Subaru Outback

Since moving to Arizona last year, I've had two vehicles. A 1998 Isuzu Trooper, and a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. Looking back, I should've kept the Trooper. I wanted something that I can sleep inside, go far off road, that still crushes the highway miles. The Tacoma works in those criteria, with one exception, we cant take anyone else with us. Which, after having numerous friends and family visit us, is a problem.

I've been looking at the 03+ Montero, which range between $4,000-$6,000 usually over 100,000 miles. These things need the timing belt kept after or things go badly. Finding one is difficult. Older models aren't as good for long distances.

I've also been looking at Suburbans and Tahoes, and of course the Astrosafari AWD. I'm just not sure I can live with a van and the shoehorned engine. The newer Suburbans are still kinda pricey and guzzle fuel. Newer Explorers were in the mix as well. There just doesn't seem to be anything that is long enough to sleep in that gets better than 24mpg and is off-road capable.

I typically lean towards the smallest vehicle that accomplishes the need. In this case, comfortable enough to drive everyday or 1000 miles in a weekend, easy to work on, can haul 4-people down "high clearance" roads and fit tough (not huge) tires, sleep two in the back and not get horrible gas mileage.

The Subaru Outback seems to meet those requirements with two concerns: 2005+ 2.5L reliablity and power in a mountainous area. Off-road situations involving rocks and small ledges. I'd want a vehicle that could confidently navigate Schnelby Hill Road in Sedona, which having done in my Tacoma, I'd need something of equal clearance, skid plates, and tough tires. Grant's "Wagon of Doom" has sustained some damage on mild off road trails, which has me concerned.

Two vehicles (Truck/Subaru) are not an option. I want a Miata in the future, so my daily would need to be the offroad/adventure vehicle.

Picture for views:

^^ That is not Grant Wilson's Wagon of Doom, but it does look good. I have a 2015 Outback and know that there are kits to lift it ~2" which would give you ~10" of clearance.

You should check one out carefully because I don't think you would have enough room to sleep in the back. It would be a tight fit for me at 5'7" and I think you are taller than me.

What about a Cherokee? The XJ (boxy) Cherokee is an incredible off-road machine.

I've slept in the back of earlier Subaru wagons. Dunno about the current models though. It's worth a test fit if only for the entertainment value :)

Keith Tanner wrote: I've slept in the back of earlier Subaru wagons. Dunno about the current models though. It's worth a test fit if only for the entertainment value :)

We spent a night in a parking lot in Niagra falls camped out in the back of our 2001 legacy wagon. It was tight for me but totally doable. I'm just under 6'1".

Joey

P2 Volvo XC70? They have more ground clearance than a similar vintage Exploder and can be lifted

Edit: And I'm almost sure you can sleep in the back.

DrBoost wrote: What about a Cherokee? The XJ (boxy) Cherokee is an incredible off-road machine.

Won't get the pipe dream 24mpg....

suburban....sounds like the perfect vehicle for you except for the mileage, but the newer ones will get 20. I'm sure you can find one in your price range if your patient.

In reply to fanfoy:

XC-90 as well should be in consideration.....

I know Cherokees. I like Cherokees. I have owned them, put lots of miles on them, wheeled them and fixed them.

Cherokees aren't highway crushers. They are more of the round town runners and trail vehicles.

If I got an SUV or a Truck, I probably wouldn't lift it, instead just install tougher tires and good shocks. I relaly want to retain as much of the highway manners as possible. If I got a Subaru or some other liftable car based platform, I'd probably invest in a lift.

It might be hard to find one under $6k, but a tdi mk4 jetta wagon with a lift kit might work and get 40-45 mpg. A gas jetta could be lifted the same way, but none of the engines they come with are that good.

How about a wagon that's bigger and tougher than an Outback with height adjustable air suspension so it can crush interstate driving AND off roading?

I camped in my Allroad once and had plenty of space and compared with either the '99 or '13 Outback my mother has owned, I'd far rather deal with Germanic quirks and have an awesome car than a gutless Subi.