I think I have a non-solution solution to my Fake News Vehicular Existential Crisis™

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
10/17/2018 at 22:35 • Filed to: Read Zoidberg's car-shopping post or watch paint dry? Hmmm....

By God, I think I’m on to something this time!

The tentative long -game is to acquire one of the following (subject to my stupid whims at any time):

- 2001-2004 Tundra SR5 4x4 Extended Cab V8
- 4th-gen 4Runner V8
- Series 100 Land Cruiser w/ VVTi

Yeah, wow, shocked to see Toyotas on that list.

However, all of them push — or far exceed — a 5-digit budget. If I wanted to buy something like these in 2019, I would have to sell the Sportcross, which is really not a road I want to go down. I feel like it’s something I would regret doing. It’s a great car that I enjoy driving. And it took F O R E V E R to find. I also don’t want to get caught with my pants down DDing a gigantic V8-something that gets 14 miles per gallon. Who knows, I could have some kind of crazy career change where I’m commuting to Seattle or some nightmare. I want one of the above as recreational/utilitarian/hauler/camping/pull-a-trailer vehicle, not as a primary vehicle.

In addition: the longbed is aging rapidly, but it’s not dead just yet. I’m not sure I can bear to part with it especially while it’s still in one piece. I love that thing.

So even though I can’t really find a budget for my newest plan, I’m sure I can figure something out by summer: that new plan being to find a serviceable 3rd -gen 4Runner.

I’d have to really jump on a good deal, but I should be able to find a good-not-great one for hopefully 5-6k. Even if it had a billion miles, as long as the belt was done recently I’m not concerned. Plus, I could probably sell it for about what I bought it. Seems to be a low-risk maneuver that would get me through the next year or more for my camping and winter needs (if you can call what we get here “winter”). I’d also have to squeeze out at least another grand for title, tax, licensing, plus insurance over the span of my ownership. I think I can do it. Maybe. Or not.

So there you go: boring man makes boring plan.

DISCUSSION (38)

Future Heap Owner > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 22:41

“a gigantic V8-something that gets 14 miles per gallon.”

Honestly that sounds pretty dang good for a gigantic V8-something.

Is your plan for finding a deal to obsessively trawl CL/FB/AT and hop on something before anyone else can, or find something with a problem you can live with that most people won’t (like mismatched or dented panels), or take a gamble on something that needs work?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Future Heap Owner
10/17/2018 at 22:43

No, it’d definitely be the obsessive “checking CL/FB/AT/CG every 13 seconds” strategy.

Future Heap Owner > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 22:44

What’s CG?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Future Heap Owner
10/17/2018 at 22:45

CarGurus

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 22:52

What about a 1st gen Sequ oi a?

Nothing > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 22:55

I’m a silly enough person that I still consider selling the Taco for a 100 series Cruiser. Although today, I was also shopping GX460s.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Nothing
10/17/2018 at 22:57

Yes, but you’re a silly man with an actual potential budget.

Chariotoflove > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
10/17/2018 at 22:59

My BIL did exactly that. Bought one to haul family and boat all over the Midwest in all weather. Did the job perfectly.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
10/17/2018 at 23:01

I prefer the 4Runner and Land Cruisers over the 1st gen Sequoia because REASONS (just a like/dislike thing)

I prefer the old Tundra over the Sequoia because BED

LongbowMkII > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 23:02

That’s so boring it’s handsome

wafflesnfalafel > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
10/17/2018 at 23:04

that’s what I was thinking - might actually be cheaper than either the Tundra or the 4runner and in decent condition having just been puttered around suburbia their entire life... cr@ppy mpg, but if it’s just a weekend vehicle...

Under_Score > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 23:07

If you’re fine with RWD, there are lots of 4Runner V8's with under 200,000 miles.

AestheticsInMotion > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 23:07

Wasn't your wife interested in a different vehicle?

vicali > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 23:08

You could do a lot worse than a 3rd Gen 4runner...

facw > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 23:10

In the thumbnail it somehow looked like a Ford to me, so there’s your answer: Buy an Expedition, and when it breaks, buy another, and it will still probably be cheaper than buying a Toyota.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 23:11

Weren’t you thinking about something like this for camping? If so, two people can sleep flat in the back.

Also, for what it’s worth, I’ve transported 40 bags of mulch in the back of the 4Runner before.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > AestheticsInMotion
10/17/2018 at 23:12

She wants to keep her car for another few years to save money (she’s figured out holding out will get her a much nicer car than if she gets something now... long-game!!!)

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
10/17/2018 at 23:13

Yes, this would be for camping/disposability. My favorite campsite is not accessible with the IS.

Nothing > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 23:15

My budget is only the equity I have in the truck, which thankfully is still enough for a decent 100 series. Although the GX I found today was also priced temptingly low.

