help me brainstorm what to get for my next vehicle

Judging by your past vehicles that Tacoma just seemed really fishy.

It'll be interesting to see what you do to the Montero.

You should call you next building thread sixstringsteve white lie build or something like that.
 
^ I've read that one. In fact, the current owner offered to sell it to me. I didn't like a few things he did, so I declined the offer, but it is a great one to watch.

The "bed" the seats make doesn't look super comfy for sleeping on. I plan on making a sleeping platform in the back.
 
I was suspicious of the STEP bars, and the giant rims. I became most suspicious when I found the vehicle on the website and saw the price tag.
 
I wasn't going to question your love for the chrome :D I thought it was an interesting choice but who am I to question you and vehicles? :D Even as much fun and as nice as a new Tacoma would be, I think the Montero is a better choice. Paying cash is king. :)
 
Thanks, I agree. It just felt better to pay cash. I'll keep saving for my tacoma one day. The nice thing about a cheaper car is that I can drive it a little more without worrying about scratching paint, denting skid plates, etc.
 
I enjoy the montero, but I'm worried about reliability. The more I research, the more they seem like they take a fair bit of maintenance to keep going. Not that they're unreliable per se, but that little things go out regularly (gauges, fuel sending unit, crank pulley, etc). I'm not feeling super confident taking it on long trips. Aside from that, I love the vehicle.

Since I'm only seeing ~ 16 mpg, I wish I had bought a 100 series or a v8 4runner while I continue to save for my tacoma. I also wonder how reliable an awd chevy express van with the 5.3L would be...
 
sixstringsteve said:
I enjoy the montero, but I'm worried about reliability. The more I research, the more they seem like they take a fair bit of maintenance to keep going. Not that they're unreliable per se, but that little things go out regularly (gauges, fuel sending unit, crank pulley, etc). I'm not feeling super confident taking it on long trips. Aside from that, I love the vehicle.

Since I'm only seeing ~ 16 mpg, I wish I had bought a 100 series or a v8 4runner while I continue to save for my tacoma. I also wonder how reliable an awd chevy express van with the 5.3L would be...
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The biggest part of keeping a car running reliably is common sense. When I bought the 98 Montero I did extensive research on reliability and common issues before I bought it, everything functions as it should on ours and with the 33x9.50 bfg tires I have been averaging 17.2 mpg. Sure, it's a gutless wonder compared to the Jeep, but the Montero rides quiet and smooth.
 
sixstringsteve said:
I enjoy the montero, but I'm worried about reliability. The more I research, the more they seem like they take a fair bit of maintenance to keep going. Not that they're unreliable per se, but that little things go out regularly (gauges, fuel sending unit, crank pulley, etc). I'm not feeling super confident taking it on long trips. Aside from that, I love the vehicle.

Since I'm only seeing ~ 16 mpg, I wish I had bought a 100 series or a v8 4runner while I continue to save for my tacoma. I also wonder how reliable an awd chevy express van with the 5.3L would be...
Click to expand...

Well, it's NOT a Toyota... but you knew that from the get-go. ;)

Reality is that a Land Cruiser or a 4Runner with a 4.7 would get similar mileage.
 
Greg said:
Well, it's NOT a Toyota... but you knew that from the get-go. ;)

Reality is that a Land Cruiser or a 4Runner with a 4.7 would get similar mileage.
Click to expand...

I tracked my wifes V8 4runner this last tank and it was 17.9 mpg. It did have a trip down to sandy and back to ogden but the rest was mixed driving.
 
But then I couldn't keep up with you when pulling Parleys canyon and I'd have to do a 6.0 swap.
 
Sounds like a win win. :)

I love the ride of the montero, but if I can't get better than 18 mpg I'll sell it and get a v8 runner.
 
Thanks. I tried something other than a toyota and found it lacking. I love everything about it aside from the little things that aren't working 100%, and the MPG.


@ greg, did you find the OME lift on your 4runner to affect MGP much?
 
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Burned out to the airport this morning in my moms 4th Gen Runner with the 2UZ-FE... really dig that setup :cool:

Hers is a gem, fully loaded with under 80k miles too. She drives it a few hundred miles per month currently. If/when she ever decides to sell I may be a buyer.
 
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You're not helping. :)

Actually, you are helping. I think a v8 4runner is the ticket. If nothing else, having the montero helped me realize I can live without a truck bed, and I actually prefer a SUV for some situations. I still want another doublecab tacoma someday, but I think a v8 4runner will be the ticket for now.

I'm checking out a 2005 v8 4runner this afternoon. the VVT-t motors supposedly get the same MPG with 15% more HP. Anyone see any downside to a VVT-i motor? I'm never going to put a supercharger on, so I don't care much about that.
 
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