TuffTrigger

Just got your email. I'll be in touch. And, i'm going to Law school in portland. thanks!

Ok, so let's imagine that i buy a 1988 Subaru GL 5speed D/R with fuel injection. It's going to be dirt cheap in comparison with a late 90's or newer Toyota Tacoma with low mileage (why not put the D/R in a 94?). So, with some extra money I then lift the subaru 3 inches, add some bigger tires and rims and get everything else in working order (belts, fluids, etc). Any idea what the budget would be? How does this vehicle operate as an everyday commuting vehicle? I'd probably be driving it 20 miles a day during the week and then 200+ miles on the weekend for trips. Is it really going to get better mileage and handle better than a late 90's Tacoma? Also, if i'm 30 miles back on some BLM roads I'm hoping the car is going to hold together and not have random break downs. Most importantly, is it going to require much maintenance? These older subaru's might be great for off road, but are they really pracitical as an everyday driving vehicle? I'll be going to graduate school so I don't want to miss class because my car broke down. Having owned a 1966 Land Rover and a 1987 Range Rover I'm tired of having my mechanic's number on speed dial.

I’m trying to decide between a used Toyota Tacoma 4x4 and a used Subaru Outback for my next vehicle. Most of my friends have been very skeptical about the off-road capabilities of the Subaru so I thought I’d ask you guys for some advice. Here is what I’m looking for in a vehicle: - Off-road ability: I’m not a recreational off-roader, but I’m not someone who considers driving to the mountain pass or on a gravel road “off-roading.” I’m a bird hunter who wants to be able to get around on the logging roads of Western Oregon and the deserts of Eastern Oregon in the early fall heat and the winter cold. This means making it across wash outs, dealing with neglected BLM roads, making it through a foot of new snow and climbing steep grades all day long without overheating. - Price: I’m not looking to buy a new vehicle, but I’m hoping I can buy a used vehicle that won’t require a lot of after-market parts to be a useful off-road vehicle. I’ve seen in photos from members what looks like cars that have been tricked out with specialized off-road gear. How much of this would be necessary to get a Subaru to do what I want? - Better handling and gas mileage than a Truck: Part of my attraction to the Subaru is that it would handle better and consume less fuel than a pickup truck (15-20mpg). Is it possible to have a subaru that has real off-road capabilities and still drives better and gets better fuel efficiency? - One thing I’ve also heard is that Subaru has removed a lot of the off-road capability of their vehicles in recent years (scrape plates, low gearing, manual hubs). Which subaru years and models would you recommend for my interests? Your advice is appreciated!