BajaNomad - Looking to get a new/used SUV

Looking to get a new/used SUV

Martyman - 9-4-2015 at 12:24 PM

I'm looking at the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota Four Runner. Hey...I'm a fat guy and I need a big car!
Will be launching a small boat from the beach.
Mostly I'll be on the highway with some backroads, nothing too crazy.
I'll need some decent clearance-how would I go about getting an extra couple inches?
I almost lost my 2 wheel drive vehicle to the Sea of Cortez while retrieving my boat on my last trip. Not going down again without four wheel drive. Will all-wheel drive be enough?

Thanks from a non-gearhead.

TMW - 9-4-2015 at 12:53 PM

I don't keep up with all the new vehicles, too many I think. That said. It is my understanding that an AWD does not have a low range. I do know the new Nissan Pathfinder is not a body on a frame like a truck and therefore not a good off road vehicle. But since you say you only go off road a little probably not a problem. I don't know nothing about the Honda Pilot. The 4Runner is a great vehicle but pricey.

As a big guy needing a big car look at the full size SUVs like a Tahoe or the GMC version or Toyota's Seq. Not sure what FORD or Dodge offer.

Bob53 - 9-4-2015 at 01:05 PM

4 X 4 Suburban 2500 w/8.1 liter engine. That will haul your fatness anywhere you like. That's what hauling my fat arse around these days.

Martyman - 9-4-2015 at 01:19 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob53

4 X 4 Suburban 2500 w/8.1 liter engine. That will haul your fatness anywhere you like. That's what hauling my fat arse around these days.

I'm fat but not fat enough to get a suburban!

Bob53 - 9-4-2015 at 01:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Martyman

Quote: Originally posted by Bob53

4 X 4 Suburban 2500 w/8.1 liter engine. That will haul your fatness anywhere you like. That's what hauling my fat arse around these days.

I'm fat but not fat enough to get a suburban!

Are you going to be at Bahia around the beginning of October? You can test drive mine. I have a half ton GMC pickup with a short bed and the Suburban is surprisingly smaller and has a shorter wheel base. But lot's of room to pack your stuff.

[Edited on 9-4-2015 by Bob53]

Hook - 9-4-2015 at 01:36 PM

Why would you not opt for a four-door, 4WD truck? It does everything that those SUVs do, and you still get an open bed for stuff. If you want to lock that stuff in back up, then get a shell. More versatile.

Most SUVs of that size are on the same chassis as their trucks of the same size.

I would rather have 4wd than AWD. Usually AWD has no low range.

How about an old beater Toyota from the 80s that you can leave down there? Something that it doesnt matter if the rear wheels take some salt water occasionally.

David K - 9-4-2015 at 05:08 PM

Get in and test drive the various models... that should refine your field a lot!

A 4Runner with 4WD and TRD Off Road Package with a rear locker/A-TRAC/ Terrain Select/ Crawl Control, etc. Would be sweet and solid... but not cheap!

My 4 Door Tacoma is very comfortable on and off road, and you have room for 4 big adults or 5 regular size (lol)! Then you still have a bed in back for your gear. The rear seats fold down flat giving you lots of indoor dust free cargo area, too. The A-TRAC or Locker adds security over regular 4WD so getting stuck/ needed a second vehicle along is really unheard of. Those features stop the spinning of the tires and balances the power to the tires that still have traction and can move you. No more one tire in back and one in front spinning with A-TRAC!

rts551 - 9-4-2015 at 05:56 PM

Shop around. There are a lot of makes that will not get you stuck (not just the hype of one make). Be aware when looking at Toyotas...their rear springs are failing (as reported in another thread on this forum). 4x4s are going to cost you more money...even older ones if they are in good shape.

SFandH - 9-4-2015 at 06:06 PM

Give the American models some consideration. None were in your list. You might find better value. Buy American, all else being equal.

