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pheenixx
Sep 10, 2004, 1:18 AM
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hey Tim -- does that "flip-down" get you a tot-tally flat surface to slumber on..?? Most of the vehicles I've seen still have a bump where the seat is - or was - or pretends to still be....
~phx~
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pheenixx
Sep 10, 2004, 1:20 AM
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hey Tim -- does that "flip-down" get you a tot-tally flat surface to slumber on..?? Most of the vehicles I've seen still have a bump where the seat is - or was - or pretends to still be....
~phx~
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pheenixx
Sep 10, 2004, 1:26 AM
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In reply to: Hell I slept in the back of the Volvo plenty of times. I'm trying to think of a vehicle I haven't slept in the back of. Ensolite cures all bivy ills...
...does that include the VW Beetle..??
~phx~
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carbo
Sep 10, 2004, 1:32 AM
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Amber,
I own a 99' 4runner (V6) 4wd and can highly recommend it. Here is my few points
Milage 17-21mpg (best ever was 24mpg on the way home from yosemite) you will get better milage in a Subaru (but only 21-27 or so due to AWD). Since you already have a daily driver I guess you can blow some extra gas on your trips.
AWD or 4WD: I do find AWD is much better in snow (ie Subaru), but if you really need clearance then 4runner/tacoma is the way to go.
Sleeping: I managed to sleep inside a 4runner but only diagonally (I'm just over 6') and would have prefered a tent.
Reliability: Excellent
Transmission: 4runners do not offer manual trans after year 2000, but having a automatic will be helpful in if you get into serious offroading territory. Tacomas still offer 5speed manual trans
4runner or tacoma: Either one is going to great but how many people are you bringing (1 or more?). What is the final price with camper shell and all.
Also why buy it new if you are just going to dent it anyway? get one that is a few years old and save a buck. They will last.
As others have mentioned, there are website devoted to toyotas (try yotatech.com, ttora (or something like that)). Make sure you test drive them!
Good luck
Carsten
PS Landcruiser are much bigger and heavier (expect 15mpg) might be overkill for one person
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climbersoze
Sep 10, 2004, 1:42 AM
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I would go with the Tacoma, 4X4, extended cab with the offroad package.
Been looking at one myself as a work/play vehicle. Used ones are cheaper than the Silverado/Sierras or F250s that I have been looking at.
Take a look at AutoTrader.com (used to work there :) )
The results you see are from a search I did within 100 miles of Louisville for a 1990-2000 Tacoma (opens to page 2 for the not so expensive ones.
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epic_ed
Sep 10, 2004, 3:18 AM
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Amber -- go here for some good info on Yotas. In fact, post your question there and see what kind of input you get:
http://www.yotatech.com/forumdisplay.php?f=60
As for sleeping in the 'Runner -- no problems for me. I'm 5'10" and the seats fold down flat enough that I can sleep with the tail gate up. Amber should have absolutely no problem if that's the route she decides to go. On solo trips I've developed a system that is reasonably hassle-free and allows me to clear out one side to sleep in.
It looks like you're leaning toward a Tacoma. If you get one, you'll pay less than you would for a 4Runner, but you'll likely sink the amount you saved into a camper shell and stuff to fix it up for camping. The 4Runner is habitable straight off the lot. Just a thought.
Ed
Just saw Pheenixx's post. :lol: I like the Tacoma's a lot, but I've owned a 4x4 pick, extended cab, with a camper shell and I much prefer the convenience of an SUV. Personal preferences.
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pheenixx
Sep 10, 2004, 3:24 AM
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unless you've got a golden-santa...
4-runners == $$$$
tacos == $$
but I'm sure you'll find that out. Ha-ha...people seems to be VERY defensive about their decisions.... :lol: Good luck in yours. I'm sure you'll make the right one...sometimes this whole thing IS like trying out gear...and it seems to be just as opinionated.
~phx~
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illclimbthat
Sep 10, 2004, 4:50 AM
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Registered: Oct 3, 2003
Posts: 34
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hey,
i'm getting a new car in the next couple of weeks and i'm looking for something used that's around $6,000. my dad and i are looking into tacomas, the forrester, or maybe the nissan xterra (i think that's what it's called)--basically anything reliable that can get a lot of miles. i plan to live out of my car for a while and take to a lot of places in the west and i'll use it up at school in maine. i'm 5 ft 3...does this mean that i dont need a truck to be able to sleep in my car? ( i feel like a truck is a much for me and i hate using so much gas, but if i need to, or if i find one cheap ill get it). also, does anyone have any advise for the best avenues on finding reliable used cars? i've checked out carmax.com and ebay...unfortunatley not many people in my area have trucks so there aren't many in the newspaper.
