Looking for some advice

LoneWolf · 07-28-2005, 04:23 PM

I'm going to be heading into the bush soon and will need a reliable 4x4 vehicle (truck or SUV) to get me through the logging roads to my worksites. Right now I don't have the funds to spend on a brand new vehicle and am limiting myself to around fifteen grand (taxes in).

My job won't be exclusively in the bush and I'll probably find myself half of the time cruising in the city. I'm also trying to save a bit on gas so with those things in mind I have the full-size pickups sitting as an alternative to the compact trucks and SUVs.

From the truck enthusiasts I've spoken to I've heard nothing but good things about Japanese trucks and mixed reviews on the domestics. The big advantage the domestics have right now is in pricing - they're considerably cheaper.

So for those of you out there in my situation, where would your direct your hard earned cash? Is a 4x4/AWD SUV a good buy or would it be better to just go for the pickup?

Thanks in advance

cheers
lw

DodgeChick · 07-28-2005, 05:44 PM

Welcome to the forum!

Well my truck was bought with the intention of hauling horses and getting me around in the hills in nasty winter weather. Ive got a Ram 4x4, but you said you're not looking for a full size truck. Im not a supporter of Japanese trucks at all...just dont like em. I think trucks are made best by this side of the globe.
Being a Dodge supporter Id recommend a Durango or Dakota 4x4. Whether you go for a truck or an SUV is really up to you. Will you need the backseat and tailgate room? Or would an open bed for loading a bunch of junk in suit you better? If you need backseat room and the open bed you could always go for a quad cab truck.
You can get a good used truck/suv for 15k. Goodluck in your search! Let us know what you decide on

Dax · 07-28-2005, 07:21 PM

We had a chevy 4x4 3/4 truck Diesel - I would not recommend it. It did get us in and out but with a camper on it but the operating costs were way high. From what people tell me a plain old Jeep is a good work horse 4x4 with low operating costs, great "goat" personalities and you can put some cash back in your pocket.

Beaver3000 · 07-28-2005, 07:25 PM

The Japanese make some of the best trucks in the world. Sorry DodgeChick, but you are wrong. Look at the scores by consumer report. The Toyota Tundra has a flawless score of excellent ever since it came out. I would recomend a Toyota truck. Toyota trucks have the reputation of being the best built cars and trucks on the road. If you ever get the chance to see last nights Top Gear show on the Discovery Channel you will see a 80's Toyota 4x4 truck go through being submerged in water, run through a wooden shed, had a small camping trailer dropped on it, had a wrecking ball hit it, and lit on fire. The only repairs it had was when it was submerged in the English Channel and it was repaired by hand tools. Everything else it went through and it still ran. I would personally recommend the '97 Toyota 4runner or aT-100. Both get about 15 to 17 mpg in town and the Tacoma has a crew cab, small but good. My father has a 1997 2WD 4runner and he gets about 17mpg and he has not had a problem with it except once his antenna broke, but it was fixed just a few days later. His 4runner is still worth $12,000 dollars. My 1997 GMC c1500 is only worth $6,000. Their both the same year and nearly the same miles and my truck has a bigger engine, but his 4runner is still worth more and retains its value better. I strongly recommend a Toyota truck. With any truck always check where it was made. If its from Mexico, Vietnam, or any third world county never buy it. Those will always give you trouble. Good luck on your hunt.

DodgeChick · 07-28-2005, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beaver3000

The Japanese make some of the best trucks in the world. Sorry DodgeChick, but you are wrong.

In your opinion I am.
From what experience Ive seen and had with them, and most people Ive ever talked to about them (and Ive talked to alot) said they just didnt cut it for work and alot of other things. Many people feel Japanese can do cars and speed...but cant do work trucks. Just like American makes can do better trucks then speed/sports cars. Its not just me.

