that is pretty amazing. I think that you get quite a bit of quality throughout the Toyota line and maintenance is never an issue. Granted there are a lot of soccer Moms driving SUV's to the mall and it is a bit of a cliche by now but Toyotas really are good on nasty roads and in nasty weather. Look at any CNN story on the middle east and see how many bullet pocked Toyotas there are driven by relief organisations in the background. I wouldn't think twice about buying an older one.
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davidji
Sep 9, 2004, 11:15 PM
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In reply to: Holy Crap about to peel, can you fill us in on your set up with your truck? |
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tim
Sep 9, 2004, 11:16 PM
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In reply to: Okay, my last couple of adventures in searching out climbs has brought to my attention that Toyota Corollas were apparently NOT intended as off-road vehicles. I'm thinking about asking Santa for a Tacoma or a 4Runner. A former climbing partner has also suggested that I consider a Forrester. Obviously, I can look up basic info on cars.com, but I dont think I can do a 3,000 mile test drive for 5 days through the mountains and into the middle of nowhere.
You've seen my Tacoma; I live out of the thing on trips. Even Catherine has decided that it's preferable to sleep in the back of the truck versus a tent (when the choice presents itself). Subarus are great vehicles, and I thought it was illegal to live in the greater metropolitan Boulder area without one, but I have never regretted for one single second buying my Tacoma. (this is coming from a guy who put more off-road miles on a Volvo 760 than most people will ever put on their Jeeps and SUVs...)
When Preston gets older he'll be able to use it as well... Toyotas last forever, as you've probably already discovered with the Corolla. And they're really hard to fuck up. I had a little spat with a fire hydrant a few years ago and it cost me $30 to patch up the damage. I don't even want to think about what it would have cost with a fancier ride.
One last thing -- I average ~24mpg in the Tacoma. It weighs very little.
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tech_dog
Sep 9, 2004, 11:19 PM
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I second the Landcruiser as the ultimate vehicle.
Mine has been beat to hell and back and has been incredibly reliable. It's my third Toyota and I'll never drive anything other than a Landcrusier as my "escape" vehicle.
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crotch
Sep 9, 2004, 11:57 PM
Post #68 of 103
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Registered: Jan 16, 2003
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In reply to: One last thing -- I average ~24mpg in the Tacoma. It weighs very little.
Dude. What's your secret? I only get 19mpg on the freeway. Do you have a 4-cylinder? 4WD? Perhaps it's how fast/slow I drive - avg. 80mph.
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tim
Sep 10, 2004, 12:41 AM
Post #69 of 103
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In reply to: In reply to: One last thing -- I average ~24mpg in the Tacoma. It weighs very little. Dude. What's your secret? I only get 19mpg on the freeway. Do you have a 4-cylinder? 4WD? Perhaps it's how fast/slow I drive - avg. 80mph.
Drive the speed limit. I have a V6 and when I drive the speed limit I get 24mpg. When I speed like a bat out of hell and use my radar detector, it's more like 15mpg. But that's kind of to be expected. Even in the old Volvo, if I went > 100mph for long stretches, my mileage sucked. Que lastima...
Most of my driving is not commuting but rather road trips. I don't like to brake and I don't like to accelerate -- I like to peg it at ~75 and put it on cruise control, unless I'm in a hurry, in which case I peg it at 105 and turn the volume all the way up on the radar detector :D
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pheenixx
Sep 10, 2004, 12:46 AM
Post #70 of 103
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In reply to: These are the kinds of roads for which I am considering said purchase: sand/mud/snow or rocky / rutted jeep trails so far, it's narrowing down between 4runner and tacoma. i like trucks more (i'm from texas - what do you expect), but i also worry about fish-tailing. (again, i'm from texas - what the hell do i know about driving in ice/snow). Someone brought up insurance, and that's a good point. no need in buying something that i cant afford to insure.
I'm not gonna read this entire post here but I thought I'd offer my .02. Amber - you know my vote..! As far as fishtailing -- It's all about the "TIRES" bay-bee -- Get BFG All Terrain T/A's and get 'em as big as you can. Stock set-up can go up to 16" and 275 without additional lift kit which could run fr 12-15 hundred bones extra. The camper shell on my Taco rocks and keeps the bears out of my face when I'm sleeping. It's also good for 1 nite stands + warmer than a bivy. Re: insurance --- the moment you mention "4wheel drive" they'll hike it up no matter what brand you drive.
Get a truck - Tex..!
:lol: :lol: :lol:
~phx~
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pheenixx
Sep 10, 2004, 12:48 AM
Post #71 of 103
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p.s. ~ If ya can't lay down in it -- don't buy it...
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pheenixx
Sep 10, 2004, 1:06 AM
Post #73 of 103
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In reply to: In reply to: If ya can't lay down in it -- don't buy it... pfft, in that case, i might as well get a VW beetle. ;)
??? :roll: ???
My point was the 4-runners have no internal camping option. If you want to go on the road with this gift from Santa...and you want to clear rocks...and you want to avoid being bear food - get a truck -- that's why they call it a "bed".
But hell - if you want a VW -- jack it up - go for it....!! Could look cool.
Cheers ~phx~
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tim
Sep 10, 2004, 1:14 AM
Post #74 of 103
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In reply to: In reply to: In reply to: If ya can't lay down in it -- don't buy it... pfft, in that case, i might as well get a VW beetle. ;) My point was the 4-runners have no internal camping option.
Strictly speaking, this isn't true. You just flip down the back seats. It's actually a bit warmer than the Tacoma. Hoever, the problem is that no one I know is likely to keep the back seat clean enough during an extended road trip to make this easy, and in the long run it's simpler and easier just to get a pickup truck (and loft the back, if you're going to spend a ton of time in it).
Or a VW Eurovan, which two of my partners have now described as the ultimate vehicle while scornfully eying my hoopty. Takes all kinds, I guess... ;-)
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kachoong
Sep 10, 2004, 1:17 AM
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...I'm finding it hard to be in one camp or the other... I think both Landcruisers and Foresters/Outbacks have great features.... Landcruisers will probably last longer, but you're talking a looooong time.... ask Phil. Subarus tend to have problems developing with their front drive shaft dust boots, or whatever they're called... if you over steer all the time the universal joints will become problematic after 100,000km... I wouldn't get an Imprezza, if you want to bush bash all the time.... they certaiinly don't last as long as the Outback over here in Australia, say up on the cape.... for terrain like that, I'd go the Landcruiser... but the insurance is definately a factor too.... sorry, probably not great info, but something....
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