Best shooting truck for me??

[timelinex]

I do a lot of shooting in the desert, but can only go when my friend goes since my car won't make it over the rough terrain to get to the places. I'm planning on buying something within the next couple month and I was hoping you guys can help me choose.

I live in the phoenix, AZ area... So the 'offroading' that I will be doing it really just dirt/rock paths. The major obstacles are really just that the paths can have a lot of sharp hills, so it can't be nothing too long or too small clearance that will hightop or bottom out. My friends jeep grand Cherokee does just fine and the only things I think he has done to it is some kind of steel skid plate across the bottom of the car, to keep everything from being damaged just in case he high tops.

A truck that can fit 4 people would be nice, but not a must. I am even open to SUV's or a jeep. However the small jeeps might not have enough room for all my stuff and steel that I need to take. Currently, out of the very limited knowledge I have, my options look like somekind of truck, a fj cruiser, or one of the jeeps. From my understanding though jeep might not be reliable?

Long story short, here are my requirements.

1. around $15000 (Less would be better. BUT it has to satisfy #3)
2. No problems traversing hilly paths (not to long wheelbase or low clearance)
3. Reliable (This is extremely important to me and the reason why I'm ok with paying a little more. Aside from standard maintenance, I never want to have to fix anything or be stuck somewhere because it won't start)
5. Good resale value and nothing close to 'new'

 

[RobertB]

I'd say a Tahoe would be great. You see em everywhere. Parts are super common. You can find em fixed up or plain. We get em on our lot all the time with all kinds of miles on em. Very common. Not saying "that's the one" but I like em for what you say. I ran a surburban in the dessert for a year and it did great. Carried a 4 man survey crew with gear all pver the place. 06 model. Best vehicle I ever had.

 

[rljatl]

Toyota 4x4 or Pre Runner 4 door. Toyota 4Runner.

 

[Ultraman550]

I second the Toyota. I have a 4Runner, had it since 2003, 120,000 miles and its runs like new. I suggest a generation 3 or a generation 4 toyota 4Runner. The Gen 5's are really nice but the gas mileage is not as good as the older models. The Gen 4's were the only ones to get a 4.7 Liter V8 so if you're hauling anything or decide to lift it and put larger tires on it, the extra power really helps. As you can see I live out here in Vegas so our terrain is similar. Before I had larger tires put on I ran into the problem of rocks piercing my tires because I really wanted to get away from the douche bags shooting their rifles at a flat rock surface literally 50 yards in front of them.

 

[timelinex]

I'd say a Tahoe would be great. You see em everywhere. Parts are super common. You can find em fixed up or plain. We get em on our lot all the time with all kinds of miles on em. Very common. Not saying "that's the one" but I like em for what you say. I ran a surburban in the dessert for a year and it did great. Carried a 4 man survey crew with gear all pver the place. 06 model. Best vehicle I ever had.

To be honest, I'm not sure If I trust a Tahoe reliability wise.

Toyota 4x4 or Pre Runner 4 door. Toyota 4Runner.

I second the Toyota. I have a 4Runner, had it since 2003, 120,000 miles and its runs like new. I suggest a generation 3 or a generation 4 toyota 4Runner. The Gen 5's are really nice but the gas mileage is not as good as the older models. The Gen 4's were the only ones to get a 4.7 Liter V8 so if you're hauling anything or decide to lift it and put larger tires on it, the extra power really helps. As you can see I live out here in Vegas so our terrain is similar. Before I had larger tires put on I ran into the problem of rocks piercing my tires because I really wanted to get away from the douche bags shooting their rifles at a flat rock surface literally 50 yards in front of them.

Thanks for the advice, it looks like Toyota vehicles are showing themselves to fit my bill the best.

It looks like both the prerunner and 4runner are right in my price range, with about 120k miles. Is there any kind of large maintenance or common issues with these at 100k+? From my understanding 100k miles for these Toyotas is nothing?

Any suggestions of pros and cons for prerunner vs 4runner? Is the fact that the prerunner is only 2wd a big deal?

I've only had sports cars and small sporty sedans. So I have no clue what to expect or benefit from SUV vs Truck.

 

[Cubbetm]

A 4runner would be nice for what you want. A prerunner is a 4x2 with 4x4 style suspension as you know. That's a big pain if you do get stuck. It'll be fine for fire roads though.