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tim
Sep 10, 2004, 6:47 AM
Post #85 of 103
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Registered: Apr 4, 2002
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Whoever said to buy the thing used is spot on. The biggest depreciation your vehicle will ever see is the minute you drive it off the lot. This bothered me, so I let someone else take that wallop, and bought a 1-year-old used Tacoma with 15K miles. They kept the floor mats, I kept $9,000. Seems fair to me.
My camper shell was $550. Buy that on consignment, too. Get one that matches, you will be really pissed off in the long run otherwise (it's very difficult to get a camper shell painted). Or get one of those godlike tent things (which I suspect are a lot more than $550). Leer and Raven make nice ones.
Basically, anytime you can get something 'like new' with a factory warranty, do it. You typically will save 10%-20%, which on a vehicle is a LOT of money.
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diesel___smoke
Sep 10, 2004, 8:06 AM
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Registered: Aug 9, 2003
Posts: 507
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Get a diesel!!! Like Dungree's, You can't bust 'em [kill 'em, or beat 'em]. Some pros and cons...
Pros:
Pretty damn good fuel mileage, generally much better than a comparable vehicle with a gasonline engine.
Fuel mileage doesn't change much even if you're loaded to the hilt. Nice to know, eh?
Fuel mileage is much more consistent despite changes in your driving habits compared to gasoline vehicles. This surprized me a lot.
Security of being in a larger vehicle, we'll at least I find security from them now moreso.
Can leave them at idle for extended periods of time without overheating (hotter they get the better they run for the most part).
Oil changes are hardly as frequent, along with really all maintenience, though they do take more oil - mine took 12 qts.
Diesel engines vastly outlast gasoline engines.
More reliable/Less prone to breakdown.
It's hot out and you are running an errand? Leave 'em running while you're shopping, whatever, and the interior will stay icy cold w/ no problems of overheating and -
Diesels burn very little fuel at idle. I left mine idling all the time.
Diesel fuel is (generally) cheaper and varies less than gasoline when the economy changes (Although I've seen it more expensive, but it's usually about 15 cents cheaper where I live, even less just out of town).
Tow just about anything.
Huge driving range per tank.
You can put the pedal to the floor when you feel like it and listen to the turbo kick in :) They can take off pretty damn fast too-
You have pretty much max. torque at all rpms, and they pull pretty damn hard throughout all ranges-
Fun to drive, and they're workhorses that can take it.
Cons:
Kinda noisier, the Cummins engine I had was more so than other options - I think Chevy's Duramax is the quietest, followed by Ford's Powerstroke and Dodge/Cummins coming in last, but I believe Cummins are the best choice out of the three. Most trucks these days are pretty well insulated because of such noise. They're really not that bad really sound wise.
Diesel fuel isn't available at all gas stations. I've encountered quite a few that don't sale it, not that it's hard to find, though. That is probably why they are called gas stations. Highway stations are no problem, I've yet to find one that doesn't have it that I've tried to refuel at.
Initially diesels cost more, but in the end, are more cost efficient.
Mechanics are harder to locate, especially good ones and repairs are generally more expensive when they occur - Though I never, ever had even a single mechaincal problem the entire time I owned mine.
Diesel engines are primarily only available in trucks.
Some people claim problems starting them in cold weather - this I never experienced but I think this problem is just subject to old diesels. Give your glow plugs a chance to heat up people!
Diesel fuel can kinda freeze or gum-up in extreme temperatures (far below freezing).
Not very fast on the top end - mine, at about 95 MPH was hitting in at about 25-2800rpm, and I never took it over 3 grand on the tach (it's hard on it). 1500-2000rpm is ideal. Driving them is more complicated than your run of the mill gasoline car, but you get used to it and it's second nature.
