The best climbing car?

What is the best car that has 4x4 or AWD, has the space for a road trip, gets decent gas mileage, and will keep running for 200,000plus miles with minimal repair costs, and is affordable (as in, probably a model that is now 15 years old...)?
Yes, Subaru... I know- but I'm sure there are others options out there, and I'm curious about model, engine, year, stuff like that too.

Check out the search function. I know there is a ton of info on this same subject archived in old forums. I own a 2003 Toyota Tacoma and couldn't be happier with it.

mountainproject.com/v/climb…

First gen CR-V, all you ask, plus front seats lay back completely flat for sleeping.

Jeep Cherokee: Awesome 4x4, decent gas mileage, plenty of space, easy to work on.

Toyota Tacoma (or similar Toyota truck: Good 4x4, decent gas mileage, plenty of space, you can put a camper top on.

Toyota Previa van: Decent awd or 4wd, good gas mileage, good space.

Is the one having the most fun... Everyone knows that.

I have an 85 Toyota van (yes it's just called a "van" no model name). Mine isn't a four wheel drive version but they do make em. I have over 310k miles on it,it gets 28mpg all loaded down with gear, two people, and two dogs. The biggest maintenance I have had to do on it in the last 30k miles was a new alternator and spark plugs. Oh and I only paid $500 for it. The 4wd versions go for around $1500 with much lower miles, but I can take my old gal up roads that continue to impress everyone bring along. And the best part, it comes with a built in freezer/fridge that's a perfect size for a six pack!

We just got a 2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R (the 6-cylinder) in November. We already have 25,000 miles on it and love it. We're getting about 27 mpg highway and it does awesome on rougher roads to backcountry trailheads. We went with the 3.6R for better uphill power and passing ability. Haven't tried sleeping in it yet, but definitely possible with a bit of modification. I'm completely satisfied. We also considered the CRV and RAV4, but I've always preferred a car or van over a truck or SUV.

I also have some experience with minivans and they are sweet climbing vehicles. We rented a Dodge Caravan for a 3-month road trip back in 2007 and outfitted it with a bed. It was really comfortable and convenient. So I think an AWD Toyota van would be really sweet. Only downside is the low clearance.

I will second the outback. I drove the same model on a trip down to Yosemite and to Tahoe for some climbing and it worked perfectly. The back seats fold down and it is possible to sleep there if at an angle. The 3.6R is a definite plus for passing and uphill.

Subarus suck to own in my opinion. They're, comfy, capable, and get decent mileage but aren't super reliable and are difficult to work on. Go for a japanese straight-4 engine, they'll run until the wheels fall off. Top contenders in my mind are the toyota truck (22re, pre-tacoma), AWD tercel or awd van.

Andrew Shoemaker wrote:Jeep Cherokee: Awesome 4x4, decent gas mileage, plenty of space, easy to work on.

Agree 100% - I have owned three 2000 model Jeep Cherokees, two sport, one classic. I don't know how I will EVER drive another car.

I would put some sport shocks on it though. It's the only change I have made, and it really makes it handle much better on tight corners.

If you are shopping for a Cherokee, be aware of the recall (1993-2004) being demanded. It is being called the new Pinto because of the possibility of the gas tank rupturing in an accident.

abcnews.go.com/US/safety-ad…

Kevin Friesen wrote:If you are shopping for a Cherokee, be aware of the recall (1993-2004) being demanded. It is being called the new Pinto because of the possibility of the gas tank rupturing in an accident.

This is limited to the Grand Cherokee, like I said Sport or Classic, all the way!

Alicia, thanks for the clarification!

Andrew Shoemaker wrote:Jeep Cherokee: Awesome 4x4, decent gas mileage, plenty of space, easy to work on.

Thats what I have,
if you can find the older model with the lower out put engine and a 5 speed transmission you can get mid 20s MPG (mine use to get 26 MPG before the lift and bigger tires )and will get you most places.
A real plus is that models 86-96 mayby 97 are 98% compatible and the newer modles 97 and up there are still many part that will be bolt on to the older cherokee. The older pre 99' grand cherokee share the same axles, and transfer case and steering components. So parts are plentiful.

oh and mine has 460,000 miles on the origonal engine and still going strong.

Tacoma 4x4
Element
Outback

Pretty hard to find serious faults with any of those, in my opinion.

2006 Tacoma access cab
4x4
26-27mpg

W.S. wrote:Subarus suck to own in my opinion. They're, comfy, capable, and get decent mileage but aren't super reliable and are difficult to work on. Go for a japanese straight-4 engine, they'll run until the wheels fall off. Top contenders in my mind are the toyota truck (22re, pre-tacoma), AWD tercel or awd van.

Ever worked on a Subaru? Sure its a tight space in that engine bay. But I always thought them to be pretty straight forward and simple to repair. Although, I never had to repair mine much. Which brings me to another point. Subarus are totally reliable if you keep them maintained and take good care of them. I put 290k miles on mine before I sold it.

Alicia Sokolowski wrote: Agree 100% - I have owned three 2000 model Jeep Cherokees, two sport, one classic. I don't know how I will EVER drive another car. I would put some sport shocks on it though. It's the only change I have made, and it really makes it handle much better on tight corners.

Ive owned a 94 sport and now own a 99 sport. I agree...not sure I could never not own a Cherokee after having one. Best damn vehicles ever!! Put a 3in lift on em and some all terran tires and you will go anywhere!

I'm gonna have to add my vote for the Cherokee- a little known fact with those is that the automatic transmissions often outlasted the standard ones. Rear axle bearings are a bit of a weak point, but overall I've enjoyed the 2 Cherokees I've had. From what I've seen, the regular 4.0 engine lasts longer than the "High Output" version, which only added about 20 HP. As with any vehicle, if you can resist mounting stuff on the roof the fuel mileage will be better- hang the bikes across the back.

I like Subarus, because I make my living maintaining and repairing vehicles.... not interested in owning one, though, since I don't get paid to work on my own car. They do have good day-to-day reliability and decent fuel mileage, but tire wear is an issue since they can't be shifted out of all wheel drive. I wish the designers would get a clue and start putting window frames on the doors- can't count the number of people who've asked me what to do about the rattling glass, wind noise and water leaks...