Then I think of how simple the Taco is and less likely to have crap break. And I STILL think of replacing it.

benjrblant > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 23:30

I drove a 3rd gen Runner for a few years. Its a great vehicle and a fantastic size. It feels very familiar to the 80 series inside and I wouldn't hesitate to put good tires on one amd take it all over the place.

shop-teacher > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 23:34

“ (if you can call what we get here “winter”).”

Hahaha! No! The very existence of your long bed proves that.

Spaceball-Two > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 23:40

Sell the Vibe and put Mrs. in a slightly used 4runner. She wanted a CUV, you both like camping and what not. Win win.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Spaceball-Two
10/17/2018 at 23:43

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm could work!

Spaceball-Two > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 23:44

Gotta work them angles homie

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 23:46

They are pretty perfect for that. Plenty of room inside, but doesn’t take up much space on the outside.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 23:49

I almost went to look at a Toyota the other day for a project, but an unexpected expense came up the same day.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > wafflesnfalafel
10/17/2018 at 23:50

That was my line of reasoning. Everyone wants a 4- runner/land cruiser or an extended cab 4x4 Tundra. Not as many folks may pine for the 1st gen tundra with an enclosed bed, and many of them have probably lived relatively easier lives.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/17/2018 at 23:56

I get that. I would prefer a Land Cruiser from that bunch, too. I looked at it from a sub five digit price perspective. Everyone wants a 4 runner/Land Cruiser and/or an extended cab 4x4 Tundra. I would guess not as many folks lust for the Tundra with an enclosed bed that likely led an easier life on average than the open bed pickup.

Full-size tow vehicles tend to work that way. Everyone and their mother wants a 1/2 ton/crew cab/4X4 truck, and used prices on any of those not beat to death reflect that. Much less money tends to buy that same truck with an enclosed bed in the form of a Tahoe/Suburban/Expedition/Sequoia in much better shape/lower miles. This was the reason I owned a GMT400 suburban and escalade.

RPM esq. > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/18/2018 at 01:42

This seems like a great plan: more modern and comfortable than an 80, cheaper and better gas mileage than a 100 or 4th-gen , kind of the sweet spot in terms of efficiency/modernity/budget.

adamftw > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/18/2018 at 07:08

- 2003-2006 Silverado ECSB 5.3 Z71

- 2003-2006 Tahoe Z71

Half the price, same function, more capability, same longevity, better fuel mileage. Toyotas are cool, but, I can’t stomach the price most of the time. I’ve been comparing MINT 05-07 LC100s with 12-14 Tahoes and they’re both around the same mileage (100k) and same price ($20-25 k). I’ll be damned before buying a cheap LC100 because the maintenance costs are stupid. A cheap Chevy though is cheap to maintain.

adamftw > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
10/18/2018 at 07:11

GMT800 pickups on the east coast are a dime a dozen. $8- 10k buys you a hell of a nice truck.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/18/2018 at 07:30

4th gen 4Runner V8's can be had for less than 10k. I’ve been watching the market and while most of the ones I want are in the 11-12k range, you can find higher mile examples for 8-9

jasmits > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/18/2018 at 10:15

Wanna know what’s cheap?? Land Rovers are cheap!!

You won’t be boring anymore, you’ll have $2- 4k to put away for maintenance and something that’s already lost all of its value can’t lose any more! On the last point I do actually think that Discovery 1 and 2s, Range Rover Classics and P38 Range Rovers are going to start picking up value again. Not that anyone should view something so potentially expensive to own as an investment because they’re merely going from ‘dirt cheap’ to just ‘cheap’.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/cto/d/1999-land-rover-discovery/6725236525.html

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/range-rover/6726230722.html

https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/d/2001-land-rover-discovery-2/6713612204.html

In all seriousness a 3rd gen 4Runner sounds like a good idea. They’re everything I liked about my 2nd gen with serious improvements on the stuff I didn’t.

RT > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/18/2018 at 11:49

Inb4 you get tempted by the second gen.

Kinja'd!!!

MM54 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/18/2018 at 18:28

Hey, I’ve got one of those. The tables have turned! Hopefully you have better luck finding a 4runner in your budget than I did an is300.

But yeah it’s pretty cool, drives better than a real SUV has any business doing and should be great for moderate off-road stuff. Plus, so much room in the back with the seats folded.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > MM54
10/18/2018 at 18:33

We could trade! That would probably be a bad idea for both of us....

MM54 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/18/2018 at 19:19

I would come out way ahead. You (and anyone you took it to for work) wouldn’t know what to do with a truck whose underside has been exposed to 20 years of salt :) I’ve also already promised my dad I’d sell it to him w hen I’m done with it.

Spaceball-Two > Spaceball-Two
10/21/2018 at 12:13

Or https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/1992-toyota-land-cruiser-fj80/6726774897.html