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For those that have been around this forum for a while, you may know that I've had quite the habit of buying and selling cars pretty frequently. I believe someone called it automotive ADD. I've been much better recently, my last purchase was my Bonneville in 2019. I will argue that I was just trying things to see what I liked, but no one seemed to believe me. 
This winter I decided it was time to add one more car to the official collection, more specifically a truck. So I give you my 2011 Nissan Xterra! In truth, this truck has been my daily driver for almost 5 years. It's an awesome desert exploring and camping truck, comfortable, and has all the 4x4 ability I need (low range, locking rear diff, decent ground clearance). I've loved it as a daily, but started to worry that the winter road salt here was going to kill it. I had a run in with a deer last fall, and while the body shop was fixing the front bumper and front wing I had them replace the rear bumper as it was starting to rust. That really got me thinking.
I had originally wanted to get a vintage Land Cruiser or Land Rover, but prices have just gotten silly. So for the very first time in my automotive history, I have retired a daily driver to the fun-only collection. I just couldn't think of anything new or vintage that I'd want to replace it with, at least not at a reasonable price. I love old Toyota Land Cruisers (and have owned a couple FJ40s in the past) but when it comes down to it this Xterra does everything I need off road, and also goes 80 with the AC and cruise control on. And I really grew attached to it over the last few years, so it has now seen its last winter and will just be used for summer off road fun.
Xterra in southern Utah last fall
Almost the full collection (MGB is still in the shop for engine work).
I was able to order a Subaru Crosstrek with a 6-speed manual at a good price for a replacement daily, and it came in last Monday. Looked at a used one, but it was priced 5 grand more than I paid new for this one. Crazy times when new can be cheaper than used if you can be patient.
This winter I decided it was time to add one more car to the official collection, more specifically a truck. So I give you my 2011 Nissan Xterra! In truth, this truck has been my daily driver for almost 5 years. It's an awesome desert exploring and camping truck, comfortable, and has all the 4x4 ability I need (low range, locking rear diff, decent ground clearance). I've loved it as a daily, but started to worry that the winter road salt here was going to kill it. I had a run in with a deer last fall, and while the body shop was fixing the front bumper and front wing I had them replace the rear bumper as it was starting to rust. That really got me thinking.
I had originally wanted to get a vintage Land Cruiser or Land Rover, but prices have just gotten silly. So for the very first time in my automotive history, I have retired a daily driver to the fun-only collection. I just couldn't think of anything new or vintage that I'd want to replace it with, at least not at a reasonable price. I love old Toyota Land Cruisers (and have owned a couple FJ40s in the past) but when it comes down to it this Xterra does everything I need off road, and also goes 80 with the AC and cruise control on. And I really grew attached to it over the last few years, so it has now seen its last winter and will just be used for summer off road fun.
Xterra in southern Utah last fall
Almost the full collection (MGB is still in the shop for engine work).
I was able to order a Subaru Crosstrek with a 6-speed manual at a good price for a replacement daily, and it came in last Monday. Looked at a used one, but it was priced 5 grand more than I paid new for this one. Crazy times when new can be cheaper than used if you can be patient.
Hey Guest!
smilie in place of the real @
Pretty Please - add it to our Events forum(s) and add to the calendar! >> 

