if you had $10k to spend..

[Jc12]

Okay guys, I am seeking some advice from my favorite group of individuals. I recently sold my (second) 3rd gen 4runner with intentions of buying a low mileage stock 3rd gen. My favorite part of ownership is the build.. but i've reached a dilemma where i haven't been able to find that perfect new one after weeks (which i know really isn't that long) of searching. I am considering splitting my budget and putting a little more than half towards a commuter car with creature comforts, manual tranny and a little more pep and a lot less sucking gas. I sold my first 4runner to buy a newer civic si which I in turn sold and bought another 3rd gen.. now i've sold that 4runner and can't decide between blowing the budget on a new build with years of happiness to follow, or two cars and a compromise

My plans for the new 4runner
-low miles (about 100k miles ish)
-arb bumper and install my winch that's been sitting around
-sliders
-full stereo upgrade
-mild lift (really only need about 2")
-lots of little/cheap/easy mods as i love tinkering around

Or i purchase two vehicles.. I'm all over the map in what i would buy as i've considered a porsche 944, bmw e30, audi a4, newer civic si or even just the ex-l etc etc. Then for the truck.. i've of course looked at 3rd gens (higher mlg), 1st gens and even samurai's and trackers.

My question is what would you guys do? I realize of course your opinions might be a little bias but i appreciate them nonetheless and know you'll have some solid feedback, thanks!

 

[amalik]

I would say first look at your needs. Do you *need* a daily driver? For $10k, you'll probably get *one* reliable DD.

Hierarchy of needs. If you need a DD, you obviously can't prioritize an off-road/lifted/bumper/winch build for example.

 

[3rzrunner]

Hey! I agree its all about "needs" but having a runner is always nice
here's a few JC:

1998 Toyota 4Runner 4WD - Limited, 190 km, new condition - Local

1997 Toyota 4Runner Limited /// Beautiful Condition ///

1996 Toyota 4Runner Limited

I like the 3rd one personally


here's a cool 1st gen:

4RUNNER - 1987 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

lol this one is for laughs:

1989 Bagged Toyota Minitruck / Lowrider

 

[Jc12]

hahaha! maybe i'll take a loan out and go for the mini truck I appreciate the finds. I have been pretty picky on color lately holding me back from jumping on a few trucks.

I do need a DD but I don't mind using a 4runner as one.. i am just torn between the exhilaration of a low, peppy car for the commute or having a 4runner i can spend some time and money customizing to my needs.

 

[Kanger328]

IMHO, I think it depends on how financially stable you are. Having 2 vehicles means possibly double the maintenance and potential repairs. If you go with the European vehicles you mentioned, these costs would more than likely be higher than if you went with the SI (traditionally more issues/more $$$ parts). A tricked out E30 would be f-ing sweet though!

Personally, I'd stick with 1 4Runner. Of course, in my area, a 4Runner with around 100K miles goes for $10K, so that wouldn't leave much room for upgrades. I don't think it's worth getting a second car for MPG gains, unless it would be a significant jump. Even then, I'd have to calculate how long it would take for me to benefit from MPG savings vs. the cost of an extra car. Besides, from your description above, it sounds like you're someone who would really drive a sporty vehicle if you had one (hell, I would!), which would further decrease MPG. Just my $0.02! Good luck with the decision.

 

[snivilous]

Get a 3rd gen and swap a 5.3 in. Then it'll be peppy too and you'll come out on top cost wise and cool wise and have a boss 4runner to boot

 

[clemson4r]

IMHO, I think it depends on how financially stable you are. Having 2 vehicles means possibly double the maintenance and potential repairs.

This is exactly how I would make my decision. I've had 6 E30's and they were all great cars, but depending on how deep you want to go into maintenance and which motor you get (M20B25, M20B27, M42) they can be tricky. Currently I have my 4runner and an E46 ZHP which I love, but I do spend significantly more on maintenance for both to keep them how I want them.

Max

 

[Doc2012]

@ Jc12:

V8 Conversion
CBI Bumpers(already have the winch)
BudBuilt skid plates
Gears
Inchworm Lefty transfer case
Lockers
Diamond axle housing


That's just what I would do.

 

[white_n_slow]

I've done it both ways, and right now I have a sporty commuter/presentable vehicle and a wheeling rig. But if it were up to me and not my job, I would just have a nicer truck.

Paying double insurance gets old. The amount you save on gas does not generally offset the amount you will pay on maintaining two vehicles and paying to insure both. You do miss driving something that can take a corner, but you won't miss it that much

 

[spongerx]

Get a beater Corolla and use the rest for a down deposit on a house/land. :thumb: