Question: I'm what you call a "noob" to off-roading. I have been with my friends multiple times and enjoyed it. Now I am in position to purchase a 4x4 of my own. I am a college student living at home with my parents, thus allowing me to do as I please with my money. I want to reward myself for completing two years of college and finishing an EMT program.
My problem is I don't know what to get. I would like a nice daily driver that can handle the trails when I go with my friends and go camping/road-tripping from Texas to Colorado regardless of weather. I am also going into the local volunteer fire department. I'd like something that isn't so extreme to prevent me from responding to a scene carrying any rescue/emergency equipment. But I'm also commuting to school from suburbia to inside the loop of the city, so it's a challenge for me to figure out what I can find that is comfortable for me.
I can set aside about $12,000 for a used 4x4 and I could possibly even use a bit of my student loans to write it off as a transportation expense. I need something that is at least a '98 or newer (my Acura is a '97 and my parents won't let me get something older than my current vehicle). I have been looking at three vehicles in particular: the Xterra, late-model 4Runner, or Liberty.
I know this is not a typical question, but I was just hoping for some suggestions and opinions from more educated gentlemen such as yourself. I mean, once I get the vehicle how should I go about modifying it? I'll be holding onto this vehicle for at least like the next 10 years until I'm done with school and hopefully my med school stuff. I don't want to tax you too much from people who may have more serious concerns. But any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated.
My final concern isn't vehicle related at all, but I wonder how to deal with other people on trails. I'm an Asian kid whose well-Americanized, but sometimes on trails with my friends other folks give me a hard time for my race and ask if I should be at some dragstrip or something. It has never gotten physical but almost did. Any suggestions with this as well?
Thank you again for your time, and thanks in advance for any response.
Jimmy Nguyen
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: I read your letter like I read all of them and that last paragraph about people giving you a hard time because of your race really bummed me out. But first let's answer your question about what to get for off-road use. Of the three vehicles you have chosen, I would lean towards the Toyota 4Runner first because it offers more upgrades such as suspension kits and bumpers. However the Xterra trucks have a growing group of followers and enthusiasts and since they could be had with a locking rear differential, I would have absolutely no problem recommending one of them as well. The Jeep Liberty is a hard one. I am not as big a fan of the Liberty unless it's a diesel. I really really like the diesel Libertys and if you could find one, not only could you build it into an OK off-roader, but you could also get some great mileage out of the diesel. Another one that I would recommend is an '04-'06 Jeep Wrangler TJ Unlimited, especially if you can afford one with the Rubicon package. The TJ Unlimited Rubicon is an awesome out-of-the-box truck ready to wheel. I like the 104-inch wheelbase for a comfortable ride and hillclimb ability, plus the longer wheelbase offers more interior room, the 4.0 engine is as reliable as anything, and the Rubicon package is hard to beat off road since it has front and rear locking differentials and lower gearing in the transfer case...all things you want for off-road use. And being a Jeep Wrangler you can take the top off for great visibility off road and excellent summer driving unlike the other trucks your mentioned. Unfortunately, I think you'll have a hard time finding a Rubicon Unlimited in your price range, but a basic Unlimited Wrangler without all the lockers would be a great Jeep to start with and you could install gears and lockers down the road as time permits. Plus since the Wrangler Unlimited TJ was only built for three years I would think it will hold its value.
Now about people giving you a hard time for being Asian, I really think that's lame. I'm a white country boy, and I love this country, and I must admit that I get a little frustrated when people aren't willing to speak English while in this country, but that's mostly because I like to communicate and it makes it more difficult. I also realize that this country is so great because it's made up of people from all different races, religions, and ethnic backgrounds. I think it's dumb when people want to fight over race or stuff like being into different types of cars or trucks. Hey, I'm a car guy. I don't drive an import tuner, but I think it's great that guys are into it even if it's not my thing. I don't understand why people would be upset about you driving a 4x4 or being on a trail if you're not a white guy? It seems to me that they are just being childish.
From reading your letter you seem smart, accomplished, and interested in the sport of four-wheeling, and as such you're much further ahead of the goons giving you a hard time about being Asian. I must admit that four-wheelers often give each other a good ribbing every now and then and as such it's always good to have a relatively thick skin. But at the same time just explain to them that you're there to run the trails and play with your truck and if they continue to hassle you just try to ignore them, or get your friends together and go find a different trail. With the latest technology the world is quickly becoming a smaller and smaller place, and as such it means people need to learn to get along. I know there is a fine line between standing up for yourself and turning and walking away from the situation. I have found that sometimes when someone feels they are being tough and giving me a hard time that it works best to flat out ask them what they are trying to do. It's amazing how it confuses the bully.
I hope that helps and I hope that a few bad apples don't turn you away from this sport. I'm going to make your letter the Tech Letter of the Month though it's more of the moral letter of the month. I think it's a good thing to discuss. Our trails are constantly being closed down, and having more people out there enjoying them together and respectful of each other is important to keeping them open. In-fighting amongst our ranks is a surefire way to help the anti-off-roaders win. I'd like to send you one of the new ARB snatch straps. ARB (www.arbusa.com) offers a full line of recovery gear in addition to its many bumpers, off-road lights, suspensions, and locking differentials (all items you might want to look into for your new 4x4). The snatch strap I'll be sending you is part of ARB's new line of gear with different colors to coordinate tree protectors, snatch straps, and winch-cable extension straps. The snatch strap ARB will be supplying is rated at 24,000 pounds and has some great features such as reinforced seam sleaves and redesigned eyes for ease of attachment, plus there is an internal bright red safety flag that is revealed over time as the strap wears to let you know when it's time to be replaced.