Maggie’s Why are new model SUV's and "Off Roaders" so butt-fucking UGLY???

[Blue Sky Country]

Just brainstorming all day yesterday and today, I had been looking at all brands of SUV's and "trail vehicles" that are non-ATV's and can be driven on streets and highways. Everything, and I mean every fucking model of new 2018 and 2019 vehicles are ugly as fuck. I do not mean any offense to anyone who prefers these new styles, but to me, they are just plain bad. All of them look like a toddler or child's sneaker. The streamlining removes all sense of actual old-school adventure and ruggedness.

Nissan Kicks right here used as an example:

NOPE. Don't like any part of it.


My preferred style is solid and boxy. Like this:

And just as I expected, all of the new model Land Rovers resemble the Kicks on the top picture to every fucking exact dimension.

Now I am curious: Is there ANY manufacturer out there that are still building basic frame SUV's and 4X4's that do NOT possess any of these hideous new aesthetics that almost all current production vehicles have? I don't like bells and whistles. At least not so much of it that it pussifies the shit out of the whole thing. If I am going to invest in a sport utility or adventure vehicle that is also capable as a daily commuter, I can do without all of the shit that people nowadays cry and beg for. Fuckin' heated seats, power this, power that, heated steering wheels.......No....I just want something rugged and simple. Preferably with manual shift.

From my lengthy perusal, it seems like a Jeep Wrangler is the only option that will fit the description that I given above. Sure, I can find older Jeeps and Land Rovers on Carfax that have reasonable pricing and miles, but I don't like used vehicles that much at all. I'd much rather plop down financing for a new model that I am in control of from the beginning and that I can look with pride on the odometer at the miles that I made in it.

What does the Hide think? Anything else out there that I am not aware of that is actually available in the USA with convenient source for parts and repairs if necessary?


2019 Jeep Wrangler

 

[_Windrider_]

Nothing beats the classic defenders or old school landcruisers.

 

[Blue Sky Country]

Nothing beats the classic defenders or old school landcruisers.

Hell yeah man. These old bruisers make me immediately think of death-defying big game hunts, large caliber rifles, campfires, and tales of legends past. Wish they still made them. Those new ones evoke no such imagery out of me, except cafes and pampered yuppies throwing tantrums because the WiFi is not working...

 

[XLR308]

I just got my wife a Suburu Outback with added SST lift, black aluminum wheels and mildly aggressive all terrains.
I think it's a great looking vehicle and makes me feel a little better about her driving on snow and ice since she could use all the help she can get.
Addmitedly it looks like a totally different vehicle to me anyways from a bone stock outback.

 

[_Windrider_]

Hell yeah man. These old bruisers make me immediately think of death-defying big game hunts, large caliber rifles, campfires, and tales of legends past. Wish they still made them. Those new ones evoke no such imagery out of me, except cafes and pampered yuppies throwing tantrums because the WiFi is not working...

Defender 110 with a Diesel engine is my wet dream.

 

[RTH1800]

With all due respect you are wanting to have your cake and eat it too.
You want a new, unused version of a very old design. Not going to happen.
You can buy new, electro gizmo, streamlined, you can buy old beater, old well preserved model or you can buy a restored to new or better condition of an older model. All depending on your budget and taste.
I recently read that a top NCRS points Corvette today is far better than one built in 1967.

 

[jab00]

Or, you can pay a metric crap ton of money for a refurbished Defender. I pass by this place often just to drool

 

[RTH1800]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
That is what I was talking about. They are out there.

 

[XLR308]

My personal daily driver is a 2 door JK Rubicon so I might be a little biased on that one.
I allways tell anyone that inquires about getting a jeep to not just take a short test drive but find a shit stretch of road that is fairly rough allready and then consider a long road trip in it.
There doesn't seem to be a middle ground from what I've seen, you either love or hate the wrangler.

 

[Blue Sky Country]

With all due respect you are wanting to have your cake and eat it too.
You want a new, unused version of a very old design. Not going to happen.
You can buy new, electro gizmo, streamlined, you can buy old beater, old well preserved model or you can buy a restored to new or better condition of an older model. All depending on your budget and taste.
I recently read that a top NCRS points Corvette today is far better than one built in 1967.

I feel ya'.

I can see myself gravitating towards a new Wrangler Rubicon. Kudos to Jeep to maintaining at least part of their famous style and design. Restoring one of the older warhorses do seem like another good option to me too. I love breathing life into old machines and watching them run again. Whether they are guns, motorcycles or 4-wheelers.

