Vehicle recommendations

[Wulf202]

I run an f250 4x4 with a 7.3l diesel for this purpose. It's the same thing as the excursion but I prefer the utility of a pickup. You're welcome to check it out and drive it.

I did extensive research before I gave up my suburban for the diesels I've owned/own. You need to decide gas/diesel standard/auto # of seats needed. Pickups will be easier to find than suv. A crew cab short bed with or without a topper would be my suggestion. For diesels you'll find 3 basic diehard motors. The ford 7.3 89-03 the Dodge 12 valve 72?-98 early the Dodge 24v 98-07 early. For sedans you'll get the jetta to and the Mercedes 240 or 300. I've owned 3 of the 5 of them so far.

The nice thing about all these motors aside from longevity is they're kind of multi fuel. My 7.3 has ran peanut oil. New motor oil. Used motor oil that's been filtered. Hydraulic oil. Gasoline mixed with diesel and oil. The Mercedes 300 has had most of them also. The 12 valve will run straight motor oil if needed at the lowest temps. Tdi does not like you messing with its fuel without doing a lot of work.

As far as cold starts, not plugged into heater power. the 7.3 is good down to about 10 degrees. The Mercedes 300td will start at -5. The 12 valve I've only had a little while and has started down to 0. The ford is by far the hardest to get going without heat.

Economy. 14 city 22 highway unloaded in the Ford 7.3. The dodge I've gotten 22 highway but after I'm done with it I expect it'll put up 30mpg highway without issue. The Mercedes sedan got 29-32 highway about 20 city. Jett tdi stick will get 52 highway if you're nice to it without mods.

Longevity. 7.3l 400k-800k with regular maintenance. The 12 valve 1mil. The Mercedes pre86 1mil post 86 500k-750k