Indy4Runner
New member
Well, after 21 years, I've finally got my 4Runner. It's a black 2003 Limited 4Wd and I love it.
First, some history; In 1986 I got my first ride in a 4Runner. A family friend just got it and we took it to the mountains (Utah) to go camping. I loved it and promised myself that I'd get one eventually. Since then I've owned several trucks/SUVs and currently own a '74 Bronco and a '78 Bronco. But no 4Runner until now. I just wasn't ready to spend the money to be honest. Well, things change.
Last week I got home on leave from Baghdad for two weeks and decided to buy my wife a new vehicle. I'd just sold my '97 Acura Integra and with us planning for a second (and eventually, third) kid next year, this seemed like the perfect time to buy. I never considered a minivan because there is nothing so sad and depressing as a grown man driving a minivan. I did consider a car but we've got two great danes to haul around so that didn't last. So, it was quickly narrowed down to an SUV and the 4Runner won out. I got a good deal on a '03 with 60,000 miles on it. I checked it out myself (I'm a pretty decent shade tree mechanic) and it checked out fine. Also, Carfax showed no issues so it was a no-brainer.
We've already taken it on a 800 mile round trip to South Carolina where it performed flawlessly. It averaged 18 mpg which I could care less about. Neither of my Broncos get more than 12 mpg on the highway and our old Expedition got about 15 mpg highway. If mileage was the main concern I would've got a minivan. I was impressed with the highway ride, it's as good as the reviews claim it is. I've taken it on the beach and of course that was uneventful too. It is a very well car with great attention to detail. These are things I didn't care about until recently so maybe that's why I'm just now getting one.
I'm curious to see how it tows this winter when we move to California. I'll probably be towing a 4000 pound trailer behind it.
Here's a pic. Not the best but all I have for now.
First, some history; In 1986 I got my first ride in a 4Runner. A family friend just got it and we took it to the mountains (Utah) to go camping. I loved it and promised myself that I'd get one eventually. Since then I've owned several trucks/SUVs and currently own a '74 Bronco and a '78 Bronco. But no 4Runner until now. I just wasn't ready to spend the money to be honest. Well, things change.
Last week I got home on leave from Baghdad for two weeks and decided to buy my wife a new vehicle. I'd just sold my '97 Acura Integra and with us planning for a second (and eventually, third) kid next year, this seemed like the perfect time to buy. I never considered a minivan because there is nothing so sad and depressing as a grown man driving a minivan. I did consider a car but we've got two great danes to haul around so that didn't last. So, it was quickly narrowed down to an SUV and the 4Runner won out. I got a good deal on a '03 with 60,000 miles on it. I checked it out myself (I'm a pretty decent shade tree mechanic) and it checked out fine. Also, Carfax showed no issues so it was a no-brainer.
We've already taken it on a 800 mile round trip to South Carolina where it performed flawlessly. It averaged 18 mpg which I could care less about. Neither of my Broncos get more than 12 mpg on the highway and our old Expedition got about 15 mpg highway. If mileage was the main concern I would've got a minivan. I was impressed with the highway ride, it's as good as the reviews claim it is. I've taken it on the beach and of course that was uneventful too. It is a very well car with great attention to detail. These are things I didn't care about until recently so maybe that's why I'm just now getting one.
I'm curious to see how it tows this winter when we move to California. I'll probably be towing a 4000 pound trailer behind it.
Here's a pic. Not the best but all I have for now.
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