Hi I am looking for 4x4 vehicle. but just don't know, if I should buy a Jeep or a Toyota... as I am a newbie in off- road. Can anyone help me, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!!


Ron Thorey

How much do you want to off-road, and where/what type? You looking for a pickup or something to stuff the whole family and a dog into? Are you going to camp for a week at a time or just do day trips?

Most folks agree, the best straight off the dealers lot 4x4 is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Very capable, mods to improve abilities are pretty cheap...about $300 for a lift to clear 35" tires for example. 4 door kinda long for tight trails tho.

I am from Australia and would like to try rockcrawling step by step. Don't care for the brand. just wish to go for easy trails with my two kids .. will it be a good idea to buy an already modified small truck? What's about security? Thanks so much again for the advice.

I wouldn't buy an already modified one, because I enjoy doing the mods myself and have the tools and ability to fix them up how I like. Getting one already modified can also bring problems if they weren't installed correctly.

Is there a local club you could perhaps join up with to get help with ideas and maybe a line on a good rig for sale? One thing many of us enjoy is going out in a group, for assistance, safety, companionship...it's a pretty friendly event here in America.

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Ron Thorey

Thanks Mike, for the suggestions about the modified one vehicles...They are really valuable and would help me in buying a 4x4.but my friend told me that in jeep it's easier to know if the modified parts are good or not...Any advice?

Toyota Land Cruiser. Look at the early 90's models. Then look into a little Aussie company called Old Man Emu and put a nice lift on it. Check out IH8MUD.com for more info.

Thank you for taking the time to write. I really do take your comments to heart and think that it is good to go for a Jeep Cherokee 4.0 to begin with an easy trails with family...Any advice?
Have a lucky and wonderful 2008 HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Thanks so much again for the advice.

Hello Everybody
I hope that I can find somebody who can suggest me while going through reviews; I got to know that Jeep Cherokee has differed choice of engines. Any suggestion which would be much better as point view of safety and performance.

You really can't go wrong with a Jeep Cherokee(XJ)if it has a 4.0 straight 6. IMHO, it's one of the best engines ever built, with good maintenance they usually last well over 200,000 miles. I put 255,000 miles on the last one I had and still got 16-18 mpg driving it to work and back. The smaller v-6 that was offered in early model XJ's is one to stay clear of, it makes for a good boat anchor. Was a diesel engine offered in an XJ in Australia? If so I would seriously consider that as well. OME makes great suspension systems for XJ's and there is huge after market support for them as well making them a great platform to start with and build as you progress in experience. They're also roomy enough for a family of 4 to go on wheelin' trips. Hope this helps!