The perfect vehicle situation for Utah...help me decide?!

[Rock Taco]

So, a Montero for wife/family camp outs, truck for utility/tow rig/ camping, and Sami for playing around in the hills...would not fit my needs at all?

Did you ever answer what type of wheeling you intend to do with the "third" vehicle? I'm not sure if I read it anywhere above. If you just want to mess around in the mountains and on some easier Moab trails, heck yeah. My bro had a Sami and while it was a blast it's really just not the right platform for anything serious given the amount of modifications it takes to make it "hardcore." That being said, I still fully intend to build a little buggy out of a Sami or Kick/Track one day

All I read in the first post is expedition type wheeling and the ability to fit the kids. That was where my suggestions were based from. I was thinking that you were trying to get down to 2 vehicles as well. Maybe you should clarify the type of wheeling (specific trails) then we can better advise you.

If you ever plan on taking your 3 children in a Sami with gear you will surely be challenged for anything beyond a day trip.

 

[johngottfredson]

The Sami wouldn't be a kids vehicle...my assumption is any family wheeling could be done in the truck or Montero. However, this is why I wanted to hear from those who have been down that trail. Would I regret not building a family friendly rig? I'm never going to be a competition extreme wheeler, I just like to explore the back trails and play around a bit. Some of the trails I like are almost four-wheeler trails, little travelled, so I was leaning samurai.

however, everything is a trade off. Perhaps a bigger vehicle would compensate for the few tight trails I have to pass on by being family friendly, all-weather, easier to build for a novice, less hassle to get to the trailhead, etc, etc.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Samis have a soft spot in my heart. I've had 6 samis and 6 track/kicks. Love 'em. That being said, there are far more capable vehicles that cost less money to build (XJ, old solid axle toyota, YJ, etc). Plus sami prices have really gone up recently. The short wheelbase really limits the sami's capability as a serious rock crawler, especially in places like Moab with big ledge climbs. I'm not saying it can't be done, but if bang for the buck is your goal, there are more economical and comfortable options out there.

Now, if you love samis and we can't talk you out of it, then go for it! A sami on 33's will go lots of places (unless there are big ledges).

 

[sixstringsteve]

I think you could do everything you want to in just about ANY stock 4x4. There aren't too many trails that are so tight that a sami will make it tons easier than a montero. I think you'll find that you get out more if you've got a do-it-all rig rather than 3 specialized rigs.

There's no rush to decide now. Remember, the perfect rig for you right now may not be the perfect rig for you in a year or two. Needs/wants/plans change. What's even more important than the rig is that you get out a lot and make some great memories with your family. Neither of your 3 rigs will hold you back from doing that.

 

[johngottfredson]

I guess the reason I'm conflicted here is I really like the three vehicles I have. I would love to have an expedition ready fzj80 that is not a daily driver, but built for the back country. If my goal is to build a vehicle for the long haul, that I can keep forever, it seems like an awesome choice. Same thing with my truck. Those 7.3 motors can go and go and go....again, a long term investment truck.

For or the wife...she won't even think about driving the truck - too big/loud/honky-tonk for her. If I build up the cruiser it will have 35's, mudders, swing out tire carrier, geared down....neither of us will want that to be her car. So rather than put her in a minivan, for less money, better snow handling, and higher sex appeal I got her a Montero.

So what's the big freaking deal, then?, Well, I just feel there is too much overlap. The Monty will be able to do 70-80% of the stuff he Landcruiser would do, and the truck can do a lot of what both the SUV's can do. It just feels inefficient. Therefore, my whole point in bringing the issue before the panel of experts was to see if I would be better off to diversify, with say, a YJ, XJ, Sami, or something else that is different enough, and also perhaps open up options and uses not available to the Monty, cruiser, SD combo.

If there is a consensus that I'm way overthinking this, and if should go with what I have and never look back, then that simply makes the decision nice and easy for me

 

[johngottfredson]

FYI....

