Would you recommend?

[summit3r]

4runner fans,

Having just moved to Costa Rica I'm looking for a reliable, tough vehicle that will serve my minor needs in town as well as be tough enough to satisfy my unquenchable thirst for rugged adventure in getting to places non 4x4s cannot. It is noteworthy that most roads, even town roads here are rough. I have a wife and toddler, and we have another on the way. If we go with the 4runner we'd want to install a 3rd row of seats, so that grandma and grandpa can legally ride in the same car as us when visit.

Budget is an issue, but vehicle prices are not comparable to Stateside prices. At all. So the nicest 4runner I can afford is the 3rd gen. But I'm also drawn to the amazing 1st gen, and the ability to take the top off the vehicle makes it extremely tempting, despite the age. But 3rd gen boasts a safer vehicle for family travel.

This will be our only vehicle. Town use would be limited, although with the price of gasoline, the diesel engine is very appealing.

If you would be so kind as to lend a hand...
1. Do you think the 4runner meets the criteria of what I'm looking for?
2. 1st or 3rd gen? Reliability? Safety? Sheer awesomeness?
3. Any word on the Diesel engines in either generation?

Much appreciated.

-H

 

[t4r4life]

This will be our only vehicle. Town use would be limited, although with the price of gasoline, the diesel engine is very appealing.

If you would be so kind as to lend a hand...
1. Do you think the 4runner meets the criteria of what I'm looking for?
Yes and some more.
2. 1st or 3rd gen? Reliability? Safety? Sheer awesomeness?
3rd gens are newer so its more reliable in the sense that stuff isn't as worn out as the 1st gen, but toyota are reliable in general. Its safer than the first gen because of the boxed in cab and bigger frame. 3rd gen is also more comfortable on the road and off.
3. Any word on the Diesel engines in either generation?
if you can get diesel deff get diesel, its more reliable than gas engine and if one's battery dies it can be run without one.

Much appreciated.

Keep in mind to make it comfortable and capable for the road and off road. some modification is required. such thing as suspension, and aggressive tires.

 

[KidVermicious]

If you're looking for a rugged daily driver and need to seat lots of people and ride in relative comfort, 3rd gen is the way to go.

On the flip side, the 1st gen has a simpler and more rugged suspension, is just as reliable, will cost you a lot less, and is easier and less expensive to work on. But the ride is lacking by modern standards, and you won't have seats for Grandma and Grandpa...

 

[J. B.]

I would say the '96-'97 80 series land cruiser. 3rd row seat. front and rear solid axles with lockers. diesel. Not sure what that would cost you down there though...

 

[t4r4life]

I would say the '96-'97 80 series land cruiser. 3rd row seat. front and rear solid axles with lockers. diesel. Not sure what that would cost you down there though...

that would be the perfect rig if it weren't so pricy

 

[BlackWorksInc]

that would be the perfect rig if it weren't so pricy

There's a difference in pricing and options for non-US vehicles. For example I recently found out Toyota STILL makes the 70 Series LCs!

I woudl probably say an older Hilux Surf/3rd Gen 4Runner would be a nice comprimise between rugged capability and comfort. But the older Land Cruisers are fairly nice too and an 80 series wouldn't be a bad option if you could get one for a good price. I'm sure you see plenty of Hilux, Hilux Surf, Tacoma, 4Runner, and/or Land Cruisers in that area?

How much "comfort" do you want? Some of those older trucks and Land Cruisers stand the test of time from what I have seen and read.