Beaver3000 · 07-28-2005, 07:50 PM

Sorry about that I meant to come back and say that it was your opinion. I got busy and rushed through to right that. Sorry, but in my opinion and Consumer Reports Toyota is now making the best trucks on the market. Nissans are not to far behind and are making leaps and bounds in their truck industry. Sorry about the mix up and if I sounded cocky, but the facts are the fact. You are intitled to your opinion and I am sorry for disregarding your opinion. Please except my apology.

DodgeChick · 07-28-2005, 07:57 PM

Well, you put faith in consumer reports...I dont... therefore our opinions differ obviously. Its been found out in the past that certain companies/brands of products who pay the most to consumer reports become #1. So I dont put trust in anything they say....
No problem...just wanted to point out that its opinion...thats all.

Beaver3000 · 07-28-2005, 08:01 PM

Sorry about not regarding the rest of your message but the Nissan Titan has as much horsepower as any American built truck. The Tundra does lack that extra horsepower, but they are getting better at it. Your may be thinking about the old Frontiers, Tacomas, and T-100 with there lack of horsepower and looks. But Japanese trucks are improving greatly. The monoply American built trucks have had is coming to an end as imported trucks are getting stronger and better. Even the Japanese mid-size trucks are gaining horsepower. The Honda Ridgeline (which look horrible to me in my own opinion) and the Nissan Frontier have 250+ horsepower now. People are starting to accept imported trucks more and more. They are some of the best built vehicle on the road and that is supported by people like Consumer Reports and have won many awards for their durable trucks.

Ford4x4Chik27 · 07-28-2005, 08:15 PM

Fullsize broncos are awsome for offroading and driving in town. They get decent mileage, specially the 302 (5.0L) I've had several of them, offroaded them and they were my daily drivers. They hold 4 passengers plus teh driver comfortably and they tow as well as any f-150. I towed a 6500 lb truck as well as trailer with my '87 with a 5.0L....just my $0.02

LoneWolf · 07-28-2005, 09:50 PM

Thanks for your replies guys, not to mention the interesting Imports vs Domestics debate

I've also read the consumer guides and have noticed the Japanese trucks often get the better reviews, though many of the domestics also get favourable remarks. Reliability appears to be where the Japanese get the extra gold star.

I strongly considered the Durango and Dakota until I looked up the fuel efficiency they get. For the amount of gas they guzzle I might as well go for a full-size. But of all the compacts, I have to say the last generation of Dakotas are above and beyond their competitors in sheer sexiness. I've owned a '96 Neon and a '94 Intrepid, and after experiencing those two Dodge vehicles I feel it's time to move on. Just about everything has gone on the Neon's frontend and the Intrepid's tranny konked out after only 40k miles. May have been bad luck.

The Bronco sounds a little too big for what I'm after. 5.0L ... sounds like it sucks down the gas

As far as anecdotes and personal opinions I've heard from the guys who use trucks day in and day out in the bush, I've heard nothing but rave reviews for the Toyota trucks when it comes to reliability and performance. But they come at a cost with a Tundra, for example, ringing up an extra few grand over a domestic equivalent. Are they really worth the extra coin?

I've narrowed my list down to:
Toyota RAV4 (2001-2004)
Honda CR-V (2001-2004)
Ford Escape (2001-2004)
Ford F-150 (1995-2000)
Chevy Silverado (1995-2000)

My biggest concern with the domestics lies in the powertrain - from what I hear they're not very reliable. Any agreements or objections to that?

I'm also a bit curious as to whether or not the imports will have enough power. The CR-V and RAV4 offer only 2.0L I4's which generate no more than 140 HP. Sounds a bit underpowered, but then again, since I won't be hauling much it may be adequate. I just don't have the experience to say.

For at least the next year I'm not going to be hauling anything more than myself, a few passengers and a bit of cargo, so I don't need that much horsepower. Basically I just need 4x4 and high clearance to keep me going along the logging roads.

