Most people change cars like clothes.

I studied which car to get for 6 month. Careful research of my needs and available auto options.

Ordered the 4Runner and waited 6 months for it to be built to my exact list of options, and without the stuff I didn't want.

A car that fits my needs perfectly doesn't need to be replaced until its worn out.

I have over 3 million miles of experience driving, from the southern tip of Africa to Hawaii and everywhere across North America. A half million miles of this experience on two wheels.

The V8 4Runner still suits my needs perfectly.

Whoa. Which one? Had to be a 300D or 240D, right?

300sd

New:


Over 300,000 miles later:

Very nice. A trip I'm sure many of us aspire to enjoy. Thanks for the pics and for sharing the maintenance and upgrades you've done. With only 182k on mine I've a ways to go.

A lesson I've learned over the 5 decades of driving is that autos are a very expensive purchase. Choosing wisely and maintaining a vehicle over a very long service life will reward you with a lot more disposable income.

While some say to only purchase used autos, I disagree because few maintain autos to the level I maintain them. Nearly zero perform the detailed engine break-in procedure, like Motoman, that I do. This is why no vehicle I own consumes any oil. Seat the rings properly in the first 20 miles of engine life, and you will have a very long lasting engine.

I get great value out of vehicles, and people rapidly purchase motorcycles I sell, because of being meticulous.

Where possible, I only use the synthetic media Amsoil oil filter, and larger ones which fit, because they filter in a manner no paper filter can. Clean oil lubricates better. Well lubricated engines last longer and perform better. The EAO34 fits the V8 perfectly.