 

[RTH1800]

What irks me about the newer stuff is not the style. ( I am not stylish anyway.)
I hate the electronics and stuff that continues to run once you shut it off.
I bought a new F 350 in 1997. 460, 5 speed 4WD etc. Loved it and wore it out. It still ran but was just basically rolling parts in about 2017 with 300 K non hiway miles on it.
Searched the net and found one like it that was about new. Problem was it was an automatic which I am allergic to. So, I changed it to my old transmission. Love that truck.

 

[RTH1800]

Grey one I bought new. Black is one I am driving now.

 

[diverdon]

I'm holding my breath waiting for

bronco intro date - Google Search

 

[ReneM]

How about the Mercedes G class

The G-Class. Mercedes-Benz presents #strongerthantime

An off-roader like no other: The robust design and its very own character made the G-Class an icon that has been captivating off-road fans for generations.

www.mercedes-benz.com

 

[madppcs]

Well, you can teach an old dog new tricks. Look up legacy classic trucks . com

 

[jab00]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
That is what I was talking about. They are out there.

This place fully restores them and sometimes makes them even better. They have a couple of old school land cruisers as well

 

[Dougie308]

My baby.

Just brainstorming all day yesterday and today, I had been looking at all brands of SUV's and "trail vehicles" that are non-ATV's and can be driven on streets and highways. Everything, and I mean every fucking model of new 2018 and 2019 vehicles are ugly as fuck. I do not mean any offense to anyone who prefers these new styles, but to me, they are just plain bad. All of them look like a toddler or child's sneaker. The streamlining removes all sense of actual old-school adventure and ruggedness.

Nissan Kicks right here used as an example:

NOPE. Don't like any part of it.


My preferred style is solid and boxy. Like this:

And just as I expected, all of the new model Land Rovers resemble the Kicks on the top picture to every fucking exact dimension.

Now I am curious: Is there ANY manufacturer out there that are still building basic frame SUV's and 4X4's that do NOT possess any of these hideous new aesthetics that almost all current production vehicles have? I don't like bells and whistles. At least not so much of it that it pussifies the shit out of the whole thing. If I am going to invest in a sport utility or adventure vehicle that is also capable as a daily commuter, I can do without all of the shit that people nowadays cry and beg for. Fuckin' heated seats, power this, power that, heated steering wheels.......No....I just want something rugged and simple. Preferably with manual shift.

From my lengthy perusal, it seems like a Jeep Wrangler is the only option that will fit the description that I given above. Sure, I can find older Jeeps and Land Rovers on Carfax that have reasonable pricing and miles, but I don't like used vehicles that much at all. I'd much rather plop down financing for a new model that I am in control of from the beginning and that I can look with pride on the odometer at the miles that I made in it.

What does the Hide think? Anything else out there that I am not aware of that is actually available in the USA with convenient source for parts and repairs if necessary?


2019 Jeep Wrangler

 

[dreever]

Bought a Toyota FJ Crusier new in 2007, first year they came out. Now have 153,000 miles on it and it still runs like a top.
They quit making the FJ in 2014. Low sales they claim They just made them to frigging good in my opinion so anybody who owns one kept it instead of trading it in. I'll never get rid of my 07. My only regret is that I didn't pull the trigger on a 2014 so I'd have two!

 

[Mwalex]

I'm holding my breath waiting for

bronco intro date - Google Search

I just hope the new Bronco looks like some of the concept pics.

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

My submission

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

Oh this looks fun.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Toyota 4Runner. Body on frame. OffRoad package gets you a rear locking diff. and crawl control. The rear window rolls down, which is kinda cool. We like it. Dog likes it. It's not a car but can be driven everyday pretty easily. And it should be pretty much headache free with oil changes being the majority of that. They give you the first three free when you buy new and actually requires 10,000 mile changes.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

And for about $5000 you can get a supercharger installed and push an easy 350HP/TQ.

 

[2ndamendfan]

@Blue Sky Country if you want a true off roader your choice is jeep wrangler or Ford raptor. Otherwise you are looking at restoring an old vehicle.
Off roading is suspension suspension suspension which includes articulation articulation articulation.

I am the #1 Ford fan in the world, my family has own only Ford vehicle since grandpa came back from WWII after handing the Japan's an ass whopping. But I will also tell you that not every Ford belongs in my driveway and they have built some real turds in their history (even fairly recent history). Being a mechanic for 30 years and watching companies evolve I do believe Ford has had the most improvement over the last 30 years.

