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Since it doesn't have to be new, and reliability is the top concern, the choice is obvious: Toyota 4Runner. The 4.0 V-6 and 5-speed automatic transmission is pretty much bulletproof, and there is a LOT of aftermarket support for this platform. There are several trim levels, and I'd recommend the Limited version of the most recent models, since it has all-wheel drive and a locking center differential. I had a '23 4R Limited, and my youngest daughter has a '23 4R TRD OffRoad Premium (ORP). Her ORP has a lot more bells and whistles than my Limited had regarding driving modes, crawl control, etc. But most of that stuff I'd never use, so the AWD of the Limited was enough for me. Also, the Limited had a 3rd row seat, which wasn't an option on her ORP. I'd avoid any of the vehicles in your list that are turbocharged, and try to stay with a normally-aspirated drivetrain.
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« Last post by Dukedesmo on Today at 10:57:46 AM »
Quote from: BIF on Today at 08:57:19 AMThailand seems easy enough to do, and I have all the proper paperwork. Vietnam is a lot tougher due to regulations with the international drivers license
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Can't speak for Vietnam but my Son went 'travelling' 3 years ago. He spent the first 2 years in Thailand where, AFAIK he used his UK licence and is now in Bali, Indonesia. He bought a bike whilst there - as for licensing, he paid the equivalent of $100 at the local Police station which got him a local licence (for whatever vehicle he wanted) with no requirement for any test or proof of a foreign licence. Now this was Indonesia but I doubt that Vietnam is so much different that money can't buy you the requisite documents... 
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I've yet to visit either, but as you may well know MANY motorcycles are built for global export in Thailand, as well as for the obvious domestic market. If it's of interest to you, I'd see if Honda, Ducati, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, etc have anything worth seeing at their factories even if they don't offer tours of the facility. I know that Thai Honda at least have a small museum at one of their factories. Beyond that I'd recommend checking out a "Cub House". They are the lifestyle oriented motorcycle dealers for Honda, similar to some Harley-Davidson dealerships in the US, but for the small bore bikes that the world, and Thailand, run on.
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« Last post by MikeP996 on Today at 10:51:20 AM »
I have a Sena headset/mic in the helmet as does my wife so we can communicate when she's out with me on her bike (about 1/2 the time). The mic/headset links to the phone so I can tell the phone what I want nav-wise and I can hear nav instructions as well as see the route on the phone. Works really well. The only thing I use it for on the bikes is nav but you could tell it to play whatever music OR make/take phone calls Or take pics/shoot video, etc...
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« Last post by MikeP996 on Today at 10:42:05 AM »
"Rain and mud seem to be a recurring thing."
From around mid April to mid Sep as I recall...It is, indeed!!!
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I've been very happy with a quiklock mount/my iPhone and have mounts on all my bikes. Since I always have the phone, it's a seamless transition from one bike to another. But I'm always interested in a better way to do something!!! :) What does a unit like that provide that a smartphone doesn't? Is it just that it's larger?
So I like 2 things on the bike, navigation and music (I know people will have thoughts on music, that's fine). While both can be handled with a phone it involves multiple screens that are personally difficult for me to switch between on the bike. Plus the screen/font/details are too small for me to see at a quick glance. The Carplay screen offers a larger, clearer, simpler interface that can either show me all the info I need at once or easily swap screens. This lowers distractions for me immensely. The added bonus is I like being able to keep my phone on my person in case I am ever separated from the bike and need to call for help
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« Last post by Bulldog9 on Today at 10:06:42 AM »
There is a guy in my town who drives around in an older Cherokee with the six. It is spotless and sounds like it came out of the showroom last week. A few weeks ago he pulled up to the post office in a late model Cherokee. I don't know him but I had to ask if he had sold his old one in hopes that it might be for sale. "No, I will never sell it."
My wife has been through a few cars. We have had two Durangos, one with the V6 and the other with the 5.7 Hemi. Both were great engines, got good fuel mileage and no trouble with either. Her job is 50 miles away so the mileage builds up rather quickly. She got the new car bug a year and a half ago. I let her do the deal I didn't pay much attention just put my John Hancock on the paperwork. So when the deal was done I went out to check out her new Grand Wagoneer. I expected to see the new twin turbo Hurricane but no. It turned out it was a left over '23 which is why she got a really good deal. When I opened the hood there was a Hemi staring at me, not only a Hemi but a 6.4. Geez, it even has an exhaust note that lets you know it is not a car to fool with, a real hefty rumble. It even gets decent fuel mileage, it doesn't take much gas pedal to fly. 
I have driven a rental Jeep with the 4 cylinder, I was impressed at how much power it had. Sorry I got off track.
kk
As a long time Jeep SUV lover, when the new Wagoneer came out, I was drooling. Wanted one really bad, but then saw the sticker, and the Grand Wagoneer even moreso. Hope you guys love it, it is a beautiful machine. The 6.4 is a beast too, and I think that it uses the ZF based 8 speed? One of the best auto transmissions ever made. FWIW, if you are concerned about that horrid MDS system, running in Sport or Tow Haul Mode will prevent the computer from engaging the MDS. You can also disable it permanently, but that messes with warranty. My cousin is a long time Mopar Mechanic and talks about how much he hates the MDS and how it destroys their V8's. Anyhow, double apology for going off topic... But Maybe Not............. SRE, the Wagoneer is a great truck based SUV, and selling cheap as chips.
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« Last post by nwguy on Today at 10:03:51 AM »
I have a friend who goes with a group every year to Vietnam to ride motorcycles for a week or so. One friend from the States who's at least part Vietnamese serves as their guide. They rent small displacement bikes that are usually in poor condition. Numerous patches or plugs on each tire, etc. They usually ride mountainous areas and tour/stay in small villages. Lots of fun they say. Good food. Bikes usually have trouble at some point though. Rain and mud seem to be a recurring thing.
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« Last post by MikeP996 on Today at 10:01:34 AM »
I still have a fond memory of my first ever ride on a motorcycle which took place at Phouc Vinh, Vietnam! I was a young tourist back then on a free, all expenses paid tour. Saw lots of beautiful country that would be great riding today. Hope you're able to do it!!!
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« Last post by Vagrant on Today at 09:52:51 AM »
Old eyes appreciate 7" screens.
I have 0 use for a phone when ridding.
I really bought it for my 2017 Tundra but might use it on the bike too.
I have little experience with the Waze etc because I'm stuck in the Garmin GPS dark ages. Can you save and find motels and restaurants with them?
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