manums

At least I have one star which means I posted more than 50 times , still I agree with Barry here. People like me are just infants in car technicalities. Can admin make a clear note regarding this? 

Thank you for organizing such a great event team carnity. It was a pleasure to drive touching the whole UAE as a convoy. I felt the pleasure of long drive as well as the care of team when Gaurav bhai handed over the radio to me. It was fun and helpful at the same time. Regarding the pictures, I have shared whatever I took in the whatsapp group and unfortunately, I don't have it with me now. I had to format my phone due to some technical errors. I hope you can find my pictures in whatsapp group if you have not cleared it yet.

On 8/14/2017 at 2:31 PM, Barry said:

Sorry I missed you guys. Was supposed to go but I ended up working an 18 hour shift instead. Glad you all had a great time! 

I was expecting to meet you @Barry.

I was super busy and i couldn't see this post earlier. Anyway I am super excited to see all of you. My friends asked me..."you are already driving 350-400km a day and are you crazy to drive on this super hot (holi)day again a 600km?"

We dont have to explain our passion right? I just smiled 😀

9 minutes ago, Rahimdad said:

@manums, thank you for asking a very valid question.

The Dodge Durrango seems to be an excellent choice for off-roading and the most tempting bit is its got a V8 5.7 hemi which produces over 323 hp and over 500nm of torque. Moreover a price tag of under 10K for anything over 10 years of age adds to the temptation. As far as capability goes, it is quite capable as an off-roader with a little lift and skid/bash plate to protect the radiator and some unprotected hoses which might take hit. However the cheap resale value of these vehicles indicate that maintaining it is never going to be easy or cheap. Finding parts for the Durrango can be tiresome process and when you find them the cost is always going to be higher, because the seller nows you are not going to get them easily. I never heard of a V8 5.7 hemi engine having any issues, but the transmission is known to have a few problems and if anything goes it can be quite an expensive affair.

I would recommend to stay away from the Dodge Durrango and Ford Explorer, however I have had quite a good feedback and experience with the Ford Expedition and the Chevrolet Tahoe, but similar models and condition you will get for maybe 25K as they are tough, have fewer issues, easier to find parts and cheaper to maintain.

A rule of thumb is person who make a small investment first up will cry his eyes out for life, compared to one who will cry making the first payment, but will be happy for life.

Thank you @Rahimdad bhai for such a detailed response. taking the vehicle to offroad means we have to be prepared for the maintenance. So it would always be better to go for the machines which are cheaper to maintain. The price tag was quite catchy as well as the looks, thanks to Gaurav bhai for the kind suggestion. 

Recently I have seen Dodge Durango 2001 model and I wish to know the offroad capabilities of the same. 

Probably my first offroad buddy would be a pathfinder. 2001-2004 model. Have a lot to learn from the masters  @Rahimdad @Gaurav 

@Rahimdad exactly Rahim bhai. I was using the same moto assist. Anyway usage of the phone is a great distraction for drivers. I don't attend the calls if I can't pull over and I get a lot of complaints from my boss for not answering his calls  

I guess i could join you. 

1 minute ago, desertdude said:

Good, atleast youve narrowed it down to two contenders. Out of the two I would choose the Pathfinder, first of all tons of them around and pretty cheap.Parts new and used are cheaper and more widely available than the jeros. Also no need to worry about whacking bumpers. Pretty much drive it off road in stock condition 

Also if you can score the 3.5 liter version instead of the 3.0 that thing is surprisingly fast and powerful for an older 4x4 with a 0-100 of just over 7 seconds! 

Ive driven it and was quite impressed with the power and acceleration, 

Have a chat with RD when he gets back as he drives one currently. Also drive as many as you can before so you can see and feel the difference 

Superman suggested the 2001 model and i couldn't find one yet...most of them are 2003 and 2004. What are the main differences?

With all the input i guess its better to choose either a pathfinder or a pajero swb.

5 minutes ago, Barry said:

I don't have any license so you're doing better than me lol. I had some problems after an accident back home and got banned for 3 years. I'm planning on getting my license here this year though. I'll go for manual because it leaves the options open. Most of the cars here are auto but if I do the manual test, it means I can drive anything. If I need to hop into a van or pickup at work I'll be covered. No issues, I've been driving manual since I was 10. Hopefully after that I can get my bike test.

Indecently, does anyone know what happens here if you're caught driving a manual on an auto license? Is it a real problem or just a silly 200dhs fine? I imagine the time you will find out is when someone drives into you and the police come?

It will be a problem while doing the registration i guess. Also the police could catch us incase of an accident. Awaiting answers

I also started driving manual since the age of 10 . Anyway I hope I can find one suitable 4x4.

Just now, Barry said:

I can vouch for the car too. I know every nut and bolt in it. Diamond let me drive it on one of the Carnity drives and it performed beautifully on gravel, sand tracks and attacking dunes. One of the best days out I've ever had.

I never thought i would need manual license here. I regret now. 

4 hours ago, Barry said:

Can you drive manual? @DiamondDallas is selling his Pajero cheap. Engine was fully rebuilt by me 6 months ago. 3.5 with overbore. 

That would a great miss then. I don't have manual license.

Thank you for the correction @Barry & @desertdude

22 hours ago, desertdude said:

But unfortunately when compared to the other two options the Sheep is a better option. 

Personally I would go for Discovery Series I in that price range but I know people dont like them and have all sorts of mythical stories and misconceptions about them.

Yeah I have heard a lot about the range rovers which is not so good. So if possible please do break the myths and misconceptions.

Is the Jeep a good option when it comes to maintenance?

Dear all,

I have been following this group for the past 10 months and I was lucky enough to float over the sands of UAE with the great carnity team. Needless to say, I fell in love with the off roading. I was eagerly waiting to get my license and as I received it, the next step is to get myself a proper 4x4. Myself I am not a big technical geek when it comes to the automobile field and I am learning. About the car, it will be my first car as well. I really don't want to spend a lot of money on the car. (I will be having company car for the normal commute.) It would be the best if it comes under 10k.

Please help me out here:

Which are the possible options for me (brand, model etc)?

What would be the average maintenance cost I would face? ( It differs with model to model and I am asking just to get an idea)? 

I guess the vehicle at this price would be a really old one and probably the odometer would have crossed 400k, would it be a correct choice?

Thanks to team carnity once again 

thank you every one  Dear Byju sir, it's Manu,

12 hours ago, Ren13 said:

Bro check this out searched the net for you 

 

Sorry if I am wrong...but will this reduce the effective ground clearance and cause the damage to the additional system in off road?

Indeed Barry  Thank you so much.

Thanks a lot, Deepak ji.. That's the best appreciation ever. 

Can't express my happiness. Driving on the roads officially after the wait of 1.5 years. It was a long journey as it was from Sharjah. Anyway happy that I could pass all the tests in Ist try itself. Thank God. 

Thanks alot for the kind advices @shadow79 @desertdude @Rahimdad. I really haven't gone deep into the automobile technicalities before. There's a lot to learn. I'm sure that i can get answers here, gonna start my search here.

@shadow79 that's a great advice brother . please do help me to find one....awaiting suggestions from the great experienced members

Appropriate post for an offroad enthusiast who got their license today