@diverdon I had big Hope's for the bronco but do not worry I am pretty sure Ford will fuck it up. The picture you show is a "rendering " from a few years back. Let me tell you why they will drop the ball. Remember I bleed Ford blue. Back around 1997 Ford did a study and found that less than 3% of Ford Explorer's ever went "of road". People want to "buy a life style" but they do not want to actually live it.
When people say "we go camping" you know where most end up? KOA. To me that is not camping. Camping for me is a 2+ hour drive hauling everything I need including water. Then rationing the water for a few days. With next nearest civilization up to 100 miles away most the time. Making sure I save 5 gallons of water in case I blow a radiator hose or something on the home. 99% of the population wants to dream of that life but most piss them self's if a wal-mart is more than 20 minutes away. So the manufacturers know this and know they are selling a dream.
The vehicle does not need to perform as expected because 97% will never test the vehicle's limits.
SUV's are just rebadged station wagons from 1970's

@rth1800 love your truck, excellent trucks. You would have to go back to 1986 to get no computers thought, even then you would still have an ignition module. You want to go full on no circuit boards you would have to go back to about 1973.
Either way your truck is a very good truck but off road is not it's super strong point. Suspension is not perfect. With that I use my 350 as stated above, I need other parts of its capability other days.

My $0.02 for what it is worth.

 

[RTH1800]

Mine is off-road on a daily basis. Meets my needs. It’s not a crawler, just a farm truck, trapping truck and hunting truck.

 

[2ndamendfan]

Mine is off-road on a daily basis. Meets my needs. It’s not a crawler, just a farm truck, trapping truck and hunting truck.

I ment no disrespect. Very reliable trucks. I use mine the same. I used it for what ever I need.
Better suspension would be nice for dedicated off roading. Ride gets a little rough at times. But I am scared of less than most so I general Raptor's are the only thing I can't keep up with.

 

[Major Wader]

My problem with all the restos and resto-mods is that you spend $150K for something your insurance company says is a 1995 4x4 worth $3K.

I love the look of the old LR Defenders, the older Land Cruisers, Power Wagons, F250 High Boys. old Suburbans, and any other old wheeler wagon you can come up with.

In fact, my ideal "fuck the cost" lottery vehicle would be a late 40's-early 50's Power Wagon or old Korean War Dodge ambulance with the ride, interior comfort and reliability of my Ram 2500 with the Cummins diesel.

I am also old enough to remember spending countless hours working on those fuckers when they trashed a U-joint or hanger bearing, needed a carb rebuild, drum brakes redone with the wheel bearings in the brake hub, and multiple other incidences of stupid design shit. My dad had a 4x4 once that needed a 7/16 12-point thinwall deep well socket to get the bolts out of the hub. And you couldn't pull the rotor until you got all 12 bolts out of the hub.

It's been a decade or two since I rolled around in the mud on the side of a country road working on some goofy shit, or spent a Saturday changing assorted gaskets to make the oil consumption less than the gasoline usage. I ain't missed it one fuckin' bit.

The good old days are now in the vehicle world. I get in my truck, it cranks, and I drive off. Last one I got rid of voluntarily did that for 250,000 miles with 3 brake jobs, some oil changes, and some tires.

 

[RTH1800]

I ment no disrespect. Very reliable trucks. I use mine the same. I used it for what ever I need.
Better suspension would be nice for dedicated off roading. Ride gets a little rough at times. But I am scared of less than most so I general Raptor's are the only thing I can't keep up with.

I did not take it badly. It just does the job I need. I put all new springs and shocks on it.
Not sure why but I don’t notice any ride issues. Guess when you only drive 1 ton trucks it becomes your norm. ?

 

[TxWelder35]

I like our 4runner TRD OffRoad. Extremely capable offroad bone stock. Manual transfer case, locking rear diff, Atrac, and drives good daily.

 

[Slash0311]

I'm holding my breath waiting for

bronco intro date - Google Search

Where did you find this? Ive been waiting on this too. Im not holdong my breath because I still bet Ford will fuck it up like the Ranger.