Thanks for your input guys. I really appreciate it

cheers

07-28-2005, 05:44 PM	#2
DodgeChick Senior Member++ Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 850	Welcome to the forum! Well my truck was bought with the intention of hauling horses and getting me around in the hills in nasty winter weather. Ive got a Ram 4x4, but you said you're not looking for a full size truck. Im not a supporter of Japanese trucks at all...just dont like em. I think trucks are made best by this side of the globe. Being a Dodge supporter Id recommend a Durango or Dakota 4x4. Whether you go for a truck or an SUV is really up to you. Will you need the backseat and tailgate room? Or would an open bed for loading a bunch of junk in suit you better? If you need backseat room and the open bed you could always go for a quad cab truck. You can get a good used truck/suv for 15k. Goodluck in your search! Let us know what you decide on __________________ 2002 Patriot Blue Ram 1500 4x4 in the process of some mods ***Voted Best Truck on HGS*** Silly boys!! Trucks are for girls!!! "Grab Life By The Horns"

07-28-2005, 07:57 PM	#7
DodgeChick Senior Member++ Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 850	Well, you put faith in consumer reports...I dont... therefore our opinions differ obviously. Its been found out in the past that certain companies/brands of products who pay the most to consumer reports become #1. So I dont put trust in anything they say.... No problem...just wanted to point out that its opinion...thats all. __________________ 2002 Patriot Blue Ram 1500 4x4 in the process of some mods ***Voted Best Truck on HGS*** Silly boys!! Trucks are for girls!!! "Grab Life By The Horns"

07-28-2005, 08:15 PM	#9
Ford4x4Chik27 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Sac-Town, Cali Posts: 1,585	Fullsize broncos are awsome for offroading and driving in town. They get decent mileage, specially the 302 (5.0L) I've had several of them, offroaded them and they were my daily drivers. They hold 4 passengers plus teh driver comfortably and they tow as well as any f-150. I towed a 6500 lb truck as well as trailer with my '87 with a 5.0L....just my $0.02 __________________ '93 Isuzu Amigo, Toyota Axles/Tcase/Drivelines, 35" MTR's '01 Pathfinder, making a huge effort to keep it stock, since it's my DD

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07-28-2005, 04:23 PM	#1
LoneWolf Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 4	Looking for some advice I'm going to be heading into the bush soon and will need a reliable 4x4 vehicle (truck or SUV) to get me through the logging roads to my worksites. Right now I don't have the funds to spend on a brand new vehicle and am limiting myself to around fifteen grand (taxes in). My job won't be exclusively in the bush and I'll probably find myself half of the time cruising in the city. I'm also trying to save a bit on gas so with those things in mind I have the full-size pickups sitting as an alternative to the compact trucks and SUVs. From the truck enthusiasts I've spoken to I've heard nothing but good things about Japanese trucks and mixed reviews on the domestics. The big advantage the domestics have right now is in pricing - they're considerably cheaper. So for those of you out there in my situation, where would your direct your hard earned cash? Is a 4x4/AWD SUV a good buy or would it be better to just go for the pickup? Thanks in advance cheers lw

07-28-2005, 07:21 PM	#3
Dax Senior Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 351	We had a chevy 4x4 3/4 truck Diesel - I would not recommend it. It did get us in and out but with a camper on it but the operating costs were way high. From what people tell me a plain old Jeep is a good work horse 4x4 with low operating costs, great "goat" personalities and you can put some cash back in your pocket.

07-28-2005, 07:25 PM	#4
Beaver3000 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Yuba City, California Posts: 393	The Japanese make some of the best trucks in the world. Sorry DodgeChick, but you are wrong. Look at the scores by consumer report. The Toyota Tundra has a flawless score of excellent ever since it came out. I would recomend a Toyota truck. Toyota trucks have the reputation of being the best built cars and trucks on the road. If you ever get the chance to see last nights Top Gear show on the Discovery Channel you will see a 80's Toyota 4x4 truck go through being submerged in water, run through a wooden shed, had a small camping trailer dropped on it, had a wrecking ball hit it, and lit on fire. The only repairs it had was when it was submerged in the English Channel and it was repaired by hand tools. Everything else it went through and it still ran. I would personally recommend the '97 Toyota 4runner or aT-100. Both get about 15 to 17 mpg in town and the Tacoma has a crew cab, small but good. My father has a 1997 2WD 4runner and he gets about 17mpg and he has not had a problem with it except once his antenna broke, but it was fixed just a few days later. His 4runner is still worth $12,000 dollars. My 1997 GMC c1500 is only worth $6,000. Their both the same year and nearly the same miles and my truck has a bigger engine, but his 4runner is still worth more and retains its value better. I strongly recommend a Toyota truck. With any truck always check where it was made. If its from Mexico, Vietnam, or any third world county never buy it. Those will always give you trouble. Good luck on your hunt.

