I think I want a new rig

have had my first gen for 13 years, 208,000 miles, still runs like a top.

I don't need a new truck, I just kinda want something newer.

It's time for timing belt and water pump, due for rear breaks, headlights need replacing, AC is due for a drain and charge, probably time for a good all around tuneup, fluids change and full blown detail. At that point I could just put what I spend on all that, plus what I can get out of this truck, and get myself something newer.

This first gen has been great to me, I have no complaints, only thing that has failed is the little actuator that cycles between heat and AC, other then that, never a m chanical failure. I want something with a bit more power. The Tacoma 3.4 just doesn't have it when on big grades, and the milage is poor as far as I am concerned.

Thinking about a 2016 4Runner 4x4.

That's my story, and I am sticking to it.

 

Nice!! A new 4runner will be a big upgrade comfort-wise

 

New 4Runner!

 

Do the maintenance to your 1st gen and pick up the 3.4l supercharger for sale in the Buy/Sell/Trade forum


4Runners are awesome though

 

I kinda want to get a 4 runner before they change from the 4.0.
I think I could sell the tComa pretty quickly, its in great shape and has been maintained bY me personally its entire life. Bought brand spanking new at the Toyota dealer in Huntington Beach. I have had excellent experience with both toyotas I have owned. My 2000 4x4 sr5 4Runner went over 300,000 miles before I sold it. That truck took me everywhere and anywhere I ever wanted.
I really want something with more power then the 3.4 and I don't really need a pickup bed these days.

 

I wanted a 4x4 Mercedes Sprinter van, until I went to the dealer and looked at the sticker price. They are way proud of those things. Back to Toyota for me.

 

I used to work at Alvarado Elementary on 20th and Cherry for 3 years and would hike up to the top of Signal Hill between going to my other job in downtown LB all the time.

Man that's a clean looking truck. You'll be able to sell it quickly on here!

 

Why not a used land cruiser ?

 

I have both - 5th gen 4Runner and 1st gen Tacoma.



Don't expect much on mileage improvement. My both trucks are stock and the only gas mileage eating change was BFG KO2 (stock size) on both of them. I'm getting 18-19mpg on 4Runner and similar on Tacoma when doing the same kind of driving. 4.0 is way better engine (for fuel economy) comparing to to 1st gen Taco (obviously) but 4Runner is over a 1000lb heavier and that alone will suck a fuel from the tank. 4.0 still kicks the ass comparing to my wimpy 2.7.

No, I'm not trying to say 4Runer is bad, quite opposite. This is fantastic vehicle and I love my "Bismarck". It is very comfy, does perform off-road stock and loaded with technology. The only truck I drove that beat my 4Runner was 2017 QX80 I rented a couple months back.



Massive 5.7 V8 engine, better fuel economy, more technology and comfort. But I still probably wouldn't trade my 4Runner for QX80. I am Toyota man .

 

I closed my shop in signal hill and moved to Vegas. Could not stand to live in the liberal capital of the world any longer. Impossible to do business without being taxed by every acronym division of the state.
Now I can buy any gun I want.

 

Right on - I grew up in Maine shooting rifles and bow and arrows and not seeing anyone for days at a time on camping trips so that's an adjustment I've made. I like my work teaching in inner city schools, but once in awhile the bs that I get from administrators makes me want to move out to Utah. Oh well, I just try to supplement my time in the city with trips out to places like Mojave National Preserve, Imperial County, and the Sierras.

 

I miss Long Beach and signal hill, lots of friends there and my Signal hill neighborhood was vintage craftsman homes, tree lined streets, 2 kids , a dog and matching Volvo kinda neighborhood. Having a hard time adjusting to weather over 110 degrees, but I scored a really good job with lots of freedom and my own 3000 sq ft shop with air conditioning. Rent is way cheap in Vegas, I have a great house 5 minutes from red rock. My dog is no bueno with the weather, that's for sure.
Going to go look at vehicles this weekend. Cheers.
By the way, go to Curlys at Cherry and willow and enjoy a cold one on the patio. Great neighborhood bar where everyone knows everyone in Signal Hill. And it is dog friendly.
Cheers.

 

I ended up in a 2017 4Runner for very similar reasons. I tow a camper trailer all over the place, and with the family, gear, junk, and stuff, all of it (except the family, lol) had to go in the unprotected bed. Also, the 3.4L was adequate, but the hills really slowed it down, and it's only a 2200# popup trailer. So... I started shopping around and found a purdy little grey 4Runner with the 4.0L. So I licked the door handles and it was mine! Recently returned from a ~2000 mile trip to eastern WA and back for a reunion and that thing is SOOOO much better on the road towing than my Taco.

But... I kept my 2004 TRD doublecab. It's my new off road play toy. Just ordered some new mid-travel coilovers and upper A arms to start my build...

 

Woo!

 

Nice pictures! Look like ads for whatever brands are on your truck - but the kind that actually make you want to get out and drive. Awesome!

 

Haha thanks! Took them on my iPhone when we stopped to let the dog pee lol

 

I had a 4Runner before. Loved it, lots of Baja trips in that rig. Had a Sonoran steel kit and other various other stuff to make it trail worthy. 5 speed with diff lock.

 

More reason to get a 4Runner:

 

Which version?

 

Get a benz! That AMG power though