bought 4runner, thinking Jeep.

[jaebird82]

I know.. let me explain. Always wanted a 4runner v8 Sport Ed. Found an '03 2wd with only 23k miles back in June for 14k; was a pain to get financing since it's older, but my credit union made an exception because of the extreme low miles.

A recent trip to Big Bear, Ca., a few mild dirt roads, has me jonesing a 4x4. Nothing crazy (I'm sure they all say that at first), but more than what a 2wd (Iknow there are capable 2wd rigs but I can't spend that kind of $$).

Can't afford to finance a 2005/2006 Yota 4runner, even though it's what I really want (not a truck guy). I don't think I've ever loved an engine more than this v8. That brings me to Jeep Wrangler.. I can get an 05/06 with decent mileage for it seems like a good amount less dough... I drove a TJ (on road) for a few hours and it was fun.. but.. as a daily driver? I only live 2 miles from work. but long road trips? talk me into it/out of it.

 

[TCMach]

Well nothing beats a 4x4. I'm not sure what kind of tires you have on your rig but these trucks (especially with that v8) with some good offroad tires, like Duratracs, can do alot in 2 wheel.
I also don't know what kind of trails you've done or how you drive, but if your not having trouble getting places I don't see the need to change. Go out and push your truck's limits and see how it handles it. If you want to be doing more than your able to, then look at switching.

 

[jaebird82]

I have Firestone Destination A/T's. This was the first "trail" i've done, but honestly it was more of a flat fire road off the highway with a few bumps lol. Not a real trail. but enough to make me want more. There was a point when the dirt became soft and i had to keep my speed up so i didn't get stuck... I fish tailed like crazy, and the Trac came on so I lost some torque. fun though, but it wouldn't be fun getting stuck out there.

I want to do more aggressive trails, go to AZ and do some of the trails over there. Im always traveling to the mountains. I used to do a lot of mountain biking, so I'm used to being out there. I love the country side.. love hiking.. I think what I want to do is beyond what a 2wd can do for me.

Well nothing beats a 4x4. I'm not sure what kind of tires you have on your rig but these trucks (especially with that v8) with some good offroad tires, like Duratracs, can do alot in 2 wheel.
I also don't know what kind of trails you've done or how you drive, but if your not having trouble getting places I don't see the need to change. Go out and push your truck's limits and see how it handles it. If you want to be doing more than your able to, then look at switching.

 

[BURNINGAIR]

Find a older cheaper runner thats in good shape and has atleast a mild build up.. Something that you think will suite the trails you'd like to hit. Best of both worlds... Your V8 daily driver and your reliable fun truck(thats cheap enough so you dont wring your own neck if it gets scratched or dented). Not to mention you can take it to and leave it unattended in a walmart parking lot without a care

 

[TCMach]

If your trying to get into the more aggressive trails then I feel like your gonna have to make the jump to a 4x4 at some point. Would you be able (financing wise) to get into something older. I'm biased but 3rd gens are pretty good 4Runners. You can get them 4x4 with a rear locker for less than 10k easily, and that would really increase your offroad capability a ton. It will have higher miles than the one you have now but mine has 140k miles and it runs like a top. Eightyhd's runner is on the classifieds for 10k and its already built up, more miles than you'd probably like but its just an example of what you can get. here is a link to it


Edit: or like [MENTION=89577]BURNINGAIR[/MENTION] said, get a beater truck. Then you don't have to worry when inevitably hit a tree.

 

[jaebird82]

3rd gens are nice too. That 3rd gen is badass, but I'm def looking or lower miles. If I could get a car loan on a 3rd gen with a low APR I'd go for it over a Wrangler in a heart beat. But it needs to be 2005 at the oldest unfortunately. Any Wrangler lovers/ex-owners/current owners out there on this forum? Buying a cheap beater is a great idea, but i want something i can take on road-trips to trails and be semi-comfortable (not like luxury comfy). I also want one insurance payment =).

