What's the best offroad vehicle ever? Besides T4Rs of course!

[JasetheDamager]

Now that I've got a Runner, I'm getting into offroading and eventually planning to turn it into more of an offroad beast once it isn't my DD. As the title states, I'm curious what this forum's opinion is regarding the best offroad vehicle of all time, besides Runners of course! I'm also doing this to further my own education.

I know if you spend enough money, you can turn many trucks/SUVs into beasts, but I'm talking good reputations in the offroading community. Besides a Runner, what would you experts out there build up for a zombie invasion?

LCs? Jeeps? Old Broncos? Scouts? Land Rovers?

Specifics are appreciated such as make, model, year, engine, etc etc. Pics are welcome. Thanks. I hope this thread proves interesting to other users as well!

 

[absalom]

Rally Fighter. Reliable enough for DD and good enough to compete in Baja 1000.

 

[fish0281]

I appreciate Land Rover Discovery's, but they're just not very reliable. Jeeps are really strong vehicles... when they're working properly.

I guess it depends on the application! Crawling and overlanding have completely different requirements and expectations.

I love those crazy, 44" donut tire, 80-series, Land Cruisers they use for arctic expeditions... but I'm not much of rocks/desert kind of guy.

All that rambling being said, I'd go with a Toyota in most any application, the model would depend on the landscape. If it were zombies, it'd be the same, but add turrets and lots of ramming stuff.

 

[JasetheDamager]

Rally Fighter. Reliable enough for DD and good enough to compete in Baja 1000.

I just checked out the Rally Fighter website cuz I'm stuck in the office today instead of working my carpentry job. Those things are awesome! I'm also going to read more about the vinyl wrapping process.

And FISH0281 brings up a good point that there are many differences between crawling and overland requirements, so feel free to get as specific as you want. I'm just interested in everybody's opinions.

 

[cordrayj1]

all around, i'd say a 70 series LC w a diesel.

 

[Nunyabiz]

"offroad vehicle" meaning not just rock crawling I would have to go with a well built Baja Bug, they are unstoppable.

 

[JohnsD90]

You'll never get a straight answer, in my eyes the competition is between 3 vehicles, you have you Jeep CJ/Wrangler, Land Rover Series/Defender, and your Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series. You will never get a straight answer as they each have their own advantages and disadvantages. I dont even consider the T4R be on this list, as it wasnt a purpose built offroader, it may be a good one, but it has comprimises.

Here is me offroading in my rover this past weekend, i only have 30" all seasons on it though: (got a little stuck but winched myself out the first photo was after i was stuck, 2nd photo is me stuck)

 

[cordrayj1]

Hold on now guys, we need to clarify....

stock or built? this makes a HUGE difference. anyone can build a rig that performs well and is reliable if its done right.

 

[JasetheDamager]

Hold on now guys, we need to clarify....

stock or built? this makes a HUGE difference. anyone can build a rig that performs well and is reliable if its done right.

Agreed. As the OP, maybe I should clarify. I did mention in the original post that you can build up anything if you have the necessary cash.

I guess I'm asking what is already a great all-around stock vehicle (e.g reliable, good motor) that makes an excellent platform for an even nastier beast once built up. Of course, it must be offroad capable without a single upgrade, perhaps besides tires.

 

[Brian757]

The Ford F-350

OH, you said RELIABLE!.. Oh, nevermind. Baha, I thought you said the vehicle least likely to get you home from the grocery store.


If I were to purchase an offroad ONLY vehicle and build the **** out of it, I would buy the good 'ole FJ45. They are amazing in my eyes!

 

[theizzardking]

most fj series , old 22re hilux aka terrorist mobile, early disco's and a honorable mention for early nissian patrols as well, i haven't seen anything in the last 10 or so years i would care to mention that isn't some strange expensive niche vehicle.

 

[steezemcqueen]

If you are looking for the most capable vehicle off the showroom floor, its gonna be the Rubicon.





I can't believe i just said that.

 

[mikebontoft]

I came across one that I would absolutely love to have... it's an HJ47? Pretty much like the FJ45 I guess.

 

[rickashay]

I have pondered this myself quite a few times. But how do you define "Best offroad vehicle"? Best off the showroom floor? Best once modified? Best for an all-around offroader or for technical crawling?

I believe the 80 series LC to be one of the best "all-around" offroad rigs out there. SFA, reliable, enough space for longer expo trips/camping, optional factory lockers, and can handle trails like the Rubicon with some thoughtful bolt on mods.

^^I agree with Dylan, off the showroom floor, gotta say the Jeep Rubicon. Ew. haha

 

[Brian757]

If you are looking for the most capable vehicle off the showroom floor, its gonna be the Rubicon.





I can't believe i just said that.

OhMehGherd...

 

[JasetheDamager]

Funny enough, I was working in the woodshop the other day and an older guy driving a brand new Rubicon popped his head in to see what I was doing. We got to talking about rigs in general and he said he recently bought his 18-year-old son a 3rd Gen since "It's so damn reliable."

On a side note, he said he never wheels anymore, he just bought a Jeep cuz he had one when he was younger and it felt good to be young again. And he recently got divorced and no longer had a wife who nagged him about what to buy. Fair enough I think.

 

[GSPRunner]

boom

 

[hrt4me]

what about the Mercedes-Benz Unimog or the Pinzgauer?

 

[WU7X]

I loved my built up '00 Taco, and really like my '97 T4r, but..... If you're talking mostly stock, I'd go with either the 80 or 100 series LCs. Especially if you can find one with factory lockers, etc. Remember that the newest 80 series in this country will be over 15 years old by now. If you're looking for something that you can buy today and go around the world in (not rock crawling), I'd get a nicely setup Rubicon. If you have the $$ get one touched by the sweet hands of AEV. I didn't mention the 70 series Toyotas 'cuz you can't buy them here new.

 

[rideexileex]

I know it's sad to say, but the 4dr Rubicon's are tempting... I personally haven't heard any reviews about the new motors, but the sales pitch did sound nice, and the longer wheel base + interior room is appealing.