Vehicle-type recommended for Tejon?

[bonsai80]

How capable of a car/truck is needed to safely get around Tejon under fair conditions? Would an AWD mini-SUV like a Rav4 make it? Or would you need a real 4x4 like a Jeep or a Tacoma? I'm shopping for a car -- haven't been to Tejon yet, but want to pick one that's capable for when the time comes. Thx. JimJ.

 

[Rancho Loco]

Of your choices listed - the Taco will be a superior off-roader just about anywhere at anytime (not just fair wether Tejon), yet drive nice on the pavement.

 

[Arrowslinger]

Go with the Tacoma, i have an '07, great trucks.

 

[SDHNTR]

I have to agree with the above. A Tacoma or Jeep will both be well suited for Tejon, the Toyota will just be nicer to drive otherwise. Don't forget good tires. Honestly, under fair conditions Tejon is usually not too bad, but add a little moisture and hold on for your life.

 

[Speckmisser]

Get the Tacoma, especially if it's gonna be a daily driver. Jeep with a little after-market help would be even better for the rougher stuff, but like the guys said, the Toyota will be a lot more comfortable on the highway. It'll give you more cargo space too.

 

[chirohunter]

I was in the market for a Jeep or an FJ...then decided on the FJ for the same reason. The FJ is close to the off-road performance of a Jeep, but it drives much better on the road. I used it on the March Tejon hunt, and I was VERY pleased with it. My Nephew will be bringing his new Tacoma (with good off-roading tires) on the May Tejon hunt, and I expect it to perform just as well. He added a shell and made a carpet covered platform for the bed....this allows him to sleep in the back while storing gear under the platform. Nice feature! Tacoma all the way!

 

[One Track]

I think a Rav4 would be a great little vehicle for Tejon. You'll want a tire with offroad tread. Street tires won't give you any taction on the steep dry dirt. If I had a choice, I'd get the Toyota. But, that's probably another $20k.

 

[Suzmar1997]

I'm sure the Rav4 would be fine except that its a Rav4. Almost like driving in a Volkswagon Rabbit if you know what I mean. It's got yuppie, hot chick written all over it. I'd get something a little more man friendly like a Tacoma or Jeep, FJ etc. I'm pulling the trigger on my Cherokee and finally putting 4.10 gears and lockers front and back. Can't wait to get it back. I should be able to go just about anywhere I want to now (So long as I have the clearance for it). I'm just trying to figure out how to break the bill to my wife.

 

[Hitechhunter]

Are you going with a selectable locker in the front?

 

[Suzmar1997]

I'm actually doing ARB's front and back. If I was smart I'd do just a detroit in the rear and a trutrak in the front but I figured I'd go all out. I flat tow it behind my RV so that's why I chose this set up

 

[Hitechhunter]

Sounds like a great set-up!

 

[sancho]

i am sure the RAV4 would handle 90% of all you encounter (with decent AT tires). it gets great gas mileage too! i rented one a few weeks back and was surprised by the acceptable power. i was very leary when they handed me the keys. it is the last 10% that would screw you in the backwoods.

i was not aware of any gender specific cars besides a miata

on your list, i think i would go with a tacoma. that is the truck i am going to get.

 

[Huntr Pat]

I have to agree with the TACO. Comfortable,Gas saving,Roomy to store gear, and will go anywhere.
Here's my 4 banger. I hauled alot of hogs,deer, elk and camping gear. easy in and out. I stop using Mud tires they cupped real fast, even with regular rotations & balance, air pressure. But all terrains get me in and out.

 

[bonsai80]

Everyone, thanks for the input. All extremely helpful. The comment about the Rav4 being a "chick" car was really funny but I think has some truth to it -- it was on my list partly because the wife likes it. The pickup looks to be a more suitable choice, though, and I like the idea of being able to camp on the bed. Thanks again. J.

 

[ksberry209]

Just don't get the Pre-runner. I have one and love it to death but there is no replacing 4WD. I thought it would be ok because of the ground clearance and the locking rear ax but I have been stuck on wet grass a few times. I bought mine in 2000 and it has around 180K miles and almost no issues (had to replace the started) and will be upgrading to a '08 4WD this year.

Question - The new tacos say to use premium unleaded. Does anyone with a newer truck use premium (91 oct.) or do you use the standard or plus when filling up?

 

[hifi55]

My new Dodge recommends the middle-grade 89 octane, but I've been running with 87 with no knocking or pinging. I think almost all the newer cars incorporate knock detection and auto timing retard + fuel richening, so you should be able to run the lower octane at the expense of slightly lower HP if this is true on the Tacoma. Basically, you don't want to run the engine if it knocks or pings. If it does you need to come up on the octane. The newer engines are coming with high compression rations for better HP stats, but they require the high octane fuel to get this performance.

 

[wmidbrook]

Need I say more?

 

[Orso]

I want a Tacoma (type) 4wd, 4cyl, stick, diesel, crew cab.... Is this available? From any manuf? What do you think the tow capacity would be?

 

[Suzmar1997]

Chiro,
You taking notes on those photos. I saw one like that in a parking lot one day and changed my views on the looks of the FJ. I have liked them ever since and saw a clone of the silver one at my local 4 Wheel Parts store today as I was dropping off my Jeep. They are definately a good looking rig.

 

[chirohunter]

Suzmar,
I see it...and I like it!! I like that front end...would like to do something pretty much identical that.