Can I get some input on a new vehicle?

Hey, new here.  Apologies if this is in wrong forum, but I live in CA, so....

I've decided my next vehicle needs to be 4X4.  I bought my Jetta new and have driven it for 14 years.  I want a truck/SUV that I can say the same thing about 14 years from now.  What it will be used for is ski trips to Tahoe in the winter and backpacking and fishing trips during the summer.  I've got a wife and a boy who's 8 I'll be taking with me on these trips, so I've been thinking something along the lines of a Toyota FJ Cruiser or Jeep Liberty.  Oh yeah, it's also gotta be a daily driver.  

I'm also thinking about a four door Toyota Tacoma, though I'm not entirely sure I want to go with a truck.  Though I might.  I looked at the Jeep Wrangler, and Rubicon, too, but where am I supposed to put a roof rack?

I drove the Liberty and while the acceleration wasn't much to write home about, it appeared to have more cargo space than the FJ.  But I expect I would have better reliability with a Toyota.

Any thoughts?

Thanks....  

In my opinion, you're not going to find better durability and reliability than a Toyota.  Yes, all of the manufacturers eventually put out a piece of crap, and Toyota is no different.  However, I think that if you were to look across the board unilaterally, you would see that Toyota has a superior track record when it comes to long life and durability.  Compare the prices of a mid 90s 4runner compared to a mid 90s Cherokee and I think you will notice the pricing reflects that.  Not to say the Cherokee is a bad vehicle, I love them and have owned 3, it's just that when you buy a Toyota, you may pay a little more and that is for piece of mind.  Also, I think you are on track with the 4 door Tacoma.  If you have never had a truck, buying one will be a life altering event.  You will wonder how you ever got along without one.....even a little Tacoma.  Especially something like the 4 door, you get the durability and ruggedness of a 4wd truck with a great history of off road ability, and also get the luxury and amenities of a nice, smooth riding and very safe SUV for you and your family.  I traded a newer Tacoma in when I had to step up to a bigger truck and bought my Dodge Cummins.  Believe me, if I could have, I would have found a way to keep that little Taco too.  I miss the hell out of that truck.  

Get a 2000 or so landcruiser, it will have solid axles and last you 300k miles

new cars are crap...  

FJ 4x4s are pigs on gas but very reliable. ive beat the crap out of the company truck with no probs  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know I love you all (in a manly non sexual way) Spawn_X

Based on your needs, I would stay away from the FJ, your visibality is out the door with that rig and you can't really pack too much for a family of three.

With a family, you should look into a mid size SUV such as a 4runner, Xterra, Pathfinder, Wrangler 4door, I would drive all of them and see what kind of deals they can get you.  
2002 Nissan Frontier Money Pit!

actually as that truck has alot of room.  i was able to store alot in the rear trunk area.  we used to take 3 models driver and to sets of large diameter wheels to to display racks comfortably.  i will say that the only issue i had was rear corner panel was visually a pane.  other than that im 6.5 and i couldnt see the hood well driving find one thats 2 years old with a descent warranty you will be happy.  get an older truck especially thats 4X4 you know the jerk before you abused it and you will just have a money pit  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know I love you all (in a manly non sexual way) Spawn_X

landcruisers are SICK. solid axle, 5 star comfort, plenty of space, and its a toyota so it will run forever

it is the choice for many expedition vehicles like in Iceland, or Saudi Arabia, and other places.





 

Hmm, used Land Cruiser; hadn't thought of that.  I'm sure I could find something a wealthy soccer mom has been babying for the last several years.

Thanks for the food for thought, everyone.....  

your not gonna find anything more reliable then the toyota....a 4runner or a 4 door tacoma are great choices u will not regret...stay away from the newer jeeps  
solid axle chevys cant be beat
78 K5: 350 V8,700r4,np208, 8 lug D44 4:88, 14 bolt 10.5 4:88 with detroit locker and 35 inc parenelli jones dirt grip tires