elmenohpee

well right now i have a 2000 jeep wj, 2wd :cry:. it must be the COMPLETE base model because i have hardly no options. grand cherokee's are like mini suv's. 4runners seem to sit like 3" taller without any lift or anything. and frankly, i'm tired of driving around in it. my friend had a 95 4runner with 3" lift and 33's, and thats where i fell in love . my dad has an 01' tundra, and has had NO major problems with it. i'm really looking at getting a 99' or 00' limited here in a few months after i save up a little money, but i have a few questions before i commit.

1. how is the dependability of your 4runners? my jeep has been pretty loyal, but i'm starting to get little annoying problems. i just dont want to regret buying a new car.

2. if i really wanted to go with a small lift and maybe 33's, do you think my gas mileage would be about the same as my 17 mpg jeep? i do about 50/50 interstate and city driving. i'm definitely not aggresive when i drive, but i still can barely get over 18 mpg.

cackalak han

Do you have the 4.0 I6 or 4.7 V8? I'm guessing the 4.0, because you said you get 17mpg. The 4.0's are actually really reliable. Most people have put tons of miles on their 4.0's. However, the rest of the Jeep is not that great. Everything from blend doors to death wobbles takes a toll on your pocketbook. That is why I got rid of my ZJ 5.9L Limited. The Jeeps are actually great, because of the solid axles and a pretty good 4WD system, but for a daily driver/off-road rig, it's hard to beat the Toyota's.

I would personally try to get a 99 or 00 4Runner Highlander Edition. It comes with a hood scoop, larger flares, and color keyed bumpers. I was going to get a 99 Highlander, but it was just too far away, so I got a 2002. I also hate leather seats, so I didn't get the Limited. Plus, I think the Highlanders (or Sport Editions--same thing) look a ton better.

Which ever model you get (if you're getting a 99 or 00), make sure it's got a rear locker. Everything else is pretty standard other than that, unless you want a 5-sp.

Even though Toyota's are known for their reliability, make sure to pull a carfax, try to get past records, have a mechanic do a PPI, etc. As far as your mileage goes, I think you will be around the 17mpg with 33's, which isn't bad at all.

Good luck with the hunt. You will love the 4Runner.

misterzee

All cars develop little annoying problems as they get used, and things wear and break. Some cars wear quicker than others... Toyotas go longer than the average car, but they're not perfect.
Putting 33's on will overgear your car, your pep will drop and your gas mileage will drop as well, for at least two reasons....

TFJ-4runner

Let me tell you a little story...











4runner > Any Jeep period, the end.

In all seriousness the 4runner is a solid vehicle that you never have to worry about breaking down every time you fix something. Its not perfect but its extremely close.

97Limited

Are Toyota's 4Runner's dependable?? Yes Very, Toyota's along with Honda's get all around great dependablity reviews!!

Coming on this site I think your gonna get alittle bit of a Bias trend, to lean more to Toyota's

But that set a side Not matter what Vehicle you drive as soon as you start to mod it, the money has to keep flow'n!! As it is the 4Runner out of the box (stock) are already Off-road capable, throw on some tires that will get you some grip, and you have a go pretty much anywhere vehicle! I do agree with P NUT try to find a Runner with a E-Locker!!

Just to give you an Idea; my 4Runner will still get about 17-19mpg in the city and i'm Running 305/70's (33x12.5) MTR's