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Diver
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4729
Registered: 11-15-2004
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I Shouldn't Have Asked - Toyota
Unfortunately, Mrs Diver rolled our Explorer after hitting a patch of ice a few weeks ago. She is fine and the Explorer kept her safe but is totalled
so we need to find a replacement.
In addition to another Explorer, we are considering a 4Runner and I was hoping to get some feedback from some of you Toyota guys.
Best years ? Best motor ? Other considerations ?
Say 2000 or newer ?
[Edited on 12-21-2009 by Diver]
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
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Glad to hear Ms. Diver is okay.
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Steve&Debby
Nomad
Posts: 335
Registered: 12-18-2007
Location: Colusa,California/ Percebu
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Diver,I had a 1994(I think that was the year) 4runner and we put over 100,000 miles on it,had no problems with it until it started overheating.I can't
remember the exact mileage. We took it in to the Toyota dealer they found it had a bad head gasket( V6).I thougth this was going to be expensive.The
dealer checked with Toyota and found there was a recall on this problem and they put a brand new engine in it at no charge.I never expected that.
Glad to here no one was hurt in the roll over.
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doradodan
Nomad
Posts: 162
Registered: 11-23-2006
Location: San Felipe
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Mood: boracho
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same thing happened with my 96 t-100 replaced the motor at 50k due to rcalled head gasket. Same motor as the forerunner, i have 278,000 on that thing
and it still running like a champ. Toyota over ford any day.
\"The time spent off the water, I\'m thinking of ways to get back in\"
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TheColoradoDude
Nomad
Posts: 287
Registered: 2-10-2009
Location: Colorado/San Carlos, Sonora
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Mood: Paz, Amor, y Tacos de Pescado
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If your looking for reliability. Look no further! Toyota! The 80 series land cruisers are pretty awesome too!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Land_Cruiser
[Edited on 12-19-2009 by TheColoradoDude]
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ElFaro
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Posts: 231
Registered: 9-16-2007
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Hey ColoradoDude...your one of the few that understand the "FJ" series benefits. A lot of people may not know is the FJ-80 was the last Landcruiser
with the "straight 6" cast iron engine and the solid front axles. And those are forged one-piece axle housings...not this "press fit" crap so common
on American vehicles. I own a '87 FL-60...the last Landcruiser that was carbureted and stick shift. I took off the shift bracket on my transfer case
and now I have not ony 4WD Lo and 4WD Hi but also 2WD Lo and 2WD Hi. Still need to get a UNIMOG for Baja with a front and back NATO winch.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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If reliability is your main requirement, why not call around to your local libraries and see if they have this and past years Consumer's Report Buying
Guide. The last three years editions should cover any vehicles you might be considering. It is the most comprehensive compilation of INDEPENDENT data
on used cars.
Let's hope she doesnt ever roll a Japanese vehicle. IMO, there is a big difference in the metal used by Japanese mfgrs and American mfgrs, especially
Ford.
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Bob H
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5867
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: San Diego
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I'm very happy to hear that Mrs. Diver is OK!
The question to ask yourself... what is the difference between a rollover in an Explorer as opposed to a rollover in a Toy! I'd much rather have that
big Ford if you ask me. Just my opinion. But, then again, I am a Ford man.
Bob H
[Edited on 12-19-2009 by Bob H]
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mulegemichael
Super Nomad
Posts: 2310
Registered: 12-24-2007
Location: sequim,wa. and mulege
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Mood: up on step
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we absolutely love our 4runner!...it's the best rig we've ever had in terms of reliability, durability and get up and go...ours is a 2005 with a v-8
so the mileage isn't exactly super,(15-17mpg), but boy does it ride nice and it flat takes off!...smooth ride, back supports, air assist brakes, and
all the other bells and whistles....no comparison!
dyslexia is never having to say you\'re yrros.
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k-rico
Super Nomad
Posts: 2079
Registered: 7-10-2008
Location: Playas de Tijuana
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Sounds like if you buy a used Toyota you need to make sure it blew a head gasket and the motor has been replaced. 
Buy American. The used Ford seller will probably buy a new one.
[Edited on 12-19-2009 by k-rico]
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Bob H
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5867
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: San Diego
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| Quote: | Originally posted by k-rico
Sounds like if you buy a used Toyota you need to make sure it blew a head gasket and the motor has been replaced.
Buy American. The used Ford seller will probably buy a new one.
[Edited on 12-19-2009 by k-rico] |
Buy American! Love it.
Bob H
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bigboy
Nomad
Posts: 239
Registered: 12-28-2003
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Love my Ford's. I leave my 89' Bronco at my Baja house, 238,000 miles and no problems and drive my 95' Bronco to my Baja house and it has 203,000
miles.
