help me brainstorm what to get for my next vehicle

[STAG]

The '04 for 14k sounds about right. As long as Steve isn't opposed to blue.

 

[sixstringsteve]

What did you think of the GX?

I like it. A lot. I think they're like 500 lbs heavier than a runner. There's about 4-6" more headroom inside, which is the main thing I like about it. It's not as peppy as the 4runner and they're supposed to get about 2mpg worse. It wasn't night and day different from the runner other than the visibility and bigger inside feel. I fear that parts would be a bit more expensive with the adjustable suspension height, but everything else seemed quite comparable. Both have terrible ground clearance and would greatly benefit from a 2" OME lift. I like the 4runner better for the MPG and I like the lexus better for the visibility and room inside. If I were to sleep inside both I'd much rather have the lexus.

The sunroof on the 4runner takes away a precious 3-4" of roof height at the 2nd seat.

 

[sixstringsteve]

If I did go that route I'd want a 2005 or newer so I could get the VVT-i

 

[Jesser04]

Why not a v6? We have an 05 sr5 that has been great! Sure the extra ponies would be fun but it sure was nice not paying to replace a timing belt. We have 265/75r16 duratracs on it and it will go as fast as I'd like over parleys. With the seats folded all the way forward me and my bil slept in it at fyto just fine.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Absolutely nothing wrong with the v6s, they're awesome. They're actually selling for more than the v8 models. Regardless, I've made up my mind that if I get a 4runner it will be a 2005+ v8.

 

[Kevin B.]

I can't believe I'm thinking this and it makes me sick to my stomach to say it, but have you looked at the Highlander, Steve?

It's Toyota. It's got decent freeway power and gets good mileage. Plenty of cargo room. It's a fully independent suspension. It's all wheel drive. All it's missing from your list is a low range transfer case. God help me, I think you want a (blech) Highlander.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I need a low range. Otherwise i'd have a pilot or ridgeline.

 

[STAG]

Have you test drove any Ridgelines?

 

[sixstringsteve]

Not yet. The lack of a low range has steered me away, but I would like to test drive one someday.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I thought I finally found the perfect 4runner. Then I read the details a little more carefully.

https://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/1574353?ad_cid=1

 

[frieed]

Come on Steve.. doncha have a spare transfer case and front axle in you spare parts bin?

 

[Rot Box]

Then I read the details a little more carefully. url]

I almost did that once.. Drove a long way to find it out too. Add said 4wd and buyer said it did great in snow.. Gotta look close on the 4runners and tacos

 

[sixstringsteve]

Yeah, I was on my way with cash, but then I re-read the ad and realized it was missing 4wd. Dangit.

 

[sixstringsteve]

The best $40 I've spend in this process is buying a month's supply of autocheck vehicle history reports. It's crazy how many vehicles have accidents in them with a clean title.

 

[frieed]

Look closely at your autocheck subscription...

Carfax say unlimited for a month (unlimited licence plate checks, 5 vin checks) grrr..

 

[sixstringsteve]

yeah, but autocheck gets unlimited vin checks for a month. I've already run about 40 checks so far.

I test drove a gx470 tonight that I liked. maybe 5% less acceleration than a 4runner, but a nice vehicle. I wish they had the roll-down window and hatch that the 4runner has, but it has other benefits as well.

 

[STAG]

Take the lift off, put it on 32's and I found your perfect vehicle.

 

[sixstringsteve]

that's an "interesting" conversion.

 

[sixstringsteve]

my next rig will be a 2005+ v8 4runner or gx470. There just aren't a lot on the market right now.

 

[ttora4runner]

my next rig will be a 2005+ v8 4runner or gx470. There just aren't a lot on the market right now.

Road trip: http://denver.craigslist.org/search/cta?query=lexus+gx470