 

[Rock Taco]

I guess the reason I'm conflicted here is I really like the three vehicles I have. I would love to have an expedition ready fzj80 that is not a daily driver, but built for the back country. If my goal is to build a vehicle for the long haul, that I can keep forever, it seems like an awesome choice. Same thing with my truck. Those 7.3 motors can go and go and go....again, a long term investment truck.

For or the wife...she won't even think about driving the truck - too big/loud/honky-tonk for her. If I build up the cruiser it will have 35's, mudders, swing out tire carrier, geared down....neither of us will want that to be her car. So rather than put her in a minivan, for less money, better snow handling, and higher sex appeal I got her a Montero.

So what's the big freaking deal, then?, Well, I just feel there is too much overlap. The Monty will be able to do 70-80% of the stuff he Landcruiser would do, and the truck can do a lot of what both the SUV's can do. It just feels inefficient. Therefore, my whole point in bringing the issue before the panel of experts was to see if I would be better off to diversify, with say, a YJ, XJ, Sami, or something else that is different enough, and also perhaps open up options and uses not available to the Monty, cruiser, SD combo.

If there is a consensus that I'm way overthinking this, and if should go with what I have and never look back, then that simply makes the decision nice and easy for me

I have an F250 and I am sure I would not enjoy driving it off road for very long. The ride is too stiff, graded dirt roads would be fine but anything beyond that no. Make a good DD driver (and all around workhorse) though depending on your commute.

I say build the Montero mildly for the wife to daily drive and for family outings.

Then for your solo runs what ever floats your boat. I know that's not much help, but what you have will work for what you want to do. You can build the LX450 or...

There are a few already built ones on here that will also suit your needs if you decide to sell the LX450.

http://www.rme4x4.com/showthread.php?100837-Semi-Built-1999-Jeep-Wrangler-TJ

http://www.rme4x4.com/showthread.php?100881-supra-powerd-3rd-gen-pickup

http://www.rme4x4.com/showthread.php?100879-Fully-Loaded-and-built-98-Jeep-Cherokee-8750

http://www.rme4x4.com/showthread.php?97323-1996-Toyota-4runner

http://www.rme4x4.com/showthread.php?95117-the-time-has-come-I-m-selling-the-black-ZJ

These will all do what you want and more. I would probably go for the runner cause I am a Toyota guy.

I have never had a Sami but I have been in a few. They are surprisingly capable but scream if you are planning to drive down the highway are a little narrow for me and the wheel base not to my preference. (Been flopped in one)

Congrats on the new baby. So does that make 4 now? If so that changes your family wheeler selections.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...So what's the big freaking deal, then?, Well, I just feel there is too much overlap. The Monty will be able to do 70-80% of the stuff he Landcruiser would do, and the truck can do a lot of what both the SUV's can do. It just feels inefficient...

I think quite the opposite. Build the LX purely as a trip vehicle, you can keep it loaded, keep miles low and have a turnkey rig ready to go. You own it, insurance should be cheap enough as a secondary vehicle and then you don't struggle with beating up your truck wheeling nor beating up your wife's daily driver. I'm personally not a fan of daily-driving the rig I take on long-distance trips, while there are obvious amounts of overlap, there is also some stark differences particularly in how it is left between trips and that to me is a more crucial factor in how much one gets out. Say you do go the Sami/Truck/Montero route... what happens when you want to go on a Bro-Camping trip spanning several days and lots of miles, i.e. a trip the Samurai might not be appropriate yet you can't leave your wife driving kids around in the Sami or truck? Your combo now sounds pretty legit imo.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Any rig that singles out your family going with you should not even be considered at this point. Here is another reason I bought a Montero http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ikid469Fv2g

 

[sixstringsteve]

THe good news is that you have 3 great rigs. Not 3 ok rigs, but 3 GREAT rigs. I'd keep the monty stock and build the lx up just how you want it. Mixing the wife's DD with your weekend exploration rig probably isn't a good idea. I'd keep the wife's rig as stock as possible, and leave it alone for serious 4x4 stuff.