 

[gnochi]

Speaking professionally as someone in the auto industry:

Regarding the lack of boxy aesthetics and holy shit feature overload on modern cars, it boils down to homologation requirements in different countries. You can’t sell more than a few thousand vehicles a year if they don’t pass crash, meet fuel economy standards, meet emissions standards (which can be related to fuel economy depending on how a given country writes the law), pretty soon things like automated braking will be required, etc.

This adds a ton of cost to the vehicle program, and if you don’t do it you can’t put a mass market VIN on the road.

So, let’s look at a simple offroadable vehicle with a boxier design:

• Poor crash performance. The vehicle body and frame might be fine, but the occupant will get pretty severe whiplash. With the continual updates to crash performance requirements for homologation, most designs from as recently as 5 years ago could not legally be sold today. (Note that trucks can dodge around this in some countries because they’re considered commercial vehicles, but body on frame is unfortunately going the way of the dodo.)
• Abysmal aero. Unfortunately above around 40mph, air drag overtakes rolling resistance as the number one power sink that needs to be overcome, and at very low Mach numbers scales roughly with the cube of speed (vs rolling resistance’s roughly linear increase). This means fuel economy gets worse, and there’s something along the lines of CAFE in every major automotive market, and in most cases CAFE is the less restrictive rule.
• No driver assistance technology. I don’t think automatic braking is required for any vehicle on the road yet, but it will be soon in most of the automotive markets in the world. As of now this is required for IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus, which is how soccer moms choose their vehicle, and their choices are a huge chunk of the market.

I’m with you all. I want something dumb with actual buttons for power and hazards and knobs for volume, and a manual shifter, that just works and doesn’t think it knows better than me, and gets me where I want to go with a deer in the back.

The good news is that the way the laws are written in most markets it’s okay for a small outfit to put together something that fits that niche. The bad news is that automotive development is insanely expensive even before putting in all this other work, which means the only vehicles that companies can sell few enough of to slide under the sales caps to avoid homologation, and also make enough profit to pay for their own development, are going to be expensive, and the number one markets for arbitrarily expensive cars are the Middle East and China looking for sports cars and insane luxury SUVs. I’m talking diamond-studded interiors and gold plated rims - as markets, the majority of the people with the money for small-volume vehicles couldn’t care less about the Best Off-roader Ever.

 

[Aussie Joe]

The modern "soft roader" would be designed simply because not enough people truly go off road anymore. The average city dweller is merely looking for a "tough" car to do the school and shopping run in and look good in front of the other parents at the school pickup.

I drive a D23/NP300 dual cab Navara. Does it's job just fine for me and my family.
6mths after I bought it, myself and 2 good mates took it for an epic 2 week adventure into Far North Queensland into no mans land for 2 weeks of living rough on a westerly facing beach on an Eastern state fishing in the Gulf of Carpentaria in crocodile and shark infested waters.

The only mods done to the car were a bullbar/spotlights and AT tyres. No suspension lift or anything, towing a fold out camper trailer with the tiny on top, probably loaded well above the GVM of the car lol

24hr non stop driving between the 3 of us taking turns through some rough and remote roads (average of 3-400km between small bush towns) and this only took us a 1/4 of the way across the state lol

Here is the reef we camped next to on the beach and fished tropical reef fish for the 2 weeks

The epic Gulf of Carpentaria sunsets

 

[Blue Sky Country]

@2ndamendfan :
That may be the way I am going to go. The new Wrangler looks very badass. I actually saw an early 2000's Cherokee on Carfax with 60K miles on it for $6K literally within a stone's throw from my residence that has a shiny and ramrod straight history report. A further look and a few more similar ones popped up all within a short distance. That is in my AO alone. I bet the number of these being offered for sale across the country is dizzying.

@gnochi :
That is an accurate write up. The amount of regulations automakers have to go through is astounding. And then you got places like California with their CARB and other standards which are literally strangling motor transport mfg's into potential bankruptcy. They might as well bring back the horse and buggy, or worse, wagons pulled by 'political offenders' if people like AOC gets their way.

@Aussie Joe :
Spot on. The true sportsman has been diluted and neutered from most of the recent generations to alarming extents. Even their "Get in touch with the wilderness" programs tailored for city kids are laughable. Yeah sure, bring entire coolers full of prepared food and set up tents in resort camping areas fully stocked with WiFi and game parlors. LOL. Those are some awesome pics you took by the way.

