Toying aroudn with the idea of buy a second 4Runner

[masphx]

OK,

So about a year ago my girlfriend and I bought our White 1998 4Runner 4x4 5speed w/ locker. In the last year we have put on about ~15K on the rig. We have gone camping, off-roading, and on a ~3500 road trip in the Runner. We also use it a lot for driving around town and to work. Basically we love the rig. Dependable, great looking, usable, can get us anywhere etc etc.

Been thinking about getting another one

The other car I own...

I own (bank owns actually) my 2008 350z 6speed base model black. Now don't get me wrong, I love this car too. Great speed, looks and a classic body style. The stuff I don't like about it... Base has no cruise control (and is ~$1000) to install. This means no long distance trips in it unless I want a couple speeding tickets. Two seats (well bought into that one, lol). Paint chips like crazy on hood and if some one door dings me. Window motors go out (~$400 to fix). The Clutch slave cylinder can go out on these and Nissan won't cover it. Concerned over the 6speed trans as a few Z forum members have had issue. I think Nissan put more R&D into auto trans. I have a rear axle clicking sound (another maintenance issue with these). Basically I'm concerned about the long term reliability of this car even though 350z's are know for reliability. crazy!



So been thinking about selling the 350z and buying a second 4runner.
The 350z at 38,000 with go for ~17K-18.5K. I owe about ~7K on the car. Sell it and have 10K in cash to spend on a 4Runner and more importantly no car payment for the next year. That will free up money for mods, maintenance and travel.

So the 4Runner I would be aiming for would be...

-1999-2000
-5peed (better on gas)
-4x4
-elocker (if I can find one)
-Highlander or sport
-Black (understand is single level paint just like my white Runner, should clean up nicely if I detail it)
-~100K-120K miles on it. This way it has still been driven enough but not too much.

If I can find a 4Runner I like I don't think I would miss the 350z much. I could always put a supercharger on the Runner for the speed and the 5speed will keep my interest in driving it. I also like the fact that I won't have to worry about parking lot dings. My GF also does not like driving the 350z around. She says the clutch is too touchy which I agree with her. Would be nice if we could have two cars which she could drive.

Well alright, I have been convincing myself long enough here and there are bad sides to the deal. 38K vehicle to 120K+ vehicle. Eight years older of a car. Can't really spot too many bad reasons but I'm all ears.

Basically looking to get another capable vehicle (does not have to be 4runner but this is all I really know and not looking for a pick-up truck) that is cheap and well rounded and getting rid of my pricey car which is holding me back financially and usability.

Forum wise.
I love this forum. Many great people on it. Feel more at home.
350z forum is filled with, well you know...

Thanks for the read and your thoughts,

Mason

 

[4-Ripcord]

Sounds to me like you have already made your decision. I would do it, that Z sounds like it has a few grand in maintenance ahead..

 

[masphx]

Here are a few pictures of the 350z. Its a very nice car and in demand (which is why I can pull a lot of money in when I sell it)...

Picture of my car cover with one of the reason I bought it for...

 

[Stick Figure]

While I think the HR 350Z was the best of the 350Z bunch, I really don't think much of the cars period. I used to work at GTM and even designed their forced induction kits, but wouldn't do a straight trade of my 200k mile 4Runner for a low mileage 350Z.

That being said I have to ask why have two of the same thing? Don't get me wrong if you are going to have two of a vehicle the 3rd gens are at the top of the list of "can't go wrong with" but I personally like to have some variety in my vehicle choice. My running vehicles are the 00 4Runner and 04 Spyder w/ the g/f driving my old 06 tC. If I didn't have two more projects already and wanted another truck I would probably be looking at an 80 series.

 

[masphx]

While I think the HR 350Z was the best of the 350Z bunch, I really don't think much of the cars period. I used to work at GTM and even designed their forced induction kits, but wouldn't do a straight trade of my 200k mile 4Runner for a low mileage 350Z.

That being said I have to ask why have two of the same thing? Don't get me wrong if you are going to have two of a vehicle the 3rd gens are at the top of the list of "can't go wrong with" but I personally like to have some variety in my vehicle choice. My running vehicles are the 00 4Runner and 04 Spyder w/ the g/f driving my old 06 tC. If I didn't have two more projects already and wanted another truck I would probably be looking at an 80 series.

Interesting about what you say about the HR engine. Any other reason for saying that (insider info)? I hear you on owning two of the same vehicles. I would go for a 80 LC but the cost of gas ~18-21 mpg to ~12-14 mpg and what I would assume would be a larger price tag and maintenance costs kind of sway me away. I have also thought about a Tacoma but don't like the looks as much as a runner and don't really want/need a pickup truck. Still, owning two of the same vehicles seems strange.

This is just a thought so far guys. Luckily the 350z is pretty stable in price so I have time. If I move on this might be closer to Dec or January unless a deal too good to pass on comes up.

Mason

 

[Stick Figure]

its just the overall package the DE 350Z was built on a budget ... I don't blame Nissan as when they designed that car the market was unknown. It just shows in design and build in places. The HR was a move in the right direction and seemed to have a bit more money spent getting things perfect rather than good enough. the 370 and VHR made another leap in that direction in my eyes. I was never impressed enough with any of them to pay the asking price though.

I guess the good thing is with two paid for 4Runners you would be absolutely open to buying a 3rd (probably cheaper) fun car if the desire arose.

 

[GladeRunner]

Nice looking Z, but you won't miss your 350 when you use YOUR new 4runner to:

-go camping
-take the dog somewhere
-pick up equip, big objects
-carry bikes
-trailer a boat/jetski
-pay for cheaper repairs when needed
-eliminate car note
-have a higher field of view
-drive in the snow/mud/sand

I know there's tons more positives, but I think you already know that 4Runners are awesome. Sounds like time is on your side to find the right rig, which increase your chances of finding one from your wish list.

 

[traffic61]

Your cat would be more comfortable on a 4Runner.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I lost all faith in Nissan over the past few years. We just unloaded my wife's '06 Pathfinder which was a major piece of sh*t. My mother in law had a Frontier with tons of issues. My buddy has a 370Z that is junk. Nissan has great styling IMO but over the last few years their quality has really gone down hill.

I use to swear by them too. I had a 1990 200K mile Maxima in college. Couldn't kill it. My brother has an '01ax with 225K on it. Hammers on start up but runs great otherwise. But seems like from about '05 on they've gone down hill.

 

[masphx]

Your cat would be more comfortable on a 4Runner.

Not my cat. Wow, I really need to proofread my titles. This one is a mess!