Why did you buy a 4Runner?

[xiv014]

For me it came down to either the 3rd generation 4runner or the 05+ xterra. I bought the 4runner because of:

- price ($7600 for a 98 4wd limited in october of 07)

- the rear window rolls down (the dogs love it and so do i)

- moon roof

- both of the back passenger windows roll all the way down (i don't know why, but it bothers me when they don't)

- space for two dogs, camping gear, a 9 foot surfboard and the occasional in-law

- leather seats are easy to clean

- offroading is fun!

- toyota quality and eventual resale value

 

[polvadis]

After driving a '71 Plymouth Valiant all through High School and college, I was ready for something from a current decade.

I was gonna get some financial help from my father and it came with one condition; I could get any car I wanted as long as it was a 4Runner.

It's really only partly a joke. He's got a Tacoma, and my mom's got a 4Runner, so Toyota was really the only thing on my mind anyway. And since I enjoy camping and kayaking, and overall just love the amount of space the 4Runner provides while still fitting into most compact parking spaces, the 4Runner was just the obvious choice for me.

 

[Tomsriv]

After driving a '71 Plymouth Valiant all through High School and college, I was ready for something from a current decade.

I was gonna get some financial help from my father and it came with one condition; I could get any car I wanted as long as it was a 4Runner.

It's really only partly a joke. He's got a Tacoma, and my mom's got a 4Runner, so Toyota was really the only thing on my mind anyway. And since I enjoy camping and kayaking, and overall just love the amount of space the 4Runner provides while still fitting into most compact parking spaces, the 4Runner was just the obvious choice for me.

Haha, hey Polvadis, did that Valiant have the leaning tower of power straight 6? You can't kill those motors!

I bought mine in 2005 to replace an 86 Volvo 740 turbo. I had strict criteria for a daily driver
1. Rear wheel drive
2. 4-doors
3. 20mpg
4. Under $10,0000

So this narrowed it down to three completely different cars
1. BMW 318
2. Ford Crown Victoria
3. Toyota 4runner 4cyl.

I am glad I got the runner. It is still the only REAL SUV that gets more than 20mpg. To bad they discontinued the 4cyl after 2000 and replaced it with the Highlander. I wouldn't want a raised Camry.

What I really wanted was a Dodge Magnum Hemi, but I wasn't going to spend 3 times as much for one. Maybe I'll get a 2008 in a few years.

 

[polvadis]

Haha, hey Polvadis, did that Valiant have the leaning tower of power straight 6? You can't kill those motors!

Yup, slant six, deuce and a quarter. Took it from L.A. to the Grand Canyon once and one of the cylinders got stuck while there. I made it back home on the other 5 just fine.

 

[Tomsriv]

Oh man, I'm a classic car buff, but that is an ugly car. Those were like the toyotas of their day. Ran forever and not stylish. Good job on the 4runner purchase.

 

[polvadis]

Oh man, I'm a classic car buff, but that is an ugly car. Those were like the toyotas of their day. Ran forever and not stylish. Good job on the 4runner purchase.

Haha I never had anyone call it ugly.

I restored it to factory original condition, and while not a collectible, it definitely grew on me and got some looks here and there. Mostly from older guys surprised a young kid was driving a car like that.

But you're right, it was the American Corolla of its time. A basic family budget car.

 

[Tomsriv]

Haha I never had anyone call it ugly.

I restored it to factory original condition, and while not a collectible, it definitely grew on me and got some looks here and there. Mostly from older guys surprised a young kid was driving a car like that.

But you're right, it was the American Corolla of its time. A basic family budget car.

Sorry for calling it ugly. Some people call my 71 Riv ugly, it was one of those love it or hate it cars. Your Plymouth would be a perfect movie car. The more plebian cars of the past are in high demand for background cars.
The hardest to find are regular cars from the 80's because they were all so ugly and nobody kept them. I got a kick out of "Persuit of Happyness" which took place in 1981 and most of the traffic cars were from the 60's. Their was one fixed up Corolla wagon that hit him and knocked his shoe off. That car must have been hard to find.