Disclosure, I'm a Ford guy.

hombre66 - 9-4-2015 at 10:22 PM

Since reliability is my priority, get into consumer reports on all vehicles reliable. There's a vast quantity of places in Baja you don't want to break down at, as well as a competent mechanic unavailable for many miles. Consider Toyota first. Wonderful, spacious and affordable : Toyota T 100 xtra cab 4x4 . (I wish I had one) Lightweight ,full size and good fuel economy (18mpg from a 3.4l) SUV choice would be a 4 runner. My Baja buddy of 34 years' runner has 400k on it and ran/performed flawlessly on last February's 7 Sisters run. Course, his maintenance had been right on the $ as well since he bought it new in 88. Mt worst nightmare ? It was a 94 4x4 Ranger.

chuckie - 9-5-2015 at 12:21 AM

Toyota T100? They still make those?

hombre66 - 9-5-2015 at 08:54 AM

Chuckie, Toyota started the T's in 93 and morphed them into the Tundra in 99 , same basic truck but with a v8 and optional 3.4L 6 cyl for a couple of yrs, just v8's after 2001. (I think). I mentioned the T since Martyman stated used as well as new, and that he described himself as a plus size. One blog site has several people that dubbed T's as the million mile truck.

chuckie - 9-5-2015 at 09:24 AM

Thanks, I didn't realize that..One of the neighbors has a T100 (so labeled) that at this point in its life can best be described as "an old farm truck"...But it is still chugging......

hombre66 - 9-5-2015 at 09:52 AM

Yeah,chuckie...1999 was a long time ago, but it seems like last month as I settle into my 60's. My 1994 2wd T100 only has 140k on it and it would surely be my "last truck" if I wasn't jonesing for a 4x.(may pick DK's brain for Tacoma info). My DD is a CR V that won't really cut it in Baja areas I like to go.

David K - 9-5-2015 at 09:55 AM

For my Baja amigos, the 4WD Off Road TRD Tacoma is what to get.

Hook - 9-5-2015 at 10:15 AM

That new Honda Pilot shore is purdy. Looking like one of them high-end Lexus SUV/crossover vehicles.

You might also consider a beater American truck with a locker in the back, with or w/o 4wd. Leave it at BOLA. Get some wide meats on the back and front and drop the tires real low for launching. Go by an independent tire dealer and ask him to watch for a Jeep guy trading in his worn out tires in the widest your rims will accommodate. Something at least 10 inches wide like LT265 to 305 x 70r sizing in 16 inch, so you dont have to buy 17 or 18 inch rims. Maybe 15s will work if the truck comes with 15s but that would be rare for an older truck. If you leave it down there, you wont need much tread for what you are doing.

It's amazing what deflated tires can do, even with only 2wd. But a beater truck in 4wd isnt going to be much more expensive than an equivalent 2wd truck. So, go 4wd if you can.

One other great thing about an American full-sized type truck is that you can probably find an aftermarket hitch for the FRONT of the truck. It's very nice to be able to back a boat in with the engine weight over a set of drive wheels. A 4wd truck would do this. This assumes that there is no danger of waves getting high up on the engine, of course. I assume you do have a fairly long hitch extension.

I still carry two, four-foot sections of 2x8 lumber with me on my travels. If I'm stuck, I dig out enough to put these in front of the rear tires for some traction. Just getting going for that four feet of distance, and then punching it, is usually enough to get me out. I do this even with a huge Lance on the back of the F350. A piece of expanded metal might work better but I've never seen a gauge strong enough to resist getting badly misshapened. Then, storing it for travel would become a problem. I keep my wood sections in a front Hitch Haul carrier on my front hitch.

I absolutely LOVE front hitches for so many reason, especially with the Lance on the back. You also have an easy attachment point for pulling or being pulled out of a stuck situation.

And, finally, sometimes vehicles get stuck at the waterline because of rolling resistance from the trailer tires. This can happen if sand surrounds the trailer tires and sucks them in place. Then, the tow vehicle suddenly needs more umph to get the trailer and boat going and the drive tires dig in and get stuck. See if you can make sure the underwater zone where your trailer tires sit, while attaching it to the trailer, is rock that prevents the trailer from sinking down into sand. If need be, get the Gecko crowd together and place some big heavy rocks out there that hopefully wont move much when waves come through.

Come to think of it; is there any chance that the Gecko crowd would consider pooling their resources to buy a beater that everyone can use (and everyone can pay to maintain) down there? You could probably get something if four people put in 500.00-1k each, as a start.

woody with a view - 9-5-2015 at 11:05 AM

Quote: Originally posted by hombre66

Chuckie, Toyota started the T's in 93 and morphed them into the Tundra in 99 , same basic truck but with a v8 and optional 3.4L 6 cyl for a couple of yrs, just v8's after 2001. (I think). I mentioned the T since Martyman stated used as well as new, and that he described himself as a plus size. One blog site has several people that dubbed T's as the million mile truck.

the 4.7liter engine is by far, the best engine Toyota ever produced!

mojo_norte - 9-5-2015 at 11:37 AM

Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view

Quote: Originally posted by hombre66

the 4.7liter engine is by far, the best engine Toyota ever produced!