 

[Slash0311]

To any one considering the Jeep Wrangler, last year I bought one. 2018 Sahara and the door frame leaked water like crazy. After months of trips to the shop trying to get it fixed, they bought it back. I was told the new ones leak also. Now, that may be okay with some people but for me, Im not paying $35000+ on a vehicle that leaks. Not one that was brand new. And for the record, they never did get it fixed.

 

[2ndamendfan]

To any one considering the Jeep Wrangler, last year I bought one. 2018 Sahara and the door frame leaked water like crazy. After months of trips to the shop trying to get it fixed, they bought it back. I was told the new ones leak also. Now, that may be okay with some people but for me, Im not paying $35000+ on a vehicle that leaks. Not one that was brand new. And for the record, they never did get it fixed.

It is a jeep and a wrangler at that. Doesn't surprise me. Personally I don't care for jeep/Chrysler/amc/fiat products. But it is hard to argue with what a Wrangler can be built into.

 

[JMGlasgow]

My problem with all the restos and resto-mods is that you spend $150K for something your insurance company says is a 1995 4x4 worth $3K.

That's what Hagerty insurance is for. My 1993 Mustang is insured for a guaranteed $12,500, and if it appraises higher it gets adjusted accordingly. KBB says it's worth far less, but what do they know.

 

[uffduh]

I’m looking forward to the new Bronco coming out. With the disappointment I’m sure it will be, I’ll appreciate my ‘73 even more!

 

[lash]

Ford Explorer

Really? I have not ever seen an Explorer that was worth anything as an off road vehicle.

 

[GBMaryland]

Toyota 4Runner. Body on frame. OffRoad package gets you a rear locking diff. and crawl control. The rear window rolls down, which is kinda cool. We like it. Dog likes it. It's not a car but can be driven everyday pretty easily. And it should be pretty much headache free with oil changes being the majority of that. They give you the first three free when you buy new and actually requires 10,000 mile changes.

View attachment 7095316

The forerunner is an awesome truck, However the one problem that almost all Toyotas have in the utility lines is that the infotainment center is absolute crap. No kidding, they are all about 5 to 7 years out of date compared to any competitor.

We took a look at almost every Toyota utility vehicle that we could find and they all suffered from the same problem: they had the same infotainment center that was in my 2012 Subaru outback, but even crapier. The bigger issue is that they were significantly more expensive… granted the Toyotas do severe off road better...

The Fords on the other hand had all of the features including decent technology… And if you’re going to buy or utility vehicle that you expect to keep for 10 years you don’t want to start 5 to 7 years behind.

If you’re simply going to Tool round the desert or never going to need a GPS/satellite radio/anything easy to use while you’re driving down the road… then the Toyotas are an option.

Functionally great vehicles, but it’s clear that technology was an afterthought and that was it they didn’t actually think about it…

Seriously, even the hybrid Toyota Highlander have a stereo system from 2012... that was pretty disappointed with the line.

Waiting for the bronco to come out...

 

[JWHITE]

Toyota 4Runner gets terrible reviews as far as the SUV (more like minivan/car hybrid) world goes....... but it is likely the best REAL SUV on the road. A Wrangler is the only competition I can think of. Lots of mods available and a PROVEN drivetrain that has been around for a long time.

The forerunner is an awesome truck, However the one problem that almost all Toyotas have in the utility lines is that the infotainment center is absolute crap. No kidding, they are all about 5 to 7 years out of date compared to any competitor.

We took a look at almost every Toyota utility vehicle that we could find and they all suffered from the same problem: they had the same infotainment center that was in my 2012 Subaru outback, but even crapier. The bigger issue is that they were significantly more expensive… granted the Toyotas do severe off road better...

The Fords on the other hand had all of the features including decent technology… And if you’re going to buy or utility vehicle that you expect to keep for 10 years you don’t want to start 5 to 7 years behind.

If you’re simply going to Tool round the desert or never going to need a GPS/satellite radio/anything easy to use while you’re driving down the road… then the Toyotas are an option.

Functionally great vehicles, but it’s clear that technology was an afterthought and that was it they didn’t actually think about it…

Seriously, even the hybrid Toyota Highlander have a stereo system from 2012... that was pretty disappointed with the line.

Waiting for the bronco to come out...

It would be a lot cheaper to fix the infotainment in the Toyota than to make the Ford into anything more than an SUV looking sedan.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

The forerunner is an awesome truck, However the one problem that almost all Toyotas have in the utility lines is that the infotainment center is absolute crap. No kidding, they are all about 5 to 7 years out of date compared to any competitor.

