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SUV's

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.jersey
Posts: 1925 - Karma: 9
im looking to get an SUV to get me to the mountain and to do some offroading. ive narrowed it down to a hummer h3, toyota fj cruiser,jeep wrangler unlimited and nissan xterra. no specific years, just whatever i can afford after i trade in my car and put down some more cash. id like some opinions on what is a better car for some offroading and such.



and no, don't tell me to get a subaru. thanks.
Nov 3 2010 9:19PM
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Jibbidy
Posts: 787 - Karma: 19
I work valet at a hotel. The new Wranglers are so nice and the interiors are ill. Not to mention the jeep's incredibly practical.
Nov 3 2010 10:35PM
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J-Evs
Posts: 6387 - Karma: 1,615
wrangler no doubt for off roading
fj is pretty good too


im about to buy my teachers 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 200k miles for the main purpose of off roading
Nov 3 2010 10:37PM
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HiTz
Posts: 1467 - Karma: 11
FJ cruiser for sure... awesome looking and drives pretty decent
Nov 3 2010 11:08PM
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nutsnbolts
Posts: 1110 - Karma: 16
Nissan Xterra, way better than the jeep...wayyyy better
Nov 3 2010 11:19PM
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Bamski
Posts: 814 - Karma: 79
My 4Runner has been an amazing SUV.

Plenty of room, great in the snow (Provided you have winter tires), and good on gas.

I've never had an issue with it either.
Nov 3 2010 11:28PM
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DUKES
Posts: 5149 - Karma: 686
no hummers cause the h3 gets 11 mpg and it has an uncomfortable ride

go with wrangler or xterra
Nov 3 2010 11:58PM
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Scrambles
Posts: 2270 - Karma: 63
horay! ns members that arnt choking on subarus dick!
Nov 4 2010 12:30AM
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.jersey
Posts: 1925 - Karma: 9
the h2 gets 11 if that. the h3 gets like 20-21 highway, 15 city. i compared all them side by side and its about the same for each
Nov 4 2010 8:07PM
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jamodeo
Posts: 3040 - Karma: 663
I got a honda pilot does work never gets stuck has pretty decent fuel econ for its size too but FJs are dope i wouldn't go for the H3 but that's just me
Nov 4 2010 8:56PM
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special_k10101
Posts: 1498 - Karma: 72
honestly, just sitting in a hummer h3 made me realize i didn't like it at all. the windows are tiny. plus i don't know how easy it is going to be to service them anymore. i'd get a toyota if i were you probably.
Nov 4 2010 8:57PM
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.jersey
Posts: 1925 - Karma: 9
yeahh im leaning towards the toyota anyways since id probably be able to get one for cheeper since its cheep to begin with
Nov 5 2010 3:58PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
My vote is definitely for the Xterra. Having just traded in my 2006 WRX for a 2011 Xterra Pro-4X, I am obviously pretty biased. But, I did a lot of research and a lot of test driving before purchasing. For me, it was the only SUV that came with a manual transmission and a locking differential right off the lot. I have owned a 2003 Toyota Tacoma in the past and I have to say that the Nissan SUV's/Trucks drive much better. The 4.0 liter engine in the Xterra is extremely powerful and full of torque, especially when mated with the 6 speed manual that my Xterra has. I had also considered getting one of the newer Tacomas, or finding an older 4Runner with a manual transmission. But after reading all of the issues that the Tacomas are having with both the manual and automatic transmissions I had to pass. Not to mention they have seriously watered those trucks down tremendously...seriously, a plastic bed??

If you are looking at Xterras, my recommendation would be 2005+ if at all possible. That was the beginning of the 2nd generation, and came with the 4.0 liter V6 instead of the 3.4 liter.

Here is my truck, that I have now had for exactly 2 weeks. I hit 500 miles on my way home today!

Click for larger image
Nov 5 2010 9:13PM
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gpitcher
Posts: 2626 - Karma: 1,691
heres my take, hummers are nice, but heavy. they arnt the easiest to stop in snow, ill be honest I have driven an H3 in the winter time, But the FJ on the other hand gets about the same MPG as the hummer but as well kills it off road, how can you turn down a whip that has 3 windshield wipers up front and 2 in the back with nice suspension. But both of these cars arnt cheap, lowest ive seen an H3 for was a 2006 (first year they made em) and it was 12k for it and it had 70k miles.
Nov 5 2010 9:15PM
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nutsnbolts
Posts: 1110 - Karma: 16
+k for a fellow seXterra driver
Nov 5 2010 9:16PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Right back at ya!

Any pictures of your truck? I have a bunch from some trips up some forest service/old logging roads that I will get posted later. Found some snow at about 4300' yesterday in the Washington Cascades. Every mile that I put on my Xterra, I love my truck more and more. You can't beat the practicality of a plastic cargo area in the back. Muddy? Just wipe it down. There is storage under the floor for gear or wet items. Sliding cargo hooks on the floor to secure items, the possibilities go on and on with the Xterras. Toyotas just do not compare...

