So to take the thread in another direction. Given that I want a utility vehicle with some luxury, what other options should I consider. Realistically, I'll probably buy new or a late model used vehicle. I'd like the following things:
- Comfortable seating for 4 adults for a ride of more than 15 minutes (i.e. to go camping / hiking / fishing on the weekend.
- Reasonable cargo space so that when I move project to project I can move everything with me (clothing, computers, kitchen wares, small appliances, etc... but no furniture).
- Reasonable towing capacity to pull a <3500 track car or a few dirt bikes on an open trailer a few times a year and also so that I could pull a small rented trailer from project to project. I won't be towing regularly.
- Reasonable off-road capability so I can get around on fire roads and such - a bonus if I can use it for some slightly more serious off-roading here and there.
- Decent aftermarket support (I like to have options but won't go wild with anything).
- Good performance in the snow (not an issue on my current project down south... but certainly a consideration in other areas including my home area)
- Reasonable looks (obviously subjective - but I like bold / aggressive vehicles)
What I don't want:
- SUV's that are functionally more like sedans with a bit more ground clearance (e.g. x3)
- Suggestions to drop $20k on a 5+ year old truck and do $10k-20k+ in suspension / engine / etc... work so that I can achieve cheaper off road performance (despite the huge drop in the value of modifications as soon as I would put them on the vehicle).
I'm certainly open to suggestions from all! Would be nice to have some explanations on what you think the strong suits of said vehicle are.
Budget: I'd ideally like to keep it under $60k... cheaper is generally always better.
That's the only thing I could think of. But there is a reason that car was the first Jeep not trail rated, prior to the influx of Compass' and Patriots. It is as good a ride and as fast and due to easier to manage launch control faster off the compared to it's competition, it also suffers the same way they do, it practically turns into a useless vehicle more then a foot off pavement.Grand Cherokee SRT
Nissan Titan crew cab? It's like they chopped the front end off the Armada and made a truck out of it. The back seats are roomier than the front.
I wouldn't buy a 2009+ Titan. The other auto makers trucks are much nicer than the dated design of the Titan and offer more comfort, power, and reliability.
While I think the Raptor does look awesome and I see them quite often here in Florida. They are really a piece of crap when it comes to ability. They have serious engine problems. And the off road ability are mediocre given the price and purpose of the car. If I had 50k to blow on a truck. I would look at a fully loaded dodge 4 door 3500. Or a GMC 3500. IF you need that kind of power. I think the dodge has the best interior and smoothness of ride. I love those trucks. I do think the GMC looks better though. It is a tough call. Many of my neighbors have the different types of trucks and they shop in the high end section for cars. All of them have said the new Ford Trucks are complete garbage after buying them. One has gone through two engines already.
When I worked as project manager for Centex everyone had pretty nice trucks. While I did not have one the Dodges always had the best interiors of the group. I am typically a Ford fan(I want a corba sooo bad) but their new trucks are def lacking.
I have a Titan currently as my second car for towing and while it is beast mode for power. The interior is lacking. It is fairly smooth but even the upgraded interior really sucks compared to the American counterparts. It appears that Nissan just bailed on supporting the Titan. It is ashame because the power plant and transmission are fantastic. Every Titan owner I meet rarely has a problem with them.
Saw one for the first time (well first time I noticed) yesterday. All I have to say is LOL.
While I think the Raptor does look awesome and I see them quite often here in Florida. They are really a piece of crap when it comes to ability. They have serious engine problems. And the off road ability are mediocre given the price and purpose of the car. If I had 50k to blow on a truck. I would look at a fully loaded dodge 4 door 3500. Or a GMC 3500. IF you need that kind of power. I think the dodge has the best interior and smoothness of ride. I love those trucks. I do think the GMC looks better though. It is a tough call. Many of my neighbors have the different types of trucks and they shop in the high end section for cars. All of them have said the new Ford Trucks are complete garbage after buying them. One has gone through two engines already.
When I worked as project manager for Centex everyone had pretty nice trucks. While I did not have one the Dodges always had the best interiors of the group. I am typically a Ford fan(I want a corba sooo bad) but their new trucks are def lacking.