There really wasn't much chance of me switching. Oh, I briefly entertained the idea of an Xterra with the 6 speed manual, but as soon as I realized everything I'd be missing (size, multi-mode T-case, trip computer, roll down rear window, better rear suspension, etc) I gave up on that notion and from that point it was either a 4th gen 4runner or a 1st gen Sequoia, and one test drive in the Sequoia was enough to make me realize I didn't want anything that big.
Not sure. It has practically new tires, Cooper Discoverer M+S in 265/70/16 (which I guess is the stock size.) I'm glad it has 16" wheels since, from what I've seen, tires for 16" wheels are less expensive than tires for 17" wheels. Not crazy about the Coopers but seeing as how they're new, I'm reluctant to change them out just yet. I'd like to do the "no cost running board lift" (remove the running boards so it looks taller) but I'm not sure if I even want to do that - Wife has a Jeep now so if we want to do an real "4 wheeling" we can take her YJ and bash it up to our heart's content.
Honestly I'd like to be able to stuff the same size tire under this that I had on my 3rd gen, 265/75/16 which should be do-able since it's only about an inch or so bigger in diameter. Beyond that I might eventually get a mild lift (which is the reason I didn't want a Sport - no need to pay extra for the XREAS suspension if I'm just going to pull it off anyway.) Other than that, no significant mods planned. Well, I'll install the Scangauge so I can get my automatic trans temperature, but other than that not planning on any mods. The stereo already has an Aux input for the iPod so I see no reason to change that out either.
Also maybe it's just me but I'm seeing more and more lifted 4th gens than I used to. They look sweet!
Color has never been important for me, except that I don't like black for a vehicle (too hot and I don't like the way they show dirt.) OTOH, I get so tired of the same inoffensive, bland, colors: White, silver, gray, and black seem to be the most common colors around and I can understand why - for a global market, you want to make sure your vehicle doesn't come in a color that people find objectionable, so you try to make them as un-objectionable as possible. I think it also has to do with market niche: Bold, bright colors are for younger people (which is why the FJ Cruiser and Xterra come in bold colors), whereas more "sedate" colors are for us older, more settled folks
(Hey, wait, when did I become and old guy?
Was it when I turned 50?)
Still, after looking at so many silver, white, black and gray vehicles, this one really stood out. It does have the disadvantage of showing dirt quite easily (which I discovered on a Home Depot run picking up some bags of concrete - that concrete dust got all over the rear hatch!) and it will certainly require more "TLC" than my previous desert/dirt colored 4runner. But I still love it!
