Been out tire kicking again....

[Grant Lamontagne]

Sadly the new new Escape is hideous and I personally have more towing capacity than most of the rest of them.  What I want/need is a truck and really no one is making actual trucks any more- for the most part companies are making these cars with slightly larger bodies on them and pretending they are trucks.

There used to be lots of them available.... nowadays not so much.  I wish we could get Defenders here- that would solve my issue perfectly.  Since we can't it looks like Jeep is still it unless someone else knows a 6 or 8 cylinder vehicle with actual four wheel drive, solid axles and a towing capacity of at least 3500lbs?

Def

[derekmac]

I would like to recommend a Grand Cherokee, but they went IFS after 2005 

[dks]

Get a Toyota or Isuzu pick-up with 4wd.. That is what most of the world actually needing a truck is using. They can be seen regularly carrying 1+ ton loads, no problem. I used to load one with a full 1.5 ton water tank and drive on good asphalt and bad earth roads for 1 hour a few years back. Still works fine. Plain 2.5l diesel, 4Cyl. I know in the American continent people must have 6 or 8 cylinders and a 6L engine to drive a pick-up up a pavement but these big trucks usually are too big to fit in most countries, cost about the same as a house and only seem to be good for towing huge boats..

[Grant Lamontagne]

I would like to recommend a Grand Cherokee, but they went IFS after 2005 

I like the Grand, but not the price range so much....

Get a Toyota or Isuzu pick-up with 4wd.. That is what most of the world actually needing a truck is using. They can be seen regularly carrying 1+ ton loads, no problem. I used to load one with a full 1.5 ton water tank and drive on good asphalt and bad earth roads for 1 hour a few years back. Still works fine. Plain 2.5l diesel, 4Cyl. I know in the American continent people must have 6 or 8 cylinders and a 6L engine to drive a pick-up up a pavement but these big trucks usually are too big to fit in most countries, cost about the same as a house and only seem to be good for towing huge boats..

Yes, and if I wanted a pickup I'd have a lot more options, but I don't want a pickup.  I have looked at pickups and they have some significant flaws, such as the smaller ones being more expensive than the full sized ones, and the full sized ones jumping about $10,000 (or more) in price when you try to buy the 4 door versions.  Plus I don't want the excessive length nor the virtually weightless ass end.

For example the Toyota Tacoma (what the rest of the world calls a Hilux) "starts" at $23,000 here.  Add in 4wd and 4 doors and you are at $29,000 without adding any actual features.  The larger Tundra "starts" at $26,000 or $37,000 for 4x4 and 4 doors with no features. 

A pickup truck is all about exterior cargo space.  I want enclosed cargo space for my dog and work stuff, and I want four doors and four actual seats, and I want them in an actual truck.  So why not get a cap?  Well, for the same money, I might as well just get a Jeep that actually does what I want with no fidgeting about....

Def

[Syph007]

Plus I don't want the excessive length nor the virtually weightless ass end.

That bring back memories of the good old days driving logging roads with my dads rear wheel drive pickup.  We often had to pile wood or gravel in the tail to make it to the top of big hills. 

[dks]

How about a van or minibus with 4wd? Cool enough for the A-team.

[Grant Lamontagne]

There really are no actual 4WD vans here either.  There are a few AWD models kicking around but I figure they are a bit too soft and overpriced for my needs.

I remember a time when REAL trucks roamed free and plentifully across the land.... Ford Broncos, GMC Jimmies, Chevy Blazers, International Scouts, Lada Nivas, Toyota Landcruisers, Isuzu Troopers, Samurais, Trackers, Dodge Nitros.... hell I even miss the old AMC Eagles!

It seems like the only modern versions of these great beasts that are around (at least in NA) today are the FJ Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler and Nissan XTerra. 

Def

[derekmac]

We're big fans of the Xterra.  I haven't read too much to see how they are now, but they seem like a capable rig.

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[Beerplumber]

Grant I would buy my JKU ten times over. I absolutely love it. I really don't have much for complaints about it. The pentastar has plenty of power and depending on how I drive almost always get better fuel economy than my last Dakota sporting a v8. Are you looking at a Rubicon? Depending how much you plan on building up your Jeep a Rubi is not always worth it. Make sure you get a 3.73 axle ratio if you're not doing a Rubi. Also go 2012 or newer for the pentastar it is amazing. Or at least the older 3.8's left me wanting more for sure. If you really plan on towing go for a tow package but all that gives you is an electronic towing thingy. I put a hitch and wires on mine and can pull just as much. The auto tran has an oil cooler and a tranny cooler anyways. I've been in complete and utter Jeep obsession mode since may when I got mine. Any questions or Jeep snobbery you need let me know. One more thing, the JKU has blown me completely away at how capable it is off and on road and I'm an old wheeler from way back. Ill be giving you a shout in the next two weeks as I'm home for wedding number two!


Keep calm and jeep on

[Grant Lamontagne]

We're big fans of the Xterra.  I haven't read too much to see how they are now, but they seem like a capable rig.

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Except that to get the off road package I could have gotten a Rubicon, bigger tires and a lift.

Def

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[Grant Lamontagne]

BP- I'll be in Ontario for Thanksgiving and the week afterwards, so we may miss eachother again!

