"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch) 07/22/2020 at 12:35 • Filed to: None

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The 200 series is a friend of mine, also this one belongs to a friend of mine. Well, my wife’s college friend’s father. (Incidentally, my wife’s college friend’s husband is banned from my home for being an ass) . The dad however is a seriously excellent human being and we go skiing sometimes. I went over there to borrow kids harnesses and helmets to take the kids climbing. He just put mud terrains on his 200 and I can tell you this guy uses his 200. The front bumper is already trashed and he’s had it less than a year. His tent stays on, for the complainers, because it gets used about once a week.

The LJ Rubicon is a bonus.

HammerheadFistpunch > HammerheadFistpunch 07/22/2020 at 12:42

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p.s. I have no idea how I did the text preview.  

Nibby > HammerheadFistpunch 07/22/2020 at 12:43

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hi it’s me your friend can i have a land cruiser

Mid Engine > HammerheadFistpunch 07/22/2020 at 13:15

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my wife’s college friend’s father whose husband is banned from my home

I’m trying to figure this out

ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy > HammerheadFistpunch 07/22/2020 at 13:16

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One tire shop argued against me putting all-terrains on my Grand Cherokee last year, saying they were too aggressive.

I wonder what they’d say about mud terrains on a Land Cruiser.

HammerheadFistpunch > Mid Engine 07/22/2020 at 13:16

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My wife’s college friends father is excellent . My wife’s college friend’s husband is the ass. It is confusing.

HammerheadFistpunch > ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy 07/22/2020 at 13:18

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Too aggressive?  lame.  I’ve got A/Ts on the Cruiser of course but also on the GX and besides them being crappy tires, there is no problem with them.

Nothing > HammerheadFistpunch 07/22/2020 at 13:28

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I have a couple of coworkers that want to come out to Colorado to explore. One just started dipping his toes, but with a RAM 2500 diesel crew. He just replaced his “wife’s” vehicle with a new JL Rubicon (I’m sure it’s a 4 door, but have yet to confirm).

My other coworker has a 2016 200 series. I remember being a little jealous when he bought it new, but then he’s sent me pictures of him on the trails too, which made me more jealous. I was stunned to learn he actually USED it.  He’s a couple of years from retiring and has told me that this will be the last vehicle he ever buys.

HammerheadFistpunch > Nothing 07/22/2020 at 13:31

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Thats what my father in law keeps threatening for buying a 200...but his wife will not be on board.  She hates going off road even a little.  I think she is starting to change her tune a little now she’s been to a few really cool off-road places in a comfortable car (the GX). The 200 series in another level of comfort from there.

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy 07/22/2020 at 13:35

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Too aggressive for what? Mall crawling? probably.

Literally any offroad situation? no.

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > HammerheadFistpunch 07/22/2020 at 13:35

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Story please!

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > HammerheadFistpunch 07/22/2020 at 13:36

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woah, I didn’t even notice until you said something. I think it just does that when you don’t have a title.

HammerheadFistpunch > WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI 07/22/2020 at 13:44

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Had them and a few other college and high school friend couples over for a BBQ years ago , they were all kinda dickish mostly chatting in a little clique and basically ignoring me and my wife. It wasn’t a big deal, I’m kinda of quiet person in groups as I prefer to absorb but it clearly bothered my wife who was trying to reconnect with people she called her friends. (my wife and I have known each other since the 7th grade and have many of the same friends). When they were leaving this ass stood at my door and said “well, at least you make [your wife] happy.”

I guess this was something my wife and her roommates would say privately about him when he and his wife were dating because they didn’t really like him then, but they were genuinely happy that she was happy with him. It was said to me in a very condescending way. I shut my mouth, and shut the door and he hasn’t been welcome in my home since.

What kind of smugness is required for a thing like that? Still burns me up just talking about it. She (his wife, my wife’s good friend and the daughter of the 200 owner) is lovely; Kind, happy, cheerful. like her dad. Her husband is a deeply unpleasant self-satisfied ass. My wife and her are still friends but my wife knows that if she wants to do something with her, it won’t be in our home and he isn’t invited.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy 07/22/2020 at 14:00

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I’ll never understand shops/businesses who argue with customers about to spend money. If you’re concerned about something, sure let me know and then leave it be, don’t keep arguing.

ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 07/22/2020 at 14:03

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Well maybe argue was too strong of a word. It was more of an advisement or recommendation.

Speed > HammerheadFistpunch 07/22/2020 at 14:27

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Funny a 200 ends up on here after I went hunting for them earlier on the classifieds rabbit hole. I like them, I truly do, but it’s hard to justify when I can get a new Frontier with a warranty for roughly the same price or one with equivalent mileage for half or so.

It’s beyond commensurate when comparing price new vs. price new, so in that respect it’s actually a good deal in the Cruiser’s favor, but still. It’s hard to imagine allowing myself to spend 20something on a new vehicle, much less a used one.

My wife’s love for Wranglers makes it an even tougher proposition when it comes to pricey used offerings.

I just need to stick to the sub $10k stuff.

