In the 4WD world, we tend to believe that to have fun we need to spend huge amounts of money on the latest Rubicon Wrangler or TRD PRO Toyota and that just isn’t true.
You would be surprised to know how far the base models of these vehicles can go, and better yet – you will be surprised at how many places the money you have saved can take you.
So, in today’s article, we are escaping the norm and addressing why fully-loaded off-roaders are unnecessary.
Personalization is Easier With a Base Model
Let’s start from a point that does not get mentioned often – personalization.
If you buy an off-road-tuned vehicle, the factory would have already decided that you need a certain amount of lift, a certain brand and size of tires, and a certain type of all the other related accessories on the vehicle.
The issue here is that one of the most important aspects of building a vehicle is to make it fit your specific needs and desires. By giving the job to the factory, you remove the personalization aspect while also spending a significant amount of money.
If you want to use an unmodified vehicle, that money could be spent on accessories of your choice that will make the vehicle serve your specific needs and not the needs of the general public.
Why Fully-Loaded Off-Roaders are Unnecessary: More Money to See Places
This is especially true for people who are on a strict budget. If you are spending all your spare cash on the most capable and expensive model, then you have no money for trips and further modifications left.
Imagine the places you could go with all that additional money you will be spending on a higher trim level.
I would say it isn’t worth missing out on the experiences and memories just to have a slightly more capable rig. Remember, you can always modify as you go.
Base Models are Still Capable
Let’s take a Toyota Tacoma or the new JL Wrangler as an example here. Thanks to traction control – which is pretty much standard on all vehicles now – the two trucks are more capable than ever in stock form.
Why is that? Well, the traction control to some extent can make up for the lack of differential lockers.
Furthermore, they still have the necessary foundations such as a low range transmission, good ground clearance, and the potential to be modified to your liking. Therefore, fully-loaded off-roaders are unnecessary.
Besides, with a set of all-terrain or mud-terrain tires, the base models of these vehicles will be able to take you and your family to some very pretty places while you adapt the vehicle to your personal needs as the years progress.
Why Fully-Loaded Off-Roaders are Unnecessary: Every Scratch Doesn’t Hurt Your Soul
Let’s be honest, most of us hate the idea of taking a $60,000 truck off-road and bashing it against rocks or scratching it on tree branches. However, that might not be the case if you get the base model.
Because of the insane difference in price, scratches and dings are no longer as big of an issue; therefore, you can now enjoy your time off-road without worrying about your overly expensive truck.
Which Base Model is Right for You?
From the above statements, one can see that fully-loaded off-roaders are unnecessary – off-roading can easily be done in base model vehicles. Some will even go as far as saying that you are better off with the cheaper option.
While the choice will always be yours, keep in mind the points mentioned above. The extra money you are about to spend on a top-of-the-line model may not be worth it!