nightrider.36 wrote:

> I'm trying to figure out a a way to get deeper into the desert and a
> 4x4 is it. ( Anza Borrego National Park in Southern California).
>
> I've never owned a 4x4 vehicle and I'm not even sure if the difference
> between that and an all-wheel drive vehicle. But less than that, I'm
> having a difficult time justifying buying a vehicle that I'm only going
> to use a few times a year, that just doesn't make sense to me. So do
> what do most of you do?
>
> - Is your 4x4 your primary commuter vehicle? ( this would make sense,
> but my daily commute is long, I need to make it in a fuel efficient
> car, now I get 38mpg, I know a 4x4 won't do that)
>
> - How do you justify the costs of owning an extra vehicle?
>
> - How do you buy a used 4x4 vehicle that can potentially break in the
> middle of nowhere?
>
> Thanks,
>
> -Alex
>
Justification is easy. You want a new toy to have fun with.
What more could you need?
A true off road desert vehicle shouldn't be your daily
driver. What happens if you break it on the trail? How would
you get to work.
Even a new truck can leave you stranded on the trail. I'v
seen it happen. Get a truck that's in as good of mechanical
condition as you can afford, have a professional mechanic look it
over before buying. Carry spares of common items. Learn you to
fix things good enough to get you home. Travel with friends and
their vehicles.
Be prepared to spend the night out there, and hike back the
next day. Sometimes that happens. When you're out in boondocks,
AAA won't rescue you. That's just part of the fun.

--
..boB
2006 FXDI hot rod
2001 Dodge Dakota QC 5.9/4x4/3.92
1966 Mustang Coupe - Daily Driver
1965 FFR Cobra - 427W EFI, Damn Fast.