Longtime Lurker > HammerheadFistpunch 07/22/2020 at 14:34

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No title

HammerheadFistpunch > Speed 07/22/2020 at 14:36

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when it comes to that budget you have to be very choosy as nice cars like a 200 will be far more vehicle but parts and maintenance will be more. When it comes to a Frontier or 200 you are getting a LOT more for your money with a 200. Probably nearly identical reliability as well even factoring in age and mileage.

Wranglers are a terrible buy, IMO.

Have you looked at the GX market?  I got a 120k example for under 17 and it was rust free and nice.

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > HammerheadFistpunch 07/22/2020 at 14:55

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Yikes. That’s never fun. I have a few good friends who have significant others that are less than pleasant. Not to that level, but I feel  ya.

Speed > HammerheadFistpunch 07/22/2020 at 15:12

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First off, I’m in agreement on the Wrangler. I really like the old TJ’s, but it’s hard to get behind the post 4.0 stuff and their stratospherical pricing. I dig it from a chassis standpoint, but mechanically I’m not a fan. The poor payload and towing capacity is also a bone of contention for me.

Regarding the 200, I agree that in the bottom of the price range it’s still a killer rig for the money. When you consider the price new, it’s amazing that they’re not more expensive. Considering Toyota value retention, they look like a much better deal than a comparable Taco or 4runner.

That said, the Frontier (and Xterra to an extent) are the C5Z of 4x4's to me. They’re just such a solid value proposition in the price range that’s almost impossible to argue with, much like when comparing an E46 M3 or 996 Carrera to a C5 Z06. It’s a budget friendly, rock solid, easy to maintain overachiever.

I realize it’s not apples to apples, but here are a few features that make me feel this way.

1) The fully boxed, Titan-esque frame on the midsize frontier is pretty cool. This reminds me of something you’d get on a 70 series Cruiser. It’s that extra step of robust utility that we often miss in USDM offerings. ( rear discs and an available D44 on the Pro 4X is cool too)

2) The antiquated drivetrain, while not the most up to date or efficient, is tested, proven, reliable and durable. It’s also cheap to maintain whenever something does go wrong. That said, fuel economy is hilariously comparable. I will concede that the 4.0 in the 4runner and the 4.7 V8 is also just as much a dinosaur. The lineage is proven enough that I’m also comfortable with the 5.7 in the 200.

3) Back to sharing components with the Titan, it’s interesting you can do a “long arm” conversion by swapping over full-size components over to the mid size truck. I also dig the sweet, flanged CV shafts and the M205 differential that can be swapped in as well. I know the 100's differential is a point of contention, but I wonder how the 200 Series unit fares? This isn’t a stock vs. stock thing, but something I considered in the overall budget and long term build prospects.

4) It’s low key, skirting the Toyota tax and #overlandbro recognition that come with Toyotas.

I have certainly looked at the GX and 100 Series. The GX also almost ruins me on the full-size Land Cruiser. The Prado has legitimate off road chops and is certainly an underplayed card, but he Nissan is still a thorn in it’s side. I’ve seriously considered this option though. I also really dig how ridiculously foreign they look. Not sure if that makes sense, but they look like something you’d only find in a place like Australia.

My biggest gripe about the GX is the weight, especially in comparison to the size of it. I’m pretty sure it’s heavier than my ‘04 Silverado extended cab 4x4. That said, it’s towing capacity (vs. say an Xterra) makes up for this. The GX is a serious contender; I need to find one to drive.

HammerheadFistpunch > Speed 07/22/2020 at 15:25

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1. the boxed frame is cool but it does NOT flex like the tacoma or others, plus the pro 4x also has crap payload. Buddy of mine has a frontier and its been great on our trips, but its no match for his brothers Tacoma TRD OR.

2. Fuel economy off road on the Frontier is...bad. It’ s almost as bad as my 80 series. I’ve also been unimpressed with their transmission cooling logic.

3. That being said the frontier is tough, and it’ s partly because its overbuilt as you say.

4.super low key and it looks great.

5. I really like my GX, its a great jack of all trades. Comfy and even a little sporty when it wants to be, tows great (self leveling air suspension FTW) and the weight isn’t a huge issue at least you don’t feel it. Off road its no Land Cruiser but its still pretty good. I don’t love the prado shape, but I do love how much practical it is that the USDM version (4runner) in that it actually has headroom and sight lines and the interior isn’t trying to be some macho play thing.

Check out my youtube for Frontier/Tacoma/Gx video.

BTW the front diff on the 200 series is very much solved, in fact it’ s really solved on the 100 series past 2000 when they went back to a 4 pinion.  The race team here has been racing on an unopened front diff for YEARS and never had an issue.

HammerheadFistpunch > Speed 07/22/2020 at 15:27

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9IlglApxLcoLoN5mWzof2A

Speed > HammerheadFistpunch 07/22/2020 at 16:16

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I’ve heard about the poor articulation on the Frontier, but I think the Titan swap would fix the front half. Once we’re talking modifications all bets are off, but I dig how this can be done with OEM parts and it’s a bolt-on affair. If I was putting my money where my mouth is, I’d probably skip the Pro 4X, find an SV and spend the savings on modifications. I do like the D44, but that’s easy compared to swapping the front end. Stock for stock, I have heard that, however.

