Best 4Runner for Baja

[boodabill]

Thanks, people. I'm letting in all the feedback.

Based on everyone's experience, I get it, I should have the aforementioned "ideal" mods. I am just hoping that for 2-4 months I'd be ok with just factory. I suppose I will just be limited and have to drive extra safe, stay away from wet surf sand and cliffs.

Can't afford to pay cash on a used car, and the monthly payments will be between $500-550. Then again I won't be paying rent and can soon get the extra goodies. It seems like gearing up, SUV and camping stuff, can quickly add another $3-5K to my budget.

Re standing out, I hope when it's covered with sand it will camouflage better. Or I can just "hang a lantern on it" like on FlyNavy's link. Go East LA joy rider mod.

Seriously though, if anybody knows someone in LA that can install a second battery (thanks bernard re legal info) and voltmeter, kindly let me know.

I also need fishing gear!

 

[boodabill]

My pops is looking at retiring down in baja. Every other vehicle down there is a 4Runner for good reason. That said I'd really recommend going with a 4th-gen with the v8, they have the least problems, you'll save some money, and not stick out like a sore-thumb driving a brand new rig. I agree with bernardmwrangle, flat tires are the biggest issue. Considering the majority of roads are unpaved I'd go with the strongest set of MT tires you can get, such as the Coopers, Toyo MT's or Goodyear MT-Kevlar. One consideration though is how easy it is to get replacements for said tires down there, I haven't looked into this yet. If you're set on a 5th gen. I'd go SR5 or Trail (with preference for the Trail), simply for the fact that the XREAS on the limited's may cause unnecessary problems that you probably won't want to deal with in baja.

Sparky, Good luck for your pops. You can easily live on a budget of under $1000 a month in Baja, including mobile, wifi and cable!

Dig it on the tires. I guess when i get my first flat and change it i will head over to the tire shop. Getting a lot of good feedback re Coopers. Replacements are easy since everyone is driving Toyotas down there, and high-end ones near Cabo San Lucas. I guess if I want to start going to the most difficult roads, i'll have to upgrade. That said, you can do Baja in a minivan, 2 wheel drive. There's lots of places to go via paved.

I am looking at the TE with KDSS. May I ask why you think the Limited's XREAS my go bad?

 

[boodabill]

Any ideas of sand free sleeping setups?

I was thinking to go with this chair

and this tent/tarp.

 

[jrandom]

Any ideas of sand free sleeping setups?

It is not at all possible Sand will find its way into everything, even more so if the wind is blowing. It also depends on how fine the grains of sand are, in the lower maze district of canyonlands I have ate sand so fine it resembles baking powder! It cakes into every nook and cranny.

The best you can do is have things that can be removed and shaken out, like a sleeping bag for instance. Anything with zippers and screens will let sand in. IMO If you fit I advise that you sleep in your truck, stow your gear in a tent.

 

[JSparky]

Sparky, Good luck for your pops. You can easily live on a budget of under $1000 a month in Baja, including mobile, wifi and cable!

Dig it on the tires. I guess when i get my first flat and change it i will head over to the tire shop. Getting a lot of good feedback re Coopers. Replacements are easy since everyone is driving Toyotas down there, and high-end ones near Cabo San Lucas. I guess if I want to start going to the most difficult roads, i'll have to upgrade. That said, you can do Baja in a minivan, 2 wheel drive. There's lots of places to go via paved.

I am looking at the TE with KDSS. May I ask why you think the Limited's XREAS my go bad?

Thanks boodabill. I'm by no means an expert on this but the XREAS is a cross-linked hydraulic shock system. I've driven a limited equipped with it and it does work, but I have to say I think my trail with KDSS handles even better. While both may be prone to maintenance issues, I've seen a number of posts come up with people having problems with their XREAS such as leaking and poor ride quality. I haven't seen any with the kdss (although anythings possible). Biggest thing is you can't maintain the XREAS with any kind of real suspension lift. Given the terrain down there I'd keep it simple and run standard struts/shocks, or better yet upgrade to a coilover with remote reservoirs..they were made for that kind of terrain.

 

[boodabill]

Thanks, this info is a HUGE help. Focusing on the Trail, looking into air mattress which was my original plan. Some people say that if you're over 6 feet there's not enough room, that's why I wanted to created shade using the Kelty Carport ESB Roof Rack Covered Shelter. Maybe just as a shaded place to hang out with walls.

 

[splash101]

Can't afford to pay cash on a used car, and the monthly payments will be between $500-550.

Two thoughts:

You can finance a used car.

Some dealers will install an aftermarket suspension for you and roll it into the monthly payments.

 

[boodabill]

Two thoughts:

You can finance a used car.

Some dealers will install an aftermarket suspension for you and roll it into the monthly payments.

Thanks, Splash. I meant a 4th gen, old 4R. If I go used, I want the Toyota 7 year power train warranty/1 year parts. I don't want to go too old, then that defeats the reliability that i am counting on in remote desert locations. I am not a mechanic. But I do speak enough Spanish do say "Donde esta un mecanico?"

But you are right, used is fine. Within 150 miles of LA on Certified Toyota webpage, lots of SR5s and Limiteds, only one Trail, no KDSS. Maybe I could ask them to install an aftermarket suspension, like you suggested.

I like this:

12 month/12,000-mile Limited Comprehensive Warranty1
Coverage begins from date of Toyota Certified Used Vehicle purchase
Provides our highest level of coverage available
Covers any repair or replacement of components which fail under normal use due to a defect in materials or workmanship
It's transferable at no cost, for added resale value

7 year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty2
Coverage begins from the original date of first use when sold as new
Covers major engine, transmission components and all internally lubricated parts
Offers Travel Protection that includes lodging reimbursement when more than 150 miles from home
Provides Substitute Transportation reimbursement while your Toyota Certified Used Vehicle is undergoing repair4
It's transferable at no cost, for added resale value​

 

[splash101]

T
I like this:

12 month/12,000-mile Limited Comprehensive Warranty1
7 year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty2
​

To possibly expand your search net for a TE:

If I'm not mistaken, when you buy a used vehicle that is still under the original bumper to bumper warranty, the warranty balance will transfer to you and you can pay to extend it. For example, a 30 month old vehicle with 6 months remaining on the comprehensive warranty could be extended to a 7 year/100,000 mile comprehensive warranty which would be good for 7 years minus 30 months.

Also, banks do offer car loans if you purchase from a private individual.

 

[boodabill]

If I'm not mistaken, when you buy a used vehicle that is still under the original bumper to bumper warranty, the warranty balance will transfer to you and you can pay to extend it. For example, a 30 month old vehicle with 6 months remaining on the comprehensive warranty could be extended to a 7 year/100,000 mile comprehensive warranty which would be good for 7 years minus 30 months.

Also, banks do offer car loans if you purchase from a private individual.

Thanks, Splash. Having lived in NYC for years with no need for car, I am still rather new to car buying. I will look into this and look for other posts about buying 4Runners. So, this does open me up to buying a 4th gen and then taking the money saved to mod it in the way I would like.

My car 4Runner is still a dream but my mind is "Baja-racked" with options.

 

[boodabill]

Have you considered a Taco?

LOL, it took me a week to realize you were talking about a Tacoma.

I guess that's why they call us newbies.

And to answer your question, no i didn't. Probably another good idea but i was set on the Trail once i drove it.