How old is your 4runner in "car years"?

[3gsdad]

Yesterday My daughter was complaining about some of the issues that come with owning a 20 year old vehicle, (Like not wanting to go 80 on the HWY). When I told her how great it was for its age she just rolled her eyes not understanding 20 years is a very old car. So I explained that a dog ages about 7 years for every human year, and its like that for cars. I said that most cars were designed to last 10 to 15 years and that at 20 years old my 4runner was like a 90 year old man.
I was wondering if anyone else looks at these 4runners like this?

 

[99problems]

Yesterday My daughter was complaining about some of the issues that come with owning a 20 year old vehicle, (Like not wanting to go 80 on the HWY). When I told her how great it was for its age she just rolled her eyes not understanding 20 years is a very old car. So I explained that a dog ages about 7 years for every human year, and its like that for cars. I said that most cars were designed to last 10 to 15 years and that at 20 years old my 4runner was like a 90 year old man.
I was wondering if anyone else looks at these 4runners like this?

I think the main limiting factors are the road laws and supporting architecture. Almost no car manufactured before the 1950's has a snowball's chance in Hell of being able to drive on the highway today for instance. Most cars before the early 1970's ran on leaded gas that was phased out. In order to reliably drive cross country at all temperatures and elevations you can bump that number to the 1980's for fuel injection. If the government were to raise the national highway speed limits any further, my 3rd Gen 4Runner would be essentially let-go from daily driver use since it really doesn't like to go above 75 for long (even though it'll do it up I-70 in the CO mountains... for now). Emissions restrictions; parts availability; engineered obsolescence; the list goes on.

 

[96RedRunner]

Auto's need to be maintained just as the human body must be. You can only replace certain parts on the human body to keep it going though. My 96 rnr 360k mi operates as new will roll at 80 mph all day long, I've maintained it. My 01 rnr 204k mi will do the same, My 11 Audi S5 30k mi will roll at 150+ mph as long as I want. Many friends are into 50's-60's-70's auto's kept as new and they roll at hwy speeds no problem. The design of older vehicles is more primitive, ride quality, lack conviences of newer auto's, sound deadening etc. they were designed as tools to get you from here to there. People now like rolling in style and comfort in a high priced tool.

 

[Scramble]

If you keep up on the maintenance these trucks can still roll like new. My 3RZ rolls on the highway at 70-75 no problem. With 33's the RPMS are a little high but when on stock tires I can do 80 for 3 hrs to my Sisters house. I had it up to 95 a few times when it was newer. (no lift & stock tires)
My new limited with 217K cruised on the highway at 80mph @ 2500 rpms. I was really impressed. All suspension & steering components need to be maintained. Especially bushings.

Unfortunately dogs dont live long enough but you can keep replacing parts on the 4runner.

 

[Unner]

When I first met my girlfriend she thought my truck was a 2010ish model. She doesn't know much about cars, but 3rd gens age well very well. And it's pretty amazing that they are as old as they are. It's hard to believe my 01 is 17 years old now.

Mine drives fine at any speed I've ever had it at. No shakes or wobbles at any speeds. Great for a 17 year old vehicle with almost 250k miles on it.

Unfortunately dogs dont live long enough but you can keep replacing parts on the 4runner.

This is so very true.

 

[weibelma]

I love my 2006 Limited with 295k miles and V8 running great (single owner), but needs $10k in parts to maintain (always serviced at dealer) - dual cat converters, steering shaft, suspension. looks great, no rot. ready to buy a new one. I have no idea how to sell it. any ideas? not trying to get a lot for it, rather want it to go to someone that might want to buy the parts used and fix it up...I planned for 400k miles.

 

[WeakSauz]

I love my 2006 Limited with 295k miles and V8 running great (single owner), but needs $10k in parts to maintain (always serviced at dealer) - dual cat converters, steering shaft, suspension. looks great, no rot. ready to buy a new one. I have no idea how to sell it. any ideas? not trying to get a lot for it, rather want it to go to someone that might want to buy the parts used and fix it up...I planned for 400k miles.

I'm wondering what the list is to entail $10,000 in parts for your truck, if you are able to share?

I am getting the sense that you got a dealer quote for everything, down to the suspension pieces?

Post up your list, and I (and many on here) will be happy to help you source cheaper parts and good suspension replacements.

Also hit up the 4th gen forum, too. No reason you should be spending $10k in parts alone my friend.

 

[Devbot]

A woman, not wanting to go the speed limit? It can't be!
In all seriousness I understand, not everybody enjoys a skinny wheelbase especially at high speeds. Ever try to drive a CJ7 that fast? Hope you went to church last week!
To that effect 20 years is not old whatsoever - it's entirely dependent how it was treated during that time. A 20 year old vehicle with religious maintenance will run much better than a car that's been ignored and had less oil changes than you have fingers. I mean, by your metric Miatas should be ancient yet there's still one every mile it seems (though that might not be the best example as many Miata lovers have no problem blowing+swapping motors). When I was in high school less than 10 years ago I knew people that all sorts of cool first cars; everything from an AE86 to an AMC Hornet to Vanagons. Things last when you care for them!