The fuel economy is my number one gripe. I referenced my Silverado earlier and the Frontier’s mileage is very similar to what it gets with a 5.3 V8. I really love the Chevy, but the weak front suspension bothers me. The differential and CV shafts are lackluster and incredibly expensive to upgrade. It’s big too, but it can tow a decent load so I’m a little forgiving on that. That and the fact that I was $1,900 deep for the truck with a fresh transmission.

I think it’s that overbuilt nature that I really appreciate most about rigs like the Nissans and Land Cruisers. Often in the states we get jipped when it comes to USDM specific offerings, but those are pretty solid. Granted, I’m a little hurt about the straight axle 105 Cruisers. I can deal with not getting the diesels.

I’ve really got to get behind the wheel of a GX if I get serious and go Nissan hunting. I also think it’d be a fairly easy sell to my wife considering she’s a Toyota fan and appreciates luxury. She’s not the deciding factor, but I’d like for her to dig it and enjoy driving it as well.

I wasn’t aware they addressed the front axle on the 100's. I’ve really looked hard at them. They’re hard to beat in that price range. They’re still under the radar for many, which works because I see a bunch of them and LX470's that have served daily duty carting the well-to-do to salons, social functions and the Kentucky Derby. The 80's are on the up and up while 200's have yet to get dirt cheap, while the 100 is nested in a real sweet spot right now.

I followed the link and saw your collection of videos and found some 80/Frontier/Taco footage, but where’s the GX stuff?

Kentucky is beautiful, but man I got to get out West.

HammerheadFistpunch > Speed 07/22/2020 at 16:26

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I realized its on my other channel.

here

I don’t have a lot of wheeling footage of the GX because frankly thats not what I use it for, but its been able to handle anything you’d take something with running boards on without breaking a sweat.  

Speed > HammerheadFistpunch 07/22/2020 at 16:32

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Awesome! Thanks man. A ny words on the GX470 vs the 100 Series? Two different tools, but from a budget stand point these are cross shopped rigs for me.

HammerheadFistpunch > Speed 07/22/2020 at 16:40

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I personally don’t love the 1 00. You get the stronger axles, but it’s heavier, wider and I really don’t dig the interior. I will say however that the LX470's are a great platform because of the AHC suspension. With very inexpensive mods you can lift enough them and they flex surprisingly well.

09GT - now boosted > Speed 07/22/2020 at 17:00

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I just bought a very slightly used 2019 Frontier SV 4x4 for under 20k. I needed a truck to do truck things (tow, camp, haul stuff) and something  that my soon to be 16 year old son can drive (the stable includes a Mustang, Ecoboost Flex, and an XJ - too fast, too nice, not really safe).

I love it. It is everything a truck should be and nothing it shouldn’t. The turning radius sucks, the interior is cheap - but very well put together. It has so far exceeded my expectations.

adamftw > HammerheadFistpunch 07/22/2020 at 21:50

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I hate that I have to go test drive one of these soon. I really don’t want to like it. Honestly tho if the fuel tank was a little bigger and it wasn’t a massive ordeal to update the infotainment I’d be more into it.

Speed > 09GT - now boosted 07/23/2020 at 12:55

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Did you pick it up recently? I’ve been looking and haven’t found too too many under 20k with low miles. Is it a King Cab or double? I’d prefer a King, but can’t do much those little jump seats in the back. If my wife and I ever have kids, I don’t want to have to sell the thing for something that fits a car seat. Sounds like you did well though; any pics?

Everything you described in the 2nd paragraph is everything I’ve heard so far summed up nicely. That’s exactly what I’m looking for. Bummer on the turning radius, but you can’t win ‘em all!

Speed > HammerheadFistpunch 07/23/2020 at 13:38

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Yeah it’s like a Tahoe. I wish the front end of the half ton GMT800's was beefier. If it was I don’t even think I’d look Toyota’s way.

I didn’t know the AHC was sought after; every time I considered the 100's I always figured I’d eliminate it at some point if it came with it. I’ll dig into that some more; I didn’t realize there was anything inexpensive about it.

I don’t think the 100 is rated to tow any more than the GX470, which is a shame. You get a little more size with the weight on the 100, but the GX seems to offer identical capability in a smaller package. The ability to pull a similar load AND fit down a tighter trail is a nod to the Prado I didn’t think about until now. How’s the dash holding up in yours?

I appreciate the insight on these rigs!

HammerheadFistpunch > Speed 07/23/2020 at 14:10

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Ahc is pretty solid as long as you change the fluid.

I do like the 100 series rear able a lot more than the Prado. The carrier is wimpy in the Prado.

Dash was replaced so it looks great. My gx is 100% functional with 161k

Speed > HammerheadFistpunch 07/24/2020 at 10:58

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Damn!