Smart move or not?

[Jon John]

Unless you are very certain that your wife will be happy with your TRD Pro, just keep driving it yourself and tell her to go out and buy what she wants. That will be cheaper and less painful in the long run.

And you are right about the BMW. They will only get more expensive with age.

 

[4RunnerTRDPRO]

If we are being honest here, a 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser is likely to have just as many maintenance issues and repairs as a 2006 BMW crossover...the only difference you will notice is that the Toyota's repairs and maintenance will cost at lot less (either in DIY or at a repair shop).

IMO OP, you and your wife really need to confirm what your vehicle priorities are.

The BMW crossover lineup (X3, X5) are very nice drivers on road, very comfortable and easy to live with.

A Toyota Land Cruiser (by comparison) is going to feel a lot more like a truck because, unlike the BMW, it actually is a truck. The upside is a more robust frame/chassis that is capable of taking a lot more abuse.

I'd say figure out what you want out of your vehicle and plan your purchase accordingly. FYI, BMW's really aren't known for being unreliable vehicles, and there are plenty of enthusiasts who buy them for the long term and maintain them...you just need to be willing to spend a little bit more $.

Dalko,

Thank you for your reply. You are right about many points.

I'm not willing to spend a little bit more $ because the German Engineered X5, built somewhere in the US, also needed valve seals replaced which would cost between $7500-$9k. So I sold the beamer to an unsuspecting soccer mom who was convinced that white/blueish smoke was just condensation. (Yes, I'm going to hell in a Land Cruiser)

My wife likes big cars/trucks but we prefer toyota/lexus over any american.
There's just something about a Land Cruiser.

Btw, Have you owned an LC?

 

[4RunnerTRDPRO]

Unless you are very certain that your wife will be happy with your TRD Pro, just keep driving it yourself and tell her to go out and buy what she wants. That will be cheaper and less painful in the long run.

And you are right about the BMW. They will only get more expensive with age.

My wife will never be happy with any car. She prefers expensive jewelry! wtf....
and f my life.

I couldn't justify getting the X5 repaired for $7500 plus. I'd rather pay for a new 80 Series Head gasket and peace of mind that it will run for many more years and retain somewhat of a resale value due to a legendary status.

 

[KidVermicious]

Guys that are used to modern overpowered trucks find the 80 a little gutless. If you're one of those, you'll prefer the 2UZ in the 100 for sure.

 

[4RunnerTRDPRO]

Guys that are used to modern overpowered trucks find the 80 a little gutless. If you're one of those, you'll prefer the 2UZ in the 100 for sure.

I use to have a 98 4runner so I think it's probably just as slow if not slower. I drove it over 200k miles and miss it.

I just like the look of the 80 series.
Hard to find a 95-97 with lockers though. Also, weary of the head gasket issue. However, the 100 is growing on me.

 

[LandCruiser]

Guys that are used to modern overpowered trucks find the 80 a little gutless. If you're one of those, you'll prefer the 2UZ in the 100 for sure.

Gutless is being kind.

Modern overpowered trucks are also incapable of making most of their torque at low RPMs...

 

[CatskillsRunner]

I use to have a 98 4runner so I think it's probably just as slow if not slower. I drove it over 200k miles and miss it.

I just like the look of the 80 series.
Hard to find a 95-97 with lockers though. Also, weary of the head gasket issue. However, the 100 is growing on me.

I did the same thing. Researched, loved the 80, kept researching, realized the 100 was what we wanted. This is technically my husband's truck even tho I'm the one doing all the research...

Shopped online for months and 3 weeks ago found a southern truck, clean carfax, 2002 130k. At 10k I'm pretty sure I stole it. My guy at Toyota said it is in incredible shape and was well loved. Threw on some 285s, pulled the running boards, and it already looks so much better.

Wait for it. The right one will come up.

The worst part? I really, really love it. To the point where I'm begging to drive it to work and trying to remind myself how much I love the 4Runner.

 

[KidVermicious]

I use to have a 98 4runner so I think it's probably just as slow if not slower. I drove it over 200k miles and miss it.

I just like the look of the 80 series.
Hard to find a 95-97 with lockers though. Also, weary of the head gasket issue. However, the 100 is growing on me.

A 5VZE 4Runner has much more pep than an 80 with the 3F-E. The 1FZ-FE equipped Cruisers feel about the same as a 3rd gen to me, you can tell it's a heavier truck for sure but the 1F moves it all right.

I think 80s have a good look too, and if you're willing to do some of your wrenching yourself they don't cost that much to keep on the road. Prices on them are already going up, so if you want one grab a clean one now and sit on it.

 

[02SE]

I use to have a 98 4runner so I think it's probably just as slow if not slower. I drove it over 200k miles and miss it.

I just like the look of the 80 series.
Hard to find a 95-97 with lockers though. Also, weary of the head gasket issue. However, the 100 is growing on me.

I had a '95 FZJ80, W/F&R locking diffs, for 5 years. It was ok. It made a great business tax write-off.

In '97 I bought my 3rd gen 4Runner with 4wd, V6, 5-speed, E-locker, factory leather, Moonroof, etc.

For three years I compared the two. I decided that the 4Runner was more comfortable, more fun to drive, and it got much better MPG too.

18 years later I still have the 4Runner, but these days I only drive it in snowy conditions, or the occasional off-road trip.

I don't miss the Landcruiser.

 

[NoDak]

my opinion, get a Lexus GX460

 

[Dalko43]

Dalko,

Thank you for your reply. You are right about many points.

I'm not willing to spend a little bit more $ because the German Engineered X5, built somewhere in the US, also needed valve seals replaced which would cost between $7500-$9k. So I sold the beamer to an unsuspecting soccer mom who was convinced that white/blueish smoke was just condensation. (Yes, I'm going to hell in a Land Cruiser)

My wife likes big cars/trucks but we prefer toyota/lexus over any american.
There's just something about a Land Cruiser.

Btw, Have you owned an LC?

I've driven one or two. I've never owned one (maybe someday). For now, the 4runner suits my needs though. I do have experience with Toyota trucks and I'm a firm believer in the brand...perhaps a little narrow-minded on my part, but hey, everyone has their favorite flavor, right?

 

[4RunnerTRDPRO]

I did the same thing. Researched, loved the 80, kept researching, realized the 100 was what we wanted. This is technically my husband's truck even tho I'm the one doing all the research...

Shopped online for months and 3 weeks ago found a southern truck, clean carfax, 2002 130k. At 10k I'm pretty sure I stole it. My guy at Toyota said it is in incredible shape and was well loved. Threw on some 285s, pulled the running boards, and it already looks so much better.

Wait for it. The right one will come up.

The worst part? I really, really love it. To the point where I'm begging to drive it to work and trying to remind myself how much I love the 4Runner.

That's a steal! There's currently someone selling a 2002 in NC for $12k with over 217k miles and an accident history. He offered me $9500 in which I told him i could do better with one with lower mileage and a clean car fax. However, i find that most $15k and under LC's have been in an accident. Should I consider getting one or stay clear? My gut instincts tell me NO.

 

[ret42]

For me it would definitely depend on the circumstances. How severe was the accident, did airbags deploy, was it just cosmetic or was anything structural damaged, was it repaired by a reputable shop, and so on.

I'd be naturally inclined to pass as well, but it may not hurt to be open to at least looking at it to get a taste in your mouth for what's acceptable to you and what's not.