Of course, you still have with at least some diesel smoke :wink:, but the new ones run pretty damn clean. I must say - I really could only get mine to release a noticable amount of smoke at highway speeds when I engaged the clutch and idled up the motor and during hauling heavy loads, but even despite that, the exhaust is still dirtier than gasoline exhaust whether it's smokey or not, but the improved fuel mileage negates this.
________________________________________________________
If you, or anyone, should end up with a diesel - install a pyrometer and know how to read them. It's by far the most important gauge to have on a diesel. They'll tell you far more about the motor and what it's doing than the other gauge(s). The important thing about having such a gauge is that in the event of a engine stressing situation - [generally] the diesel motor itself really cannot get hot enough to cause damage to the engine because it already operates at a relatively low temperature (exhaust damage will usually occur first in a diesel, but you can keep running them and cause engine damage also). If you are going to be hauling heavy loads, get a exhaust brake if it doesn't have one and brake controls (especially in the mountains with long descents). Also, if you are going to be hauling heavy loads in the mountains, learn how to drive a diesel or you can easily kill yourself, or worse - others. Your engine and transmission life will also increase though proper operation.
I miss my diesel; it was totaled on July 9th, when someone went into a diabetic seizure/coma rear-ended me as I was stopped at construction zone on a highway. His approx. speed was 75 mph. I do believe that a lot of my survival had simply to do with the integrity and size of a one ton truck (I wasn't wearing my seatbelt either). I will, hands-down, buy another diesel, or a luxury car. Most diesel owners love theirs, ask 'em.
But if you're strict about your considerations, I'd go with a Toyota. Anna (valygrl) has a nice Tacoma, you could PM here about it - I'm sure she'd give you her opinions one them. She's had the adventure of getting to live out of it for a while on her journeys. My dad had a 4Runner at one point, while I didn't care much for it much, it was reliable and faily functional and should be way better than a Subaru, fu(k. You should check out the Nissan Titans, they look sharp. Whatever you decide to get I hope you are pleased with it and it serves you well in your adventures.
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sandbag
Sep 10, 2004, 8:11 AM
Post #87 of 103
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Registered: Jan 12, 2003
Posts: 1443
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Screw all you guys/gals. Amber, you need to get a Mog. :P
http://www.unimog.net/sales/
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angelaa
Sep 10, 2004, 1:24 PM
Post #88 of 103
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Registered: May 21, 2003
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:shock:
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angelaa
Sep 10, 2004, 1:26 PM
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Registered: May 21, 2003
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sorry I comparing the Forrester to the Outback not the forrester to the Tacoma. . .
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slobmonster
Sep 10, 2004, 1:32 PM
Post #90 of 103
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It seems that your question has already been answered, i.e. you're going for a Tacoma, so good luck with it. But I'm looking at where you live --Front Range-- and I think it highly likely that with a little travel you'll find a screaming deal somewhere.
I'm pretty sure you can do a search on price with a huge geographic radius...
That said, I am surprised noone has brought up the T-100. When the Tundra came out many, many T-100 owners traded theirs in for the new Toyota full-size, and there was no shortage of the older vehicles for sale on street corners, etc. It drives really nice, just a wee bit bigger than a Tacoma, I'm not sure about the mileage.
Just something to consider.
I have had 2 Subarus --a Legacy and an Outback-- and both got me very, very deep into the Utah desert. Now I'm gettin' freaky with my Previa 2WD minivan.
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calamity_chk
Sep 10, 2004, 3:19 PM
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Yeah, I've scampered around to a few places in an Outback. It did pretty well, but I'd like to get further up worse roads. :oops:
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winter
Sep 10, 2004, 4:30 PM
Post #92 of 103
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Not to hijack Amber, but with all these car people on here I have a question. I would love a small truck (ie: Tacoma) but want a diesel so bad. Who makes that?? Why can't I get a diesel without getting a Jetta or a full size pick up??? Grr.
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carbo
Sep 10, 2004, 7:02 PM
Post #93 of 103
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Registered: Jul 15, 2004
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Diesel for some reason is only considered for high power towing or similar trucks (in the US). But I think you will see more diesels in future like the Jetta. It could be a matter of making them cleaner (not required for trucks) and less noisy. They may appear soon with the current gas prices we have
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diesel___smoke
Sep 10, 2004, 10:10 PM
Post #94 of 103
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In reply to: Not to hijack Amber, but with all these car people on here I have a question. I would love a small truck (ie: Tacoma) but want a diesel so bad. Who makes that?? Why can't I get a diesel without getting a Jetta or a full size pick up??? Grr.