07-28-2005, 07:50 PM	#6
Beaver3000 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Yuba City, California Posts: 393	Sorry about that I meant to come back and say that it was your opinion. I got busy and rushed through to right that. Sorry, but in my opinion and Consumer Reports Toyota is now making the best trucks on the market. Nissans are not to far behind and are making leaps and bounds in their truck industry. Sorry about the mix up and if I sounded cocky, but the facts are the fact. You are intitled to your opinion and I am sorry for disregarding your opinion. Please except my apology.

07-28-2005, 08:01 PM	#8
Beaver3000 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Yuba City, California Posts: 393	Sorry about not regarding the rest of your message but the Nissan Titan has as much horsepower as any American built truck. The Tundra does lack that extra horsepower, but they are getting better at it. Your may be thinking about the old Frontiers, Tacomas, and T-100 with there lack of horsepower and looks. But Japanese trucks are improving greatly. The monoply American built trucks have had is coming to an end as imported trucks are getting stronger and better. Even the Japanese mid-size trucks are gaining horsepower. The Honda Ridgeline (which look horrible to me in my own opinion) and the Nissan Frontier have 250+ horsepower now. People are starting to accept imported trucks more and more. They are some of the best built vehicle on the road and that is supported by people like Consumer Reports and have won many awards for their durable trucks.

07-28-2005, 09:50 PM	#10
LoneWolf Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 4	Thanks for your replies guys, not to mention the interesting Imports vs Domestics debate I've also read the consumer guides and have noticed the Japanese trucks often get the better reviews, though many of the domestics also get favourable remarks. Reliability appears to be where the Japanese get the extra gold star. I strongly considered the Durango and Dakota until I looked up the fuel efficiency they get. For the amount of gas they guzzle I might as well go for a full-size. But of all the compacts, I have to say the last generation of Dakotas are above and beyond their competitors in sheer sexiness. I've owned a '96 Neon and a '94 Intrepid, and after experiencing those two Dodge vehicles I feel it's time to move on. Just about everything has gone on the Neon's frontend and the Intrepid's tranny konked out after only 40k miles. May have been bad luck. The Bronco sounds a little too big for what I'm after. 5.0L ... sounds like it sucks down the gas As far as anecdotes and personal opinions I've heard from the guys who use trucks day in and day out in the bush, I've heard nothing but rave reviews for the Toyota trucks when it comes to reliability and performance. But they come at a cost with a Tundra, for example, ringing up an extra few grand over a domestic equivalent. Are they really worth the extra coin? I've narrowed my list down to: Toyota RAV4 (2001-2004) Honda CR-V (2001-2004) Ford Escape (2001-2004) Ford F-150 (1995-2000) Chevy Silverado (1995-2000) My biggest concern with the domestics lies in the powertrain - from what I hear they're not very reliable. Any agreements or objections to that? I'm also a bit curious as to whether or not the imports will have enough power. The CR-V and RAV4 offer only 2.0L I4's which generate no more than 140 HP. Sounds a bit underpowered, but then again, since I won't be hauling much it may be adequate. I just don't have the experience to say. For at least the next year I'm not going to be hauling anything more than myself, a few passengers and a bit of cargo, so I don't need that much horsepower. Basically I just need 4x4 and high clearance to keep me going along the logging roads. Thanks for your input guys. I really appreciate it cheers