Depending on what year you choose the engine shouldn't have many problems. They aren't built as well as say the 22re in my 85 4runner but they will last to 200k with proper maint.


Keep in mind it's going to handle much different than your sporty sedans. A LOT different.

 

[Willyz_54]

H1 Hummer or GTFO. Seriously though, a Toyota 4x4 would be more than enough to cart your steel and your buddies around the hot and dirty. As mentioned, the prerunner would give you the clearance, but with your budget at $15k, the 4x4 will afford you more options as far as getting further out.

 

[timelinex]

H1 Hummer or GTFO. Seriously though, a Toyota 4x4 would be more than enough to cart your steel and your buddies around the hot and dirty. As mentioned, the prerunner would give you the clearance, but with your budget at $15k, the 4x4 will afford you more options as far as getting further out.

The 4x4 is just another name for the Tacoma?

 

[CF_Smith]

You might want to consider a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. There is PLENTY of room for 5 people and all the gun stuff you want (especially if you get a roof rack, but it's not really needed). Now as far as reliable, my dad owns one and it goes, no matter what. They are HIGH maintenance though. I differentiate high maintenance from low reliability. The jeep all need new wheel bearings, u joints etc more then your average (usually because they are used off road more) but it's not like its unreliable in the sense that one day it won't start, or the 4x4 won't work, or the tranny isn't shifting (you know what I mean?)

There is NO beating a wrangler off road in any condition plus the JK's are pretty comfortable inside, never mind the fact that you can take the roof off, doors off and fold the windows down for your trips!

just my .02

James

 

[Willyz_54]

The 4x4 is just another name for the Tacoma?

Negative. Tacoma is their small truck. 4runner is the mid tier suv. Both are offered in 2wd prerunner and 4x4.

 

[Veer_G]

Any love for the FJs?

 

[JMGlasgow]

The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a good vehicle. Basically a 4 door Ranger. I still see the 2001 models selling for around $8000. And you don't see too many of them up for sale. Seems people who own them keep them around.

 

[EL34]

I'll throw another vote in for the Toyota Tacoma, or 4 Runner. I have one of each right now.

 

[EddieNFL]

Toyota. Only problem is you can't get rid of them; they last forever.

 

[timelinex]

will the 4runner really handle off roading terrain? it seems to lack in clearance and the tacoma looks like it can take more on. Are looks deceiving??

 

[mrsleeve]

To be honest, I'm not sure If I trust a Tahoe reliability wise.

Really a GM small block will run like shit longer than most things on the road will run at all.....

 

[Bracamonte]

will the 4runner really handle off roading terrain? it seems to lack in clearance and the tacoma looks like it can take more on. Are looks deceiving??

4Runner is made for off-roading!! If you get one and like it enough, you can continue to mod it and make it even better for 4wheeling/offroading.

Buy a 4th generation (pre-2010); don't buy a 5th generation. I had one go past 200k miles. I liked it so much I bought another used one a couple of years ago. It's well of 100k now.

Read up more here Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum.

 

[valkyries]

I like the 4runners but if it were me I would look.at the Nissan xterra.

 

[Night Eagle]

an older style bronco. like the one OJ got driven down with. when i lived in the mountains, i had many friends with them and if you need to haul 4 peeps and gear that would do the trick. we went everwhere in them. i had an older style toy landcruiser wagon 1988 model and that went everwhere also. the desert made that bad boy its bitch one night though while trying to navigate quick mud and we had a long hike. just fyi i chose to drive through the huge mud puddle my landcruiser did not break down, it got swallowed up hehe... jeeps will do the trick also but i just cant find it in my heart to trust them if im out in the desert. i would def trust a toyota

 

[icu812]

Don't get all caught up on the Toyota hype. Don't get me wrong. There tough, but it seems like there overpriced for what they are anymore. An XJ cherokee is a great bargain imho. Solid front and rear axles, tough drivelines, cheaper aftermarket parts, the in line V6's run forever, and just as capable offroad. You can get them with fewer miles and much cheaper than a 4runner or taco (with ifs unless you go way back.) Saw one on auto trader yesterday with around 80,000 miles for around 7,000 if I remember correctly. A similar set up 4runner the same year would likely sell for twice that.

 

[Night Eagle]

you know, many many many countries military peeps in the arab world drive Toyota in the desert...just sayin...

 

[Kiba]

Toyota. Only problem is you can't get rid of them; they last forever.

