Me. Side by side and done. At the size and ability they are being built its seems an easy choice. My cavit however is the cost. Only the cost since they are 99 percent engineered to do the very purpose you buy one for as opposed to an extremely well sorted rig costing easily 15k to 20k more. The side by side still wins, but I don't see spending out for one. This is strictly from a use and hard cash perspective of the extreme ends.
Second line of thought for purchase built senerio. It beats the cost perspective hands down. The drawback is its still a full size toy and more limited on trail access and most likely more expensive all around to maintain and tow. Not saying side by sides are bullet proof but someone else's engineering is always a question mark unless you spend decently. The side by side then wins again because of cost.
But all that aside. Are you feeding another itch? Do you really enjoy the build process? Is creative freedom and the product a source of relaxation and gratification? Those things have no price tag.
I'm leaving the well built daily, or semi useful road tripper out of my response. You said buggy. In my eyes SxS equals buggy.
Now for my dream. Smaller size buggy. Not Toyota or Sami small but not 42's and 800hp. Many builds faulter in my opinion due to the glass ceiling of Insta/Hardline Jones. Being more realistic in my goals and good bit of creative freedom I'd prefer a Small block Ford, C4, Atlas, 37 stickies, ORIs, 2 seat, with a small SxS style bed. All framed into a 100 inch wheel base. 4 linked with a balanced suspension not hung up on huge travel, acompanied by basic Tons. The most enjoyment would be the actual build. With the size limitations may arise but I've never been disappointed in the woods over a day at work.
