Restore or Replace? Seeking advice

[egraham848]

I've searched this forum for my question and haven't found an answer --- so here goes.

Should I invest in restoring my 240,000 mile 1997 4Runner LTD to "mint" operating condition (cosmetically, she's still almost new) or buy a new car? I am fixing things as needed (I just replaced a rear shock and recently replaced the starter motor) but am considering a major restoration. It would make sense only if I could continue driving her for at least another 120 miles (about 10 years).

However, I would need to pay someone to do the restore because I have no mechanical skill at all and no access to a place where I could work on the car under someone else's direction.

I am considering the restoration because I LOVE this car and wish I could drive her forever. Also, I dislike the new RAV4 that is all that I could afford to replace her with. I also dislike the new 4Runner, but as I can't afford one, that's not an issue.

Your opinions would be most useful to me if you could take the time to tell me WHY you're advising one or the other course of action.

Thanks very much!

 

[PitbullRescuer]

What exactly does it need?

 

[3rzrunner]

What exactly needs to be restored?

If you love your 4runner like me and every one else with a runner I would seriously consider getting it restored a new rav 4 will never be a 4runner a runner is a great truck! and imagine in 10 years your 4runner will be in great condition having just been restored 10 years ago it will be worth a lot. Compared with runners that have not been restored.