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Raise the X or Buy a Baja Bug

2K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  bernasty 
#1 ·
So I've got a 2001 2WD Xterra. It's my daily driver, and I try to maintain it pretty well.

But my girlfriend and I just moved to Tucson, AZ. There's plenty of wide open dirt roads around here, so we've been thinking, it'd be fun to get something that would be good for driving around on the roads.

We have been considering getting a baja bug - one that needs a little bit of work, because she wants to learn. Or we could just raise my xterra and make it a little more dirt road capable. I am sort of leaning toward the baja bug because i could beat it up and not really feel too bad about it, whereas I love the xterra and try to keep it as clean and nice as possible. I don't mind getting it dirty, but I don't really want to dent it or scratch it up.

I wanted to get your thoughts. Which one would you go for? Baja Bug or lift the Xterra? Keep in mind I'd be doing everything on a budget...damn student loan bills are coming in next month.
 
#4 ·
Seeing how your X is 2WD, it's very possible to give it plenty of offroad potential, but it will still be a lot better to have something with 4WD.

I like to hit the trails off of Reddington Pass, and there are a lot roads where not having 4WD can be dangerous. Mostly because the road is narrow and right off the side of the road is a straight drop down the canyon wall. I rolled my ATV off of one of those not realizing I was going into a cone turn with loose dirt and ended up upside-down in a creek bed, and I'm pretty confident that if I'd had the 4WD engaged I wouldn't have lost traction like I did when it went over.

We have some Dune Buggies in the area that are all caged up that look like a lot of fun. I've never driven one, but I know I definitely would if I had the chance. There are a lot of people in the area that don't like them because they're "loud" and you'd have to be sure not to get one that's too big for your X to haul around.

If you ever want to get your Xterra up an easy trail just to get a feel for how it does on local back roads just let me know. I'd be happy to show you up to Mt. Lemmon the back way - It's a little bumpy but the grade isn't severe at all and a 2WD can handle it no problem. It's really scenic and there are a few spots where you can get a feel for what our mountain trails are like.

Take care! :biggrin:
 
#5 ·
Awesome! I might take you up on that offer. I think I was considering mostly the easier trails you speak of just because my X is 2WD and a baja bug would be too obviously. Definitely something to consider. If I'm ever able to afford it, I'll probably get a new 4WD X and have some fun with it on some tougher trails.

I actually did take my Xterra out to Reddington pass...I didn't take any side-trails, just drove down it for a few miles and then went hiking. I think I had more fun driving than hiking! haha

Seeing how your X is 2WD, it's very possible to give it plenty of offroad potential, but it will still be a lot better to have something with 4WD.

I like to hit the trails off of Reddington Pass, and there are a lot roads where not having 4WD can be dangerous. Mostly because the road is narrow and right off the side of the road is a straight drop down the canyon wall. I rolled my ATV off of one of those not realizing I was going into a cone turn with loose dirt and ended up upside-down in a creek bed, and I'm pretty confident that if I'd had the 4WD engaged I wouldn't have lost traction like I did when it went over.

We have some Dune Buggies in the area that are all caged up that look like a lot of fun. I've never driven one, but I know I definitely would if I had the chance. There are a lot of people in the area that don't like them because they're "loud" and you'd have to be sure not to get one that's too big for your X to haul around.

If you ever want to get your Xterra up an easy trail just to get a feel for how it does on local back roads just let me know. I'd be happy to show you up to Mt. Lemmon the back way - It's a little bumpy but the grade isn't severe at all and a 2WD can handle it no problem. It's really scenic and there are a few spots where you can get a feel for what our mountain trails are like.

Take care! :biggrin:
 
#7 ·
Man get that Baja bug, I've always wanted one. But, I agree with what Revu is saying (he knows his stuff too) You can realistically do whatever you'd want with the Baja cause you can always tow it home, unfortunately I don't think anything's been invented for self-towing.
 
#8 ·
A baja bug is on my list of vehicles to own before i kick the bucket. A bug would be a much better option than a X for bombing desert terrain. Another common option would be a RBV such as a bronco 2,Explorer, or Ranger from the late 80s to early 90s in either 2 or 4wheel drive. There cheap & the Ttb or Tib work great for prerunner type behavior.
 
#9 ·
Yeah I used to have a ford ranger and kept it with the intention of fixing it up right....until i moved out west. Couldn't justify the cost to get it moved out here. I wish I had kept it though. Still thinking about that baja bug. I found one pretty cheap.
 
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