Author Topic: Your thoughts on vehicle (Read 1972 times)

streak · « **on:** May 21, 2010, 06:45:47 PM »

At present have a 1997 F150 (4x4) and a 1995 Ford Explorer (4x4).looking to replace Explorer with another vehicle.
This vehicle needs to be V8, crossover? Need something that can travel on long trips fairly comfortable,good gas mileage ( 17-22 mpg),
able to add good after market front grill and headlight protector,4x4, and good aftermarket rear bumper, and not break the piggy bank!

Vehicle would also be used for hunting and fishing trips, so need storage space for guns, boots,etc!

Any information to help me decide would be appreciated.

torpedoman · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2010, 06:55:08 PM »

new F150

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2010, 03:53:20 AM »

porche all wheel drive turbo carrera!!!!! just leave anything at home that wont fit in it. Just think about how much more hunting time youll have!

streak · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2010, 06:39:35 AM »

Quote from: Lloyd Smale on May 22, 2010, 03:53:20 AM

porche all wheel drive turbo carrera!!!!! just leave anything at home that wont fit in it. Just think about how much more hunting time youll have!

Yeah Lloyd! But with my luck it would become "a case of the hunter becoming the hunted" if you get my drift!

Graybeard · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2010, 08:11:59 AM »

My 2008 Sequoia gets an average of at least 17 mpg over all even tho most of my driving is short trips to town. On the 3000+ mile round trip to OK last year for the PD hunt it did low 20s on the interstates at full legal speed limit. It was hauling a real load in back as well. There was barel room to stick anything else in it that we didn't have crammed full.

It's 4x4 and has a 371 HP V8 and when you put your foot down on the accelerator you know the HP is there.

I dunno about the replacement bumpers but then I honestly don't know why you feel the need either. Can't help on that point.

streak · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2010, 10:27:58 AM »

graybeard,
Thanks for the reply! In areas I go after market bumpers might come in handy as old logging roads sometimes have limbs and bushes that can clogged up the road before we can get the bush hog operation and these bumper guards do a pretty good job in busting through without damage to the grill or factory bumpers.. Also have some cattle that like to take on the frontend of a vehicle if they are feeling frisky!!

Graybeard · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2010, 11:53:50 AM »

Back in the days when I drove a Bronco (I've owned three and since getting that first one new in '88 have spent a lot of years with one as my primary transport) I ran thru and over stuff no sane person would even think of attempting and all with the factory bumper. Yeah I put a few dents in them from time to time but amazingly the vehicles took it all in stride.

I've run thru pine plantations with trees up to 3" in diameter maybe more and at least 20' tall and just plowed over them and kept going. That is really not recommended and you best hope nothing is hanging down loose if ya try it.

These days my driving is more sane and tame and I seldom get off maintained roads but still I drive a 4x4 for those times when I decide I just gotta go where a 4x2 won't.

Nothing I've ever ridden in or driven fit my life style in those days like my Broncos did. Matt bought the last one from me when I picked up my Tundra in 2004 or 2005 I forget now. The abuse he heaped on that poor truck made my exploits pale in comparison. He even drove it down a four lane at 65 mph or knowing him faster on three wheels. Yeah that one didn't end well. He did manage to get it slowed enough to turn onto a side road which kinda did a job on that hub. He had left the lug nuts loose when he changed a tire and they came off as did the wheel. Luckily he found it just above a stream that ran under the highway at a bridge ahead of him. Had it hit that creek he'd never seen it again as it has a heavy flow at all times. He put the wheel back on and used a lug nut from each of the other wheels to limp it here for further repairs.

He wiped out the transmission on it the first day he came out here with it after getting it. He just had to tackle the woods behind my house in it rather than on a four wheeler. He had put some seriously huge tires on and jacked it up and wanted to see where it could go. Where it went was into a recently cut stump and thata ended the oil pan and transmission. The boy is tough on mechanical things.