There are some old Toyota Land Cruisers models floating around that are diesel. Mercedes has brought back their E class, but they're cars. If you had the time and the money, I'm sure you could import a vehicle like what you want. Unfortunately diesels really haven't quite caught on yet here in the US like they should.
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feanor007
Sep 10, 2004, 10:46 PM
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Registered: Sep 7, 2004
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Honda CR-V. I took my CR-V all over the place out west over some pretty dicy approch roads to fourteeners, then for kicks i tried a ATV trail up to tincup pass and made it up and down with out any trouble. this car has 60K+ miles and runs like new. i've abused it in every possible way and it has never let me down. plus you can store a collosel amount of gear in the trunk for a car of it's size. finally it gets good enough gas milage to be used for cross country road trips. i got from lexington, ky to Buena Vista Co for $120 gas. the CR-V kicks might not be the best at any one thing but there is nothing it's bad at, in fact it's well above average in every catagory
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davidji
Sep 11, 2004, 12:18 AM
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Registered: Jan 30, 2003
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In reply to: Unfortunately diesels really haven't quite caught on yet here in the US like they should. |
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stick233
Sep 11, 2004, 2:04 AM
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Registered: Sep 18, 2002
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i think i've found the ultimate in two-car/ one-driver combinations!!
i have an 03 taco four door 4WD. this has been a great climbing trips. i can fit 4 people and all our gear for day or weekend trips and all my own gear for longer trips. i took it up to zion for an aid session and it was great. it should go for 200k+ easy. it only has a 5 foot bed, which could be a problem, but since you usually don't climb in the rain, you usually don't camp in the rain. i keep a tarp and some line handy to make a quick bivvy back there. i thought of the topper but like the look without. if you got a topper, making it virtually rain proof with the rear hatch open and tailgate down wou;dn't be that hard. i have never seen the 24 MPG out of her, and i drive pretty sane as gas is so expensive... 20 is about the best, but i don't complain (see below). go for the taco!!!
i also have an 04 vw golf turbo-diesel for commuting (100 miles each way to work). this is great on mileage... 40+ mpg. anyone use them as climbing rides?
as for the 4runner, my friend had a 94. the seats went down flat and we both slept in the back comfortably. he was 6'3" and i'm 6'. the gear spent the night under the truck, but it worked... still prefer the taco.
good luck amber, let us know what happens...
oh, and check out edmunds.com to find pricing and options for what you want. the have invoice prices so you can haggle better at the dealership. (i got mine for $50 over invoice!!)
rob
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climballnight
Sep 11, 2004, 3:22 AM
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Yeah, I second that on the Edmonds.com recommendation. I also subscribed to ConsumerReports.com too when I bought my car. You can learn about what the dealers are paying for their cars, and what kickbacks they get for each sale. Great info to have when it comes to negotiating prices.
Good luck!
- bret
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epic_ed
Sep 11, 2004, 5:15 AM
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JP -- I wish the 4Runner was available in the US with a diesel. The run forever and are great on gas milage. Toyota does make the same model for other countries (Australia, Britain, others) with a diesel engine, and they are called the Heliux. Importing one cost a left nut, but some people on the Toyota boards do an engine conversion that drops a diesel in there to replace the crappy 3.0l 3VZ-E. It's an expensive conversion and one that I strongly considered. If I ever get to a point in my mechanical appitude that I think I could do the labor on my own, I'd probably go for it.
Ed
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winter
Sep 13, 2004, 5:36 PM
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Registered: Apr 9, 2003
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Comment on the CR-V. I hate mine.
Ok, edit, I don't hate it, but it is sooo gutless that I feel like poking my eye out with a sharp stick every time I drive. It's great in winter, best car I've had. I only had it stuck once (for 4 hours!) in deep snow.
It's great on rough roads.
But OMG I have it floored about 70% of the time I'm in it. I want to drive through the mountains at 130, I want to pass people uphill on the highway, I want to merge in rush hour traffic without feeling like I'm going to cause an accident. For the gutless thing that it is, it also gets crap gas mileage. I abuse the hell out of mine and so far I've needed a new tranmission, the locks fixed twice, and some other stuff. It's only got 111000km on it.
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