Daily Driver

[crashz]

First - I'd like to think that us TBN'er are a lot alike. Honest, hard workers with a habit of doing and building things on their own. We are also a little obsessed with trucks, equipment and the like. So I'd like some honest opinions about my replacement commuter ideas. I'm torn and not sure which direction I'm going to go yet:

Last year I changed jobs and began commuting some distance and also turned in my company truck. I bought an older Honda CRV with 130K miles and its been great. Very reliable and overall nearly the perfect commuter and work vehicle. But I'm averaging about 50K miles a year, some of it paid and most not paid. I travel all over the northeast for project work and have driven as far out as Indiana this year. This puts it at nearly 300K miles two years from now. That is probably a good replacement goal.

Only a few drawbacks to the CRV:
- Comfort. I'm a big guy and it need at least 2 more inches of leg room.
- I'd like to carry some tools and a few more things in it without the droopy back end and cluttered feel.

So I have been contemplating replacements. One I like is the new GMC Canyon with a Duramax diesel. Looks sweet, has the needed tech (I need hands free calling, have upgrade the CRV with that), has plenty of passenger space and I can haul some tools and light equipment when needed (struggle with that now). But $45K is a lot. The hauling and towing capability are two items that would be notable benefits and the diesel offers those benefits without a loss in efficiency. Price tag, reliability and repair costs are all major drawbacks.

The Ridgeline is a very ugly second choice. Has most of the benefits of the Duramax without the high repair costs. Reliability is likely rock solid too. Price for the low end is reasonable, but fuel efficiency is not really great. Towing is not really there and it is just hideous to look at. And even though its cheap for a new 4 door truck, $30K is still not cheap.

I have been car payment free for long enough that a $500/month payment (for example) is shocking and absurd. According to statistics, its not for most Americans, nor is being behind 3 payments. No thanks.

So I have been obsessed with older square body trucks all of my life and lately have contemplating a Blazer/Jimmy build. And have been thinking about this as daily driver. What would you guys think about a LS swapped Blazer, modern drive train, old school looks and easy repair-ability? I started thinking about a diesel swap and also think with a 4.8 or 5.3L engine, 4L60E and reasonable gears, it would do fairly well on fuel (20ish). The 6.2L diesels can be found in blazers (rare), but were never great on fuel in comparison to the low power and abysmal reliability. This would be a stock-like resto-mod, not a jacked up off roader.

I would love to justify the Blazer build, but common sense says that its unlikely to get power, reliability and efficiency out of a former rust bucket built in my garage. All under the cost of a new rig.

Would love to hear some opinions and feel free to throw out suggestions.
Leo

 

[oliver1555]

I have owned an 05, 06, 08, a 2012 F-150, all Supercrews. Great service from all. That is what I would buy if I was not towing heavy. I have a 2000 Dodge CTD for heavy work. Just my opinion.

 

[dnw64]

So I have been obsessed with older square body trucks all of my life and lately have contemplating a Blazer/Jimmy build. And have been thinking about this as daily driver. What would you guys think about a LS swapped Blazer, modern drive train, old school looks and easy repair-ability? I started thinking about a diesel swap and also think with a 4.8 or 5.3L engine, 4L60E and reasonable gears, it would do fairly well on fuel (20ish). The 6.2L diesels can be found in blazers (rare), but were never great on fuel in comparison to the low power and abysmal reliability. This would be a stock-like resto-mod, not a jacked up off roader.

I would love to justify the Blazer build, but common sense says that its unlikely to get power, reliability and efficiency out of a former rust bucket built in my garage. All under the cost of a new rig.

I love the idea, but it's far from practical.

By the time you find a good solid foundation (probably in the SW), get it here, swap out all the drivetrain and suspension to match what we've become accustomed to, re-paint, reupholster, add technology, etc you'd going to be near the cost of something new (of course, you could go way over too if you wanted...). In many ways it will be better than something new, but I personally could never resto-mod a classic and drive it year-round in New England. I won't even drive my 10 year old Porsche in the winter.

