Everyday Car Pics

**JRSC00LUDE** · 09-10-2021, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by zipdoa

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Hitting something other than Costco...

@zipdoa do you have more resources to point to for getting into something like this? Picking the right platform, tips/tricks, where to get all the right stuff, where to find a marketplace for ones already done, whatever! So interested in something like this.

**zipdoa** · 09-10-2021, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by JRSC00LUDE

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@zipdoa do you have more resources to point to for getting into something like this? Picking the right platform, tips/tricks, where to get all the right stuff, where to find a marketplace for ones already done, whatever! So interested in something like this.

Yeah man, again I'll usually refer to @Grecy cause he does the overlanding thing on a scale that most people will never touch.

For me, there's some criteria:

1. Budget - I don't make a lot of money. I live a VERY minimalist lifestyle save for my automotive hobbies.
2. Reliability - I have NO interest in a maintenance heavy overland rig. When I want to camp, I want to camp. If I wanna spend 3 months on the road, I don't want to be worried about problems.
3. Capability - V10 TDI Touareg's are cool, but they don't meet #2. G-Wagons are cool, but they don't meet #1. As you move through the list of vehicles, and consider your needs, you'll find the list will rapidly diminish to a handful of options.

I started with an HDJ81 - it was a fun truck, but I purchased a bad example that just had tons of problems. Even a Toyota can be a nightmare to own. I was $40k+ into it by the time I sold it for $15k.

100-series is without a doubt, the best bang-for-your-buck. I can't think of a vehicle that balances the following things better:

Affordability - I got a stupid deal on my 100-series. It's an 06 and I paid $10k, and when I briefly considered selling it a couple years ago I had $20k offers all day. Even @ $20k, you're getting a truck that will retain it's value, because:

Reliability - 2UZ-FE is a million mile motor. Bulletproof. No achilleas heel, save for Exhaust Manifolds but those aren't a motor-killing problem. You can run it on shit gas, with shit oil, running it hard all day, and it goes forever. Everything, including the AHC, is robust. The only common problems I've seen on a 100 series are the rear-a/c lines rotting, windshield installed incorrectly causing rust/leakage, exhaust manifolds cracking and causing tick/leak. You can go on Slee's website to find a more comprehensive breakdown.

Capability - You can run around buying bumpers, sliders, lockers, snorkels, breather kits, etc etc. There's a usage case for all that stuff, but ultimately a bone-stock 100-series will take you wherever you want to go, and back again. AHC + ATRAC means you can fit this thing in a small parking garage and lift it on demand to get through some hairy scenarios. IFS front end doesn't flex like an 80, but the scenarios you encounter where this is an issue are pretty rare. Watch some camel trophy footage from the 80's, these dudes are running rovers through the craziest of terrain on 31" tires. A 100-series on a 255/85/16 is going anywhere you're brave enough to take it. Don't get sucked in by thinking you need 3" lifts and 35" tires, a lot of the time it's just not worth it.

These trucks do everything well. If you have a fleet of kids, it has rear A/C and 8 seats. If you want to tow, it'll do 8500lbs and already has a self-levelling suspension system to compensate for tongue weight. If you're doing tons of highway miles, AHC on comfort mode + IFS front end = one of the best highway driving SUV's of all time. If you wanna get nasty and go remote, ATRAC will negate the need for lockers in 95% of scenarios and AHC in 4LO will lift the truck even further in 'HI mode' to get through tough spots.

Cabin space is great (I'm 6'7 - 4runners don't cut it), aftermarket solutions are abundant and parts will be available until the end of time. Toyota engineered these to survive severe duty for 25 years - so you can bank that most have been mall-crawled their whole life and if they aren't too rusty, they can survive beyond the foreseeable production of gasoline. There's a reason why owning a cruiser is so prestigious in countries that use them as a severe duty truck. I was re-watching Syriana the other day, and back when I first saw it I didn't really appreciate scenes like this:

This is how shit is over there - but it's not because of conspicuous consumption. It's because Toyota is making a superior product, and that reputation makes them the go to choice for military, royalty, etc.

FINALLY:

I've gone unreasonably fast on bikes and cars. I never thought I would get a significantly bigger adrenaline dump crawling in a truck at 3kmh. There's a ton to learn about off-roading, which makes it fun. Approach/departure angles, breakover angle, roll-over angles, best lines to take, how and when to winch (and safely!), recovery gear, tire choice, minimalist packing methodology, etc etc.

I went with the most reliable, capable, affordable truck I could get my hands on (in that order). I then chose the best gear I could afford. You don't need drawers/roof top tent/winch bumper to have fun. You could grab a cheap 4runner and have a blast in Waiparous tent camping with the family. I just wanted something that I could eventually live out of comfortably. 3-months on the road magnifies the nuisance that might be acceptable on a 3-day trip.

You can have a lot of fun just setting up a blanket and pillows and sleeping out the back of a truck with the seats down. Don't think you gotta do an all out build to make some awesome memories.

Doing this assessment is why so many people choose the 100 series.

Trucks to check out:

Early 2000's MB G500
80-series
100-series
200-series
Lexus GX470
Jeeps
4Runners
Ford Excursion
Early 2000's Pathfinder

For the most part, you want a solid rear axle at a minimum. All these vehicles meet that criteria. Don't get caught up with diesels - in my experience, they aren't worth the added cost over a gasser. That said, if I could've had a 1HD-FTE 5-speed 100 series for $10k, I'd take that over my gasser all day.

You'll also see people building up really expensive vehicles, but I've never seen G 500 4x4²'s on the trail. Probably cause those people are more interested in getting attention than off-roading.

Would love to wheel one, though!

Good luck! It's a fun (and quite expensive) hobby.

**JRSC00LUDE** · 09-10-2021, 01:37 PM

That is awesome, thank you. I would love a 10K J100 entry, I don't want a 20K one. Sounds like a miracle to find one though. Great info, appreciated!

**R-Audi** · 09-10-2021, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by JRSC00LUDE

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That is awesome, thank you. I would love a 10K J100 entry, I don't want a 20K one. Sounds like a miracle to find one though. Great info, appreciated!

Also worth mentioning, the older Lexus platforms (LX and GX) have been quite sought after lately... They are more likely to be taken care of due to the original sticker price and typical owner. (Think Soccer Mom vehicle, serviced at the dealer) For example, in comparison with 4Runners... for the same price you get something more plush, V8 and likely better taken care of.

**zipdoa** · 09-10-2021, 03:46 PM

@JRSC00LUDE - The Jeep ZJ has some quirks, but it fits the budget and they're capable.
@Sentry has an awesome turbo project and I wheeled with a dude back in the day who had a really nice build.

I always felt the 5.9 Limited was a cool truck. One locally, too. I think they have an LSD rear diff? Regardless, capable truck, and more than enough power from the 5.9. Basically the precursor to the SRT8 and arguably a piece of automotive history, paving the way for unnecessarily fast SUV's.

$6.5k on Kijiji
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/...ltd/1581999656