Jeep VS Truck for a reliable, easy to work on 4X4 that can go anywhere.

[steveh_131]

Geeze, that thing was submerged for 5 hours in sea water... and a mechanic brought it back to life with no new parts.

 

[CampingJosh]

Geeze, that thing was submerged for 5 hours in sea water... and a mechanic brought it back to life with no new parts.

In another episode James May drove one up onto a volcano in Iceland and scooped up a bit of lava. And I'm pretty sure it was the Hilux that the guys drove to the North Pole (across the ice and snow and everything). They don't have the towing or payload capabilities of Ford/Chevy/Ram, but they are seriously rugged trucks.

I've spent almost two months total in Latin America (Mexico, Nicaragua, and Bolivia). The further you get from the cities, the more you get to seeing the same two vehicles: Toyota Hilux and Toyota Land Cruiser. When we got up into the Andes for a driving tour, we saw literally nothing else for three days.

And it's not because they're inexpensive. It's simply because they can do it reliably.

 

[CindyE]

With Jeeps you can just throw 4x8 sheet goods right in the back..........................Oh, wait.

Jeeps are a great way to transport bales of hay..................Uh.

Jeeps are perfect for hunting because all the blood stays out of the cab.................Er.

With a Jeep you can drive your mower, dirtbikes, bicycles or ATV right into the back..................Huh.



Jeeps have cute little horns..............."Beep-Beep".

That's what utility trailers are for!

 

[CindyE]

My 04 TJ is fun. I took the back seat out, and the furkids all ride in the back when we go to the trails. It's great for around town and throwing groceries in the back. Easy to park. If I did long, daily highway driving, i might choose something different, it isn't a cruiser, by any means, but fits my lifestyle perfectly.

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

My wife won't let me have both

That's why I have a truck and no Jeep....and no Harley....and no ATV....and no fishing boat....not that I'm keeping score or bitter or anything.

 

[steveh_131]

That's why I have a truck and no Jeep....and no Harley....and no ATV....and no fishing boat....not that I'm keeping score or bitter or anything.

And yet look at all the toys SHE probably gets.

Washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, sink, cabinets, mixer, food processor, stove. The list GOES ON

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

And yet look at all the toys SHE probably gets.

Washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, sink, cabinets, mixer, food processor, stove. The list GOES ON

I know right! If yours is like mine, she gets madder than an old wet hen when I bring stuff like that as rationale. I don't understand....

 

[Dead Duck]

That's what utility trailers are for!

Shhh!

 

[Dead Duck]

My wife won't let me have both

Tell her you need something big enough to haul around her shoes...............or her mother. (depending on the situation)

 

[9mmfan]

To slightly high jack the thread but I really like the new upcoming Ford Bronco.

 

[Bennettjh]

Wrangler all the way. Love mine.

GM trucks are excellent as well.

 

[Lebowski]

Oh man I want this bad: 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4x4 4dr SUV In Madison IN - Cruisin Auto Sales ... But I don't think I want it $30,000 bad for something north of 100,000 miles and something I'd probably re-spray because I hate yellow.


I can't decide. It'll be a good while before I can afford something new anyhow. In between jobs right now so buying a new vehicle would be unwise. I'll continue to look and read.

 

[WebSnyper]

Oh man I want this bad: 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4x4 4dr SUV In Madison IN - Cruisin Auto Sales ... But I don't think I want it $30,000 bad for something north of 100,000 miles and something I'd probably re-spray because I hate yellow.


I can't decide. It'll be a good while before I can afford something new anyhow. In between jobs right now so buying a new vehicle would be unwise. I'll continue to look and read.

Go do some reading over here: Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

 

[Dirtdart504]

I've owned a '93 YJ and an '04 TJ Rubicon. I'd have to say the '93 was more reliable. I bought the '04 new and had 4 warranty repairs, including the transmission, within the first year. Both had the 4.0 and that was a great engine. They were both a lot of fun. Then I had kids. I first got an '01 F-150 Supercrew, but they only made the beds 5.5'. I now have an '09 F-150 Supercrew with a 6.5' bed. I can fit two booster seats and a baby seat across the back bench. And, I have a camper shell so I can sleep in the back when I go hunting. I got the '09 stuck bad on in the spring of '14 while putting out new game cameras. I had to leave if for two weeks before I could go back and get it, but once it dried out it came out with a little help from a Polaris. I had the factory Goodyear Wranglers that were low on tread anyway. I've since replaced them with BFG AT KO-2's and never had a problem, but haven't been out in the wet like when I was stuck. Also, I installed a slick Rough Country winch that fits between the grill and radiator, under $600 with everything including shipping. I never got stuck in either Wrangler. The '93 had 30" Swampers and the '04 had the factory MTR's. I'd have to say the truck is better all around, especially with three kids, but I'm not doing the aggressive off roading just for off roading's sake like I was when I had the Jeeps. Now it's just getting to the hunting site and hauling the deer out. The truck is more practical and more comfortable. The '93 didn't have air conditioning, much less heated and cooled seats.

 

[Fenway]

Why do the bodies and frames of Wranglers rust out. Are they not coated properly at the factory? When I go looking at used wranglers on Craigslist its nearly impossible to find one not ruted out and the prices are high.

 

[mbills2223]

Why do the bodies and frames of Wranglers rust out. Are they not coated properly at the factory? When I go looking at used wranglers on Craigslist its nearly impossible to find one not ruted out and the prices are high.

I think this may be more a function of how some people take care of them but i hadn't given it much thought.


I loved my Grand Cherokee. .. the steering is nice and tight, best I've driven

 

[lovemachine]

I think this may be more a function of how some people take care of them but i hadn't given it much thought.


I loved my Grand Cherokee. .. the steering is nice and tight, best I've driven

I gotta agree with this. The jeeps that I have seen that are rusted out, have not been taken care of. On my own jeep, which is 10 years old and 89,000 miles, I try to keep the frame spray painted for rust prevention.

 

[RustyHornet]

Why do the bodies and frames of Wranglers rust out. Are they not coated properly at the factory? When I go looking at used wranglers on Craigslist its nearly impossible to find one not ruted out and the prices are high.

Most frames from the factory are only E-Coated, which is not a rust proof finish. With our salty roads here doesn't take long for them to start rusting and once they start it's hard to stop it. Keeping the underbody clean is a good start, but it should also be sprayed with an oil based undercoating. And don't forget to get inside the frame rails, most that rot, wrangler/ Toyota, do so from the inside out.

Best bet is to look out west for a nice one. Have it shipped here or fly out and drive it back. Then have it rust proofed by somebody who cares, not Ziebart.... It may cost a little more, but well worth the money when you factor in the cost of rust repair.

 

[MCgrease08]

Why do the bodies and frames of Wranglers rust out. Are they not coated properly at the factory? When I go looking at used wranglers on Craigslist its nearly impossible to find one not ruted out and the prices are high.

This is how I feel about Chevy trucks. It seems like 1 out of every 4 Chevy trucks I see on the road have body panels crumbling away from rust.

 

[Scout]

I've had one XJ, one ZJ, and now have a WJ. I think the ZJ was my favorite. My WJ is on its third engine (4.0) at 200,000 miles. I've been in YJs and TJs, IMHO they are too small for cross country driving. The truck I miss most and would have liked to keep was an extended cab Dakota with the 318. Mileage wasn't great, but at well over 200k the only issues I had were no heat, and a rusted brake line.
I'd like a TJ, but around here people think they are gold. There's now way I'm paying $6000 for a 12 year old vehicle. If I was in your shoes, I'd rent something for the drive to Texas, then figure out what I need and buy accordingly.