BTW, I'm not sure what you mean by "square bodied" but I'm guessing mid-late '70s. If I were doing a Blazer/Jimmy I'd do the late '60s-early '70s variety. I had a '72 Jimmy and loved (almost) everything that thing. The only things I didn't like about it were due to the high mileage - three-on-the-tree linkage would jamb if you were't careful, and the 307 burned a quart about every 100 miles at highway speed.

 

[coobie]

Our 2009 ford explorer daily driver and our weekend drivers.Bought the explorer used 11/24/19 with 82,000 miles original old fart owners for $7,500 bucks.Not great gas mileage V-6 engine around 19 mpg hwy. and 16 city.Easy to get in and out of.

 

[MossRoad]

First - I'd like to think that us TBN'er are a lot alike. Honest, hard workers with a habit of doing and building things on their own. We are also a little obsessed with trucks, equipment and the like. So I'd like some honest opinions about my replacement commuter ideas. I'm torn and not sure which direction I'm going to go yet:

Last year I changed jobs and began commuting some distance and also turned in my company truck. I bought an older Honda CRV with 130K miles and its been great. Very reliable and overall nearly the perfect commuter and work vehicle. But I'm averaging about 50K miles a year, some of it paid and most not paid. I travel all over the northeast for project work and have driven as far out as Indiana this year. This puts it at nearly 300K miles two years from now. That is probably a good replacement goal.

Only a few drawbacks to the CRV:
- Comfort. I'm a big guy and it need at least 2 more inches of leg room.
- I'd like to carry some tools and a few more things in it without the droopy back end and cluttered feel.

So I have been contemplating replacements. One I like is the new GMC Canyon with a Duramax diesel. Looks sweet, has the needed tech (I need hands free calling, have upgrade the CRV with that), has plenty of passenger space and I can haul some tools and light equipment when needed (struggle with that now). But $45K is a lot. The hauling and towing capability are two items that would be notable benefits and the diesel offers those benefits without a loss in efficiency. Price tag, reliability and repair costs are all major drawbacks.

The Ridgeline is a very ugly second choice. Has most of the benefits of the Duramax without the high repair costs. Reliability is likely rock solid too. Price for the low end is reasonable, but fuel efficiency is not really great. Towing is not really there and it is just hideous to look at. And even though its cheap for a new 4 door truck, $30K is still not cheap.

I have been car payment free for long enough that a $500/month payment (for example) is shocking and absurd. According to statistics, its not for most Americans, nor is being behind 3 payments. No thanks.

So I have been obsessed with older square body trucks all of my life and lately have contemplating a Blazer/Jimmy build. And have been thinking about this as daily driver. What would you guys think about a LS swapped Blazer, modern drive train, old school looks and easy repair-ability? I started thinking about a diesel swap and also think with a 4.8 or 5.3L engine, 4L60E and reasonable gears, it would do fairly well on fuel (20ish). The 6.2L diesels can be found in blazers (rare), but were never great on fuel in comparison to the low power and abysmal reliability. This would be a stock-like resto-mod, not a jacked up off roader.

I would love to justify the Blazer build, but common sense says that its unlikely to get power, reliability and efficiency out of a former rust bucket built in my garage. All under the cost of a new rig.

Would love to hear some opinions and feel free to throw out suggestions.
Leo

I'd rather be sitting in a nice, large, 4-door car than a Blazer/Jimmy for 50K miles per year. Like a 2014 or later Impala. 2013 and before are rental car interiors at best. 2014 and later are much more roomy, cushy, comfy, and get 31 highway, while they still have 300hp if you stomp on it. A daily driver is one thing... I drive a '93 Suburban almost daily. But I only drive about 10-12 miles. You're averaging 190+ miles per day based on 5 days per week, 52 weeks per year. Those older Blazers/Jimmy trucks are fun, but 50K per year? They don't even have high back seats. No headrests. The arms rests are thin. You'd have to do an interior swap to gain the comfort of a modern car or truck. They SUCK in crosswinds on the highway. An LS swap would be great compared to the 5.7 that'll most likely be in it. I'd bet you get very low 20's MPG. My 93 Suburban gets 18 on the highway with the 5.7 and 4L60E. It also SCREAMS at 75mph, while our 2013 Impala cruises at about 1600rpm.