I wish.

Broke 2 connecting rods and windowed the block in a 5VZ-FE V6 in a bone stock 1999 4runner at 135,000 miles while merging on the freeway. Expensive day. Toyota wouldn't do a damn thing to help out but since it was past 100K I wasn't surprised.

The 4runner replaced an 1993 Olds Bravada that was finally starting to have the transmission slip in 3rd and OD at 240,000 miles-- at the time decided it wasn't worth rebuilding the tranny and got rid of it and replaced it with the 4runner. Looking back, it would have been far cheaper to rebuild the 4L60E compared to putting a rebuilt longblock in the 4runner.

The Bravada with 240K on it and full time AWD also got better fuel mileage than I've ever managed to out of the 4runner and at 240K it also ran far cleaner on our biannual emissions testing compared to the 4runner with a fresh longblock... go figure.

Let's just say I'm not very happy with the all the encouragement I received to buy a "trouble free" Toyota. Bought it from a relative who was the original owner and had everything done at the dealer. In the 70,000 miles I've owned it it has cost many times more in maintenance and repairs than the Bravada cost for maintenance over its entire 240K mile lifespan. Other than the original engine grenading the 4runner hasn't had anything really out of the ordinary go wrong other than a rear axle seal leak that contaminated the brakes and it's on its 3rd OEM starter at 162K... one day they just up and die-- turn the key and one faint click. First time it happened I thought it was the battery.

Again... your mileage may vary, but Toyotas are certainly not exempt from major problems.

 

[Veer_G]

Parts two and three are there, as well.

 

[icu812]

No doubt that Toyota's have a great history of being tough and reliable. I'm just saying that over the years their price has gotten to the point where their over valued. In the late 80 's and early 90's, before everyone was on the bandwagon, you could get them on the cheap and have a tough little truck. I really don't understand the prices on used Toyota's these days. Still tough, just expensive to buy. This is all just my opinion, ymmv.

 

[wrongside]

Sorry I could not buy foreign. Tahoe, Yukon or a Jeep is what I would buy. I drive a 99 Suburban with 216,000 miles on it. Had a 92 GMC Jimmy that I got rid of in 2012 with 253,000 miles on it and it sill ran good. Who sez US vehicles are not reliable. Doesn't FJ stand for F---n Japanese.

 

[Sniper Uncle]

Over Valued???? True, they are pricey to get into, but you have to weigh that against the fact that the average American Branded car loses $4-8000 dollars value as it rolls off the lot--money lost to entitlements to union workers, while the non-American Branded cars, most of them actually built in USA now, are not encumbered by those entitlements. That is why the Toyota's and Honda's etc have such high retained values.

 

[Veer_G]

Doesn't FJ stand for F---n Japanese.

Dunno. Maybe you should ask a f---n Japanese?

 

[2guard]

I have a 99 2wd 4runner limited 3.4l about to hit 200k with nothing more than standard maintenance (belts, filters, brakes, etc). The only real thing I have spent beyond that is putting a MAF on it ($120). Very reliable, plentiful parts if needed (and fairly inexpensive), and I can squeeze 20mpg on the interstate if I don't drive 80. I plan to buy another vehicle this year, but wont sell/get rid of this one until it dies. I'm a fan of a lot of the Toyota trucks; t100, landcruiser, Tacoma, 4runner. My family has owned them for many years (except my dad who only buys buick) and never had major problems from them.

Look for a 4wd Tacoma or 4runner in your price range and I believe you will be happy with it.

 

[BoilerUP]

Over Valued???? True, they are pricey to get into, but you have to weigh that against the fact that the average American Branded car loses $4-8000 dollars value as it rolls off the lot--money lost to entitlements to union workers, while the non-American Branded cars, most of them actually built in USA now, are not encumbered by those entitlements. That is why the Toyota's and Honda's etc have such high retained values.

Yeah...depreciation doesn't have anything to do with "union worker entitlements".

And yet another reason to buy used and let somebody else take that hit.

Toyota of today isn't the Toyota of 20, 15 or even 10 years ago - recalls are up, reliability is down, and price for their trucks are inexplicably higher. I guess because people are willing to pay more due to the perception they are better.

When I got my truck ('02 Dodge Dakota Crew 5.9L) in late 2008, I looked at extended cab Tacomas very hard. Nice looking trucks, nice interiors, but same years/miles were about $5k more expensive, and same year/same price had about 60k more miles on it.