These days the Sequoia is a better fit for my life as it's a much nicer ride on the highway where I spent most of my time yet still can get back in the woods when needed. It sure doesn't turn as short as the Bronco but then I'm not sure what if anything does. If you had a Bronco (sadly discontinued in '96) you'd have the perfect go anywhere do anything vehicle. I even used mine as if a pickup to haul lumber, concrete mix in bags, blocks and all sorts of stuff a pickup should be used for. They hauled a bunch of deer out as well.

streak · « **Reply #7 on:** May 22, 2010, 12:56:59 PM »

Graybeard,
Sounds like Matt would have made a good test driver for 4x4 manufactures!

Yep, those oil pans and trannies don`t make very good stump removal accessories.
Speaking of Bronco`s, I moved to Colorado in 1974 after a two year working stint in Australia and bought me a 1974 Bronco.
That Bronco was the best 4x4 vehicle I have ever owned. I took that thing through places it should never have been but it always got me out! Still wish I had it now becauser I would not be looking for any thing else. Even put a cow elk in the back one time to haul her out of the mountains. This one later became my oldest sons play toy and after he left the nest I sold it, still regret doing that!

The vehicle that I am looking for now needs to, as your Sequoia, have a lot of getup and go and also to accommodate my youngest son`s hunting gear! He brings enough stuff for a three week safari!! Trips would be about 2100 miles round trip from the Denver, Co area to E.Texas. So driving comfort is an important consideration.

jpred1 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2010, 06:02:32 PM »

May wanna opt out on the v8 and look at 4 runners or even the FJ cruiser.

Graybeard · « **Reply #9 on:** May 22, 2010, 06:56:25 PM »

Your son sounds like me. I often tell folks I carry everything but the kitchen sink when I go on a trip and I do have an extra one of those just in case I ever wanna toss it in. Generally tho when the rest of my stuff is packed there is no room left for a sink.

When I was looking around for a new SUV I looked at the 4 Runners and they just plain didn't have the room I wanted. They do seem like nice vehicles but iffen ya need a full size vehicle they really ain't it. I do like that FJ Cruiser and if I were looking for a just go to the woods truck I might have more seriously considered it. But it too isn't really a full size truck and wow are they proud of those.

Mine listed for around $42,000+ as I recall and I got them down right at $10,000 on the price. They wanted almost the same for the 4 runners and the FJ was way more.

jpred1 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 23, 2010, 03:34:21 AM »

Im a lil concerned with our gov. and what they may do . Concerning all the energy saving crap going on,may seem a long time away. But as of lately seems the whole nation is going to crap on a fast track pace. I have 2 gas guslers , plan on keeping it at least 10 years or so, one is already at 10 ( with 270k) and the 4.7 runs just like it did in 00.

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 23, 2010, 06:12:28 PM »

If it's an SUV you're looking for, your requirement are tailor made for a Nissan Pathfinder, the 4-Runner, or a Jeep Grand Cherokee in mid-size trucks. Me, I'd go for a Tahoe if you can find a good deal on a used one. Forget the new ones unless you have money to burn. The new ones I looked at were all $55,000 or more.

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 23, 2010, 06:16:35 PM »

Quote from: Graybeard on May 22, 2010, 06:56:25 PM

Your son sounds like me. I often tell folks I carry everything but the kitchen sink when I go on a trip and I do have an extra one of those just in case I ever wanna toss it in. Generally tho when the rest of my stuff is packed there is no room left for a sink.

When I was looking around for a new SUV I looked at the 4 Runners and they just plain didn't have the room I wanted. They do seem like nice vehicles but iffen ya need a full size vehicle they really ain't it. I do like that FJ Cruiser and if I were looking for a just go to the woods truck I might have more seriously considered it. But it too isn't really a full size truck and wow are they proud of those.

Mine listed for around $42,000+ as I recall and I got them down right at $10,000 on the price. They wanted almost the same for the 4 runners and the FJ was way more.

