Hey all, new member here and excited to join the community. This post will be a little long so apologies.
TL;DR - I'm looking to downsize from lifted full size truck to mid size (give or take) SUV. Why did people make the choices they did and what did they wish they did differently?
First a little background to help anchor the conversation. I currently drive a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 6" lift and 35" tires. I paid good money to get "top of the line" parts and have it pro installed for warranty concerns (have installed a few lift kits in the past without issue). Because of the style lift (BDS uses a knuckle lift on these trucks) the track spacing is pushed out an extra 1.5" on each side. While I absolutely love this truck it's becoming less and less fun to drive. I have to do a lot of planning ahead to see where we will be, if we are going somewhere downtown, etc. just because of the sheer size of the thing. The ride is a little stiff but it's not bad.
So I'm looking very seriously at downsizing to something SUV based with the intent of using it for a daily driver plus overlanding rig in the new england area to start. My truck is seriously limited on trails in new england so thats another reason. Here is my wants list:
Now, since I also asked for what people wish they did differently I'll share mine. Firstly, I wish I went midsize. I was looking and price drove me to full size. I thought "I can get a big V8 truck for less than this tiny truck with a v6, the choice is obvious!" Well, I was wrong. I love the sound of my V8, even the MPG doesn't bother me. But the size is just too much for New England I feel. It limits my trail options, makes visiting any parking garage a butt puckering time and is just generally for showing off more than anything practical. If I did do a full size truck again I wish I went with a brand of lift that was not knuckle and went like 2-4" max. 6" is unnecessarily large for this truck and the knuckle lift makes every turn a multi-point turn.
TL;DR - I'm looking to downsize from lifted full size truck to mid size (give or take) SUV. Why did people make the choices they did and what did they wish they did differently?
First a little background to help anchor the conversation. I currently drive a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 6" lift and 35" tires. I paid good money to get "top of the line" parts and have it pro installed for warranty concerns (have installed a few lift kits in the past without issue). Because of the style lift (BDS uses a knuckle lift on these trucks) the track spacing is pushed out an extra 1.5" on each side. While I absolutely love this truck it's becoming less and less fun to drive. I have to do a lot of planning ahead to see where we will be, if we are going somewhere downtown, etc. just because of the sheer size of the thing. The ride is a little stiff but it's not bad.
So I'm looking very seriously at downsizing to something SUV based with the intent of using it for a daily driver plus overlanding rig in the new england area to start. My truck is seriously limited on trails in new england so thats another reason. Here is my wants list:
- Nice turning radius, I don't expect a smart car but the wrangler is what I consider amazing so that is a good bar
- Nice ride. I expect the same goes for most but I spend a good 90% of my time on paved roads so while I want offroad capability I don't want to drive a tractor every day
- Reliable. I know all Toyotas will check the box and I'm confident enough in modern Jeeps and Chevys for this too. (I know there are some issues with both brands but lest we not forget Toyota had entire frames rusting out, don't want to get into a brand war here)
- Prob SUV based but open to small truck. (last time I did a diamondback cover, I love the thing, but next time I'll do a cap)
- Looking to do some light trails and "overland" runs in new england area, maybe beyond if the mrs and I get into it more
- Outside of that we will pack it up for camping trips and hiking trips to secure storage is nice.
- Would like a decent amount of aftermarket support. I like to mod stuff, for functionality but sometimes just for looks. I'd like options outside of everything custom.
- 4runner (new)
- Taco (new)
- Chevy Colorado (new, prob sr1/2, need to test drive)
- Jeep Wrangler (new)
- Jeep Gladiator (new)
- Land Cruiser 100 series (used)
- Land Cruiser 80 series (used)
Now, since I also asked for what people wish they did differently I'll share mine. Firstly, I wish I went midsize. I was looking and price drove me to full size. I thought "I can get a big V8 truck for less than this tiny truck with a v6, the choice is obvious!" Well, I was wrong. I love the sound of my V8, even the MPG doesn't bother me. But the size is just too much for New England I feel. It limits my trail options, makes visiting any parking garage a butt puckering time and is just generally for showing off more than anything practical. If I did do a full size truck again I wish I went with a brand of lift that was not knuckle and went like 2-4" max. 6" is unnecessarily large for this truck and the knuckle lift makes every turn a multi-point turn.