[knepsterd]

For shits and giggles looking to lease either a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon model or Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. Not trading up my x5 just something to play with off road, beach , back roads, etc...would look at 1995-1997 Land Rover Discovery but not looking to buy. Looking for any thoughts for those that might have either and use for rugged adventure.

[EIGHTLUG]

Land Rover LR3. 2007-2009. They are actually very reliable and you can get them for a really great price now. The comfort is still there and it's very capable off road. 2005 was the first year of the LR3. They got the bugs worked out by mid 2006. Ours is an 'o9. Just to be on the 'safer' side, I'd suggest an '07 or newer, to not have to verify late '06 build dates.

[kanvas]

My buddy has a newer model 4Runner TRD. Went off-roading in his car (he drove) and it felt like a very capable off-roader. I don't have much to contribute other than how I felt since I don't know much about off-roading.

[Terp335]

Funny you're posting this. I was looking for a weekend toy as well; and a winter beater to avoid thrashing my other car on DC roads and had this custom built a couple of weeks ago. Couldn't be happier with the build quality. I got a soft top to run during warmer months as well. Lots of fun to drive although my X5 is still the best DD in the garage.

[knepsterd]

Nice

[Kzang]

I prefer the black or matte black Rubicon, but this one looks nice as well!

[Terp335]

Well done Kzang! After owning black cars for years and fighting the good fight to keep swirls at bay, I made the call to never go black again. It does look great though.

They are fun to customize, and there are a ton of options out there. I also found that they are much cheaper to option than the X5. Unfortunately, things snowball quick and it's tough to control the urge to do more once you get going.

OP - 4Runner or Wrangler are both great options. I like being able to pull the top off the Jeep and satisfy the convertible itch at the same time. It's quickly become the kids favorite vehicle as well. They don't even miss the rear entertainment system... I bought from a guy locally who custom builds new Wranglers. The owner has as much OCD as me when it comes to details. Happy to send info if you're interested. I believe he does most of his business outside the area and ships nationally.

[Kzang]

That's not mine btw.. But I get what you are saying.. perhaps Matte black or grey would be better to avoid the glossy black swirls

[EIGHTLUG]

Are we talking about off road beaters or $50,000+ mall crawling rigs? An off the showroom floor JKUR can tackle 95% of the trails in the US. Same goes for a Land Rover LR4. IMO, you'd be money ahead to find a good used off roader, to keep and modify to your choosing, since your other option was leasing a new one.

[Terp335]

Originally Posted by EIGHTLUG

Are we talking about off road beaters or $50,000+ mall crawling rigs? An off the showroom floor JKUR can tackle 95% of the trails in the US. Same goes for a Land Rover LR4. IMO, you'd be money ahead to find a good used off roader, to keep and modify to your choosing, since your other option was leasing a new one.

Well, the problem with buying used (at least with this type of vehicle) is that you don't know where it's been, how it's been treated (was the engine ever flooded off-road), etc...

I originally started out as you said, looking for something with more miles, but ended up getting something new. I don't think there's a right or wrong answer. Just depends on what you're looking for...

[EIGHTLUG]

Originally Posted by Terp335

Well, the problem with buying used (at least with this type of vehicle) is that you don't know where it's been, how it's been treated (was the engine ever flooded off-road), etc...

I originally started out as you said, looking for something with more miles, but ended up getting something new. I don't think there's a right or wrong answer. Just depends on what you're looking for...

Well, I'd have to say that, sadly, the vast majority of these 'off-road' vehicles ever see anything more than a gravel road. I've traveled the majority of the trails of Colorado on either my F800 GS or one of my Land Rovers and I can honestly count the times I've seen a shiny kitted out JKUR on the trails on one hand. Same goes for other Land Rovers, 4 Runners, FJ's... you name it. You can slide under, most anything, at a dealership and not find a scratch on the skid plates.

You'd be pretty safe purchasing an 'off road beater', used, with just a little bit of investigation.
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