What's the best offroad vehicle ever? Besides T4Rs of course!
- Thread starter JasetheDamager
- Start date
Land rover DEFENDER
Marauder (needs a good back ground and about US $ 425,000.00 to own one!)
The Marauder - Top Gear - BBC - YouTube
Nissan Petrol
Marauder (needs a good back ground and about US $ 425,000.00 to own one!)
The Marauder - Top Gear - BBC - YouTube
Nissan Petrol
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Stockwell45
New member
Sorry guys, you are going about this all wrong. The best offroad vehicle will never have 4 wheels.
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BucknutBob
New member
For stock capabilities, I'm surprised no one yet has mentioned the Hummer H1 (NOT those rebodied Chevy trucks that came later!)--I can't count the number of times I've seen videos of bone-stock Hummers running some of the toughest trails in the country. The Unimog is another in this do-anything crowd, although its size can be prohibitive. As much as it pains some to hear, stock Jeeps (particularly the Wrangler class) are extremely capable vehicles, although they have had some reliability issues over the years. I've also heard great things about the Land Cruisers. Land Rovers are very capable, but their questionable reliability record would keep me away. Still, our little Toyota trucks have proven to be very tough, and capable of going nearly anywhere...and they're dependable to boot. Given the buy-in price, the reliability, and the size, this is why I'm here as a Yota owner.
JohnsD90
New member
They don't do that well in tight trails, the H1 truly is an american vehicle, its straight up massive, and at times it has an advantage, but at others its a disadvantage, but i wouldn't want that massive V8 diesel, small 4 banger in the way to go. Again with the land rover reliability, coming from an owner, the electrics aren't great but they aren't any worse than the toyotas from the period, and i would much prefer the 2.25 petrol in my rover to the motors offered in the FJ's at the time.
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BrianSD_42
New member
I went to Hollister once in a friends Rubicon and it was a disaster IMO. The thing was absolutely terrible to ride in and every bump we went over made a terrible bang & clang sound. I only have my lifted SS 1.2 97 4Runner to compare it to but I had driven on the exact same trails in my 4Runner just 2 months before. Back to the Jeep .... well anyways it was terrible, even though it was a stock Rubicon edition.
Because of this I recently told a coworker who is dead set on buying a jeep to plan at least $1000+ for a decent suspension after the buy and explained that the rubicon "stock" lift is very inadequate.
Just my 2 cents.
Rubicon Jeep (sorry about the perspective --rookie mistake)
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/d5We20FiQ24" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
4Runner 4x4 w/ 3" lift (same hill)
<iframe width="960" height="720" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z79tbBDau8w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Same Jeep again - notice the F'n clanking
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GAZoCMqKLrI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hfVB8eSv-r0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
:hatsoff:
Because of this I recently told a coworker who is dead set on buying a jeep to plan at least $1000+ for a decent suspension after the buy and explained that the rubicon "stock" lift is very inadequate.
Just my 2 cents.
Rubicon Jeep (sorry about the perspective --rookie mistake)
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/d5We20FiQ24" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
4Runner 4x4 w/ 3" lift (same hill)
<iframe width="960" height="720" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z79tbBDau8w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Same Jeep again - notice the F'n clanking
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GAZoCMqKLrI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hfVB8eSv-r0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
:hatsoff:
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03_4x4Runner
Senior Member
The Jeep shown is the old modlel LJ, an extended TJ. The new Jeep Rubicon JK model is hands down the most capable affordable off roader.
BrianSD_42
New member
noted.
JasetheDamager
New member
Thanks for all the replies guys. I checked out some pretty awesome rigs while I was at work today. That Unimog is a beast, if a bit too large for my purposes. I'm a little disappointed that the mods or admins moved the thread over to General Discussions, but I don't blame em, since that's pretty much what it is.
As for me, I'm definitely a supporter of the old LCs as I learn more about them. Even if the Rubicons are extremely capable these days, I just don't see myself in a Jeep. I'm pretty sure, that for 25 to 30 grand, I could take my Runner to some extreme places as well.
As for me, I'm definitely a supporter of the old LCs as I learn more about them. Even if the Rubicons are extremely capable these days, I just don't see myself in a Jeep. I'm pretty sure, that for 25 to 30 grand, I could take my Runner to some extreme places as well.
Thai
Elite Member
Rubicon x 1000. Size. Compact. Weight. Power (aka crawl ratio). Lockers. 4:1 transfer case. Solid Dana 44 (hybrid) axles. Massive aftermarket support. All of these features make it the best, bar none.
G-wagens are excellent as well...but they are expensive to buy AND to maintain. Being bias though, i would rate G-wagens above Defenders and TLC80s. The actual frame of the G-wagen is quite impressive. Solid beefy axles with STANDARD lockers...for me, it is always better to have an axle and locker being designed together, rather than being an optional item. It is smaller than TLC80...thus, more compact on the trail. It is built to another level, compared to the rest. But, it is expensive...so, this is where the Rubicon fares much better.
