An employment opportunity has come up starting in September where I will be required to have a 4x4 to access well sites and need more cargo space. I was planning on getting a winter beater next winter however for this job, I can't risk having a ****box. The issue lies in that I won't have funds together for a newer suv/truck and manage to keep the G35.

The drive is about 950km, one way. A couple scenarios have ran through my mind.

1) I could trade in my G35 for an AWD FX35 and be done with it. I'll have to look more into this but km's depending, it would likely be a 2005/2006. However, racking up ~1900-2000km every 3 weeks adds up quickly over the Sept-March work term. "Do I really want to add that much extra mileage to my DD," I think to myself. The vehicle itself will likely have over 100,000km as is.

2) I sell the G35 for something else and keep some cash. I've considered a few vehicles. I had the chance to drive my Mother's 08' CRV and actually handles like a dream in the winter. Considered 4Runners, Pathfinders, Grand Cherokees and some others. My preference would be an SUV but a truck isn't out of the question.

What would you guys do in this situation? And for FX owners, how do the AWDs handle in the winters, common issues, proper ground clearance, etc. Given the warmer weather is starting to finally arrive, I figure now would be an ideal time to sell if I had to.

Thanks guys,
Matt

 

Tacoma, 4runner, Tundra, Sequoia. If I had to mile out a used truck, I'd be gunning for a Toyota. The end.

 

Thanks for the input. I also realized I made a mess of the word 'conundrum'

 

It sounds like you need a vehicle capable of off-roading. The FX is great in slippery conditions but I would not want to be running it through mud, fields etc.
Once in a while I do take mine on some mild back wood jaunts, but that is not what it is made for. I love my FX, but you need a work truck, something that uses regular fuel and gets better mileage.
You would be much better off picking up a good used small Toyota pickup 4x4 or suv. You will be putting tons of miles on it and it should give you acceptable gas mileage.

 

Xterras are fairly rugged and a bit cheaper than the others you listed.

 

Agree XTerra would be great

 

All what I was thinking too.

 

Looks fine to me.

 

Smoooooth