2X...

They use that motor in the Sequoia as well if you don't want a PU truck.

Lee - 9-5-2015 at 01:23 PM

Taco is good for off roading and fun. It's a mid-size truck and meant for light duty.

F-150 is full size and, in my opinion, more comfortable (softer ride).

Both can be fixed in Baja (for example, there's a Toyota dealership in La Paz); Fords are common.

I like Toyota -- had a 1980 SR5, and currently a '02 Highlander. As a make/model, for a functional pickup, Ford is it. But might buy Chevy next time.

rts551 - 9-5-2015 at 03:02 PM

no one has asked what size boat or how much stuff the OP has...but there are sure a lot of recommendations.

Hook - 9-5-2015 at 04:28 PM

I'm just going by past memory from previous posts. I think it is a smallish, light tin boat.

chuckie - 9-5-2015 at 04:36 PM

That's why I would stay away from lill truks like the Tacoma...Load and towing capacity are not there....Get something big enough..When you get a bigger boat you wont have to go get a bigger truck

rts551 - 9-5-2015 at 05:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

That's why I would stay away from lill truks like the Tacoma...Load and towing capacity are not there....Get something big enough..When you get a bigger boat you wont have to go get a bigger truck

Seems to be the consensus except for a few die hard Toy fans. Still say he needs to evaluate his load and towing requirement first.

Tioloco - 9-5-2015 at 05:21 PM

Look at the Ford F-150.
Best selling vehicle for 30 plus years for a reason. Great trucks!

chuckie - 9-5-2015 at 06:02 PM

+10

SFandH - 9-5-2015 at 08:28 PM

I'd go for a F-250. I've had both, two F-150s and now a F-250. Significant difference in load capacity, not so much in price when used. IMHO.

Hook - 9-5-2015 at 10:30 PM

If he's considering SUVs, I dont think load capacity is his overwhelming need.

J.P. - 9-5-2015 at 10:42 PM

I have a f350 premier tow vehicle ,it sucks as a daily driver I think a f 250 would serve my purpose better load rating is close to that of the 350 and my 36 ft. fth. wheel doesn't get towed that often.
As a avid traveler and camper over the past years I have owned almost every description of a R.V. there was ever conceived and the one thing I can verify there is no one size fits all R.V.

chuckie - 9-6-2015 at 05:53 AM

We havnt discussed color yet.....got everything else covered..cupholder ratings?

chippy - 9-6-2015 at 06:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

We havnt discussed color yet.....got everything else covered..cupholder ratings?

Beige or white for Baja. They might let you in with silver? Cup holder must be 12 to 16 oz. offroad rated.

chuckie - 9-6-2015 at 08:29 AM

Winnah!!!!!

DianaT - 9-6-2015 at 10:01 AM

Quote: Originally posted by soulpatch

My cupholder keeps a tight grip, is a good conversationalist and is pretty to boot.

[Edited on 9-6-2015 by DianaT]

Martyman - 9-8-2015 at 12:58 PM

Thanks for all the great comments and responses.
I don't want a truck because I keep my golf clubs and all my other chite in the car. easier to lock than a pickup. A truck would be nice for harvesting wine grapes but the grape bins fit in a van or SUV. This vehicle will be used for other things beside Baja tripping.
As far as a camp vehicle in BOLA there are to many anarchists, commies and musicians to decide on anything!
Last time I sat in a Toyota (Siena) my head was rubbing the roof. I'll check out the new ones but I have a very long trunk, (ahh..never mind) and don't fit in most cars.
American cars? no thanks, my friend just put $5k into his broke down Escape. Besides...I'm a commie.
I do like the front hitch idea but, I'm more interested in ash trays than cupholders.
Thanks Again-I will check out those Toyotas.
And by the way a new Pilot is $32,000.

David K - 9-8-2015 at 02:23 PM

The Toyota trucks and SUVs sold here, are made in North America and designed for us beef eaters. A Sequoia or Land Cruiser may be in the cards for you? Best luck on the shopping.