Wow, they're are tearing you all a new one on the FJ's down there. Up near Cincinnati, they're running in the upper 20's to low 30's. 4-Runner's start in the upper 30's to as much as you're willing to burn.

streak · « **Reply #13 on:** May 23, 2010, 06:37:36 PM »

Well with the present situation in Washington D.C., I have a battle with myself buying a " Government Motors" vehicle!
I will take a look at the Pathfinder, Grand Cherokee, but storage space might be an issue. The FJ`s are cool looking but too small for me.
I think I heard on the radio the other where they are tooling up some Jeep factory either in one the northern states or northeastern states
to start manufacturing a new version of the Cherokee. Anybody have any scoop on the manufacturing site and revisions that are to me made?

In my opening post I mentioned that I have a 1997 F150 and it runs like a scalded cat! Only has !5,626 miles on her!

The 1995 Explorer has 186,543 miles, still runs good but space is a problem.

Graybeard · « **Reply #14 on:** May 23, 2010, 07:22:14 PM »

If you feel space is too limited in your Explorer than you're sure not gonna find the Jeep, Pathfinder or 4 runner any bigger.

I've looked them all over as possibilities when I went SUV shopping. I talked to Ford and GM dealers but as when I got my Tundra both of them were at least $10,000 to $15,000 more than the Toyota comparable truck. Made no sense to me so both times I went with Toyota. I have no regrets on either purchase.

If Ford were still making the Bronco in the same configuration as when they closed them out in '96 I'd have just gone with it regardless as I do really enjoy owning and driving them. Still this truck is bigger, quieter and more comfortable to ride in. It gets much better gas mileage and has more HP. It doesn't turn as sharply and is a bit long for some places I've turned around my Broncos but really my days of driving as I did back then are pretty much over and the Sequoia is a really good fit in my life at this time same as my three Bronco's were back then.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #15 on:** May 24, 2010, 02:25:19 AM »

In all reality all the auto companys are making decent vehicles now. If your not brand loyal get an idea in your head what features you cant live without and then go shop price. We could argue forever about which last longest or gets the best milage or has the most power but basically there isnt much differnce in any of these features from brand to brand. They all suck gas they all have decent power now and they all have good drivetrains. Me it would be a GM but then thats just brand loyality. Been a bowtie man for 37 years and aint got a bad one yet.

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 24, 2010, 04:08:36 PM »

As for dealing with the government bail outs on GM and Chrysler....

Where's everyone banking at these days?

You gonna stop using banks too?

Just food for thought.

I've only had one GM that had issues, and it was a 1995 Grand Am with the crappy Quad 4 motor. Coil pack kept going out on it.

streak · « **Reply #17 on:** May 24, 2010, 06:43:19 PM »

At the rate this country is degrading, might not have to worry about banks!

streak · « **Reply #18 on:** May 24, 2010, 06:53:28 PM »

Just had a thought, over the past several years I see on rare occassions a ford pickup with a factory cab on it that is made for sleeping quarters and I bet that it would have enough space and smooth ride for long trips. I have not seen this configuration recently, so don`t if they still manufactured these or not. But everyone I have seen are nice units. Got to go and do some research and if any body remembers what these are called, let me know!

bobg · « **Reply #19 on:** May 25, 2010, 03:43:03 AM »

I owned a 1996 Pathfinder. Did everything i wanted it to do. I have had it in some scary places and never had it stuck. Never really did use it to carry much though. Fold the back seat down and i guess you could. When it hit a little over 100,000 miles thought it was time to get rid of it. Traded it for a Ford. What a mistake. Drove it for 6 months and traded it for a Nissan car.

tt4617 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 25, 2010, 04:33:54 AM »

If you are looking for Sequoia sized vehicle, I would suggest looking at a new model F150 supercrew 4x4 and adding a topper. The back seat on those has more room than anything I have ever been in. You can get the bed in a couple different lengths and gas mileage is pretty good. I got 19.6 on a trip out to Yellowstone this summer and through the Grand Tetons. This was round trip average, so it included all of the mountain travel. If you are dead set on an SUV, you could also look at the Expedition or as others have said, there is the Sequoia, Tahoe/Suburban and the Nissan Armada.

Just some options.

