I'm looking to purchase a used 4runner in about 4 months as my Subaru Impreza was stolen and stripped clean this weekend. I'm wondering how to get the most bang for my buck, so here are the details.
I'm willing to spend up to 10K, and will be paying cash. If this isn't enough for what I want I could defer purchase for awhile and save 5K more or so, but riding my bike to work in the winter really sucks.
The truck will be a daily driver in Denver, averaging about 250 miles a month. In addition, it will take many trips to the mountains year round for hiking, camping, climbing and boarding, these trips range from 100 to 300 miles round trip. The truck won't be taken off road.
The truck will be inspected by an independent mechanic and I won't be purchasing anything unless the interior, exterior and mechanics are in great shape. I'm willing to take the time and money to find the right buy, and will wait until I find a well maintained and clean truck. I'd rather have an older model with higher mileage that's been well maintained than a newer money sink.
I'd greatly prefer a manual transmission, must have 4WD or AWD, and a 6 cylinder would be enough power. I don't need any fancy options, though I wouldn't scoff if they were there.
Given all of this, which years/gens do you think I should concentrate on researching? Are some years more reliable at high mileage that others? What's the best you'd think I'll be able to do given my price limit and needs? Is there anything else you think I should be aware of, any further advice?
Thanks up front for any help and for wading through a long first post,
Justin
I'm willing to spend up to 10K, and will be paying cash. If this isn't enough for what I want I could defer purchase for awhile and save 5K more or so, but riding my bike to work in the winter really sucks.
The truck will be a daily driver in Denver, averaging about 250 miles a month. In addition, it will take many trips to the mountains year round for hiking, camping, climbing and boarding, these trips range from 100 to 300 miles round trip. The truck won't be taken off road.
The truck will be inspected by an independent mechanic and I won't be purchasing anything unless the interior, exterior and mechanics are in great shape. I'm willing to take the time and money to find the right buy, and will wait until I find a well maintained and clean truck. I'd rather have an older model with higher mileage that's been well maintained than a newer money sink.
I'd greatly prefer a manual transmission, must have 4WD or AWD, and a 6 cylinder would be enough power. I don't need any fancy options, though I wouldn't scoff if they were there.
Given all of this, which years/gens do you think I should concentrate on researching? Are some years more reliable at high mileage that others? What's the best you'd think I'll be able to do given my price limit and needs? Is there anything else you think I should be aware of, any further advice?
Thanks up front for any help and for wading through a long first post,
Justin
