Hi All --

I just moved to southern California and am looking for a vehicle that can transport my young son, wife, and ocean loving dog to and from the beach with ease. We don't have far to travel, this would not be our primary vehicle, might be used for shopping from time to time, and perhaps for a few mile commute to work and back. No long trips, very little freeway travel, perhaps some day-trips to the "mountains" that aren't far from here. Ideally, I'm looking for a vehicle that is easy to clean! I'm considering a used Jeep Wrangler, but thought I should check out the Xterra, particularly because it has more room than the Wrangler...and because I seem to recall some cool commercials a while back that insinuated one can basically clean the interior of an Xterra with a hose after a muddy mountain bike ride, etc.

I tried some basic searching on-line but quickly realized this is a question for the experts -- so I'm turning to the forum. Any thoughts on trim levels (obviously, I'm not looking for anything fancy here, but don't want to overlook any essentials, either), best model years, recommended modifications, etc., would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks everyone.

Brady

of course, I would recommend a 4x4 Xterra It's the perfect Beach machine...you may want to look at 2nd Gen Xterra's (05-07) or get yourself a nice used "Classic" 00-04 Xterra...you cannot go wrong with either...Go For it !!!

living in Hawaii, I do it all the time. Xterras are great because you can fit a lot of stuff in them and still fit 4 people comfortably.

If you are talking about driving on the beach, I would definitely go for 4x4. The 1st gens have a significantly smaller engine, so if you can afford it, go for the 2nd gen. The OR package comes with a rear locker that is real helpful at times.

for driving in sand they are both the same.. (new vs old)
the more power in the 05+ is bad if you punch it, and dig holes under all 4 tires.. The locker in the OR only helps if the traction on one side is different then the other side. On sand that ppretty much means you are spinning the tires, and you are already stuck.
Oversizes tires, and lowering the air pressure inside is the key to the soft stuff.. I was amazed with 31x10.5's at ~17psi. My 33x12.5's at 35psi worked quite well in the sand at Pismo..
Just don't stop on a hill and try to start uphill. if you sop pointed up, back down & try again. if you stop pointed down don't try to back up. 2 5' 2x8's are cheap insurance strapped to the roof rack. (you can put one under the jack to lift the tire out of the sand, and the other one under the tire to drive out..)

Dont forget to air down when you hit the beach, while a wider tire does help, airing down will increase your foot print to keep you floating. Basic recovery gear like a snatch strap should be brought along as well.

But...you can't hose it out, at least not the 2000-04 models. It's carpet over metal in the back. The '05 and later are easier to clean out since they're not carpeted but none are truly "hose 'n go".

He is probably thinking of the Honda Element, you can hose that one out.

An SUV such as the Xterra will be better suited for your family and intended uses instead of a Wrangler. A Wrangler doesn't have much cargo capacity when it's carrying passengers.

It doesn't sound like you'll be driving ON the beach, just to/from the beach with your family and a wet, sandy dog.

You can get pet dividers and vinyl cargo area liners for the X to keep your canine companion in the rear and not ruin the rest of the interior. I've got a dog who loves to play in the ocean and go camping with me, too, so I know the value of an 'easy-to-clean' machine.

If you're not intending to really use 4WD for any type of "serious" off-roading, you might actually consider looking at the Honda Element as well as the X. My wife and I recently looked at one while looking for a replacement to her 93 Accord coupe, and we were actually impressed by it. It has a lot of interior space, the rubberized floor looks to be really easy to clean, it handles well, and gets pretty good gas mileage, too.

>An SUV such as the Xterra will be better suited for your family and intended uses instead of a Wrangler.

+1. When I went to test drive cars, I brought my friend with me. That way, we could have 3 people in each car in order to ensure that there is enough room for everybody.

Wrangler was a total disaster. I am about 6'1", my buddy and the sales person are both a bit under 6'. There was no freaking room in the Wrangler! In fact, the person in the back had to assume a yoga position. I cannot see how you can transport a family and beach supplies in that car. It may work nice for 1 or 2 people, but once the kids grow up, you'll be out of room.

a 4x4 isn't going to be necessary to go to the beach in southern california. the worst you might encounter would be the dirt parking lot at San Onofre. I've had lowered cars parked next to me there.

Agree with GoodJustin... If you're talking about driving "to and from" the beach in So. Cal. (including S.B.) you don't need 4x4. Not to disappoint anyone who bought a 4x4 version, but an unpaved dirt road is So. Cal. is not off-roading.

My 2 cents from personal experience:

2001 - Loved it. Easy to drive, easy to clean (not hose down-able), plenty of stowage room, low maintenance, excellent cup-holders (automatic version). V6 could have used about 100 more ponies. Back seats a little difficult to get in and out of. Loved it nonetheless.

2007 - Love it even more. Back seats still not the easiest to get in and out of. No pockets for storage in back seats. Other than that, this truck kicks ass.

No matter what, I would suggest the water-resistant seat covers. Again, for what you're looking for, consider the Element too...

x2
Unlike PowerdbyX (above), I however prefer the '01 to the '07. I won't get into why, but the Gen1 trucks are better, and for you now, a better deal.

"No matter what, I would suggest the water-resistant seat covers."

x2! I've got Cover Kings, a lot of people here recommend Wet Okole's (sp?) too. One of my dogs likes to jump in the ocean, roll in the sand, and bring half the beach back with him to dump in the back seat. With Cover King seat covers (and presumably any decent neoprene seat covers), you just wait for them to dry, bush off the sand, and they look brand new again. I haven't even taken them off to wash them in the year to two that I've had them.

A must have for beach bums and their families!

Well, I've got both!

I use an airhose to clean out the back of my Xterra when it gets dirt/sand in the back. With the seats folded down, it's all plastic in the back so it's easy to clean.



Yea, it goes good on the beach!



As for the Wrangler, you need to be specific with model and year. My 06 is an Unlimited model. There's more leg room for passengers, and room behind the rear seat. I also had a 2004 Wrangler (short wheelbase), and it had very little room. The new ones are completely different, and other than name, don't share any of the original layout. 4 doors, and can seat 3 in the back.

I like our Wrangler. Taking the top down and cruising is hard to beat. But when daily driving, or taking on a long trip (I went FL-NC), the Xterra is a Cadillac by comparison.

For those who haven't seen an Unlimited Wrangler parked next to an Xterra, check out my web page.

If I had to choose only 1, the Xterra would be an easy choice. The Wrangler is more of a toy, and my Xterra is my work horse.

Thanks, everyone. This info is terrifically helpful. For clarification, a few of you correctly presumed that my intent is to travel to and from the beach, not actually drive on the beach (although that sounds like fun!). Sounds like the Wrangler -- which I've always thought was very cool but ridiculously overpriced -- is not a good option with the family + dog. I also appreciate the Element suggestions, and will check that out...although my wife hates the look of some of 'em.

Thanks again.

Brady

Come out with SCCX and we'll show you how capable that truck of yours is. Very family friendly - bring the kids, wife, dog ... mom and dad even. Next trip is going to be pretty "stock friendly" (no really).