Commuter vehicle.

[686+]

Good morning. Long time listener infrequent poster.

With the interesting times upon us I wanted to ask about commuter car choices.
I live in a smaller town 20 minutes from a metro area. New work assignment means I will be driving through metro at least a few times a month. Going around the metro means a ton of extra time or money. I can do that if there is a known issue, or come up with other strategies. But if spontaneous stupid erupts and I am in the mid of it I would like to hedge my bets.
Ideally looking for an older AWD car with good mileage. But given the recent highway blockades and riots not sure that is the right choice.

Looking for some inputs and guidance.
Thank you.

[Hasher]

Mid sized SUV.

[Jsavik]

60175
Downside is you have to stop at every other fuel stop, but no one is going to roll this baby over without a forklift.

[Harborcat]

I have transitioned to using my Jeep Wrangler as my daily vehicle. Maneuverable, durable and doesn’t attract attention.

[coastalcop]

If you are looking to blend in and OK chops to go over a curb etc. Subaru forester (non turbo) will give you good gas mileage, low profile, and fairly low price.

Cost/MPG not an issue? 2500/3500 truck

somewhere in the middle. Xterra/Pathfinder (old model)/ lx470 /gx 460 (age dependent) frame on rail construction, ok motors, meh gas mileage

YMMV (pun intended)

[LawDog]

You could get a Subaru and hope to blend in. :lmao:

There's a lot to consider in buying a vehicle, and we don't know your overall situation. Facing a mob, I'd rather be in a Suburban with a push bumper and brush guard, but if fuel efficiency is a concern then that's not a good choice. The issues to think about are not normally part of the vehicle selection process for most people. Can you easily (without damaging the vehicle) drive up over a sharp curb? Can you drive through (not around) a street sign, trash can, parking meter, or other barrier? Will doing so disable your car by disengaging the fuel line? If so, can you quickly and easily re-engage the fuel line? Can you disengage your airbags? (There's a lot of controversy there.)

Run-flat tires have a lot of value in this situation. If the mob throws around concrete blocks and roofing nails, you can probably drive on for quite a ways even on shredded tires, but you'll have more control and less damage with run-flats. Cadillacs and Corvettes are two vehicles that often have run-flat tires, but neither is otherwise very well suited for busting through a mob.

I now see a tactical reason to have a sunroof.

Pretty much every car now has power windows and locks, but on older vehicles that's something to consider. Most people would assume you want to roll your windows up when facing a mob, but there are occasions when you'll want to roll them all down, and the moment will come quickly.

An odd danger to the pick-up truck is that it is very easy for someone to jump into the bed, and then rather difficult to dislodge them.

But you also just have to consider how you live. If you have kids, some cars are out. Finances will dictate a lot. I personally can't imagine life without a truck. I use the bed of my truck constantly. Nobody here can answer your question with a simple assertion.

[SheepDog68]

As mentioned the Subaru wagon (maybe other Subs as well) offers some capability with decent fuel mileage.

One buddy who played this game in another country as they went through much the same thing for several years chose a Honda CRV. I’ve always thought the Toyota RAV4 would work as well, but of these I’ve only owned a Subaru which worked great for my needs!

My buddy wanted something that was nimble enough to avoid trouble and capable enough to hop curbs and drive on sidewalks if needed! He put effort into finding out where trouble was ahead of time and kept his head on a swivel so he didn’t drive into anything unexpected!

Edited to add:

My experience with run flats are that they have a rough ride and low traction! Many factors of course, but I fled from them as soon as I could.

I’d go with a freeze proof tire sealant https://gemplers.com/collections/all/products/ultraseal-extreme-heavy-duty-grade-tire-sealant such as this before I’d play with run flats again! I’ve run their bulletproof grade in my equipment with good results for over a decade!

SD

[mrstang01]

I had a Rav4 1st Gen, before they got so big, and it was great in snow, could hop curbs easily. I traded it for a Suzuki Sidekick because I wanted the advantage of an actual transfer case, but parts for those are getting very hard to come by. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee is a good choice, they are not as expensive as the Wrangler, but very capable.

[psalms23dad]

Anything will work.
If you want something reliable and holds its value well Honda or Toyota, in the SUV or truck world I'd give the nod to Toyota. Don't waste the money on Acura or Lexus. They are nothing more than a different trim package over Honda or Toyota. They still feel Japanese. No jap car will ever drive like a euro car.