 

[johngottfredson]

Any rig that singles out your family going with you should not even be considered at this point. Here is another reason I bought a Montero http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ikid469Fv2g

Actually, my respect for Mitsubishi went way up when I found out the seats could all fold flat. I've owned a '91 and a '93, and was impressed by lots of those little things. 12v outlet in the cargo area when that was a rare thing, tiltometer, adjustable shocks...

I like your larger point though, about setting basic criteria. Most of my good memories off road are from my single days, so I tend to think about what worked back then. If I want to plan for the long term, I should start thinking about whether I want to leave family at home every time I want to head up into the mountains for some wheeling

 

[johngottfredson]

THe good news is that you have 3 great rigs. Not 3 ok rigs, but 3 GREAT rigs. I'd keep the monty stock and build the lx up just how you want it. Mixing the wife's DD with your weekend exploration rig probably isn't a good idea. I'd keep the wife's rig as stock as possible, and leave it alone for serious 4x4 stuff.

Your combo now sounds pretty legit imo.

hmmm.....do I feel a consensus coming on?

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Actually, my respect for Mitsubishi went way up when I found out the seats could all fold flat. I've owned a '91 and a '93, and was impressed by lots of those little things. 12v outlet in the cargo area when that was a rare thing, tiltometer, adjustable shocks...

I like your larger point though, about setting basic criteria. Most of my good memories off road are from my single days, so I tend to think about what worked back then. If I want to plan for the long term, I should start thinking about whether I want to leave family at home every time I want to head up into the mountains for some wheeling

One of the reasons I married my wife is because she really enjoys camping and wheeling, this has made life much easier when it comes to buying stuff related to it and will always be something our family does together when children come along. For now we have our dogs to go with us and that requires extra planning that will prepare us for kids in a lot of ways.

 

[skeptic]

Im a big fan of the H3T for all those reasons. Again, if I was starting from scratch, I would probably want to get a truck/trail rig combo like that.

I really like my H3T, however I'm in the market for a Tahoe now for 4 reasons. I no longer need a truck bed and I really miss having an SUV. The wife and I as well as some friends have been talking about buying or renting ATVs/UTVs and with 35" tires plus the I5 engine I don't want to tow anything up and down mountain highways with my current truck. We have rented ATVs in the past, but we rented them from the "cabin" where we were staying and didn't have to tow them. A 2007+ Tahoe would be a step up in interior luxury for DD and long trips, at the expense of real wheeling. Finally, an H3 Alpha w/off road package is my first choice but after months of looking I haven't found a single one within 100 miles.

If I end up buying a side by side my setup will not be too different from your original option 1. Something you can use on it's own for car camping without extreme wheeling, something that can tow a trailer either for extended overlanding or tow your trail only wheeling vehicle, and a trail only wheeling (and sand) vehicle.

I know this is a 4x4 site, not an ATV/UTV site, but I'm surprised by the apparent lack of interest in UTVs with all the buggy fans. Yes, a buggy and a UTV are nothing alike, but in a lot of ways they are.

 

[zukijames]

i still think there is no need for a lx and a montero .. and you already have the tow rig.. a buggy and trailer would be my choice for sure..

i just done really see a reason to have 3 rigs that are so similar in capability

 

[moab_cj5]

Here is my 2 cents (likely worth slightly less than that in reality).

I am not a Toyota guy, not a Suzki guy, and I am not a Jeep fan (since 87 when Chrysler ruined them) even though I own one now, so I do think of myself as unbiased to a degree (everyone has their own preferences). I had to ask myself what would work for me and my situation, what could take me where I want to go, and what will allow me to take my family with me.

I looked at Land Cruisers and Jeeps the most, and ended up with the 4 door Jeep Wrangler because I can take the top and doors off. To me, that was important (I totally understand that isn't important to others). Everyone likes different trails, has different preferences, and different opinions. It still comes down to what YOU will be happiest with, what YOU will get out and use, and what fits YOUR family.