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Is the best off-roading vehicle really a practical vehicle anymore in this day and age? For some folks overseas, i can see this being a practical vehicle. But, here in the USA, off-roading places are becoming extinct. And in the remaining places, off-roading space is at a premium. Unimog or Hummer H1 are simply too large for most places. These vehicles tend to eat gas like there's no tomorrow. For example, the Rubicon is great off-road, but is dreadful on-road (relatively speaking). It does not fare well in crash testing. The G-wagen is great, but too darn expensive anyway you put it (personal experience!). TLC80 is nice, but how hard is it to find one that is in good condition and with lockers? Again, TLC80 gassers are horribly inefficient. Defenders? Hell no. That thing is expensive, expensive...and expensively unreliable. And you need to shop aftermarket for new axles and lockers. (OEM axles are not strong enough for lockers.) But, they are cool to show off in though. (This is where JohnsD90 and me differ greatly.)
So, what is the best to me? Subaru Outback of course! :hiding:
Just kidding. For me, if i had to pick one today, then i would pick 4runner Trail. Practical. Fairly cheap to buy and maintain. Decent aftermarket (since it shares stuff with FJ Cruiser). Excellent off-road (with upgrade tires)...certainly is capable enough to go where my balls, ehh, i mean courage, let me. Pretty darn good on-road (esp. with KDSS), where i spend most of my time. Negatives? Part-time 4wd system...but this is no different with Rubicon. Not great roof strength (WTF Toyota?!). That's all that i can think of. 2010-current 4runner Trail. Personal favorite for me.
Just my 2 cents.
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the great him
Elite Member
actually the only thing that will really slow a H1 down is trees. i have seen H1s on some tough trails, trails that i would have some serious hesitation taking my 4runner on, like the rubicon and fordyce, black bear pass, and some of the trails on moab. the H1 diesel motor is extremely versatile, sure its a big v8, but it can run on multiple fuel sources. their portal axles, and gear reduction hubs. i dont know of too many other vehicles that come stock from the factory with 37" tires... but if you are saying they are too big then maybe you should try on a 1985 toyota 4x4 pickup. they are imo the best all around out of the box 4x4. solid front axle, EFI can run up to a 33" tire without a lift, indestructible and very capable. i took mine stock over the rubicon. i was going the same places guys that had rubicon with another $10-12k invested where going and doing just fine, no gears, no lockers, no armor. i needed a tug a couple of times, but i never broke anything, and thats something i can not say about the j**ps
as far as the land rovers go... well i almost bought one, but after having a couple of friends who owned them i decided the hassles where not worth it for me. i was going to buy a p38 but didnt want to deal with all the "fancy" stuff going out like the climate control system, the air suspension, head gaskets... and then the cost of parts and or labor on them is ludicrous. one of my friends who had a 94 defender 90 has sense made the switch to a 99 4runner. she loved her d90, dont get me wrong, but when she got in a slight accident in the snow(flopped it on its side) no one could find parts for it unless they went to england. so she decided it was time to cut her losses... then came the game of her insurance company not even knowing what it was wroth because their are so few of them and they are never for sale so how do you put a price on them... for what its worth she is 10x happier with her 4runner -she bought 99yota4's runner. now she had a heater that actually blows hot air, not just warm air, it doesnt leak in the winter, it gets better mpg, its more reliable and dependable and much more comfortable...
dont get me wrong i love land rovers, but i just dont think they are really practical, as they require so much more maintenance and up-keep than other just as capable vehicles
Javelin
New member
If you are going to get a Jeep the (TJ/LJ) is the best platform. You can get used Rubcions with less miles for a little less than our Runners, and they will outperform us offroad hands down. Cant beat the SFA. On road....not so much.
Im sorry but Jeep JKs are garbage. For the money they are built like SH*T. If i was going to spend in the upwards of 35-40 grand on a brand new Jeep Rubicon I would rather get a Ford Raptor.
Chrysler = S H I T
Im sorry but Jeep JKs are garbage. For the money they are built like SH*T. If i was going to spend in the upwards of 35-40 grand on a brand new Jeep Rubicon I would rather get a Ford Raptor.
Chrysler = S H I T
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Quatre Coureur
New member
Right off the showroom floor... The M-B Unimog. Although impractical for a DD and very expensive. After that I'd say any FJ. My 70 K-20 suburban was pretty much unstoppable. Built BB chevy, SM465, NP205, Rockwell rear axle with a factory NO-SPIN. It would go anywhere it could fit!
JohnsD90
New member
Exactly, i live in the sticks. Trees everywhere. Wondering what all this extra maintanence is cause i better get cracking?
The only vehicle i have heard of that didnt have any major faults after a transcontinental journey for 10's of thousands of miles was the German Guy in his Gelandewagen.
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JohnsD90
New member
The range rover is not the land rover in question.
When your friend rolled her D90, the roll cage is no longer available, thats why parts are not available, the fenders, tub skins, and all that other fun stuff is still made. The Roll cage was made exclusively for the US market only. Other than the Cage, parts are easy to source. Its not really a fair comparision as it is a special edition.
The Defender i was refering to in my initial post was the Non-US spec one, as i was also refering to the LC70 that is available outside the US.
When your friend rolled her D90, the roll cage is no longer available, thats why parts are not available, the fenders, tub skins, and all that other fun stuff is still made. The Roll cage was made exclusively for the US market only. Other than the Cage, parts are easy to source. Its not really a fair comparision as it is a special edition.
The Defender i was refering to in my initial post was the Non-US spec one, as i was also refering to the LC70 that is available outside the US.
