Dear Forum Members,

     I am going to let you all know a little about myself. As this is your house, I want to give an intro and let you know who you are dealing with. My name is Tyler, I am 20 years old and I am A College Student looking to get into Law Enforcement/Military Service. I am a very big Second Amendment supporter, I like going out in the woods, LOVE to read, and I like 4x4's. I am looking for this to be a good learning experience here, and hoping to get some advice, guidance, and information from you all. So, that is who I am.

     Anywho,

     I am considering a Suzuki Vitara as a newer vehicle for myself. I was in an accident last week, and some dipshit ran a stop sign, ran RIGHT out in front of me, and I had to swerve to avoid hitting him and in the process, I ended up into a utility pole.  The whole front side of my 99 Eddie Bauer Explorer has been demolished. Quarter Panel, Fender, Bumper, Cracked Windshiled, and both airbags deployed. The sum bitch also hit me from the rear. He was put at fault and I broke my hand in the process. Truck is totaled  :'( I am now considering 4 vehicles.

-Jeep Liberty.
-Suzuki Vitara.
-Toyota Tacoma.
-Ford Escape.

     I was averaging 17 MPG and that was just not cutting it. I am looking for a GOOD 4x4 that is also economic. Obviously not 35 MPG but something a few miles better then the 17 I was getting. Manual Transmission is preferred, but an Auto will do. I had heard from some people that Suzuki Vitaras from 1998-2000 are HEAPS. Totally horrible, in construction, interior design, and performance. BUT, I do not know myself. If this is so, what models are available that have since been improved?? I had thought about the Escape, but it has no 4x4 low. And I hear it does not do too good off road. SOOO...

     I would want to life this vehicle 3 inches, add some Khumo MT's, Dueler A/T Revos, or MTR's.
The Model I would want is a 4 door. I can play with about $10,500 max. Any recommendations? This is a calling all cars, so shoot out ANY recommendations or advice. Thanks a bunch guys.

ETA Any thoughts, opinions on the other mentioned vehicles??

Tyler

I sat in a Jeep liberty recently (chekcing out the diesel!) and it was smaller than my 4door sidekick side to side! did not like it at all.

if you want 4 real seats the only tacoma that will work is the 4 door and its too much $$$

My parents have a 4 door vitara with the 2.0 in it. not a bad vehicle but nothing to write home about. plenty of power though.

I would also consider a 4 door 4runner with the 4 cylinder.

For the Tacoma, I would prefer the two door extended cab. Sorry about not being more specific there.

Have you considered a 4-door Tracker/Sidekick? You are going to find them a lot cheaper than a Vitara. The get excellent mileage and have decent amount of pep.  If your budget is about 10,500 you should be able to get a nice one and still be able to afford to get most of the goodies you were talking about on it.

Just my .02.