Hi. I write a newspaper column answering reader questions looking at the pros and cons of available used vehicles in a particular budget.
This week, I've got somebody asking about best used options - and what to avoid - for off-roading. The budget is 20k.
I'm doing research and talking to experts - but I'm also hoping to hear from the people who actually off road (I don't - at least not yet)
If anybody wants to share their opinions of good picks - and also general things to look for ex. wheelbase, stock height.
And- is a 4x4 absolutely necessary? If not, is RWD necessary?
And do you even need a truck or an SUV? I've heard tales of someone off-roading in a slightly modified Prius.
Thanks!
best used would be a jeep wrangler rubicon.
For 20k I would definitely choose a lifted Prius
Well folks I think we've reached consensus
LOL^
lol the prius! ive always been a ford fan id say ranger's, but i went and bought a 03 sport trac bcuz my lil girl needs back seats and it hasnt let me down yet. on the other hand with 20grand go for a new used jeep rubi or trd yoda
Ha. Okay, cool. Thanks! Any concerns about Jeeps flipping - or leaking? And is a 4x4 absolutely necessary?
^^ We haven't actually been of much help have we? :) Yes, 4x4 is absolutely necessary for anything even remotely off road (imo). Beyond that, as you've probably surmised toyota and jeep are the primary contenders here, though really anything with a bit of ground clearance will work. As far as flipping goes, most trucks have a similar roll angle so I don't think that should factor in at all. Beyond that - toyotas are the most reliable, jeeps are probably the most capable 'out of the box'.
Solid Axles are also a must for reliability. Independent suspensions have more vulnerable parts that can break on the trail like rubber seals for the cv joints.
2) All Wheel Drive isn't the same as 4wd. A 4wd vehicle will outperform an awd vehicle in any offroad situation. awd are common on suv's and other vehicles that are marketed as having offroad ability but they are compromised because of the lack of a true 4wd system.
3) ground clearance is important for not hitting rocks and things that stick out of the trail which could fatally damage the car.
A used jeep wrangler rubicon would be the best offroad car for someone because it has true 4wd, locking differentials (google it), and in some of the newer ones an electronically disconnecting front sway bar which gives the wheels greater articulation (wheel travel up and down) to go over more challenging terrain while keeping the body more level and lowering the likelihood of rolling over.
The best offroad vehicle will vary from person to person and what kind of offfroading they want to do. There are options that are not so good on the street but are exceptional on the trail and vice-versa. A prius will make it down a bumpy gravel road or something a bit harder but its likely that you will be damaging parts of the car.
This is totally helpful - I now know where to start looking.