It would be fun, but highly impractical for your long commutes.

 

[crashz]

I love the idea, but it's far from practical.

By the time you find a good solid foundation (probably in the SW), get it here, swap out all the drivetrain and suspension to match what we've become accustomed to, re-paint, reupholster, add technology, etc you'd going to be near the cost of something new (of course, you could go way over too if you wanted...). In many ways it will be better than something new, but I personally could never resto-mod a classic and drive it year-round in New England. I won't even drive my 10 year old Porsche in the winter.

BTW, I'm not sure what you mean by "square bodied" but I'm guessing mid-late '70s. If I were doing a Blazer/Jimmy I'd do the late '60s-early '70s variety. I had a '72 Jimmy and loved (almost) everything that thing. The only things I didn't like about it were due to the high mileage - three-on-the-tree linkage would jamb if you were't careful, and the 307 burned a quart about every 100 miles at highway speed.

Yep - I like the mid to late seventies the best. But the squares went always up to 91 and later ones are easier to find. A 60s-early 70's version would be sweet, but nearly untouchable in price.

As far as winters, I agree, but this was going to be a functional resto, not exceptional pretty, but all of the rust fixed and painted one color. Was going to use it as an experience builder in autobody repair.

 

[crashz]

Our 2009 ford explorer daily driver and our weekend drivers.Bought the explorer used 11/24/19 with 82,000 miles original old fart owners for $7,500 bucks.Not great gas mileage V-6 engine around 19 mpg hwy. and 16 city.Easy to get in and out of.

Coobie - I rented a similar Explorer a few years ago and liked it very much. I like that Challenger much better though!

 

[terryknight]

how much do you need to tow? what do you want for MPGs? how much do you want to spend?

diesel grand cherokee

subaru outback/forester

i like the idea, but how easy will it be to work on on the road. will any mechanics be able to(maybe you don't need them too). it will be really easy to go over budget

 

[crashz]

I'd rather be sitting in a nice, large, 4-door car than a Blazer/Jimmy for 50K miles per year. Like a 2014 or later Impala. 2013 and before are rental car interiors at best. 2014 and later are much more roomy, cushy, comfy, and get 31 highway, while they still have 300hp if you stomp on it. A daily driver is one thing... I drive a '93 Suburban almost daily. But I only drive about 10-12 miles. You're averaging 190+ miles per day based on 5 days per week, 52 weeks per year. Those older Blazers/Jimmy trucks are fun, but 50K per year? They don't even have high back seats. No headrests. The arms rests are thin. You'd have to do an interior swap to gain the comfort of a modern car or truck. They SUCK in crosswinds on the highway. An LS swap would be great compared to the 5.7 that'll most likely be in it. I'd bet you get very low 20's MPG. My 93 Suburban gets 18 on the highway with the 5.7 and 4L60E. It also SCREAMS at 75mph, while our 2013 Impala cruises at about 1600rpm.

It would be fun, but highly impractical for your long commutes.

Good points Moss. I'd love a large car like the Impala or Crown Vic. Not out of the question, but it does limit the functionality of the car. No towing and limited hauling ability, albiet the same (or better) that my current ride.

True about the ride too. I haven't driven a square body truck for about 10 plus years. The last one is the truck in my signature, and I don't remember it being very comfortable.

I guess my biggest concern is that I could invest two years, thousands of hours building this truck, and have to buy a new reliable car to get to work on time.

