thoughts on a new ride

[jeepster]

My wife has a 2008 vw jetta, and its an awesome car, as far as "car-cars" go, however it does not fit our lifestyle. It's great for just getting around town, and is decent on fuel, but it has crappy ground clearance, its fwd, it gets stuck in the driveway, scrapes on anything bigger than a speed bump, and once you put a kid and my bird dog in the back, there isnt any room. Needless to say its gotta go.

We are looking for something with 4 doors, awd or 4wd, preferably a diesel, but not mandatory, with enough room...

I love my wrangler but that's a 2 seater, and I couldn't possibly do a kid a wife a big dog and gear, so I have a few ideas on a new ride, and thought I'd get some input, I figure we have about 6000$ and don't want a payment. Personally I'd opt for a dodge ram with the Cummins diesel but that's too big for her to drive.

The reasons why I have these on the list is we are looking for a vehicle that's just at home driving grocery's accross town as it is off grid back country camping 100 miles down some logging road, so, a light to mid.duty expedition vehicle

Jeep Cherokee/grand Cherokee
Subaru wagon
Toyota Tacoma 4 door
Mitsubishi delica (import from Canada)
Izuzu trooper
Land cruiser/4 runner

Do you guys have any suggestions, opinions, or vehicles to add to my list?

Much thanks

[Timberstalker]

Out of that list, I'd go with the Tacoma.  I've had two of them over the years, and you cannot top them for reliability.  They last forever and require simple maintenance.  Further, out of that list, they will hold their value best.

Hand downs, that's the best option.  Let the arguing begin.

[jackelope]

I'd buy the cleanest, nicest,  lowest mile'd Jeep Cherokee I could find.
Not a Grand Cherokee, but a regular Cherokee.
 

[M_ray]

4runner is not on the list but if you are considering a Tacoma then look at those too! 

[jeepster]

I'd buy the cleanest, nicest,  lowest mile'd Jeep Cherokee I could find.
Not a Grand Cherokee, but a regular Cherokee.
 

The 4.0 is a damn fine engine, just remember to put a zinc additive in the oil for the cam! I love my wrangler and the bullet proof straight 6, but not 14 mpg... Wife wants 20+ but that's probably a pipe dream, best I ever got out of a 4.0 was 17-18/maybe 19 down hill. It's the obvious choice for me, as it simplifies maintenance, but she isn't sold on the Cherokee yet...

[Fshnpole]

I would go tacoma or 4 runner, whichever one suites you better.  Really like the looks of the newer 4 runers. I have 3 toyotas and have no plans on straying from the brand.

[MADMAX]

4 door short box Tacoma
love mine

[bobcat]

You could get over 30 mpg with a Subaru, so I'm thinking that might be your best option.

[jackelope]

I've done the truck with the dog inside thing and I'm not a fan, especially if it's a hunting dog. If you're going to put the dog in the bed of the truck, then that's a non-issue. Hunting dogs trash the inside of trucks. I'd go SUV or wagon and wouldn't even consider a truck again unless you've got plans and/or the means to keep him outside.
My 

[full choke]

We got rid of a Jetta and went with a 4 runner. I have a 4dr tacoma as well. Definetely more room in the back seat of the 4 runner. I don't think you would go wrong with either. Would just come down to personal taste. Pro's and con's for both.

[Special T]

I'd buy the cleanest, nicest,  lowest mile'd Jeep Cherokee I could find.
Not a Grand Cherokee, but a regular Cherokee.
 

Ditto I have one I love it for all the kinds of things you talk about.. a cheep mild 2"lift some 31"tires and your good to go.there are lots of small projucts you can do that make it capable hunting/mild offroad rig that dont break the bank. The inline 6 wont get the nazi wagons milage but you cant hardly destroy them. The rigs can be had pretty reasonable also.

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[DJ_Mack]

I absolutely love my 4dr Tacoma. I have a 1yr old and it is our family vehicle also.


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[jackelope]

I absolutely love my 4dr Tacoma. I have a 1yr old and it is our family vehicle also.


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If you can find one of those for $6k I'll take 2.
 

[Timberstalker]

 

[deerhunter_98520]

I absolutely love my 4dr Tacoma. I have a 1yr old and it is our family vehicle also.


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If you can find one of those for $6k I'll take 2.
 

  he said $6k guys  you could find a 4runner for that price but not a 4door tacoma