I am not in love with my Jeep, and it did cost me more than you stated budget, but I wouldn't rule out a 2007 or 2008 JKU for your needs. Seating for 5, room for gear, very capable stock, TONS of aftermarket support, can tow a small amount when needed, and a pretty reliable rig. Mine is built quite a bit more extreme than what I think you are looking for, but it will still do the easier trails and I can tackle almost anything I encounter on the trail. That works for me.

If I were in your shoes, and you aren't totally committed to any of them, I would do what has been suggested earlier: take each one out on an outing in similar terrain, determine what you do and don't like, and come up with a plan from there. LC's are great, capable, and reliable. The Montero sounds similar, but I don't have any experience with them. The Super Duty would be too big for my preference and what I like to do, but a truck is a truck. I wish I still had a truck, but I get by with my Jeep and a flat bed trailer.

Great adivce on this thread, and many probably would love to be in your position. Congrats on the new kid!

 

[johngottfredson]

i still think there is no need for a lx and a montero .. and you already have the tow rig.. a buggy and trailer would be my choice for sure..

i just done really see a reason to have 3 rigs that are so similar in capability

i really appreciate all the thoughtful comments and suggestions you guys have shared. I feel like most "which vehicle is best?" threads end up simply confirming everyone's pre-existing biases about their favorite rides, and the ones they think are pointless. This has been helpful for me - perhaps because I've been gently challenged in a few of my ideas, or perhaps because some points I hadn't thought about have been brought up - because I've been able to really examine myself and what I actually want.

I love the idea of building a cheap buggy. But it's not going to happen. I hate wrenching on crap (*GASP!!!*) unless it's regular maintenance, or straightforward.

I like the idea of having a samurai. They are crazy fun. But it was mentioned earlier on how terrible they are to drive, like anywhere, and I remembered why I sold mine. I didn't ride my dirtbike much until I quit trying to trailer it to the trails, and loaded it into the back of the truck every time. I just don't think I would like towing a rig every time I wanted to do a short ride. And again, it's a vehicle that usually requires a significant amount of mods and customization, and I could never figure out some if the wiring crap from the 1.6 swap the PO did in his garage...

SO, being realistic, I think the cruiser fits the bill. I think they are awesome, like, on an emotional level, to where I won't mind dumping the right amount of coin into building it up. Enough people figured them out and know how to work on them, so I won't ever get up a creek on my own trying to fix crap. And it's family friendly, to where my hobby won't conflict with my first priority - spending quality time with my wife and kids.

Again, i appreciate everyone's thoughts on this. It has been really helpful.

 

[bryson]

<snip>
Again, i appreciate everyone's thoughts on this. It has been really helpful.

Helpful for more than you... I heard many good points and ideas here that will help me with my ever-changing vehicle lineup.

 

[Houndoc]

Have an 03 Montero Sport and love it. But not large enough for a family camping rig unless gear trailer used. But Would happily buy another one (mine is sitting at 180k or so.)

One other thing to consider on your list is an extended cab Chevy pickup. My 02 extended cab is far more comfortable back seat than my 05 Dodge Quad Cab had (my kids, ages 13-18, including 5'10'7" son, agree.) Over 180K and going strong (and I have an crew cab 04 Chevy Duramax with over 330k miles- trouble free so far.)

 

[Bart]

SO, being realistic, I think the cruiser fits the bill. I think they are awesome, like, on an emotional level, to where I won't mind dumping the right amount of coin into building it up. Enough people figured them out and know how to work on them, so I won't ever get up a creek on my own trying to fix crap. And it's family friendly, to where my hobby won't conflict with my first priority - spending quality time with my wife and kids. .

I know this may surprise a few people out there, but I think you hit the perverbial nail on the head. It's a great platform to start with, comfortable, dependable, and there is a ton of aftermarket available. Good choice.