Vehicles for Flyfishermen, the conclusion

[rayfound]

Well, first off, thanks for all the input guys, I really did consider everything suggested, and really looked over what was available. I honestly kept coming back to what Midger said:

I'd look for a vehicle with clearance first, 4wd second, and mileage third.

Ultimately, I chose a vehicle that was a total compromise of all of these items: a 2001 Toyota Highlander AWD v6.

Its got about 7 1/2" of ground clearance. Not great, but not bad.

Its got AWD, not true 4wd with Lockers and whatnot, but not bad

I should average 18-20 mpg combined city/hwy. No great, but again, not bad.



It was clean inside, and decent outside, but not so good outside that I'll be afraid of "trail Polish"

Anyway, here she is, the Green Machine:





Thanks again for all the feedback.

[flybob]

Congrats on the ride Ray!

Hey I know a place where you can break it in, a little polish, some mud and perhaps a little snow and ice!
Oh yeah, I almost forgot, fish too!

[Justin]

Nice ride Ray!
I have bought my wife a Highlander about 5 years ago (not awd like yours but it is a V6) It has been a great ride and we have had no problems just add oil and gas and away you go. I think you made a sound purchase my friend.

Oh and when you go break it in if you need a passanger look me up.

Justin

[rayfound]

Nice! You need to become the first person to put a 6" lift and some 33's on a Highlander!

Craig - I bought this because I could no longer afford to make a car payment ... I won't be spending any money on her outside of the regular maintenance.

BTW - Is it even possible to lift a unibody construction vehicle like that?

[anacrime]

that looks like a fair choice for both commuting and dirt roading. looks good buddy. take it up this weekend, and you'll probably see the roads in their worst condition. should be a good test

[JGray]

Come on, I wan't to see it lifted too !!!!! You would be a unique site on some of the trails. I never thought I needed the clearance etc. but without it I would have never seen some of the places Colorado XJ and I go in ours. My XJ (Jeep Cherokee) has 5 inches on 33's and Aaron's has over 7 inches on 35's with a lot of other bells and whistles on both. They are unibbodies too so I'm sure it can be done on your Toyota. I guess I'm a little biased hugh? Congrats on the new ride.

[rayfound]

Well, due to a certain recently installed obstruction, I got to test it out on the 2 FS Roads I had in mind when I was shopping.

The roads were actually fairly dry most everywhere, so I still don't have a feel for the "muddy" performance, but there were a couple deep spots that I made it through no problem. Ground clearance was adequate.

Its looking much nicer now: Trail polish and pin-stripes.

[midger]

I hear it screaming "Wash Me!" already.