High Sierra Topix

Eric,

FJ not as comfortable or family friendly, 2 doors rather than 4, slightly less mpg, also didn't seem to have particularly good visibility.

Mike

Had a '91 Nissan Pathfinder that was ultimately replaced by a 2000 Nissan Xterra. Loved both vehicles but hated the mpg. Finally replaced the Xterra with a MINI Countryman with AWD. I miss the clearance but love the way it handles on the freeway. I would have gone with the FJ Cruiser instead... but the mpg!

My Subaru Crosstek I bought last February.

After a year I am very fond of it. Last time I went to Yosemite, I got 33 mpg.

Have 2013 and 2002 Highlanders. I do a lot of astronomy and haul a 5x8 cargo trailer converted for transport and sleeping when doing astronomy events. Has 240 watts solar on the roof and 225 amp-hours of batteries and a propane furnace. The trailer is easy to pull since it is only 5 feet wide and I can see around it with the standard mirrors. The back of the Highlander is large enough to take a couple of scopes and mounts even without taking the trailer.

We have been doing a lot of hikes that require a car at each end so I am glad to have two reliable vehicles that can hold multiple people and the gear. I live at about 4800 feet in a neighborhood with a lot of hills. The AWD drive allows my wife and I to get to/from work when winter comes. Lately haven't seen much in winter driving conditions but we are ready when it happens.

The Highlander rides is like a car, not a truck. It has enough clearance for modest trail head driving but don't mistake it for a jeep.

My new SAV (Sierra Adventure Vehicle)


Mini in the morning at Reds Meadow Campground

My undercover bivi.

For years, drove in a Toyota Corolla to the eastern Sierra trailheads and the desert for off-road camping and hiking, It's amazing where that vehicle can go. That car finally gasped its last in 2013. I then bought a Subaru Outback, my first new car in a long time. I love it. I bought it in part because I'd heard it's great to sleep in and has fairly high clearance. Outbacks have the same clearance as Foresters, but they have a bigger area for sleeping. The tinted windows make me feel safer as well. I love how it hugs the road, and the all wheel drive is great in inclement weather. I still haven't taken it off road to camp in the desert (not used to doing that solo and as KathyW says, I'm concerned about being stuck out there alone) but maybe this spring.

Yeah you have to be careful in the desert, I have a toyota tacoma that I take out there, with modified suspension. I have had many mishaps with getting stuck, or breaking parts....it is all a part of it. Big heavy machine and soft sand or mud, big whoops, washouts, and rocks....you will run into trouble eventually. I have some pretty wacky stories I have fun just cruising around and camping. There are so many awesome places to go.

I traveled around in the desert in my ex husband's Toyota Tacoma and felt very secure about its reliability. It was fun to ride in and great for breaking out the camping gear in the middle of some beautiful desert spot.
I looked into a Tacoma but it was out of my price range. I know when you cruise around those desert back roads you have to be prepared should unfortunate vehicle situations occur. I've seen the worst looking buckets on deep sandy roads with dips and boulders miles and miles from a paved road and in one instance the occupants looked like they didn't have a care in the world (somewhere in Arizona). Brave souls, braver than I.

Toyota Tacoma, Not 4WD but more than capable to get where I need to go and sleeps two (cozy) in the back. My fourth Toyota truck - always reliable. A little disappointed with the mileage (19-21 on freeway) after my old 4 bangers but the most luxurious vehicle I have ever owned and my son (pictured) really loves to drive it on trips