We took a look at almost every Toyota utility vehicle that we could find and they all suffered from the same problem: they had the same infotainment center that was in my 2012 Subaru outback, but even crapier. The bigger issue is that they were significantly more expensive… granted the Toyotas do severe off road better...

The Fords on the other hand had all of the features including decent technology… And if you’re going to buy or utility vehicle that you expect to keep for 10 years you don’t want to start 5 to 7 years behind.

If you’re simply going to Tool round the desert or never going to need a GPS/satellite radio/anything easy to use while you’re driving down the road… then the Toyotas are an option.

Functionally great vehicles, but it’s clear that technology was an afterthought and that was it they didn’t actually think about it…

Seriously, even the hybrid Toyota Highlander have a stereo system from 2012... that was pretty disappointed with the line.

Waiting for the bronco to come out...

The price is the Toyota Tax. You get it back when you resell it. The FJ and Tacoma are #1 and #2, respectively, of ALL vehicles in resale value. Research the used market and you'll quickly see it's true. And people will pay it.

Can't argue w/ the tech comment. But after almost a decade of Lexus' and all the bells and whistles I realized I needed very little of it. A backup camera is about all I really want. I don't miss any of the rest. Well maybe the auto up/down of all the windows. My Tacoma only does the driver's auto down. Not even up. Head units are easy to change. Although w/ my iPhone I'm never wanting.

 

[thejeep]

I’ve got 95 land cruiser beat to hell in the garage front rear arbs and 5.29 rp gears. This time I went with a ‘19 f250 to get the 10” front diff and manual hubs, it came with a rear selectable locker, vinyl/ plastic floors, and a front bench seat. This week it’s getting a spool in the front diff. The next week we are going to start a 1 month rd trip camping/backpacking with surely some mild 4wheeling involved. Will report back.

 

[Mike Casselton]

I just hope the new Bronco looks like some of the concept pics.

1970 Bronco, meet your Grandson, Explorer.

 

[Northfl]

I'm holding my breath waiting for

bronco intro date - Google Search

That damn thing was supposed to hit the market bout 5 years ago. They changed the body style and it still aint in the market. Buddy of mine and me and wife are waiting also

 

[BoilerUP]

Spend a few grand and buy an 80-88 K5 Blazer, then another $15k restoring it.

For $20k you can have live axles, lockers, true low range transfer case, overdrive automatic (or manual), air conditioning, new paint/interior and necessary body panels, and a gas engine rivaling modern V8s without all the electronics.

Plus they’re badass.

Or look for surplus M1009s (Army diesel K5s); no air conditioning but tough as hell.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Painted 4WD potatoes...

When I make my move to a 4WD, it'll be a well used (pre-foreign-owned corporation) Land Rover. They flow across the market like flash floods here in AZ.

Greg

 

[Long_Action]

I can't believe that anyone would consider buying a SUV type vehicle solely based on the electronics and/or radio. The older Ford explorers were rock solid with 8.8 rear ends and transfer cases. I just bought another 4runner 2 months ago and couldn't be happier. The new 10speed transmissions are junk and a SUV that has a unibody is just a station wagon. If you don't have a solid rear axle, full frame, and transfer case, you have a mini van. I bet half of you guys only drink clear alcohol too. The 4runner isn't the be all, end all. I have a LS jeep tj for when I leave the parking lot behind, but stupid simple works when off roading. I will take my toyota v6 married to a 5spd over the ranger/bronco 4 cylinder EcoBoost with 10 speed anyday.

 

[RPN]

Daily driver, hunting vehicle and guaranteed smile generator.
4.2 turbo diesel, mechanical injectors, hydraulic transmission. If I can start it, it will work without a battery until the diesel runs out.

 

[clcustom1911]

Spend a few grand and buy an 80-88 K5 Blazer, then another $15k restoring it.

For $20k you can have live axles, lockers, true low range transfer case, overdrive automatic (or manual), air conditioning, new paint/interior and necessary body panels, and a gas engine rivaling modern V8s without all the electronics.

Plus they’re badass.

Or look for surplus M1009s (Army diesel K5s); no air conditioning but tough as hell.

I would LOVE to do a K5 with a LQ9 6.0L engine! My dream desert vehicle.

 

[softcock]

2020 SUV's look like smooth greasy turds . 21 century Auto. form and function being pushed to you . Feminist minds are wrapping tin and plastic around 25 interlinked computers rolling on 4 wheels .
.