If your trying to get into the more aggressive trails then I feel like your gonna have to make the jump to a 4x4 at some point. Would you be able (financing wise) to get into something older. I'm biased but 3rd gens are pretty good 4Runners. You can get them 4x4 with a rear locker for less than 10k easily, and that would really increase your offroad capability a ton. It will have higher miles than the one you have now but mine has 140k miles and it runs like a top. Eightyhd's runner is on the classifieds for 10k and its already built up, more miles than you'd probably like but its just an example of what you can get. here is a link to it


Edit: or like [MENTION=89577]BURNINGAIR[/MENTION] said, get a beater truck. Then you don't have to worry when inevitably hit a tree.

 

[BURNINGAIR]

Liability on my 84 runner is around 30 a mo.(multicar discount and all) its actually pretty comfy for long trips. It has over 200k miles and is really reliable.
I did own a jeep, 2dr YJ that was also fairly built by the time I was done. It was an "ok" DD. but with a wife and small kids it kinda sucked for any road trips. Just not enough room. However i do really like my buddies '12 JK 4dr.. Nicer ride and more room.. Its a little gutless tho (comming from a guy who's fine with a 4banger and 37" tires) but his gears are too high for his 35" tires... Otherwise its really nice. See if a dealership will let you do an extended test drive and keep one for 2 days... That'll help your decision allot.(dealers around here do it all the time) just remember to judge it correctly for how it fits your life and don't get caught up in the newness of it to you.

 

[zonianbrat]

I'd keep the 4 runner for you longer trips and get a older beater or decent 3rd gen for off-roading. It's not the best idea to have your dd also be your trail vehicle because whether you like it or not when you start hitting more difficult trails you will start breaking things. Then your DD will be down for repairs. Just my .02

 

[jaebird82]

Good point, thanks.

I'd keep the 4 runner for you longer trips and get a older beater or decent 3rd gen for off-roading. It's not the best idea to have your dd also be your trail vehicle because whether you like it or not when you start hitting more difficult trails you will start breaking things. Then your DD will be down for repairs. Just my .02

 

[KidVermicious]

Find a older cheaper runner thats in good shape and has atleast a mild build up.. Something that you think will suite the trails you'd like to hit. Best of both worlds... Your V8 daily driver and your reliable fun truck(thats cheap enough so you dont wring your own neck if it gets scratched or dented). Not to mention you can take it to and leave it unattended in a walmart parking lot without a care

This. You can get a nice 1st or 2nd gen for under $2000 if you take your time looking. Put another grand into a Spartan locker, sliders, skids - you'll have a rig that's way more capable than a stock 4th gen for a 10th the price. It won't be as powerful, comfortable, or quiet, but it'll be all the wheeler you'll ever need. Plus your V8 can flat-tow it to the trail if you drop the rear driveline.

 

[Super-G]

This is my 94 Wrangler. I bought it brand new when I was on active duty in the Marines. I drove it for 18 years until I finally replaced it in the fall of 2012 with my 02 4 Runner Sport. I put 134,000 miles on it without any real issues.

I love my 4 Runner but a Jeep is just cool. I've driven my Jeep everywhere. All the way home from Camp Pendleton CA, down to the Jersey shore, up to my vacation home in the Pocono mts of PA, up to Killington and upstate NY for ski trips. I have NEVER EVER gotten stuck in my Jeep. It went through everything. That being said....a Jeep is a ROUGH ride. Granted the TJ rides a little more comfortable than the YJ due to the fact that Jeep switched from a leaf spring suspension to a coil spring suspension but the bottom line is that a 2 door Wrangler still has a very short wheelbase and you feel ALL the bumps. Also unless you get a 4 door Wrangler you can expect to have NO storage space. Jeeps just are not good for hauling anything around. The rear area is just small. However, like I said cruising a Jeep with the top off in the summer can't be beat.

Lastly, my father just purchased a 2013 4 door Jeep Wrangler and he absolutely LOVES it. I've driven it and I have to admit it's a really nice truck.

 

[Lineman]

Cheapest vehicle is the one you have. Save up the cash until you can what you really want.

