I have a 4Runner and an Odyssey myself. Just go for the sUburban and call it a day...LOL Actually the 100 series with the 3rd row is very nice vehicle and so are the older 80 series(with benefit of a solid axle). If you look at Scotty(Addicted off roads) build he got a 3rd row seat from JC Whitney and put it in the back of his 3rd gen to accomodate the youngins. To haul the bikes and gear get a small utility trailer. Build an expo trailer. It is a hard choice I know but if you are truely satisfied with your 3rd gen and have no issues I would be inclined to keep it and add a 3rd row seat.
FYI- my brother has an 80 series and told me recently that he would do a 3rd gen because they are so much cheaper to repair/work on and just a little bit more reliable.
Burban crossed my mind, but just can't do that to myself! Dig the idea of the expo trailer though. Now ya got me thinking man...
Go get you a Sequoia. V8 power, seats 8, Should be able to up grade for only a couple thousand dollars.
Thought about a Sequoia too. Wife's cousin has one but it's just not my style, nor is a 4th or 5th gen Runner. Just not a fan of them either.
Tough call. I love my 3rd gen. Wicked vehicle, super reliable, enough space for me, my girlfriend, and my dog. Small enough on the trails and actually a very capable IFS rig. The bad: it's gutless and if I were in your scenario and had a bunch of kids and the accompanying gear, not enough room. I know for me, when the day comes and I am forced to buy a new rig, I WILL be getting a 100 series. Bombproof V8 and lots of hauling power and tons more space. You can equip one decently enough to run moderate difficulty trails as well. Everyone who jumps in a 100 seems to love the added luxury, space, and power and be able to still offroad with it. (I have a bad habit of lurking the 100 series forum on Mud, way too often....) A 100 may just suite your needs! Good luck with your decision as it's a hard one, did I mention that I love my 3rd gen??
The 100 series really appeals to me. I have always liked them but didn't have the need for such a large truck...until now of course. I too lurk on there and it makes me drool...love my 3rd gen too!
some of the fzj80s had 3rd row seating, look for one of those, they are bomb proof trucks and some of them even came with lockers f&r factory.
Hard to find with the 3rd row and in good shape but is what I would seek out first. My 3rd gen is sooo clean though. I would have to be patient and maybe travel to find the right one, which I am willing to do.
Tough call. My first 3rd Gen had a 3rd row seat in it when I bought it. I took it out and sold it because I didn't need it. No chance of keeping the 4Runner and buying a LC huh?
That would be the ideal scenario, but the wifey would likely object. She already complains about all my bikes. Have never come across a 3rd gen with the 3rd row.
I love my 4runner. It has gotten bigger in the last few years (kids have moved out).
If I had a big family like you, I would buy something bigger (100 or Sequoia). Trying to figure out who needs the bigger vehicle to fit the kids for the day sucks. Having a vehicle that can be lifted and wheeled with the whole family is important. Sure it'll take some time getting used to it's size on the trail but you will get used to it.
Guess what. They are going to keep growing and getting bigger. If you cram them in, they will be fighting the whole trip.
Go bigger, accept it, lift it, love it.
You said it brother! I already have a picture of it in my head. Would want a white one, racked out, lifted, black wheels (lover the 8069's), meaty AT's...better stop, may make me go out and find one!
I'd second the Sequoia.
My buddy is an FZJ80 addict, he buys 1-3 every year, all of them usually have problems... He fixes them, lifts them, wheels them, then gets sick of it and hten moves on to another one. Yes he is a sick individual.
Anyways, my point being is that I have seen a lot of FZJ80's and I wouldn't go with one because they get horrible mileage, and they are hard to find that are actually in decent condition. (They would make for an AWESOME wheeling rig though obviously...)
The 100 series seem cool but really expensive. The Sequoia is a perfect mix of both and has that awesome V8 (well I really like the V8)...
That is the thing with the 80's, hard to find a really clean one that has been well maintained. I would only consider an early 2000's 100 series. They get pricey real quick any newer and for one that is clean.
1). If you want a badazz offroad capable family hauler...get a 97 fzj80. It will get mileage in the 11-17mpg range but you'll be lucky to see 14mpg. They don't call them iron pigs for nothing.
2). Get the hundy if you need room, want a really nice ride, and a slightly less offroad capable SUV than the fzj with better power and more creature comforts.
3). Get the sequoia if you need something larger than a hundy and still want a v8. It won't ride quite as nice as a hundy (stock atleast) but it will definitely haul the kids around with ease. It will be a bit large for trails but ppl used to say that about fzj's also.
4). Stay with the 4runner if you can get the 3rd row seats. You'll get better mpg's for sure and it's a good size for trail riding. Most aftermarket parts like bumpers, sliders, lifts are cheaper than LC's as well.
The room is the showstopper. The Sequoia though just seems too big. Again the Hundy wins me over vs. a Sequioa. MPGs don't really bother me. I have a company truck that is my DD so the Hundy wouldn't be driven daily. I would suck it up on trips and just realize I am not gonna get what my 3rd will give me as far as mpgs go.
Man, this is an easy choice. And, I finally feel the need to respond to a thread. Real quick, here is my background...I have owned 3 4runners (1996, 1998, and currently a 2002). Also owned a 2007 FJ Cruiser. Most importantly I currently own a 2004 100 series LC (and the 02 4runner).
I spend all week driving the 4runner which is great. It gets 19mpg and is great for safely commuting, gets me offroad no prob and has room for 'stuff.'.
With that said, i friggin love weekends, because I drive my hundy all over. More room, more power, more reliable, better ride, more luxury, it's like a 4runner but even more exceptional in every category...except for 15mpg (that hurts!).
Point being: i love my t4r...but I love my LC more.
Good luck with your decision.
You are making it easier for me to make a decision...sounds like the hundy is gonna be the way to go...eventually. Won't be any time soon. With 4 kids there are other priorities but eventually and in the near future I think it will be a 100 series.
I've got three young kids too, wife has a Siena and I'm not selling my 4Runner. I feel your pain.
Thanks for feeling my pain man. The runner works but only if it's me and 2 of my kiddos...
Like I said, not gonna pull the trigger any time soon. I want to really make sure I am doing the right thing. I will likely try and find one local and drive it, see what I think. That may be a bad idea, b/c I know I will fall in love. Will also have to convince the wifey. She actually digs my 3rd gen and drives it all the time. Have a feeling she will also dig a 100 series.
Thanks for all the input fellas. Do appreciate it. Cheers!
