Loan approved...now the shopping begins...

[Martinjmpr]

So after thinking it over and discussing it with the wife I went ahead and applied for the loan for my new rig, which I've decided will be a 2005-2008 V-6 4runner.

I thought long and hard about the Xterra and there are a lot of factors to recommend it but the 4runner seems more suited for the kind of traveling I do.

Unfortunately my next weekend is fully booked so unless I can shop during the week 06/20 is likely to be the earliest time I can actually kick tires and take test drives.

Normally I don't like car shopping but hopefully this will be fun, or at least not super agonizing.

(As an aside: I will be selling my camper shell separately so anyone who is interested in a high-rise shell for a 95-04 Tacoma in the Denver area, email or PM me. I will sell it with the new, never-used Thule artificial gutters for the fitting of a roof rack.)

 

[corax]

Nice to see you're sticking with a 'Yota . . . I like the looks of the Xterra and think it could make a good base, but I haven't seen enough on the trails to see how they work.

Good luck and have fun with the search

 

[Scott Brady]

Great choice with the 4Runner.

 

[DaveInDenver]

What's your budget, target options, etc? I might have a line on a basic 2005 V6 SR5 with about 45K miles or so.

 

[Martinjmpr]

What's your budget, target options, etc? I might have a line on a basic 2005 V6 SR5 with about 45K miles or so.

Wanting to stay under 20k, which I know is pushing it, and 50k is the highest I'd want in terms of miles.

Other than the V-6, my list is what I don't want: Not a Limited (don't need/want the extra options.) Would prefer 16" wheels to 17's, don't want a nav system, don't want leather or a sunroof, don't want/need 3rd row seats.

Color wise I'm flexible but I'm so, so, so tired of white (I've owned 6 4x4s and 4 of them were white,) do not like black, and I'm not a big fan of silver (although silver would not be a deal breaker, nor would white.) I've never seen a green 4th gen, which is too bad because that's my favorite color. The maroon/red color is very nice and I like the gold as well. I'm not crazy about dark blue but would choose it over black or white.

Probably will want to go with a dealer though because I'm looking to trade in the not-yet-paid-for Taco and it's easier to do that at a dealer.

 

[Redline]

I'm biased... but after owning and building my '06 4Runner over the past 2.5-years, I still appreciate it as not only one of the best 4x4s I have ever owned, but also one of the best 'cars'. It's still a fantastic 'daily driver', even with all the modifications!

I strongly agree with your preference for 16-inch wheels (or one that will accept 16-in. wheels). I think this pretty much limits you to an SR5. Sounds like you should look at the one Dave in Denver is talking about.

Good luck!

 

[deadbeat son]

There's one good thing about 17" wheels. Take-off BFG MTs from Wrangler Rubicons in 255-75/17 can be had cheap; Tire Rack has them new for only $109 each! They measure 32.1" high and 10" wide.

Just something else to consider...

 

[sami]

There's one good thing about 17" wheels. Take-off BFG MTs from Wrangler Rubicons in 255-75/17 can be had cheap; Tire Rack has them new for only $109 each! They measure 32.1" high and 10" wide.

Just something else to consider...

Extremely good point! I've considered picking up 17"s just for this reason

 

[Cackalak Han]

There are always a lot of 05-06's with 40k miles going for ~$19k or less. Mostly all leased vehicles and the owners wanting to make a couple bucks rather than turning it in. I have seen a couple go for $16k range, though.

As far as your Tacoma, I'm sure you can sell it pretty quick, as they are always in high demand.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Taking the plunge...

Okay, I'm going to go ahead and list my truck for sale on ExPo first to offer the good people here first crack at it. Since I won't have time to start shopping "in person" until at least 06/20 that will give me some time to determine whether there might be a buyer out there. If I can sell it myself, I'd rather do that than trade it in.

The good news is that there seem to be a lot of 4runners in my price range in the area. With gas prices going up I expect that will not change much.