/end biased opinion. If you do have any questions, let me know!
Nov 5 2010 9:20PM
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nutsnbolts
Posts: 1110 - Karma: 16
Its in the shop right now...some joey decided to not move at a stoplight so i felt the need to show him some VT love and slammed into his back bumper...but yea its a great truck, mines an 05...kicks ass
Nov 5 2010 9:22PM
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B4NE1
Posts: 876 - Karma: 16
Dodge ram 2500 Cummins turbo diesel. nuff said.
Nov 5 2010 9:42PM
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japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
JEEP!
Nov 5 2010 10:47PM
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nutsnbolts
Posts: 1110 - Karma: 16
iight creepy olson twin guy...have fun with your electrical issues
Nov 5 2010 10:50PM
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nutsnbolts
Posts: 1110 - Karma: 16
+k for the rite answer
Nov 5 2010 10:56PM
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.jersey
Posts: 1925 - Karma: 9
i want an xterra 4x soo bad but theres no way in hell id be able to afford one. how are the other xterras offroad?
Nov 5 2010 10:57PM
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nutsnbolts
Posts: 1110 - Karma: 16
I got a plain ole xterra from 05, shits beast in two wheel and four wheel. wouldnt get anything else
Nov 5 2010 11:07PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Are you looking for a manual transmission or an automatic? I really like having the rear differential lock as open diffs suck. The Pro-4X is just a rebadged Off Road with no real difference other than the interior color, and embroidered carpet floor mats if you went for the floor mat option. If you can find a 2005+ Off Road trim, I would go for that. I was looking at a used Off Road Xterra before I purchased my truck, but the dealer was asking way too much for what it was worth. It made more sense for me to factory order a 2011 with everything I wanted instead of just dealing with what I could find.

The Off Road trim comes with skid plates, the rear diff lock, bigger tires, etc. and is totally worth the extra money. If you are looking at an automatic, you can still probably find some 2010's at heavily discounted prices. Otherwise, picking up a slightly used one is still pretty easy. Finding a manual transmission however, is not an easy task. Look around though, it may be worth driving a few hundred miles to get exactly what you want. I would honestly test drive a few examples of whatever vehicle you are considering. One Xterra could drive completely different than another, especially when comparing used vehicles.

I have taken my truck up some extremely rocky, washed out, muddy, slightly snowy and steep trails/roads so far and have only used 4WD once, even though I have only owned it for 2 weeks. I have yet to actually engage the diff lock but am looking forward to putting it to use. From my very limited experience so far with the Xterra, I am very pleased with my purchase and look forward to testing my/and the trucks limits. I do however hate the traction control, and turn it off anytime I get off paved road.

I would recommend getting rid of the stock BF Goodrich Rugged Trail tires however, they are complete junk. I am getting new tires tomorrow afternoon and plan to sell my stock tires with 500 or so miles for some decent money.
Nov 6 2010 2:19AM
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Toasty.
Posts: 6195 - Karma: 2,278
i say jeep grand cherokee. nice ride and good room.
Nov 6 2010 3:36AM
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thisandthatfilms
Posts: 7713 - Karma: 525
thats very sexy
Nov 6 2010 7:55AM
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Bamski
Posts: 814 - Karma: 79
That XTerra looks perfect for a skiing truck.

I'm 20 so I can't really afford anything new and fancy, but my 2000 4Runner is a beauty.
Nov 6 2010 3:08PM
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.jersey
Posts: 1925 - Karma: 9
i dont care to much about the transmission,i can drive both fine and im not gonna be doing to much crazy offroad stuff. ill look for an offroad and see what i can find. im gonna trade in my car now which is a 2008 civic with 40k. ill be able to throw done some more money as well. getting the offroad would be easier because id probably end up throwing bigger tires on any other truck id get. i just gotta see what i can get for my car and what i can afford
Nov 6 2010 4:31PM
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charmander
Posts: 10636 - Karma: 372
get an old pickup...
Nov 6 2010 4:52PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
My FJ came with a 6sp manual trans and locking rear differential right off the lot also.  No hate on the Xterra, I just thought I'd mention it.
Nov 6 2010 4:56PM
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drod
Posts: 408 - Karma: 7
I owned a jeep grand cherokee. Absolutely amazing in the mountains and off road. comfortable ride, and its a jeep: super easy to fix anything yourself. However I have friends with both xterras and 4runners and from riding in them, they are both solid cars to. I would stay away from hummer, never know what your gonna get with them and its more of a show car than actual performance. Just be sure you know that your really gonna be forking out money on the gas especially since your switching out of a car. All 3 are great though, goodluck!
Nov 6 2010 4:57PM
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Slick.Rick
Posts: 183 - Karma: 19
Same exact setup (2006)....super durable. I just hit 80k with no problems yet.
Nov 6 2010 5:41PM
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.jersey
Posts: 1925 - Karma: 9
how do you like the fj?
Nov 6 2010 5:47PM
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Slick.Rick
Posts: 183 - Karma: 19
My friend just got an FJ. He hates that thing. After he has been riding in my Xterra, he told me the FJ was a shitty car made to look like an off-roader. Personally, i think they are well built but Xterras have much more utility. Plus i hate that white roof. If i got an FJ i would black that thing out.
Nov 6 2010 5:50PM
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charmander
Posts: 10636 - Karma: 372
this guy