I could put a new drivetrain in my Dakota for less than the $5k price delta. And when you look at opportunity cost of that price delta vs. the difference at resale down the road...it really became a no-brainer.

I love my Dakota, it drives smaller than it is and has lots of power with correspondingly medicore fuel economy (5.2L really is plenty for that size truck), with weak points being 1. transmission and 2. paint quality/longevity.

 

[icu812]

I was using over valued in regards to the op's 15,000 dollar budget. He is buying used, new car comparisons are going to be way out of line. I think we're all nuts for paying the prices of new cars now days. It's in the used market that I feel Toyota's are a little high compared to some other very capable options.

 

[Sniper Uncle]

I was using over valued in regards to the op's 15,000 dollar budget. He is buying used, new car comparisons are going to be way out of line. I think we're all nuts for paying the prices of new cars now days. It's in the used market that I feel Toyota's are a little high compared to some other very capable options.

But, that is why the Toyotas hold their prices----they don't lose the first $6K driving off the lot.


Cheers,
Tim
The Right to Keep and Bear Arms Shall NOT be Infringed

 

[rljatl]

I have 179,000 miles on my 2001 4Runner 4x4. Two different service advisers have told me that they routinely see 4Runners with 250,000 miles on them.

 

[coach4christ]

Here's mine. Slight bit over budget though. You should be able to find some really good used ones. They hold resale exceptionally well.

 

[Import_gsd]

toyota FJ Cruiser, they are almost unstoppable. don't need to do anything to it in factory form. gets decent gas mileage, 18-23 mpg, plenty of room. good resale value. huge aftermarket parts selection. look at them on youtube. good ride, great off-road and on. alot of factory options already installed, front/rear lockers. slightly more room than regular jeep. 4.0 v6, get the automatic, stick shift is full time 4x4, so get worse gas mileage. probably the only vehicle i regret trading off. will buy another when funds are available. you can also get a hitch mounted cargo carrier, most come with overly strong roofrack. very easy to wash out, made to be used

kenny

 

[dondick]

I also say Toyota 4 runner . I have a 89 Toyota pick up with 230,000 miles and I refuse to get rid of it . But if you want to be better than everyone else , get a deuce and a half and build a shooting bench in the back . Just sayin .

 

[EddieNFL]

I wish.

Broke 2 connecting rods and windowed the block in a 5VZ-FE V6 in a bone stock 1999 4runner at 135,000 miles while merging on the freeway. Expensive day. Toyota wouldn't do a damn thing to help out but since it was past 100K I wasn't surprised.

The 4runner replaced an 1993 Olds Bravada that was finally starting to have the transmission slip in 3rd and OD at 240,000 miles-- at the time decided it wasn't worth rebuilding the tranny and got rid of it and replaced it with the 4runner. Looking back, it would have been far cheaper to rebuild the 4L60E compared to putting a rebuilt longblock in the 4runner.

The Bravada with 240K on it and full time AWD also got better fuel mileage than I've ever managed to out of the 4runner and at 240K it also ran far cleaner on our biannual emissions testing compared to the 4runner with a fresh longblock... go figure.

Let's just say I'm not very happy with the all the encouragement I received to buy a "trouble free" Toyota. Bought it from a relative who was the original owner and had everything done at the dealer. In the 70,000 miles I've owned it it has cost many times more in maintenance and repairs than the Bravada cost for maintenance over its entire 240K mile lifespan. Other than the original engine grenading the 4runner hasn't had anything really out of the ordinary go wrong other than a rear axle seal leak that contaminated the brakes and it's on its 3rd OEM starter at 162K... one day they just up and die-- turn the key and one faint click. First time it happened I thought it was the battery.

Again... your mileage may vary, but Toyotas are certainly not exempt from major problems.

Let's see...last four GMs we owned:

'05 Trailblazer - PS pump, alternator, power door locks and windows, water pump, ECM, one front caliper and the interior is literally falling apart...all post warranty, but less than 60K.

'03 Chev crewcab - alternator and starter before 45K; transmission at about 50K.

'01 Tahoe - water pump and ABS module under warranty, transmission at less than 50K.

'00 GTP - cylinder head and supercharger under warranty, ABS module at 41K, transmission at 46K.

