I can even take this one-step further... since I am this guy (minus 8K bike & Tour outfits). I fully make/made the decisions I have knowing dang well it’s all over-kill. But just KNOWING (as [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] stated above) that my truck can handle 99.5% of the shiote life can throw at it is 1) piece-of-mind... and 2) keeps my imagination going in a life filled with career goals, young kids, lots of concrete & traffic (all with little free-time).
I didn’t set out with my first 4Runner to be a “poser”... I went to buy an FJ, listened to my wife who’s always loved 4Runners, jumped in one while waiting on the sales rep, and fell in love instantly. Since that time, I have moved further than I ever imagined in my career, started a family, and have become very busy. This life isn’t for everyone, I get that. But I’m very happy to have the job I do, and feel blessed to have come this far with no regrets.... BUT - My 4Runner and this forum always keep me thinking... always wondering. And as my kids get more “of-age”, I find the “pull” of piling into the Runner, taking a road trip to AR or CO, and getting my kids outdoors fishing and hiking, etc., is getting stronger and stronger. AND I LOVE IT. Screw the iPads, the splash-pads, the video games, the expensive hobbies, and just get outdoors to enjoy nature and some quiet-time with the family.
If that is what the 4Runner is capable of doing for me, I’m grateful for it. And I will always enjoy reading what the members of this forum are able to do in their lives, with their Runners. Even if I never really take mine to do much of any of it... it’ll keep me motivated to try as long as I own one.