Oh, the Humanity (UPDATED WITH TEST DRIVE RESULTS)

[TimW]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Thai:
Why not buy another 4runner?? Or other choices:

Jeep Rubicon Unlimited
Nissan Xterra

Or if you wait a little, then get the new Toyota FJ. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I've not been impressed with teh Xterra at all, either in looks or in off-road performance.

A new 4 Runner would be OK, but a) I don't want to spend mi-$40,000 for one and b) they've gone "soft". Anyone who's owned an old 4 Runner understands...IMO they're not the vehicle they used to be.

Rubicon isn't big enough in the passenger/cargo area.

The FJ looks interesting, however it's nearly a foot shorter than the 4Runner, which means that cargo space is lopped off. That's going in the wrong direction from what I want to accomplish.

I am starting to think that there is no perfect solution.