New 4 Runner Owner - Major Dilemma Already

[writchie]

Just retired my 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT 4WD after 200,000+ good miles. Now a proud owner of a new 2012 4Runner Limited. The devil inside me wants to go test it out on some rough backwoods seasonal roads up in Michigan, however the 4Runner is just too dang pretty to take it out of the garage!! Quite a dilemma to deal with ... getting it out in the off-road rough is always hardest the first time!!

 

[Restomod]

Don't be afraid, it as intended.

 

[FactoryRide]

I had the same issue with mine as well. First time it got to go do some trails I had a tree branch decide it wanted to add pinstripes down the length of my passenger side. So be careful, and it will honestly amaze you at how capable these things are.

 

[Okki]

My first offroad adventure left a nice dent in the gas tank skid plate... and I still complain about the wife parking it at Walmart! LMAO :lol:

Welcome aboard.. now get out there and enjoy that nice new ride!

Okki

 

[Stifler]

I had an uninsured illegal clip my rear bumper in a parking lot... after that it was a little easier to let loose! lol

 

[adio3x]

I flooded my interior my first outing lol.

Welcome aboard, now go get some pinstripes!

 

[mgrande]

Put a few coats of wax on before you hit the trail, it'll help minimize scratches.

 

[Tengu]

It's abuse if you don't get it dirty. Besides, it's prettier.

 

[phillyd2]

I'm exactly the opposite. Until the first dent or scratch I'm not totally comfortable. Once done I can relqx and drive it without being nervous. The truck took three days. The car on the way home from the dealer.

Hell, even had to run the tractors bucket into the garage door before I called my house home

 

[BobsTrail]

Get it dirty, it will wash off. Although I waited 30 days to do this. The wheel wash in the second photo did not help much.

 

[psiems]

My first dent happened when I allowed my wife to drive my truck to work one time and it cam back with a door ding. :cry2:

 

[jspagna1]

That's the exact reason I still own my 97 T4R for the off road trails. It's got 170,000 miles and still going strong. I actually think it's built better than my 5th Gen.

 

[Newf4R]

Mine will be 1 month old tomorrow. I was the same as you two weeks ago, but the second I ran through that first mud puddle the kid inside took over. My wife's jaw dropped when I returned home with mud and grass covering every inch of my new 4Runner!

 

[writchie]

I am glad that I'm not the only one who had a difficult time at first!! The mud doesn't bother me ... it's the pin-stripping that concerns me most! Oh, well ... I suppose it's inevitable anyway, so I might as well get the pain over with sooner rather than later.

 

[Oogs]

A good friend once told me to never be afraid to use something for what it was intended for. This was after buying a brand new 4x4 years ago. Shortly after that conversation I bashed the front fender 4wheeling in the woods. It was a great time, didn't slow me down and wasn't the last bit of carnage for that truck. Ive continued to use that mantra to this day including "must modify all gear". They've served me well.