Martyman - 10-28-2015 at 11:36 AM

The new Honda Pilot AWD has different push buttons for snow, ice or sand. Also has a low gear up to 15mph. The 4-Runner is much more beefy then the Pilot and would be great but getting a little price prohibitive. After a little research I think the Nissan is out.

Still checking them out and will not buy for a little while.

Hook mentioned a hitch extension-anyone know where I can get one?

Also, someone mentioned a PU truck. What is that? or should I not ask.
Sorry guys but still not interested in a Pickup.

Hook - 10-28-2015 at 02:06 PM

Check etrailer.com for hitch extensions.

It's time you gave us the general weight of the boat and trailer.

I have never seen or heard mentioned a front hitch for an SUV or yuppie van.

Martyman - 10-28-2015 at 04:10 PM

16 ft bayrunner with 40hp old Johnson plus trailer...I'm guessing 800lbs?

Ken Cooke - 10-28-2015 at 09:12 PM

I have a Pilot, and it is a very comfortable car to drive long distances. I did some Baja camping with it, but being 2WD, I didn't go near the sand.

Pilots/Ridgelines have 2" leveling kits that you can purchase for $700. The tallest tire you can run on these vehicles is a 31"/245 size. Good luck on your search!

Martyman - 10-29-2015 at 10:11 AM

Thanks for the info Ken. Those Pilots don't have a lot of clearance. Wouldn't a lift kit invalidate my new car warrantee?

Ken Cooke - 10-29-2015 at 11:27 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Martyman

Thanks for the info Ken. Those Pilots don't have a lot of clearance. Wouldn't a lift kit invalidate my new car warrantee?

Pilots have a long wheelbase, only fit smaller tires, with low-hanging exhaust that could get damaged. It's mainly a family-type car.

JohnM99 - 10-31-2015 at 07:16 AM

Funny you should ask. Tomorrow we are taking our 2007 Honda Pilot across the border, driving a bit of a meandering route, ending up at our apartment at San Jose del Cabo, where we will leave it. We are about to find out!

It has a LOT of room for larger people. I inherited the car from a friend who was very large - it is really spacious, more or less the best visibility, and reasonably good ground clearance 7.8". It is pretty good for towing, 4WD with 3 different settings including locking differential. It is also designed to be able to go through up to 19" of water. If you are going to need more ground clearance, you CAN do a lot better (11+), but 7.8" isn't too bad - only 1" less than a Land Cruiser.

I find the car very comfortable - much more so than the Toyotas I drove. As for reliability, as much as people want to buy North American, the Toyota and Honda seem to have much better reliability ratings. My own Fords always seem loose and rattly after a while compared to the Honda. The Honda engines are good for 300,000 km with zero problems. The resale value also seems to be higher for the Japanese cars from what I see. That being said, parts for US cars are easy to get and mechanics are very familiar with them. Frankly, ALL cars are so much better built than 40 years ago it is amazing. (Just don't even THINK about getting a Land Rover!)

So, a week or so from now, when we turn up in SJD, we may have some more comments!

The reason my friend bought the Pilot in the first place was because it was the only car he found to be comfortable for his big 300 lb frame.

If you are looking for a new one, they are completely different this year. I hear it is "over computerized" to the point where the radio doesn't have a volume knob - you have to use a touch screen. That would be a deal breaker for me!

We are going to try a few smaller roads - ie to San Borja, a few others off the blacktop - and I guess we will find out whether it is good or not.

Ken Cooke - 11-1-2015 at 01:15 PM

Thats real good to know about the new Pilots. Maybe, I should upgrade the '06 model to a '15 model while the getting is good! :bounce:

Martyman - 11-3-2015 at 12:04 PM

The re-design is in the 2016 model.

mtgoat666 - 11-3-2015 at 12:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JohnM99

If you are looking for a new one, they are completely different this year. I hear it is "over computerized" to the point where the radio doesn't have a volume knob - you have to use a touch screen. That would be a deal breaker for me!

Some people have a hard time dealing with change. I remember when cars rarely had seat belts or AC. And radios had no blue tooth for my tunes. And seats were often non breathable vinyl that got so hot in sun it could seriously burn you. Change is good!

Re deal killers, I prefer my volume control to be the buttons on the steering wheel.

[Edited on 11-3-2015 by mtgoat666]