Originally Posted By: BrocLuno
GenSan I get where you are coming from. You've earned it and you are old enough to want what you want - end of discussion
I recently did what I wanted. A 1993 F-150 extended cab 4x4 that my wife tested long before I got there and said it was OK. Only 83K on the ODO (was a garage queen). And that's my point. You could drop $85K on a brand new one, or you could seriously shop for a real nice used one out west where it only went to the mall in Phoenix or LA ...
No rust, it is the actual legend they are talking about, not the 2017 incarnation ... And the money you save could buy that nice cabin up in the hills, or a decent boat to tow behind it
I'm not trying to be cheap. I have a Big Bronco - why, because of the turning radius and the soft ride off-road. It's not a Toyota, but it's been more than 10,000 miles off-road and it has needed little. And in the nasties it'll give your Toy a run for it's money with electric windows, A/C. cruise and all still working at 218K. Yeah, I over maintain too
There are essential goodies for real off roading like high lift jack, shovels, come-along or winch, saws, etc. And WV has real off roading opportunities to enjoy. Some pretty country out there. I'd just hate to put some brush burns on $85K ...
I'd rather scratch say $35K (a real fine used one with some add-ons)
I'm not knocking a L-C in any way. My BIL has one and loves it. He also has an Infinity QX and they both go off-road (MOAB).
While you are cross shopping, I'd like to relate a story. Was maybe five years ago. Was returning from a business trip in my little Ford Ranger 4x4 company truck. Coming through Jamison Canyon when it was two lanes. Lady in a BMW X5 stopped at a light on my left. Light went yellow, then red as I was stopping. She started across and get tagged hard by a Kenworth tractor trailer running the red.
Completely tore the front off the KW and put the radiator into the fan. Spun her around more than once. When the dust settled, she jumped out to see if her kids were OK in the back seat. She actually opened the rear tailgate to get a fire extinguisher. She could drive home in a mangled 4x4. They towed the KW. I was there the whole time as prime witness. Do not discount BMW X series. They are tough. May not be my cup of tea, but I was amazed ...
The Escaleds and Tahoes and all are OK. But if real off roading is in your future, the list gets shorter quick. A Hummer H2 is a decent off road piece and surprisingly comfortable inside. Good towing capability, etc. Someones Big Bronco Eddie Bauer that sat in the garage most of it's life would be cool (sort of like finding that nice air cooled Porsche
). A four door Jeep Rubicon is good solid vehicle and quite capable
From there, the repair to miles off road ratio starts to look a lot worse ... I have friends in a Land Rover club. They love them as oddities, and they tinker on them a lot. Only the Defender will slog you through w/o a trip to the dealer
They are a legend too, but not the SUV versions ...
Thanks for the insight man. Even then I don't act like some of the pretentious fakes whose material status is more important than their character.