Re: Best 4X4 for DV type areas?
Posted by Bodie the Dog on November 22, 2002 at 13:38:31:
In Reply to: Re: Best 4X4 for DV type areas? posted by shorty23 on November 22, 2002 at 11:53:07:
I've had two 4-runners now (my first was totalled when an uninsured drunk driver ran into it). I prefer the years 1991 through 1995, as the 1996 stock model rides an inch closer to the ground. I need that inch sometimes.
But there is a recall on the head gasket. I don't know which specific engine, but my '91 model was affected. Good news is that it's a decent recall. We were the 2nd owners, and had over 150K on the engine when we found out about it, so took the opportunity to do some other work as well.
4Runners are also fairly heavy (last time I used a truck scale during a trip, it showed close to 6000 lbs), to the point where going up long freeway grades can be painful. Add any serious gear, passengers, etc., and the problem only gets worse, with the added detriment of poor handling.
But reliability? Awesome. I have beat the hell out of both 4runners on some very rough roads, with few problems. I drive way too fast. Ok, I'm opening myself up to name-calling, but my strategy for washboard is to drive as fast as possible and try to float over everything.
I pulled into Saline Valley Palm Springs one time when some guys from the Top Gun school were there, and they commented on the dust plume I raised across the valley. You know you drive too fast when fighter pilots say something.