I live in Southern California, and I really want a rig to get out and hit up some desert roads and old mining roads, plus something that can hold its own in the snow and sand dunes. Not really looking into hard-core wheeling at this point, just something for getting out on the weekends or taking up into snow country.
I currently have a 99 Tacoma, 2WD, that I've been using. It's pretty good for that stuff, but the fear of getting stuck out in the middle of nowhere has kept me from really taking it out.
My dilemma is whether I should look for a 4x4 Tacoma to replace the one I have (I need to own a pickup for the stuff I do), or whether I should look to get a 4x4 Sidekick or Tracker as a semi-dedicated off-road machine.
The Tracker appeals to me because you can take the top off (I always dug the open feeling of Jeeps), and its short wheelbase makes it seem like a pretty ideal off-roader. I've always thought it would be awesome to off-road in some kind of totally stripped-down jeeplet.
On the other hand, just finding a 4x4 Tacoma means I'll have one less vehicle to worry about, pay for, and park. It would have more space for supplies, and from what I can tell, will be a better vehicle for the 3-400 miles of highway that lie between my house and the trails. I'm not familiar with Suzuki quality and have no problem turning a wrench, but I have really appreciated the reliability of my truck.
Is there anything else I should be thinking about? What do you guys think?
I currently have a 99 Tacoma, 2WD, that I've been using. It's pretty good for that stuff, but the fear of getting stuck out in the middle of nowhere has kept me from really taking it out.
My dilemma is whether I should look for a 4x4 Tacoma to replace the one I have (I need to own a pickup for the stuff I do), or whether I should look to get a 4x4 Sidekick or Tracker as a semi-dedicated off-road machine.
The Tracker appeals to me because you can take the top off (I always dug the open feeling of Jeeps), and its short wheelbase makes it seem like a pretty ideal off-roader. I've always thought it would be awesome to off-road in some kind of totally stripped-down jeeplet.
On the other hand, just finding a 4x4 Tacoma means I'll have one less vehicle to worry about, pay for, and park. It would have more space for supplies, and from what I can tell, will be a better vehicle for the 3-400 miles of highway that lie between my house and the trails. I'm not familiar with Suzuki quality and have no problem turning a wrench, but I have really appreciated the reliability of my truck.
Is there anything else I should be thinking about? What do you guys think?