 

[Fallon]

I'd rather be sitting in a nice, large, 4-door car than a Blazer/Jimmy for 50K miles per year. Like a 2014 or later Impala. 2013 and before are rental car interiors at best. 2014 and later are much more roomy, cushy, comfy, and get 31 highway, while they still have 300hp if you stomp on it. A daily driver is one thing... I drive a '93 Suburban almost daily. But I only drive about 10-12 miles. You're averaging 190+ miles per day based on 5 days per week, 52 weeks per year. Those older Blazers/Jimmy trucks are fun, but 50K per year? They don't even have high back seats. No headrests. The arms rests are thin. You'd have to do an interior swap to gain the comfort of a modern car or truck. They SUCK in crosswinds on the highway. An LS swap would be great compared to the 5.7 that'll most likely be in it. I'd bet you get very low 20's MPG. My 93 Suburban gets 18 on the highway with the 5.7 and 4L60E. It also SCREAMS at 75mph, while our 2013 Impala cruises at about 1600rpm.

It would be fun, but highly impractical for your long commutes.

I'll 2nd that. Driving a truck or SUV is a lot more expensive than a car. When you are wracking up over 10-20k a year you really optimize for your needs & use case. Go with a car unless you are going off-road or hauling. Putting on less than 10k a year with a mix of needs including towing & you'd be better off with just a truck.

If a vehicle lasts 300k miles that's only a few years. Do you want to burn through a $60k truck, $35k restored vehicle or $15k sedan? Save the cool restored vehicle or truck for better tasks as they are going to cost a lot more to operate ontop of their acquisition price.

You can afford to replace the sedan every few years just off your reduced fuel & maintnance on a truck or restored SUV.

 

[coobie]

Coobie - I rented a similar Explorer a few years ago and liked it very much. I like that Challenger much better though!

Us to.LOL

 

[dodge man]

Get a car. They seem very cheap right now with the popularity of SUVs and crossovers. We bought my daughter a 3 year old Fod Fusion. 22000 miles for $16k. Pretty good sized and gets 30mpg. Got my son a 2 year old Chrysler 300. 16000 miles and all wheel drive. $22k.

 

[MossRoad]

Good points Moss. I'd love a large car like the Impala or Crown Vic. Not out of the question, but it does limit the functionality of the car. No towing and limited hauling ability, albiet the same (or better) that my current ride.

True about the ride too. I haven't driven a square body truck for about 10 plus years. The last one is the truck in my signature, and I don't remember it being very comfortable.

I guess my biggest concern is that I could invest two years, thousands of hours building this truck, and have to buy a new reliable car to get to work on time.

My wife and I are still considering going out to AZ and finding a good body 93 Suburban K2500 with a bazillion miles, nursing it back here to Indiana, and as you said, swapping in a modern LS engine, re-do the suspension and breaks, then driving it for 10-15 more years. I figure I can pick one up for $3-4K, junkyard engine and tranny for $1K, $1K in tires/rims, anyhow, well under $10K.

We've had our 93 K1500 for 11 years. I paid $6K for it and only have $1K into it. I could sell it for $1K easy. So back to $6K for 11 years. That's about $45 a month for transportation for the past 11 years. :thumbsup:

 

[hiddentacocatneddih]

Shoot putting that many miles I'd just get a cheap beater.

I drive a 2000 Lexus rx300. It was free and has 290,000 miles. I will drive it till it blows up. I run 500 miles a week to work and back so I'm not willling to drive something super nice. But it is the nicest vehicle I have ever had.

I have less than $2000 in my truck and work car

 

[Guidshir]

Big engines cost a lot for the fuel. I like small engines, but the modern trucks aren't like the modern cars. Find a truck like a CRV or a RAV4. It should be that there is a spot for those who don't need to tow.

 

[3930dave]

It's squarish........ find a low-mile Florida one ?

199-92 Cadillac Brougham | Consumer Guide Auto

7k towing.

IIRC, some of the older Caddys were more like 10k# capable..... but maybe I'm dreaming....

Rgds, D.

 

[WVH1977]

Just traded my Honda Civic for an older Ridgeline for my daily driver. Like you I am a big guy. I got tired of getting in and out of the civic, plus having headlights shining in my face every morning and evening. Also a lot of road noise. Other than that it was a great reliable car.

