Hello all from the Midwest!
I have been in the market to upgrade vehicles for a while and my wife and I had narrowed it down to a used LC/LX470 or a 4Runner. I loved the comfort/luxury of the LC/LX but the gas mileage was pretty bad and considering that gas prices are going up again and we commute then unfortunately we will have to put off the LC for a few years at least. So we went to the dealer last Friday evening (BIG MISTAKE - last day of the month), just wanting to test drive a 4Runner since it was one of the few we hadn't actually driven yet. I had fond memories of my Father's old '88 Runner and was well aware of the reliability and quality. We originally looked at an SR5 a year or two ago and I wasn't really impressed with the interior quality (probably a side affect of driving a BMW for 3 years) but nonetheless I kept it on the list. Well the dealer had only 1 Runner on the lot and 2 demo units the salespeople were using (him being one). So, we took his vehicle for a spin and WOW. I was fully expecting to go in looking for a V8 but the V6 has plenty of power and I like I can switch to 2WD to save gas. The interior was much improved (note: Limited package) and it was very comfortable. It had a lot of the luxuries I was used to (HIDs -no Xenons tho
,Auto-dimming rearview ,Climate control, seat memory, auto on/off lights) and even some stuff it didn't (dual-zone climate, aux input standard). Obviously I am very impressed by this vehicle and other than getting used to driving a big SUV it has been fantastic! We took advantage of the 2.9% financing and was able to squeeze him a little more on price because it was a demo - yet only had 1200 miles. I believe it has every option except NAV and the rear DVD. My wife tearfully was willing to give up her 96 Camry but in the end she tells me how much she loves it everyday.
Fast forward to last Sunday. So the day starts out BEAUTIFUL so we are out crusing, going to the stores, etc. I assume you read about the Storms/Tornados across the midwest, well I got to break in the new Runner correctly by driving pretty damn close to one of those Tornados. Branches falling, bridges shaking, water lapping up, roofs flapping, that "train whistle" noise - the whole nine. It left me with a brown spot in my shorts but definately some respect for the handling of the new ride and by the grace of god there was no damage done! Here are some pics after the storm was over and we of course immediately dried it off
Unfortunately the wife gets her choice so she is driving it for now. You can see my baby parked in the garage in some of the pics.
Looking forward to good times here.
-D
P.S. If any photoshoppers out there want to PS my wheels to look powdercoated gunmetal (not black but more grey) then feel free.
I have been in the market to upgrade vehicles for a while and my wife and I had narrowed it down to a used LC/LX470 or a 4Runner. I loved the comfort/luxury of the LC/LX but the gas mileage was pretty bad and considering that gas prices are going up again and we commute then unfortunately we will have to put off the LC for a few years at least. So we went to the dealer last Friday evening (BIG MISTAKE - last day of the month), just wanting to test drive a 4Runner since it was one of the few we hadn't actually driven yet. I had fond memories of my Father's old '88 Runner and was well aware of the reliability and quality. We originally looked at an SR5 a year or two ago and I wasn't really impressed with the interior quality (probably a side affect of driving a BMW for 3 years) but nonetheless I kept it on the list. Well the dealer had only 1 Runner on the lot and 2 demo units the salespeople were using (him being one). So, we took his vehicle for a spin and WOW. I was fully expecting to go in looking for a V8 but the V6 has plenty of power and I like I can switch to 2WD to save gas. The interior was much improved (note: Limited package) and it was very comfortable. It had a lot of the luxuries I was used to (HIDs -no Xenons tho
,Auto-dimming rearview ,Climate control, seat memory, auto on/off lights) and even some stuff it didn't (dual-zone climate, aux input standard). Obviously I am very impressed by this vehicle and other than getting used to driving a big SUV it has been fantastic! We took advantage of the 2.9% financing and was able to squeeze him a little more on price because it was a demo - yet only had 1200 miles. I believe it has every option except NAV and the rear DVD. My wife tearfully was willing to give up her 96 Camry but in the end she tells me how much she loves it everyday. Fast forward to last Sunday. So the day starts out BEAUTIFUL so we are out crusing, going to the stores, etc. I assume you read about the Storms/Tornados across the midwest, well I got to break in the new Runner correctly by driving pretty damn close to one of those Tornados. Branches falling, bridges shaking, water lapping up, roofs flapping, that "train whistle" noise - the whole nine. It left me with a brown spot in my shorts but definately some respect for the handling of the new ride and by the grace of god there was no damage done! Here are some pics after the storm was over and we of course immediately dried it off
Unfortunately the wife gets her choice so she is driving it for now. You can see my baby parked in the garage in some of the pics.
Looking forward to good times here.
-D
P.S. If any photoshoppers out there want to PS my wheels to look powdercoated gunmetal (not black but more grey) then feel free.
