What to drive?

[winland]

My Dodge truck has faithfully taken me to many a trailhead and waited patiently for my return. Alas, it is time to replace it.

So what to get??

What I like about the truck: 4 wheel drive, high clearance, room for 4 plus lots of stuff, battered and beaten (so no one even considers stealing it).

What I don't like: poor gas mileage, size (for fitting into those not-really-a-parking-space spaces), rising repair bills. Not really "fun" to drive.

Recommendations?

Thanks all

[hikerboy57]

theres certainly plenty of options for you. I sell chevys for a living. It depends on your budget. You can go new and have full warranty, or look for something preowned, and use the savings to buy gas. If you're driving a durango, you'd probably get better gas mileage in a suburban, if you're looking for a small pickup, take a lok at the Dodge Dakota, chevy colorado, or the Nissan frontier.dont be totally fixated on fuel economy, keep in mind the TOTAL COST of owning the vehilce you consider(insurance,fuel economy, total price)depending how many miles a year you drive, fuel may not be the biggest factor- whats a better buy, a $30000 vehicle that gets 40mpg, or a $20000 vehicle that gets 30mpg?will the money you spend on better gas mileage outweigh the gas savings?the average break even for a Hybrid vehicle is 7 years(Consumer reports).

[4shot]

I just can't see being without a truck. While certainly not required everyday, there's just too many times when one is required. I am on my third Ford truck and have always had excellent results, one was purchased used with 75k miles. I am regular about routine maintenance and as a result have never had an unexpected breakdown or repair.At about 120k miles I replace all belts, hoses, timing belt, water pump etc. I am a big fan of the F-150 with the crew cab but like with all "gear" posts I'm sure you'll get a lot off varying opinions. My truck actually has a comfortable ride btw.

[Doc Mike]

subaru
pick up a used one, AWD good clearance, go anywhere, actually in winter many times will go better than my 4wd chevy truck.
i just had my 96 model die at 250k and I paid 2500 dollars for it 5 years ago

[Buffalo Skipper]

I have a 1999 Dodge Durango. Mostly the best of both worlds. They are common, parts are easy and the engines are great. V8 are everywhere and 4WD are generally available. Look for a 2004 or so for a good deal. Mine is 2WD, and I rarely go where I need all 4 any more. I get almost 20 mpg on the highway, and about 16-17 around town, less when I am pulling the camper. Only mechanical problems which are common are AC (evaporator) and burning oil over 120,000. I have both, problems (150K+) but even my mechanic says it still drives like a new car. Runs smooth and is extremely reliable. The most thoughless vehicle I have ever owned.

[paistes5]

I love my F250 diesel. Big and roomy, doesn't mind getting beat up much and decent gas mileage for a truck that big. Can fit 5 adults very easily and gear in the bed.

[LIhikers]

If I were in the market for a new vehicle my first look would be at a Honda Element.

[leaftye]

I would love to do an diesel engine swap into a Cherokee. It'd be perfect for getting me to almost any trailhead, and pretty good at giving hikers a ride too.

[hikerboy57]

If I were in the market for a new vehicle my first look would be at a Honda Element.

clearance is way too low for off road.

[Cosmo]

I'd go for the Subaru if you did not want a truck. We have a 4 cyl stick and it goes anywhere there is ground clearance. A little stiff and noisy in the suspension, but it stays on the road.

If you decide to stay in the truck market, I'd look for an older Toyota Tacoma (the new ones are very big and flossy). I've had a 98 and now have an 04 (I liked the 98 a lot more), both 4cyl, stick w/ a jump seat (great for storing gear out of sight/weather. I average over the year about 20mpg. Just have the frame checked by a dealer before you buy. In the NE the frames from that era are rusting out. The dealer may undercoat or replace the frame (at their expense), or take the thing off the road and offer you a check towards a new truck.

Cosmo

[EastCoastFeastCoast]

I've had a GMC Jimmy 4x4, Honda CR-V 4x4 (currently @ 200k+ miles), 1986 Chrysler LeBaron (don't ask, looks badass with a roof rack tho :P ), and a Ford F-150. Of all of them, the Honda CR-V is by far the most reliable, best gas mileage, most capable. All of these vehicles have gone to and back from the trailhead over the years. Have friends with Jeep after Jeep after Jeep after... you get it. Anyways i'm in the market for a new vehicle myself. I've been looking closely at the 2007+ Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Nissan Titan, it's an impressive truck, and the Jeep is well... a Jeep. 2 more to look at

[EastCoastFeastCoast]

Oh... and the CR-V has a picnic table in the back built in!!!!!

[DBCFlash]

I've had a Wrangler in my stable since the early 90's. Can't rave about the gas mileage, but the things are so capable and fun and they can go practically anywhere. And the chicks dig 'em

[10-K]

I drive a Honda Ridgeline and am going to keep it until the wheels fall off. I've had everything from an M3 to 4WD Chevy trucks and the Ridgeline is the most versatile vehicle I've owned. (The M3 was by far and away the most fun to drive though....)

Very comfortable, auto like ride with most of the advantages of a pickup and 4WD can be activated if necessary. Bed is smaller than even a regular shortbed full size pickup.

[Sierra Echo]

I'm getting a Jeep Wrangler for my birthday! I can't wait!

[DBCFlash]

I'm getting a Jeep Wrangler for my birthday! I can't wait!

Like I said...chicks dig 'em

[EastCoastFeastCoast]

Ridgelines are nice, but more expensive than Nissan Titans. I wanted to stay in the Honda family if possible but two problems: 1) people just won't let them go! and 2) the ones you CAN find, are too high mileage for the price.

[10-K]

Ridgelines are nice, but more expensive than Nissan Titans. I wanted to stay in the Honda family if possible but two problems: 1) people just won't let them go! and 2) the ones you CAN find, are too high mileage for the price.

We're pretty much all Honda - my wife drives a Pilot, I've got a Ridgeline and my son has a CR-V. My daughter has a Saturn with 205,000 miles that runs like a top.

[EastCoastFeastCoast]

Haha! I made my mom buy an Accord or threatened to never talk to her again (of course I would talk to her) It's the best car EVER for the money... runs like an absolute champ, quiet, reliable, good gas mileage... just amazing vehicle.

[map man]

I own a 2011 Subaru Outback. With the AWD and high ground clearance it can get to some remote trailheads out west that I want to get to. And it will go in the snow. It will hold three people, their backpacks and some spare gear easily and could handle four people in a pinch, if they don't have much else along other than backpacks. Rated 29 highway MPG. Above average reliability according to Consumer Reports and a top safety pick by the IIHS, if those things are important to you.