I know.. let me explain. Always wanted a 4runner v8 Sport Ed. Found an '03 2wd with only 23k miles back in June for 14k; was a pain to get financing since it's older, but my credit union made an exception because of the extreme low miles.

A recent trip to Big Bear, Ca., a few mild dirt roads, has me jonesing a 4x4. Nothing crazy (I'm sure they all say that at first), but more than what a 2wd (Iknow there are capable 2wd rigs but I can't spend that kind of $$).

Can't afford to finance a 2005/2006 Yota 4runner, even though it's what I really want (not a truck guy). I don't think I've ever loved an engine more than this v8. That brings me to Jeep Wrangler.. I can get an 05/06 with decent mileage for it seems like a good amount less dough... I drove a TJ (on road) for a few hours and it was fun.. but.. as a daily driver? I only live 2 miles from work. but long road trips? talk me into it/out of it.

 

[jaebird82]

awesome, sounds like you had a blast with your jeep. good point about storage, but is the rear seat removable? I don't really need it. yeah i remember the ride being rough when i drove my buddies tj for a few hours. I didnt mind it, then again, it was just for a few hours.

I work 2 miles from where i live so im really considering the jeep. i love to drive, i love the mountains, i love trails, it just makes sense because i can get one for at least 4 grand cheaper than a 4runner. tempting! thanks for the info.

This is my 94 Wrangler. I bought it brand new when I was on active duty in the Marines. I drove it for 18 years until I finally replaced it in the fall of 2012 with my 02 4 Runner Sport. I put 134,000 miles on it without any real issues.

I love my 4 Runner but a Jeep is just cool. I've driven my Jeep everywhere. All the way home from Camp Pendleton CA, down to the Jersey shore, up to my vacation home in the Pocono mts of PA, up to Killington and upstate NY for ski trips. I have NEVER EVER gotten stuck in my Jeep. It went through everything. That being said....a Jeep is a ROUGH ride. Granted the TJ rides a little more comfortable than the YJ due to the fact that Jeep switched from a leaf spring suspension to a coil spring suspension but the bottom line is that a 2 door Wrangler still has a very short wheelbase and you feel ALL the bumps. Also unless you get a 4 door Wrangler you can expect to have NO storage space. Jeeps just are not good for hauling anything around. The rear area is just small. However, like I said cruising a Jeep with the top off in the summer can't be beat.

Lastly, my father just purchased a 2013 4 door Jeep Wrangler and he absolutely LOVES it. I've driven it and I have to admit it's a really nice truck.

 

[Super-G]

awesome, sounds like you had a blast with your jeep. good point about storage, but is the rear seat removable? I don't really need it. yeah i remember the ride being rough when i drove my buddies tj for a few hours. I didnt mind it, then again, it was just for a few hours.

I work 2 miles from where i live so im really considering the jeep. i love to drive, i love the mountains, i love trails, it just makes sense because i can get one for at least 4 grand cheaper than a 4runner. tempting! thanks for the info.

Yes you can remove the rear seat easily. That will definitely give you more room.

I only live 8 miles from work and I spent most of my money restoring a Musclecar which is why I rocked my Jeep for 18 years. In my opinion it was better to spend my money restoring my 68 firebird than making car payments.

But since I have 2 kids who are getting bigger the Jeep just became too small.

If you get a Jeep, I'd seriously consider getting the 6cyl. The 2.5 4 cyl is great on gas but trust me it's underpowered. Get a 6 cyl with a 5 speed, A/C, and a soft top and you'll be very happy.

 

[GX4SEVEND]

Not sure if you've purchased or not yet, but there is no reason you need 2005 or newer to finance. I financed mine, which is a 2000, with 132K on it when I bought it. I got 6.99% and I don't have the best credit. Find a better bank. Or better yet, find a big dealership that has one and purchase there. You might pay more but they'll get it bought. They wrap 10-20 loans up at a time, so when they talk with a lender, they'll say hey I'll send you these 15 loans but I need this specific one bought, and they'll make it happen.

Just a thought.