Rex in OTZ · « **Reply #21 on:** May 28, 2010, 10:27:31 AM »

All I can say is it should be simple to fix and easy on gas and not weigh as much as a D6 catapiller tractor.

Ever have one them funny dash lights winking at you and you need a computer geek to tell you what is wrong
Then you find out the part you need to replace is the size of a zippo that costs over $200 to replace after two days of calling round they determine the part isant under the dash board as common scense would dictate its actually buried in under the gas tank and requires 5 shop hours to dig it out and replace it, only then at last finding out the mfg that year changed the componet brand midway through that year's production run and the cannon plug is all wrong.
since you cut it out of its hermeticly seald package you now have a $200 paperweight as they wont take returns on electrical componets.

streak · « **Reply #22 on:** May 28, 2010, 10:33:01 AM »

Well next week I start my testing of different vehicles!
The first will be the Ford Flex with the eco-boost 6 banger!

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #23 on:** May 28, 2010, 10:45:27 AM »

4 door Dodge 1500 4wd with HEMI . sons gets over 18 mpg add a camper shell .

Rex in OTZ · « **Reply #24 on:** May 28, 2010, 12:01:19 PM »

I havent driven a new vehicle for a few years, During My highschool years I had a daile 36mile commute, useing the family car, a 1972 Poniac Catalina, auto trans, 400cid eng 4barrel carb, Could commute all week on a tank of gas which heald like 16gal of gas, I'd still have a 1/8tank left over at the end the week, its best milage at cruse speed was 67 to 70mph (sweet spot)
Later on had a 1977 350cid Chevy Montie Carlo that did 19mpg on the highway when tuned up. I knew a classmate with a 1974 Chevy Montie Carlo that did even better than that, his car had a economy gage right on the dashboard.
Economy gage was a manifold pressure gage that had a green arc that showed when you were rideing the throttle and wasteing gas.
simple thing like that its ashame one isnt on new rigs.

My favorite frugal work truck was a 1980 4x4 Ford F150 with a 300cid engine and manual tranny.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #25 on:** June 01, 2010, 06:18:02 AM »

I had the eco gauge in a 76 chevy it was a vac. gauge though. One thing it taught me was stopping fast waste fuel also.

gholt27 · « **Reply #26 on:** September 22, 2010, 05:54:45 AM »

Quote from: streak on May 22, 2010, 12:56:59 PM

Graybeard,
Sounds like Matt would have made a good test driver for 4x4 manufactures!
Yep, those oil pans and trannies don`t make very good stump removal accessories.
Speaking of Bronco`s, I moved to Colorado in 1974 after a two year working stint in Australia and bought me a 1974 Bronco.
That Bronco was the best 4x4 vehicle I have ever owned. I took that thing through places it should never have been but it always got me out! Still wish I had it now becauser I would not be looking for any thing else. Even put a cow elk in the back one time to haul her out of the mountains. This one later became my oldest sons play toy and after he left the nest I sold it, still regret doing that!

The vehicle that I am looking for now needs to, as your Sequoia, have a lot of getup and go and also to accommodate my youngest son`s hunting gear! He brings enough stuff for a three week safari!! Trips would be about 2100 miles round trip from the Denver, Co area to E.Texas. So driving comfort is an important consideration.

YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH GEAR POPS!!!!!

gholt27 · « **Reply #27 on:** September 22, 2010, 05:56:24 AM »

YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH GEAR POPS!!!!!

Blackhawker · « **Reply #28 on:** September 22, 2010, 06:39:02 AM »

If you're looking for a reliable vehicle with good off road capability, a fair price and one that can be moderately or heavily modified.....gas mileage questionable.....look into a Nissan X-terra. Personally I like the older ones by comparison with the newer squared off look but all are good.

streak · « **Reply #29 on:** September 22, 2010, 01:26:57 PM »

Quote from: gholt27 on September 22, 2010, 05:56:24 AM

YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH GEAR POPS!!!!!

Hopefully the Ford Flex should fill the bill as far as storage for all the gear! Plus a nice ride!!