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Nov 6 2010 5:51PM
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.jersey
Posts: 1925 - Karma: 9
trust me, if i had the cash to pay for a truck like that id get a ford f250 crew cab, or your truck. but i dont have money for that much gas and i dont need that big of a truck
Nov 6 2010 5:56PM
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charmander
Posts: 10636 - Karma: 372
lol, its called diesel, that truck gets around 20 mpg!
Nov 6 2010 6:42PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Yes, you are correct. Although I would never consider an FJ personally. Toyota has lost me as a customer forever, after they softened their SUV/Truck line and removed the manual transmission from the newest iteration of the 4Runner.

Are you experiencing any issues with your clutch, throw out bearings, etc. at all? I have heard/read stories from many owners of FJ's and the 2nd Gen Tacomas regarding both the manual transmissions and the automatics having issues. Granted, no vehicle is perfect, but Toyota has fucked up time and time again.



Just got back from getting my hitch and new tires installed, I will have some more pictures up after I do some resizing.

Stock Tires:

Click for larger image


New Tires:

Click for larger image
Nov 6 2010 7:36PM
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 269
land cruiser beats all those
Nov 6 2010 11:45PM
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.cam.
Posts: 1852 - Karma: 48
i personally like to call them land crushers
Nov 6 2010 11:51PM
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nutsnbolts
Posts: 1110 - Karma: 16
the fj has the worst blind spots ever...
Nov 7 2010 9:12AM
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.jersey
Posts: 1925 - Karma: 9
yeah ive been hearing that you cant see shit out the back window
Nov 7 2010 2:57PM
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03gade
Posts: 856 - Karma: 3,263
too many words for me to read.... i have a jeep liberty and compared it to xterra.... xterra will own my liberty in off road and the newer body style ones are nice. the xterra has a rough ass ride though, so as long as feeling every bump in the road doesn't hurt you...

don't but the h3 at all enough said

wrangler UNLIMITED other wise forget that shit, theres like no room

so yeah basically if you got the 4 door wrangler get that other wise xterra

o and fj is ugly, will own all but the wrangler off road but you don't wanna deal with those blind spots, the xterra is comparable

SPARK NOTES: xterra, no debate and i'm not gonna suggest random cars you didn't ask for
Nov 7 2010 4:41PM
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03gade
Posts: 856 - Karma: 3,263
ok i now read the thread, yes basically everyone is saying xterra and they are right

apparently you said wrangler unlimited... i missed that... but they just came out and you can probably get an xterra for cheaper
Nov 7 2010 4:44PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Yeah, that's my one gripe with the car.  Other than that, I love it.  I haven't had any problems with it at all.  I like the way it drives, the transmission feels much smoother than I would have imagined for an SUV, and with my snow tires it basically destroys all winter conditions.  I can also fit a ton of stuff in the back when I fold the seats down, and it's all rubber/plastic so it's easy to clean up after I take wet/muddy gear out.  As for the guy who said it's the ugliest car ever, to each his own, I guess.  I personally really like the way it looks, and I don't see too many of them around where I live which is cool. Umm it has some other dumb stuff like a reverse beeper thing which is pretty nice I guess and it has a power inverter in the trunk so you can plug stuff in with a normal plug.
Nov 7 2010 5:26PM
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Leafman
Posts: 2178 - Karma: 251
What do you do for a living if you don't mind me asking?
Nov 7 2010 5:37PM
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.jersey
Posts: 1925 - Karma: 9
yeah i havent been able to find a wrangler unlimited in my price range. im leaning towards the xterra since it has way more power then the jeep and ive always wanted to have one since i was like 12
Nov 7 2010 5:48PM
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.jersey
Posts: 1925 - Karma: 9
anybody know how the jeep soft tops are in the winter?
Nov 8 2010 3:14PM
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nutsnbolts
Posts: 1110 - Karma: 16
my buddy has an older soft top wrangler sahara...the top is fine in the winter other than the fact that it doesnt insulate well...and they are easy to rip too so be careful of that...
Nov 8 2010 3:17PM
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.jersey
Posts: 1925 - Karma: 9
yeahh it would be staying outside in vermont so id be worried about it leaking
Nov 8 2010 3:27PM
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A-Style**
Posts: 1831 - Karma: 81
i used to have a wrangler and the soft top never leaked, you just have to be sure not to be an idiot and rip it. but you can get insulation for the soft tops that are really nice, and easy to install. just google it if you're interested
Nov 8 2010 3:48PM
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