C-Forum

Sorry for posting here if inappropriate, just concened that this will get viewed. My Ranger is 12 years old a has had enough. I'm looking at new vehicles and wondering if anyone can tell me if the Element or Rav 4 can handle roads like the ones into Rockville, Jenkinsburg or the Dolly Sods and such. Any/all feedback will be appreciated.

Don't know what you want exactly, but I have a 2002 Outback for sale it can do anything an element can do. 90k miles great car $6850 I know I'm far away just thought I would let you know email me at xmas1007@yahoo.com if you have any interest. Great price do to my need to sell before I leave the country.

I don't know the roads of which you speak, but I will say the RAV4 is a bit more stout than the Element...but if clearance isn't an issue, the Element is likely OK (particularly with decent tires). Adk Sara has one and loves it. Lot of utility there for sure. Heading in and out to our barn isn't a problem, handles the water crossing (not deep) just fine. It IS car based, though, so keep that in mind.

Good luck on your search!

New vehicles; the FJ Cruiser, cannot be beat. Although, it is priced about 3 grand more than the RAV, at ~ $24,000. & will go most anywhere, stock.
The Element, as Adam said, is car based and intended for trips to the mall more than anything and has little ground clearance (6.9")with no significant approach angle clearance(25deg.). The Rav4 beats it in both. 7.5" & 29degrees and will tow 2000 more lbs.
Of course, the FJ kicks both their a$$es.
I'm a big fan of Toyotas, I have a 32yearold Landcruiser, an 8yo 4-Runner and a new FJ Cruiser; all 4wheel drives w/ manual transmissions; and think they are the best. Hence my opinion. But, facts are facts.

For reliability Toyota's can't be beat. I've had fun in a '78 Land Cruiser, and used to own an '88 4Runner.

But I'm guessing you're looking for something with better mileage than a hard core off road mobile.

We won't get started in THAT discussion, as old (and some new) 4wd vehicles are another passion of mine, as some of you are aware.

I'll also say never underestimate where you can go with a sturdy 2wd car and knowing how to drive....

I once took a Mercury Bobcat, about 7 miles up a "4WD Only" road in Colorado. The clutch took a slight beating; but not the "Pinto".
I must agree, knowing "how" to drive, is key.
The RAV4 does beat the Element in clearance and approach angle, but not gas mileage. And we won't even talk about a Landcruiser or FJ Cruiser. Where's my Unimog??
Well;.... Back to the ADHESIVE!!!!

Unimogs...the ULTIMATE shuttle vehicle:) Or maybe that would be a Tatra 8x8 or Pinzgaur 6x6.

Personally I'm smitten by Land Rovers, new and old (that's LAND, not RANGE, though they are VERY nice too).

Subaru is pretty popular around my neck o' the woods. The other day everyone in our river group had one. 4 at the river, mine was at home(the wife was driving it that day).

Sir Adam wrote:Personally I'm smitten by Land Rovers, new and old (that's LAND, not RANGE, though they are VERY nice too).

Would love to have a Defender 90. Of course, having owned a '71 Bronco you can guess why. Then again, some people might like something with more than 12mpg. My practical side is screaming subaru outback 'cause it's a long drive to the white stuff for me.

I've had a Forester down there, the road is much better than years ago. Either would be fine, I used to take a 71 Nova to Rockville and worried I would make it out, but the pull of paddling was stronger. Could worry about the shuttle after we got off the water.hmmn...

I can recall riding with John Sweet in the early 80s when he drove out from Jenkinsburg in a Subaru wagon. I believe that it had less clearance that the current Outback or Forester and he made it out without bottoming out (although he did have a flat that we had to swap out for his spare).

John

bought a used toyota tundra....even with racks on it, he got 22 miles per gallon and there is lots of room in the back with a shell. Also great shuttle vehicle.
I on the other hand, have a chevy van v8 AWD which I really like with the room aspect, and can just pull over and sleep on long drives. the down side is gas mileage....I get 16-17 without the racks, and I still get 16 pulling a small trailer. I would probably get 18, but I'm kind of heavy on the peddle...especially if I'm tired of driving!