WARNING: Rookie question

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przemol
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WARNING: Rookie question

Post by przemol »

Hello and Welcome!
I'm new here and just spent some time going through the history of the forum.
I have joined, encouraged by the interesting people from AD4x4 who I had the pleasure of meeting in person :)
It would be great if I could join you now in the desert and learn to drive out there :)
The first step would be to buy a car.
Since it will be our main car (we just moved back to UAE, to AD) - it has to be both off-rad capable and reliable.

This (I think) narrows my choice to the following cars:
- Nissan Xterra (2009-onwards)
- Jeep Wrangler (2009-onwards - and yes - I know that the good old up-to-2006 is soooo much better - I'll get it later ;) )
- Mitsubishi Pajero (3.5 or 3.8, short wheel base 2010-onwards)

Would you, good people of AD4x4 have any suggestions as to which one to choose?
Or perhaps there is another option that I did not think about?

The car - during the week will be used to commute to work.
On the weekends - Oman, desert and Fujairah.
And yes - an occasional trip to a mall or Dubai :P

Any advice for a miserable rookie who came seeking your wisdom?


Cheers!
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Georges
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WARNING: Rookie question

Post by Georges »

Welcome przemol. One good option is also the Toyota Prado 2009. Very comfortable on the road and very capable offroad. Good luck in your search.


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amabrouk
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WARNING: Rookie question

Post by amabrouk »

Hi przemol welcome to the group from my experience as x-terra woner it's good choice as offroad and on road


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BAHA
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WARNING: Rookie question

Post by BAHA »

Xterra in this case


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Re: WARNING: Rookie question

Post by Dune Rider »

hi and welcome to ad4x4 family
a toota furtuner will be a good chose and not too expensive even new
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Denise
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Re: WARNING: Rookie question

Post by Denise »

Welcome :D
I opted for FJ cruiser
Never regretted it
Best car ever anywhere :D
All the best with your car purchase
And look forward to meet you soon
Denise

przemol
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Re: WARNING: Rookie question

Post by przemol »

Hello,
thanks for all the good wishes and advice.

I never thought of a fortuner - there seem to be two options out there.
2.7 and 4 liters.

Is there a particular year or model you would recommend?

Thanks
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Ray1
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Post by Ray1 »

4.0 V6 seems to be preferred fortuner for offroad, the 2.7 four cylinder is under powered
Ray

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Bu Shahid
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WARNING: Rookie question

Post by Bu Shahid »

Totally agree with Denise,,,, FJ


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Re: WARNING: Rookie question

Post by Gladiator »

every one will recommend the car he is using!!

my recommendation... it's a life style.. if you are looking for a good family car with possible weekend fun, then yes the cars mentioned above are all good..

but if you are looking for a different style.. where you can have an open top during the week specially now we have fantastic weather, then JKU 2012 or after for Pentastar engine ... look it up go to WM for a test drive..

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Re: WARNING: Rookie question

Post by ZORRO »

XTERRA is the best :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

good luck

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WARNING: Rookie question

Post by Idaho »

If you don't plan to modify (much) then you would do well with an exterra or Prado. Prado being on the expensive side.

If you do like to modify (and keep the warranty) then JK all the way. I've never regretted my jeep decision, even when I have to take it to the shop for another repair. :) And to Gladiator's point, I drive with the top off half the year which is worth the freedom.

good luck.


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Susanne
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Re: WARNING: Rookie question

Post by Susanne »

Welcome to the desert!!

Ok - full disclosure I am a long time jeep owner so I have a bias - jeeps rule (and FJ's drool) :lol: :lol:

That being said a 4 door Jeep - 2012 or later (pentastar!!!) can provide absolute fun in the desert and still have enough room for friends and family during the week.

It really depends on what you like. If you need a little more comfort on the ride or on the road, then Prado or Fortuner (quite handy in the desert :) ) would be a good choice. And I know quite a few Xterra's that have no problem in the dunes.

The good news is that with this club you can learn to get the best out of whatever you choose to drive. We have great drivers in all sorts of 4x4s. So while I will always be pro jeep - get something that you can really enjoy.

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Re: WARNING: Rookie question

Post by hubiheu »

or landcruiser will work stock in dessert .............. 8-) but if you like to drink coffe at the dealer then jeep the best :lol:
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Re: WARNING: Rookie question

Post by Gladiator »

hubiheu wrote:or landcruiser will work stock in dessert .............. 8-) but if you like to drink coffe at the dealer then jeep the best :lol:

this is the tooooo comfortable Old man car!! can you drive with roof off?? TOP LESS :D :lol: +
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