Tam says it's a Toyota Hilux in a party dress: the Toyota 4Runner.
Looking for Lexus RX-series crossover/SUVs and vehicles like them landed me on a 4Runner, one with the manufacture's better interior -- leather seats and all! -- and I can pay cash. Runs well, looks good, drives nice. Predictably, it's not as luxurious as the Lexus; on the other hand, it's a little bit more serious, with all-wheel drive and a built-in receiver for a trailer hitch. (I'm not expecting to do much trailering, but better to have it an not need it than the opposite!) Interior room is about the same, ride is slightly more truck-like and the climate controls appear to have been designed by Martians. (The RX300 spoiled me, with clever controls that could be auto'd, set to a desired temperature, and ignored from then on.)
It does need to go back to Toyota for a replacement side-impact air-bag controller -- a few of them seem to have gone off unexpectedly and the manufacturer issued a recall to replace the thing. So I'll be checking on the price of that before proceeding.
FWIW - I've had my 4Runner for 2 years now, and it would be my top choice if looking for a replacement vehicle. Runs great, no major mechanical/electrical/other issues. Anecdotaly, they seem to last forever, which means parts and maintenance aren't a problem. And, I have yet to find another owner who regrets having purchased one.
ReplyDeleteBeing able to pull a trailer is nice. (The truck rental places have them for dirt cheap.) And the big-box home-improvement stores usually have stuff for rent too, though you may not need them. (Stuff like log splitters, stump-grinders, etc.)
ReplyDeleteOne of the hallmarks of Toyota products is a high level of reliability & durability, assuming the end user does their part.
ReplyDeleteI owned an '02 4Runner SR5 (2WD), which I loved and gave me precisely zero problems over 120K+ miles. Even in its 2WD configuration, it was sufficiently capable for light snow, sand and light woods bumming. Traded it in on my (present) 2012 Tacoma 4WD. Again, zero problems beyond regular maintenance, but I find myself spending more time where 4WD becomes super handy to have.
If that does become the route you choose, the 4Runner should serve you well for many, many years. Best wishes and kindest regards
Jonathan from SC
The 4Runner is (and to the best of my knowledge has always been) built on the Toyota Pickup chassis, and Toyota Pickups are quite durable and generally require little repair.
ReplyDeleteMy current daily driver is an '88 Toyota 4x4 pickup with over 222K on the odometer. Mechanically it's strong, but a lifetime on salted Midwest roads is taking its toll on the body.
IIRC a mandatory recall is on the manufacturer's dime, not the owner. I'm getting the steering wheel bolts replaced in my Ford today under recall and it is a zero-cost event to me.
ReplyDelete4 runner is fairly good. check the hoses as I lost the cooling one once and it went about 100 yards before cracking the head. On a new motor none the less.
ReplyDeleteThey will go about anywhere you need to and a few places you probably shouldn't.
Fuel economy is not even in the ball park with the design of this machines but they are reasonably reliable. Camry/Avalon is more bullet proof but not as go anywhere.
but should be pretty good I would expect.
Glad you found something affordable that you like that you can afford.
ReplyDeleteI've found trailer hitches very useful although I've never towed a trailer.
I have a platform that attaches to the hitch that is just right for hauling a lawnmower or snowblower. I've also used it to haul antenna masts, coolers, large batteries etc. for public service events, Field Day etc. Stuff that either won't fit easily inside the truck (Trailblazer), especially with passengers, or that I would just as soon not have inside.
I also have a bike rack that can hold up to 4 bikes. Handy not just for family but at public service events (biker rides) for SAG duties. With a little jiggering it also makes a good fold over base to put up 15' or so of mast and a 2 meter antenna for events out in the boonies.
If you ever get the mobile HF but, I have friends that have trailer hitch mounts for their screwdriver antennas.
Happy and safe motoring in your new buggy for many years to come!
I think that they sell that platform at Harbor Freight. I know, I know, but you would have to take a look at it and see if it is a decent quality for the price. I think that they are only like fifty bucks.
ReplyDeleteI am 58 now, and just a year ago, I finally bought my first pickup truck, a Ford F150. 4 Wheel Drive, old, but low miles on it. I actually like it a lot. It is a cab and a half, which means that I can't let a normal person sit in the back row for long, or they will never walk again, without being hunched over. But the back is really handy for hauling things. Plus I can haul sheets of plywood and the like.
My daughter's last car was a Toyota 4 runner. She loved it, but now they have a mini van, since they have one son, and like to travel, and the van rides nicer. I think they kept the Toyota, for their second vehicle. Sounds like you found a great deal, on a car you like. Good for you, I hope things work out and you don't have a lot of run around with getting things taken care of with the airbag and such.
Best of luck, on a nice vehicle. May it give you great service.
They Hylux was the car that even Top Gear couldn't kill.
ReplyDeletehttps://i.pinimg.com/736x/c9/05/06/c905069c92e112cb933569e10c9ef2e1--true-memes-comment-memes.jpg
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnWKz7Cthkk&list=PLxPLd6ANOsmKe8CMMbRfWYHbu7T7wcHYC
The 4-Runner is a good choice for general driveability and utility if you don't mind your installed creature comforts trending to the utility side of the scale.
ReplyDeleteA couple things about 4-Runners not yet mentioned:
1) They used to be a prime target for car thieves (don't ask how I know this :)); along with the replacement air bag, you might want to look into investing in some type of ignition interrupting security device (something not remotely operated). Won't stop a truly professional car thief (most just "repossess" vehicles using the standard equipment for doing such), but most car thieves aren't that professional. Even a used 4-Runner has ready value to any chop shop; the new car shiny goodies aren't the attraction here.
2) Having a tow hitch adapter built in has more utility than many realize. There are carrying devices for a surprisingly diverse number of applications. I've seen the lift bracket for bicycles type adapted by the manufacturer for Vespa-type scooters for instance. Useful, not having to clog up your bed space, and makes loading/unloading so much less physically demanding too!
Hope this works out well for you.
Technically, HiLuxes (Hiluxi?) are not available for sale in the USA due to tariffs. (Thanks a lot, LBJ!) (Chicken tax - Wikipedia)
ReplyDeleteThe Toyota Tacoma is not a re-badged HiLux, and (I believe) the 4Runner as sold in the USA is based on the Tacoma, not the HiLux, but I could certainly be wrong.