Want to be seen, care little about resale value, cost of ownership or reliability but enjoy driving? Audi or BMW.

If you want American, Chevy Tahoe.

After being an auto tech for 20 years i could not recommend any jeep dodge Chrysler product. Other than Hyundai Kia they have to be consistently the worst vehicles made in my life time almost as bad as Rover.

[Hasher]

Eight now I drive a company car. It’s free.

I am on the hunt for an early 2000’s Ford Expedition. The last one I had went to 375k mikes with only a new transmission and several sets of brakes and tires. The thing was a beast and never needed work.

If I can find what I want I am either adding a winch bumper or at least the heaviest brush guard I can find.

Thw thing had plenty of power with a V8 under the hood and lots of room for me and toys and would go anywhere I tried to take it.

[KarlinPhoenix]

I know a little bit about the Subaru Forester (I own a 2017 XT): About 3,800 pounds but feels lighter when aggressively cornering, maintains traction in turns when other vehicles do not. Easily climbs curbs and other obstacles (I often get on 3-wheels when on trails). Has plenty of room for two peoples gear with 2nd row seats folded. These stop VERY well, the ABS system provides minimum distance high performance stops. These are quiet to drive, sneaky. Great fuel economy.

[62-10]

I had a Rav4 1st Gen, before they got so big, and it was great in snow, could hop curbs easily. I traded it for a Suzuki Sidekick because I wanted the advantage of an actual transfer case, but parts for those are getting very hard to come by. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee is a good choice, they are not as expensive as the Wrangler, but very capable.

2015+ Jeep Cherokee (KL) V6 Trailhawks strike a pretty good balance, considering size, capability, & fuel consumption.

[borednva]

Kind of wondering what the tribes opinion of my nissan rogue sport would be?

[7 Mary 3]

If you are aiming for 4x4 be sure to look for whatever "off road package" the manufacture offers in trucks/SUVs. That will most likely mean the rear axle will be limited slip. If not scrutinize the vehicle specifications. A 4x4 without it is really still 4x2 when you engage the 4x4 as only one tire in the front will get power and one in the rear. I will never own a 4x4 wo a limited slip dif in the rear again.

As far as an open bed on a truck you could get a cap or a hard cover to keep boarders at bay. There are a lot of everyday advantages to a truck, hence the popularity of the crew cab trucks that are so common now.

It wouldn't help to be low profile but the massive brush guards like you see on trucks in Texas would seem to be an advantage if you have to "plow" through an obstacle and offer some protection to the engine compartment.

7M3

[62-10]

Kind of wondering what the tribes opinion of my nissan rogue sport would be?
I have driven a few. Didn't like them. CVT? No thanks. Nissan quality has slipped. Personally, I would look elsewhere.

[kabar]

I have driven a few. Didn't like them. CVT? No thanks. Nissan quality has slipped. Personally, I would look elsewhere.

Nissan's quality seems to have slipped since their partnership with Renault

[Backwoods Drifter]

I have driven a few. Didn't like them. CVT? No thanks. Nissan quality has slipped. Personally, I would look elsewhere.

Agree that Nissan quality has slipped. I wish they hadn't quit making the Xterra, which was a good mid-sized SUV with a real transmission and available in rear 2WD or 4WD; also good clearance and towing capacity. Mine has been solid as far as engine and transmission, but lots of aggravating little electrical and interior issues. It was a good design and concept that could have been executed better.

[CDX09]

Anything with a CVT transmission I'd avoid like the plague, the same with anything with a ZF transmission which are your Chrysler vehicles (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge) of the newer variety. Of course this only pertains to those that plan on keeping their vehicles for the long haul, if not, do what you'd like. Another vehicle which seems to have transmission failures often are the newer Ford Escapes and Fusions (6F35 transmissions)

[CDX09]

Anything will work.
If you want something reliable and holds its value well Honda or Toyota, in the SUV or truck world I'd give the nod to Toyota. Don't waste the money on Acura or Lexus. They are nothing more than a different trim package over Honda or Toyota. They still feel Japanese. No jap car will ever drive like a euro car.

Want to be seen, care little about resale value, cost of ownership or reliability but enjoy driving? Audi or BMW.

If you want American, Chevy Tahoe.