The Ridgeline was not my first choice. I though it looked weird. I wanted an older Tacoma but could not find one at a good price and they had small interiors. I also debated getting an older f150 but could not find one in the price range I wanted to spend. I finally started looking for older Ridgeline's to check out. I found one (2006) in very good shape for a good price that was taken care of. There is plenty of interior room and the bed has a huge waterproof trunk/toolbox under it and a tow package. The tailgate comes down and will also open like a car door (I really love this feature). I can lay a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood flat in the bed with the tailgate down. I can also reach into the bed without a step ladder. I can also fit the kids car seats in the back with plenty of room. It drives great and has that Honda fit/finish/reliability. Everything is tight on it. So far I am very pleased with it. It is a well built, versatile vehicle. Just had to get over what it looked like (kinda growing on me now).

I already have a 2500 Duramax if I need to tow my tractors or anything big. The Ridgeline will tow my little 10' landscape trailer with no problem at all. It just met all my needs for a daily driver that I can stop at Lowes on the way home and get things for the house without having to pull out the big truck.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

The OP never really indicated what kind of hauling he thinks he needs a truck for or how much weight his tools are. With the mileage he is cranking up unless he is hauling a lot of weight I question the value of a diesel. Hard to evaluate his best options with only a half deck of cards. That kind of miles I want comfort you cannot get from a diesel truck. If he is writing off commuting cost on income tax then mileage/operating cost is pretty well recuperated at $.50/MI +/- that IRS allows or real cost it he wants to keep comprehensive records. A lot of folks that use a vehicle for business lease rather than buy. Total rental cost plus operating costs is then deductible. Then you get a new one every three years. Lots of options. I have a Ford Edge and it is a great touring car with lots of cargo space for such a small vehicle.

Ron

 

[Beltzington]

I owned a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 for 15-years would still be driving it today but it was totaled when a driver turned in front of me a couple years back. The V8 is an old school Mopar 318\360 with MPI, solid axles and coil springs on both ends. It is very comfortable to drive, fold down the rear seat and it will hold allot of gear. The V8 has impressive tow ratings and even with full time 4WD I would get 17-18 MPG on the highway. Hated to see it go but the frame was bent and it just didn't make sense to try and fix it. 1996-1998 where the best years of that model, all the issues had been addressed.

Good Luck with your search!

 

[crashz]

Thanks guys, Ron is right, I didn't really state actual needs very well. And truthfully, the CRV is darn near perfect. Some background:
I'm a project manager for a construction/remediation company. 75% of my time is simply commuting to my office, which is 150 miles daily. Those miles are unpaid and and not really a write off. 25% of the miles are traveling to project sites and onsite miles. These are reimbursed. So obviously fuel mileage is very important.

Onsite, I need some ground clearance and off road ability. The CRV is perfect for this. Not heavy off-roading, but I always have to park in the dirt and often travel over some rough roads. While onsite I usually need to pick up supplies and carry some tools. I normally need:
- My gear bag with PPE (good sized duffel)
- Roller tool box with hand tools
- Case of water/Cooler with ice
- Duffel with change of clothes
- Computer, portable printer, inverter
- File case with project files and documentation
- Muck boots, change of shoes
All of this fills the little CRV up. And typically I need to pick-up and carry survey equipment, sampling equipment and shovels, rakes, brooms, etc. So secure room is needed. The CRV works, but is small and I'm constantly re-arranging and cleaning out the car.

Towing would be as a back-up or convenience only. I have a 2500HD that I tow with and will have the F450 set up to tow this year. Not really a need at present, but if I were to buy something like the Colorado or Canyon, I'd sell or trade the 2500.

People hauling is not typical, but occasional.

So the Blazer idea was based on those items above, thinking that with the right powertrain, I might squeak out 25 mpg. It would check all the boxes if the fuel mileage could be increased and reliability is there. I also thought a Yukon would work, but they are heavy and not much can be modified to help with mileage.