What do you think? Am I getting a 4runner for Christmas?

jlstick2

New member
Hello T4R community.

I realize that this post does not exactly pertain to 4runners, but I have a question to ask you guys. To start off with, I realize how privileged I am to be in a family where this is even a feasible option, I fully understand that many individuals are not so lucky and have to work for a long time to save up for a first car. I am immensely grateful.

I've been 17 since July, I'm currently a junior in high school and I really having a car. I've asked my parents before but it's always been the same answer; I'll have to save up and buy my own. For a while I just couldn't see this happening, eventually I applied at the new YMCA that is opening here and scored a job in family resources about three weeks ago, so far, all of the money that I have made has gone to saving up for a car. At this rate, I should be able to buy a couple thousand dollar beater by summer, and then work my way up from there. Lately however, I've noticed many things occurring that allude to the possibility that I may receive a car for Christmas. For example, there have been numerous times in which I have walked in on my mom browsing vehicles on Craigslist and Cars.com. Additionally, while getting the Christmas decorations out of our garage, I discovered an emergency roadside repair kit in-box and tucked away. Lastly, my mom happened to leave out a bag full of candy, gift cards, and car wash gift cards on the table. In a way, I wish I didn't have this knack for "discovering" things! I've let my parents know more than enough that a 3rd gen or 4th gen 4runner would be my dream first car, and these are the cars my mom has been looking at. What do you think? Are my chances good?
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Hello T4R community.

I realize that this post does not exactly pertain to 4runners, but I have a question to ask you guys. To start off with, I realize how privileged I am to be in a family where this is even a feasible option, I fully understand that many individuals are not so lucky and have to work for a long time to save up for a first car. I am immensely grateful.

I've been 17 since July, I'm currently a junior in high school and I really having a car. I've asked my parents before but it's always been the same answer; I'll have to save up and buy my own. For a while I just couldn't see this happening, eventually I applied at the new YMCA that is opening here and scored a job in family resources about three weeks ago, so far, all of the money that I have made has gone to saving up for a car. At this rate, I should be able to buy a couple thousand dollar beater by summer, and then work my way up from there. Lately however, I've noticed many things occurring that allude to the possibility that I may receive a car for Christmas. For example, there have been numerous times in which I have walked in on my mom browsing vehicles on Craigslist and Cars.com. Additionally, while getting the Christmas decorations out of our garage, I discovered an emergency roadside repair kit in-box and tucked away. Lastly, my mom happened to leave out a bag full of candy, gift cards, and car wash gift cards on the table. In a way, I wish I didn't have this knack for "discovering" things! I've let my parents know more than enough that a 3rd gen or 4th gen 4runner would be my dream first car, and these are the cars my mom has been looking at. What do you think? Are my chances good?

You should just start dropping pics of the exact ones that you want around the house with the website for the ad on the back. That way they know which one to get you. Hope you get what you want. Ill be glad to go hit the trails with you if you get one.
 
Hopefully your SUV dreams, come through this week young man.
- you remind me, of our son
- his first job was also at the local YMCA and when he turned 16, we handed down moms mint 1989 Nissan Pathfinder
- so mom got a low mileage Nissan Maxima with air, leather & moonroof

We felt good, his first vehicle was a 4x4 with a truck frame, and served him very well in HS and winter driving.
- 16 years later, he purchased a 2015 Lexus RX350 and team Dad & son negotiated a super deal on the new SUV
- with his co-owned business, he racks up 50,000 Km per year and 4x4 or AWD vehicles, is a safety consideration we welcome in his decision making
Talk to your parents, and stress the safety features of your picks, and hopefully the purchase, will be a total family decision.

High school wheels:
X5iQXx1.jpg

Adult wheels - a natural progression, with hard work:
RdtWOcZ.jpg
 
Last edited:
The advantage of having all this information at your fingertips must be unreal.

The 4runner is an excellent choice for first vehicles and I definitely think even if you don't get one for Christmas then you can save up and get one yourself. Good thing about them is that they are relatively cheap and easy to maintain. Plus they are reliable and safe.
 
Very cool man. I hope you get it. We will look forward to seeing some pics this weekend. I remember when I was 17 and friend of mine got a 4runner. I loved that thing and have always wanted one. Took my until I was 40 but the wait was worth it. Here is a pic of my first ride bought for $500. Even though it wasn't a 4runner it still gave me the freedom only a vehicle can give you. Merry Christmas dude!
 

Attachments

  • '79-'81_Honda_Accord_Hatchback.jpg
    '79-'81_Honda_Accord_Hatchback.jpg
    48.7 KB · Views: 267
I'm wondering if he got one as well. I got a job at Long John Silvers in high school and worked nights until I could get a 1984 Monte Carlo for $800. It overheated every 30 minutes, so I had to keep about 6 jugs of water in the back to replenish the supply just for the trip to school and back!

Ahhhh memories. The ladies did so love that silky soft velour interior though. Taught me the value of a dollar for sure, and that you get what you pay for!
 
Good news!

Sorry for the super late news everyone; I got a 4runner! My initial thoughts were that I'd be getting the car on Christmas, my parents are pretty bad at hiding secrets and it was getting pretty obvious that they were in the market. Christmas day came... I got many different air tools, jack stands,etc. , but no car! I tried my best to hide my disappointment; "oh well" , I thought, "I'll just have to save for one like most people do."

Fast forward one month. My dad walks in the door and tells me, "I need you're helping unloading some groceries out of the back of the truck, we went to Costco." We walked out to his truck and he lifted the tonneau cover but there was nothing there. For a second I was confused, that's when I see headlights turning into my driveway with my mom behind the wheel of a 4runner!

After the crazy excitement of that night, my parents sat down and went over the 'contract' they'd come up with.

They had payed nearly $10,000 for the car, I would have to give them $3500 before it is officially mine, until then, I am free to drive it whenever and wherever I want; but no heavy modifications :sad: . I'm okay with this however, $3500 is a steal for this thing and I look forward to making many memories in it in the years to come.

Now on to the details:

- 2002 SR5 4x4

- Center Diff Lock (No Rear)

- No rust whatsoever

-Extremely clean interior

-Over 40 service records (1 owner)
 

Attachments

  • 20160124_145633.jpg
    20160124_145633.jpg
    133.9 KB · Views: 140
  • 20160124_145652.jpg
    20160124_145652.jpg
    139.3 KB · Views: 140
  • 20160202_080923.jpg
    20160202_080923.jpg
    139.7 KB · Views: 141
  • 20160304_130652.jpg
    20160304_130652.jpg
    143.1 KB · Views: 131

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,316
Messages
3,554,111
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top