Would you drive on gravel?

Vbp6US

I would avoid it. The gravel can kick up and give you paint chips but to me, more importantly, the excess dust will find its way in crevices which would stay clean otherwise. I know because I used to drive my car (not a Z) through areas like what you described and it didn't end too well. It makes you lose the "new" car feeling and allows you to justify trashing it faster too, imo.

While I won't say find new friends, I would say consider getting a cheap pickup. Sounds like you could use it.