After being an auto tech for 20 years i could not recommend any jeep dodge Chrysler product. Other than Hyundai Kia they have to be consistently the worst vehicles made in my life time almost as bad as Rover.

This right here.

[CDX09]

Agree that Nissan quality has slipped. I wish they hadn't quit making the Xterra, which was a good mid-sized SUV with a real transmission and available in rear 2WD or 4WD; also good clearance and towing capacity. Mine has been solid as far as engine and transmission, but lots of aggravating little electrical and interior issues. It was a good design and concept that could have been executed better.

Our "family" car is a 2009 Xterra and I love it. Aside from a recirculation door actuator that giving me grief, it's been outstanding (of course I didn't have to experience the radiator failure that's a given with those vehicles). I've avoided replacing that actuator due to the shear bullshit associated with getting to it, but given the use of mace/smoke grenades etc, I may have to actually do it..

[Backwoods Drifter]

Our "family" car is a 2009 Xterra and I love it. Aside from a recirculation door actuator that giving me grief, it's been outstanding (of course I didn't have to experience the radiator failure that's a given with those vehicles). I've avoided replacing that actuator due to the shear bullshit associated with getting to it, but given the use of mace/smoke grenades etc, I may have to actually do it..

Yeah, I was looking at the second-generation Xterras when I picked up my '04, last year of the first-generation. I read a lot about the radiator/transmission issue and went with the '04, but would like to find a second-gen with manual at some point. My most aggravating issue was the common instrument cluster failure that required a replacement and some other electrical things.

[psalms23dad]

A simple tip when looking at SUVs.
If it has a frame its a truck, if it has a subframe its not.

[barnetmill]

Anything will work.
If you want something reliable and holds its value well Honda or Toyota, in the SUV or truck world I'd give the nod to Toyota. Don't waste the money on Acura or Lexus. They are nothing more than a different trim package over Honda or Toyota. They still feel Japanese. No jap car will ever drive like a euro car.

Want to be seen, care little about resale value, cost of ownership or reliability but enjoy driving? Audi or BMW.

If you want American, Chevy Tahoe.

After being an auto tech for 20 years i could not recommend any jeep dodge Chrysler product. Other than Hyundai Kia they have to be consistently the worst vehicles made in my life time almost as bad as Rover.


I was trading for some brass with a retired suspension mechanic and had good things to say about Toyota except for what happens to them when struck. He has been rear ended I think he said 3 times and such accidents totaled his vehicles.

[That Guy]

After being an auto tech for 20 years i could not recommend any jeep dodge Chrysler product. Other than Hyundai Kia they have to be consistently the worst vehicles made in my life time almost as bad as Rover.

What´s your verdict on the Jeep GC WK?
-engine and drivetrain made by Mercedes Benz
-generally considered as quite off-road capable
-european version made in Austria
(-unfortunatley 0 points for pedestrain safety in the NCAP crash test)

[steve_k]

My stealth ride for the PNW area, although I do need to remove the BRC stickers now. Lifted with 10” of ground clearance and mechanically sound. The Jeep Gladiator is now available in turbo diesel, so that might be in the near future.

60258

[USN-PO2]

I have both a truck and a Subaru Forester, you can get a 2" lift kit without a lot of suspension mods. Brush guards are available as well. I run M&S tires on mine year round, they are 2 sizes bigger than the stock on 17" wheels. Turning off the traction control helps immensely in off road driving. I can sleep comfortably in it with my entire load out stuff. Doesn't attract a lot of unwanted attention.

[Jsavik]

60274
I'm so on the fence on this one. 2002 3/4 ton Avalanche with a Duramax & 6 speed manual. Wife says I need to sell the Hummer first....
60275
The Hummer is fun, but the interior is pure GM shit plastic, windows hard to hunt from and mileage is pathetic, but it'll hop curbs like a mofo and won't be tipped over by protesters, but they may follow me to the next gas station!

[KarlinPhoenix]

The Hummer is fun, but the interior is pure GM shit plastic, windows hard to hunt from and mileage is pathetic, but it'll hop curbs like a mofo and won't be tipped over by protesters, but they may follow me to the next gas station!

If you go with the Avalanche, be sure to get a bed cover, so that 'cocktails' do not linger there (or bad critters, itching for a ride).

[Nanuk]

My commuter is a 2010 all wheel drive ford escape. Cheap, replaceable, gets me where I want to go. Advanced training is more important to a large extent than what you are driving.