A conversation I had with a mechanic

It's nice to know that for the most part Toyota's are still trucks you can just change the fluids on and mostly not worry too much about it. I remember my first 4runner with the removable cap and the 22R with a 5 speed... it was slow but it went everywhere and was bullet proof

 

I will say having leased a fair share of Foresters they are tanks. I drove three like I stole them for 9 years…. because hey! base model, zero down, warranty, only oil changes for 36 months, and in the $300’s for a monthly payment. Did you know that a forester can carry 6x6’s on the roof?! Lowe’s was always entertaining. Being broke makes you appreciate a truck. Finally got one again. I’ll drive it 10 years then give it to my kids when they turn 16 and I’ll get another.

Don’t get me wrong I will forever miss my ‘04 long bed GMC sierra I bought for $4k with 60k miles in 2009.

Needed a truck- got a tacoma. There’s a million on the road!

Check out the squat on my 2020 forester- do you think 5100’s and AAL would have fixed it ?

 

If you tow a lot, pin the transmission thermostat open so the fluid can actually get to the radiator at a lower temperature. I used a 1.6mm dia. stainless R-pin.

 

Does that help on longer trips?