I also have a V10 Excursion that I use to tow my fleet of boats. I have two that weigh over 7,000# and again no problems!
I never had a blown head gasket that would leave me stranded in the middle of Baja!
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wessongroup
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21152
Registered: 8-9-2009
Location: Mission Viejo
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Mood: Suicide Hot line ... please hold
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How about a Bronco?
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Diver
Unfortunately, Mrs Diver rolled our Explorer after hitting a patch of ice a few weeks ago. She is fine and the Explorer kept her safe but is totalled
so we need to find a replacement.
In addition to another Explorer, we are considering a 4Runner and I was hoping to get some feedback from some of you Toyota guys.
Best years ? Best motor ? Other considerations ?
Say 2000 or newer ?
[Edited on 12-19-2009 by Diver] |
I believe the available engines in a 2000 to about 2004 or 2005 was a 2.4L 4 and a 3.4 V6, both good engines especially the 2.4L but not a lot of
power if hooked to an automatic, the V6 would be much better. Not sure when they offered the 4.7L V8 maybe about when the 4L V6 which I think was
2005. That's when the Tacoma got it. You don't need more power than that has. It will accelerate and top off with most V8s. I'm assuming your looking
for a two wheel drive version and there are lots of them out there. Along about that same time period the made it larger like the Tacoma is now, from
a mini to midsize. You may also want to look at the Toyota Highlander, they seem to have high marks from the people I have talked too.
Just a personal note, the 4Runner has coil springs on the rear and that's gets a little more complicated if you want to beef it up, unlike leaf
springs where you can just add a leaf installed for under $150. The 4Runner is an excellent vehicle and everyone I know that has owned one really
liked it.
Also expect to pay more for the 4Runner than a similar year Explorer.
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bajabass
Super Nomad
Posts: 2016
Registered: 10-4-2006
Location: La Paz,BCS
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Mood: Want to fish!!!
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I have owned my own automotive shop in O.C. for over 20 years. The only benifit of buying a Explorer or other small Ford over a Toyota is the initial
cost. The Ford dealers will give them away if you push real hard. Toyota, not so much. Ford and Gm trucks have made me a great living until the
economy fell apart. I bought a 2000 2wd Tundra. Great truck. Decided I needed a 4x4, got a 2002 Tundra 4x4. Even better truck. The 4.7 V-8 is a great
motor, and the trucks and 4-Runners are very reliable. For my 50th birthday, I gave myself a 2009 Tundra 4x4 TRD. Awesome truck. If you have a heavy
trailer, you need a diesel, then the Fords, GM, Dodges are the best option. Just be prepared for big repair bills. I don't make money working on my
own vehicles, I drive a Tundra, the wife drives a Honda Element, end of story! I truly believe the 4-Runner is a better vehicle hands down.
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k-rico
Super Nomad
Posts: 2079
Registered: 7-10-2008
Location: Playas de Tijuana
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My '91 302 F-150, loaded with a camper, takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'.
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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Knowing Mrs. Diver and her capabilities and energy, I am surprised she did not turn the car upright, pound out all the dents and get everything fixed
before you even knew about it. 
Seriously, we hope she is not injured in any way at all---give her our best and good luck car shopping.
Diane and John
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bajabass
Super Nomad
Posts: 2016
Registered: 10-4-2006
Location: La Paz,BCS
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Mood: Want to fish!!!
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Not sure of the year break, but newer Explorers are independant rear suspension with coil springs also. The 4-Runner is a solid rear differential,
much stronger.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65287
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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In 2005 (for the Tacomas at least) the engines went from a 3.4 to a 4.0 litre... when the Tacoma increased in size. I had a 2001 and a 2005... (3.4
and 4.0), both automatic (4 speed on the '01 and 5 speed on the '05) transmissions.
If you could swing it, the newest models have VSC (Vehicle Stability Control, developed by Bosch in Germany) and TRAC (using limited slip
differntials)... making sliding out-of-control on slippery roads a thing of the past...
Watch this 2 1/2 minute video on Toyota/ Bosch VSC: http://video.yahoo.com/watch/206114/689691
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MitchMan
Super Nomad
Posts: 1856
Registered: 3-9-2009
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How about the older 4x4 4 cyl Tacomas? Alot of the pangueros and even police have them. The pangueros beach launch their 23 foot pangas with them.
They say that they get really good gas mileage and great durability/reliability. Got lost and stuck in the sand this year with my small '84 chevy
blazer 4x4. The police came and pulled my out with their 4x4 4 cyl Tacoma with absolutely no problem. Sold me. That's definitely going to be my
next vehicle.
[Edited on 12-19-2009 by MitchMan]
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