At present:

'06 Tundra - brake pads, sparkplugs and a battery - current mileage: 67K

'04 Matrix - full front brake job, alternator, two batteries - current mileage: 121K

There is a reason Toyotas and Hondas hold their value so much better than most others. I was a die-hard GM guy until the last few. If I was limited to one of the big three it would be one of a few Ford models.

 

[slowagon]

Toyota Tundras and Tacomas are currently built in Texas. Tacomas were previously built in California. I wonder why they moved the plant? Toyota is a great company and their vehicle really do last.
My advice, if you can't find a decently priced used Toyota, would be a just a plain base model '97-'01 4.0L Jeep Cherokee. The drivetrain of a Cherokee is fairly bullet proof, super reliable, easy to work on, parts are easy to get and they're dirt cheap. My last Cherokee had 280K hard miles on it before I sold it. It still ran great and never used any oil. The downside is their interiors are crap. Headliners always sag, plastic interior parts break easy and if you get any kind of power options, they will fail.
Chevy makes great engines but I wouldn't really consider anything they've made in the last 15 years off-road worthy, same with Ford (with the exception of the Raptor$$).

 

[Cubbetm]

Do not go out and buy a jeep. Certainly not an xj as I saw suggested. I have the 4runner as I said before and I also have an 01 xj I bought off someone for cheap because it had leaking injector. It also has a fuel pump that does not hold pressure when parked, I had to fix the wiring in the door jams, put window motor and regulators in it. Rebuild both axles, etc. all very common for a jeep.

Remember a jeep is just a Chrysler product. Cheap metal, cheap sensors, cheap wiring. You will spend more time in the shop. Trust me I work in an Indy shop and I would venture to say Chrysler makes up more than 40% of our vehicles.

 

[coach4christ]

A jeep is like an AR or a 1911. It is modular and you can build it like you want it. I think a pretty cool vehicle would be an older ford bronco (pre OJ model).

 

[Ultraman550]

OP,

Go onto T4R.org and look at some of the members 4Runners.

 

[EL34]

Kiba, and the rest of you toyota guys, when that starter dies, and just clicks, DO NOT go buy a new one. If you take it off, and then pull it apart you'll see what looks like a copper piece (contacts) in there, with use it wears down. Take a brass brazing rod, and build it back up, and file to shape, and your good to go. It won't last as long as the "copper" (contacts) looking piece, but now you can fix it for next to nothing. I should also state this works for all the trucks, and 4-Runners up to the 2000 year model, haven't done it to anything newer, but I can't imagine they've changed much.
Alternatively, you can buy new ones here http://www.nationsstarteralternator.com/Starter-Rebuild-Kits-s/37.htm they even have a video showing you how to do it.

ETA: To clarify, I'm not a mechanic, buddy showed me how to do this, and I don't know all of the proper terminology. Which goes to show, if I can do it you can too!

 

[windermike]

A jeep is what you need.

 

[icu812]

I think after politics, 4x4's are the most debated topic in my run of buddies. Just take your time and do some research. There are a few off road forums that are pretty similar to this one. Actually you'd be better off digging around on one of them for a while to get some insight. Just be careful, you might just end up with another hobby that seems to make all your money disappear.

 

[E. Bryant]

I currently have a '08 F250 4x4; Power Stroke, base trim, Super Cab/long box configuration. Picked it up used for $13k a couple of years ago (yes, that was a screaming good deal), and it should roll over 200k sometime tomorrow morning. It has been reliable for both the previous owner and myself, it gets very good fuel economy (15-18 MPG), and it fits my towing/hauling needs. Oh, and it also runs flat 13s in the quarter, which means that it's fun to pick on a variety of supposedly fast cars

But, this is not the truck for everyone, just as I'd find some of the suggestions in this thread to be completely useless. You need to figure out what's right for you, which probably means getting off the keyboard and doing some test drives.

 

[Ultraman550]

"I don't buy foreign"


Then I guess you don't own anything that requires electricity.

 

[carp]

Consider a Subaru Forester. In that price range you get nearly brand new, a phenomenal all wheel drive system and it attracts Lesbians. Lesbians make fantastic spotters.

 

[Kiba]

Let's see...last four GMs we owned:

'05 Trailblazer - PS pump, alternator, power door locks and windows, water pump, ECM, one front caliper and the interior is literally falling apart...all post warranty, but less than 60K.

'03 Chev crewcab - alternator and starter before 45K; transmission at about 50K.