As for the Jeep thing, it'll probably be a '13 as I can't find one with the Max tow package which is something I'm a bit insistent on.  The Max tow package is more than wiring- its also a lower gear ratio.  Plus I'm hearing rumors that yellow is coming back in '13 so I may not have to go green after all.

Def

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[derekmac]

We're big fans of the Xterra.  I haven't read too much to see how they are now, but they seem like a capable rig.

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Except that to get the off road package I could have gotten a Rubicon, bigger tires and a lift.

Def

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Yeah, they are on the pricey side.  I think you'd get a more comfortable, and more dependable rig though, and it will also hold its value like the Jeep.  For a daily driver I think the X would be a better choice, but if I had to choose between them, it wouldn't be an easy choice.

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[Beerplumber]

BP- I'll be in Ontario for Thanksgiving and the week afterwards, so we may miss eachother again!

As for the Jeep thing, it'll probably be a '13 as I can't find one with the Max tow package which is something I'm a bit insistent on.  The Max tow package is more than wiring- its also a lower gear ratio.  Plus I'm hearing rumors that yellow is coming back in '13 so I may not have to go green after all.

Def

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I had thought the same thing regarding the gear ratio but as far as I know (not sure about the '13's) the Rubi has 4:10, and sports and Saharas have either 3:21 or 3:73. I oddly but pleasantly have the 3:73 without a tow package. Definitely worth getting the tow package if you have a remotely chance of towing but if you found a jeep with everything else but the tow package you could work around it. I understand regearing on a sport/Sahara is hard given the smaller pumpkin on the D30 axles so for sure be specific. Sounds like you're doing your research, good stuff.

Pretty jealous of all the diesel talk from our friends on the other side of the pond. A little diesel would be so much fun.


Keep calm and jeep on

[Beerplumber]

I forgot to give you this...!

http://project-jk.com/wpg2?g2_itemId=7987


Keep calm and jeep on

[Gareth]

Surely there is only one 4WD for a guy who used to call himself Defender?

[Grant Lamontagne]

The Max Tow package has the 3:73 gearing as well.  It may be a moot point anyway as I'm working on something right now that may mean I decide to go all in for a Rubicon instead of the Shara or Sport I've been looking at.

Surely there is only one 4WD for a guy who used to call himself Defender?

(Image removed from quote.)

If they sold those here I'd have gotten one long ago.

Def

[Whoey]

you need to come visit me and go Defender shopping

[Gareth]

[gustophersmob]

It is sad that all of the nice (for off-roading and actual use, anyway) Toyota's aren't sold in NA.

For instance, the Hilux (basically a diesel Tacoma) and the 70 series Land Cruiser trucks and SUVs.

When I go to Honduras, these things are everywhere.  I've seen a little 70 series Land Cruiser truck with a ~2L turbo deisel climb up a mountain side I couldn't physically walk up, in the mud, with about 1.5 tons of brick in the bed.  Truly an amazing vehicle.

I don't actually care much for trucks (at least in suburban NA) and don't have any great love for Toyota, but there is a reason their trucks are all over the developing world.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Land_Cruiser_70_Series
http://elfishingmusician.blogspot.com/2011/04/toyota-landcruiser-truck-denial-to.html

[Grant Lamontagne]

Well it's a sad day for me, but I just listed mine for sale.

Def's Jeep

I'm looking at buying another building and we are a few thousand short of what it's going to cost us and the bank won't reach any more, so I have to raise the funds some other way.  In a few months when things get sorted out with the new place I'll look at picking up something new.

Def

[Gareth]

end of an era.   Still, it does mean that you'll have to get a replacement as soon as possible.

[Whoey]

Ouch. Guess the day had to come eventually...

[ryan1835]

You walking to work in the meantime 

Sorry for your loss

[Grant Lamontagne]

You walking to work in the meantime 

Sorry for your loss

Nope... I have my car still. 

Def

[82brutus]

Hmmm, someone's avatar needs to be changed...   

[Grant Lamontagne]

Actually it turns out there was a miscalculation and I don't need to sell it. I'll leave it up for a few days and see if anyone bites, just for the heck of it.

Def

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[82brutus]

Good news!  Was the miscalculation enough to get a new multitool? 

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[Grant Lamontagne]

It was enough to get a few new ones, but considering that I am buying another building I may need to hold off as I'm sure there will be a lot of other expenses I wasn't prepared for!

Def

[derekmac]

Actually it turns out there was a miscalculation and I don't need to sell it.

Def

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We've tossed the idea around about buying a small complex.  My parents own a 4 unit complex, and have always had great tennants.  Maybe one day we'll look more seriously at getting one.

[Grant Lamontagne]

It's an experience, that's for sure....

We currently have a three unit building and the new one is also three units.  Currently we are living in one which means we have two units producing, and that barely covers the mortgage.  We'll move into the new building (we have to according to the bank) and rent out our current apartment.  In short we'll have six units, five of which are producing, and that should hopefully start to generate us some income.

Plus there are additional tax benefits to having an income property that you aren't living in, such as your car becomes a write off since you need it to maintain your building.  Since we live in ours we don't need a car to go around and collect rent cheques, so it's not considered a necessity.

Amusingly enough the new building is about 200 yards away, so now we need a car! 

Def