As you may remember, my wife agreed that I may start shopping for a 4x4; this will help to fulfill my wanderlust while providing practical family transport. It also lets me play with a car that's not our primary mode of transportation. Project Boreal Overland (BOV) has begun.
Perhaps the hardest part of this type of project will be the first - deciding on a vehicle that satisfies the following requirements:
- 4 doors and comfortable seating for at least 5 people
- Is easily repairable in Canada (i.e. parts availability)
- Is relatively easy to modify and has a decent aftermarket for off-road kit
- Can tow a tent trailer or small camper trailer
- Fits within the budget (remember that we have CAD$10,000 for the vehicle, wheels & tires, 1 year of insurance, plus basic safety & recovery gear)
The critical part of this phase is that it confirms the feasibility of the entire project. If I can't find a vehicle that can do everything I need it to do, the dream ends here (at least for today). So without further ado, and without any explanation of my preferences, I present in no particular order my long list of potential overland candidates.
The Long List
- 1999-2002 Toyota 4Runner (3rd gen)
- 2003-2010 Toyota 4Runner (4th gen)
- 1990-1997 Toyota Land Cruiser (80 series)
- 2001+ Nissan XTerra
- 2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2004 Land Rover Discovery II
- 1999-2006 Mitsubishi Montero (3rd gen)
- 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
I have, of course, a favourite in this list as well as one or two fallback options, but I need to stay open-minded.
The Rejects
And what about all the great trucks that aren't on this list? Here's a selection of vehicles I've excluded, and why.
- Jeep YJ/TJ/Wrangler/Wrangler Unlimited
The two-door models just aren't practical with three young children, and the Unlimited is well beyond my price range. It's as simple as that. - 60 series Toyota Land Cruiser
This would probably be a functional choice, but a clean model - if you can find one - goes for about as much as a decent 80 series. - GMC/Chevy Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban
A full-size truck like this wouldn't be a practical option for living in Montreal - how in the hell would I park this thing? - Pickup Trucks
I don't need the expansive cargo-carrying ability of a pickup truck, and would simply prefer to have the extra interior space, with my cargo secure on the inside. - Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Grand Vitara is well-known for it's capability, simplicity and parts availability worldwide. However, here in North America, I suspect the Suzuki will be harder and harder to service. Also, for almost the same money, I could get a Pathfinder. - 2nd generation Mitsubishi Montero
Good luck finding one. They basically don't exist in my market, and I'm not up for importing.
So, whaddya think?
Where am I going right, and where am I going wrong? What would you do with my budget and requirements? Sound off in the comments and vote in my highly scientific poll!