'01 Tahoe - water pump and ABS module under warranty, transmission at less than 50K.

'00 GTP - cylinder head and supercharger under warranty, ABS module at 41K, transmission at 46K.

At present:

'06 Tundra - brake pads, sparkplugs and a battery - current mileage: 67K

'04 Matrix - full front brake job, alternator, two batteries - current mileage: 121K

There is a reason Toyotas and Hondas hold their value so much better than most others. I was a die-hard GM guy until the last few. If I was limited to one of the big three it would be one of a few Ford models.

I wasn't making a blanket excuse for all brands, just pointing out that any brand, Toyota and Honda included, can turn out lemons. They may turn them out at a much lower rate but they still exist. GM certainly hasn't had the best track record and historically Toyota, especially 2000 and older has had a pretty good reputation... but my experience with the 4runner and Bravada was exactly the opposite of prevailing trends. And while historical repair & reliability data certainly are a large factor in Toyota & Honda holding their used value so well sometimes it just doesn't work that way as I found out.

The Bravada had its quirks-- it was guaranteed to eat a battery every two years almost to the week and in 240K it went through 3 alternators, 2 water pumps, 3 heater cores, and 1 driver's side window regulator before the transmission started slipping... but that was it for over and above regular maintenance items. I can change a LOT of batteries, alternators, water pumps, and heater cores for what it cost to put a rebuilt longblock in the 4runner.

The original engine in my 4runner was certainly a defective POS. The local dealer and the regional service manager both said they couldn't believe it when it came in on the slideback with holes in the block and oil pan but didn't offer anything in the way of assistance. Being the vehicle was dealer serviced up until that point and they were totally unwilling to assist in any way when the engine grenaded really turned me off to replacing the thing with another Toyota in the future. An engine that only makes 175hp should NOT be breaking connecting rods just from merging on the freeway unless there's a casting or metallurgy defect! From the pieces I picked out of the bottom of the oil pan the rod bolts were intact but one rod failed about mid-span and it took out the adjacent rod too. I still have the pieces of the broken rods and pieces of the block decorating a shelf in the garage as a momento.

I'm not anti import at all-- I used to have a 2005 Subaru STI that I bought new for a daily driver and currently have a 1998 Integra GSR for a daily beater. The Integra is closing in on 220K and still gets 30MPG, has zero squeaks or rattles, and will spin to the fuel cutoff at 8500rpm whenever you want it to. Only things that have failed on that car is the blower motor started squeaking horrendously about 200K, the original clutch disc fractured at the hub at 160K and released the springs, and the power antenna just quit. Love that little thing, always fun to zing it to 8200 and toss it around corners and it just keeps coming back for more.

Back somewhat on topic for the OP... as much as it pains me to say it given my experience I still think I'd pick a pre-2000 Tacoma or 4runner over most other used trucks/SUVs on the market and it's a good match for your requirements. A couple of friends have 2008 Chevy & GMC 1500s with the 5.3 and they have had excellent luck with those trucks as well; good power, comfy, and they are holding up extremely well. They depreciate much faster than Toyota so you can pick them up fairly reasonably but they're pretty much at the top of your budget though. I have a soft spot for diesels... a good used diesel pickup will easily match or beat the Toyota V6 for fuel mileage and beat the snot out of it in the power department but diesels can be black holes-- once the modding starts many guys don't know when to stop. Repairs can also be quite expensive, both engine and transmission. They typically hold their value extremely well though and the cheaper ones usually have issues or lots of miles unless you find a "have to sell it quick" deal.

 

[GunKnowledge]

A used F150 with one of the offroad packages. Phoenix is loaded with them, you can find one for a steal.

Industry-standard for reliability, popular as hell, massive aftermarket support, will hold its value much better than less common/less-liked trucks.

 

[timelinex]

I was wondering why no one mentioned the F-150 until this last post. Any particular reasons? They are about the same price, if not a little cheaper, than the Toyota options.

After further thought I think the 4runner will probably be what I end up getting. I do like the look of the F150's though...

 

[slothlacrosse]

Take a look at a used Nissan Pathfinder. I traded in my 08 5.6L last year with 200k miles on it. Only spent $1700 to keep it on the road. It was a hard use vehicle (drove it 50k miles a year for work (on road) and play (off road). It's comfortable/civilized on paved roads and can handle itself offroad.