Hello again guys,

It doesn't look like another imported 4Runner/Hilux Surf is going to happen sadly. There is nothing new coming on the market, just the same ones week after week. (I am looking for an un-modified one pref 2007 or newer)

Anyway, by chance I looked at the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK. I thought they would be well out of my budget, but they aren't. Probably because over here people are OBSESSED with MPG, and so favour diesels (But then the turbo/high pressure diesel pump/high pressure injectors/etc system goes wrong and costs you ££££ to fix...but at least you saved £100 on fuel a year!)

As you're probably all quite familiar with Jeep, could you tell me how the rear space compares to a 4th gen 4R? This was my previous setup I would like to duplicate. (I recovered the wooden shelving/racking from the truck)




Thanks!

Can't speak to the space differences, but correct me if I am wrong, the jeep cherokee is a unibody design. So its not really a comparable platform to the 4r body on frame.....depending on how you plan to use it.....something to think about.

Thanks mate - I don't think it will be a big problem. I liked the fact the 4R was body on frame, as I like old school solid engineering but it's not a deal breaker as I won't be doing any extreme off-roading. Maybe a trip or two to Salisbury Plains.

I looked at the Grand Cherokee before passing for the 4Runner. For full disclosure, I was looking at the MY22 GC, which is the 1st year of the new generation. MY21 going back is an older generation but I would guess the dimensions did not change much.

For 2022, the cargo volume is a bit smaller compared to the 4R. Not as boxy of a shape for the rear cargo area. The inside cargo area panels were not as hard plasticky/built for abuse as the 4R. I also thought the metal around the rear liftgate was a little tinny/not as robust as the 4R, which felt more solid (subjective opinion here.)

The passenger area was a massive upgrade...more comfortable, better outside mirrors, although the sight lines straight back were not as good. That probably won't be a concern for you since your cargo area will be loaded to the rafters.

I did not test drive the GC since it did not suit my needs. Maybe it will suit yours?

Thank you Sir! It was interesting reading your thoughts on the differences between the two.

I just know that a Jeep Cherokee was the WORST car (4WD or 2WD) we've ever owned. Great for looks but poor reliability. Stopped dead on the bridge between Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA!!!

Nice if all you want to sit in the driveway and listen to Sirius Radio!

Space wise, I haven't measured but think my 2019 SR5 Premium is a tad larger.

Edit for expansion: I just know we take several 2-3 week trips through the SW in our 4Runner the last two years-got caught in a blizzard outside of Reno last Sept. Heat and the summer monsoons earlier this summer, going around Thanksgiving this year again. Daughter lives in Flag(staff), AZ and brother at the western edge of the Mojave. We take an electric cooler for my insulin, a pretty big First Aid kit, several fly-rod (this trip), my walker, my niece and her luggage (last trip), our luggage, snack box & books.

Blue Beast in the Sierras:
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The Beast at the California State University Desert Studies Center at Zzyzx, CA

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The Beast at Chaco Canyon Anasazi ruins in New Mexico:
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Yes I did wonder about that as I've seen reports like that from American owners of certain domestic brands but weirdly over here they don't seem to be worse than any other vehicle - maybe the climate/terrain here isn't as harsh compared to the awesome continental climate/landscapes you guys have, so they get an easier life?

I think most Americans in general are more likely to change the oil etc (Sending oil for analysis is a complete unknown over here) so I don't think they get any special treatment here - most people are oblivious, mechanically.

I think the shape of the 4Runner lends itself better to being packed with gear. Maybe I should just emigrate to the States?

Hate to see you give up on getting another 4R. Still curious as to how the import process works. Do you buy from a local company who then brings the truck over? Or do you buy it in the other country then have it shipped to the UK?

Same here matey, another 4R is still the dream. Mine was a Japanese import, a fairly common process here, but more for 'hobby' cars, although things like the Toyota Alphard are quite common - but not 4Rs sadly.

(Actually I will never understand why no-one really imports them. The 3rd gen was the last 'official' import and is a bit of a cult classic here - but if you go ebay UK for example, all there is available are tired old diesels. There's a port in Japan full of fairly fresh 3rd gens a boat trip away!)

Unfortunately I have no transport at all now, and I am self-employed. I had my old Suzuki Grand Vitara to use while I waited for the 4R to arrive from Japan and be registered.

Even if I ordered a 4R today, it would take 12 - 13 weeks to arrive, then have to be registered with the DVLA (DMV) which could be another 2 - 6 weeks.

I still want something large, comfy, auto, petrol and just a bit special and the V8 Jeep seems to be the closest thing I can buy immediately.

I know diesels aren't as common there and have a bit of a mystique but you're really not missing much - modern ones are so good to drive because they are highly tuned, and that means lots of very expensive and fragile components bolted on.

You guys don't know how lucky you are being able to have your pick of V8 petrol engines in whatever vehicle you like the look of!

Americans are lucky. Sometimes we forget just how fortunate we are because we're too busy complaining about minutiae.

Well, to be fair that's an important reminder to be glad for what we do have - me included!

Nice little Civic in your tagline by the way - my mum has owned a 2003 1.6 manual hatchback for years and years and I don't think it has ever caused a moments trouble. Great cars.

Go for it if you can in any way. From I hear on the forums over here that's pretty comparable!

If the stars align and it happens, and I manage to get another one, I'll have to be banned from the forum because there's no way I will shut up about it

Thanks about the Civic SI. It's been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned by far. It was Honda at its finest - the 1.6 VTEC is unbreakable at 8000 RPM and the 5 speed manual is bulletproof. I wish I would have known what I was buying at the time. My exact car (but only 6000 miles on the clock) sold at auction for 52,500 USD a year or so ago. That is not a misprint. I should have bought two - one to drive and one to store for auction 20 years later.

I do hope you manage to find another 4Runner. Life's too short to accept second best.

Ha, hindsight is always 20/20 as they say!

I've been driving that 2003 Civic so I can at least go and look at/price jobs, and although the steering and suspension feels tired the still engine feels fresh and eager. 224000 miles on yours is amazing, I hope you get many more miles and smiles out of it.