So these are the trucks I'm looking at so far, take a look, try not to 'steal' them from me and give your suggestions/criticisms/precautions. One thing about the major trail rig (the SASd one) is that I'm not sure if I want a rig like that which has obviously gone through some serious off roading, but it saves me doing a SAS myself, and is that seriously going to comprimise my fuel efficiency? My budget is as yet; unknown, I still have to apply for a bank loan. But I'd like to keep it reasonable, I'm still in Uni.

The truck I get will be: used for everything, it will be my one vehicle. Off roading, long trips between Vancouver and Whistler almost every weekend and going to the supermarket or picking up a friend from the bus stop.

1. http://vancouver.craigslist.org/car/281539859.html
2. http://vancouver.craigslist.org/car/277373195.html (it no longer has the bumper and winch)
3. http://vancouver.craigslist.org/car/281534465.html
4.http://vancouver.craigslist.org/car/279445867.html
5. http://www.canadatrader.com/result/d...9&pgno=2&srt=7
6. http://vancouver.craigslist.org/car/285604671.html

Let me know what you guys and gals think, I'm looking forward to your input and even more to when I buy it.

 

i like the last one...but the fact that someone else did the work worries me...i think number one looked not too bad with that bumper too

 

dang runner are expensive in your area i would say the last one because it is such a beast

 

yeah, I kinda liked 1 as well, especially with the airbags in the back, I don't know what I would use them for (heavy loads that I never have) but it would be cool, and it's already got a ARB on it too eh? Do you think that the last one is too much to use as a DD as well as a trail rig? That's what I'm leaning towards, plus it's more expensive.

 

haha, yeah, they are expensive, and mostly autos oh, and added an extra one in there, it's now number 5, and the monster is no. 6...

 

another thing: would you trust a non-toyota dealership... As in something like 'Morrey's Auto' kind of thing, specialising in second hand cars? Can they be trusted?

 

i do think the sas one is probally to much for daily driving or it depend on how much you drive daily but if i had to choose i woud probally get the first one but i personaly would try to find an auto
to bad you dont live close to me there a real nice red 4runner5spd for 3900$ with a just rebuilt motor

 

i personally wouldnt trust them at all...

 

yeah, that's what i was thinking about the sas one... it is too bad i'm not closer, cars up here are so expensive...what's your reason for an auto? I've always been a standard guy, what does an auto bring to the table? I've almost considered switching but, I don't know, just don't like it i think...

So if i've found a really nice truck at a dealership like that what should I look out for from them? I realise they don't have great reputations but there's gotta be some way to avoid getting screwed...

 

can you buy a car in the states and bring it up there? You can get a 3rd gen for those prices

 

These prices are in Canadian dollars correct?

If so, the prices are relative to what we see down here.

I'd go with the last one after checking that the work was done well or had receipts to prove it was done pro.

 

i was thinking about that...going down to seattle and getting one...but it's a long way go to if it turns out i don't like it...maybe i'll have a snoop around at seattle cragslist.com...

 

So what does "aircared" mean?

 

I would check out number 6, if the work/welds parts look clean/professional and it feels like a solid vehicle I would really consider it. If that's not for you than I personally like the looks/cleanliness of 3 and 5.

 

aircare is an emissions test, if it passes then it is below the allowed limit, its a good thing if your registering your car in the lower mainland (vancouver) but i don't really have to worry about that because i'm registering it in a rurual area where they don't require you to aircare cars. its good that it passes i guess because that shows it's cat and o2 sensor are good (among a few other things)...

 

thanks for all the replies guys, really helping me figure stuff out, i've decided that the last beefed up one (as nice as it would be to have something that capable) is not really for me..i'm driving up to whistler almost every weekend and i would NOT be able to pay for that kind of gas. here: http://www.buysell.com/root/detail/B...ndition_3.aspx
is another link to one, the owner has fixed all the rust with metal replacements etc and everything is good on it, it's a standard and the recall on the steering component has been done...she said she checked and toyota says that the truck was not affected for the HG defect...i'm going to look tomorrow and i like the looks of it, unusual colour too...BTW, no 5 is a POS for the price the dealership is asking, guess that confirms it: don't trust the majority of these dealerships

 

If I lived in canada I would definitely get a diesel hilux surf

 

Im likein that blue one too , good start now you can finish the rest of it

 

definitely check out that blue one off buysell.com. looks like a good price, considering most people selling 2nd gens are asking rediculous prices..like $7-8G's..wtf?

grab the VIN from them too..and have a look at the HG issue for yourself. double check the 'rust repair' job..frame inside engine bay for telltale signs of resprays etc.

and yeah, for the most part stay away from the majority of the used car lots, esp the ones off kingsway in east van. i went to check out an FJ80 a while back. there was literally a pool of water swishing around inside the DS front door..and the stupid salesman kept the window open in freezin weather in hopes of muffling the sloshing sound! needless to say they were really eager to sell it, went from $21K down to less than $15 after the test drive..i ran fast and far away..

 

Ummm are you sure you want a 2nd Gen? I love my 4runner except for the sad power to weight ratio it has. I find it frustrating not being able to keep up with the group on the way up the mountain highways. Often times I can't even maintain posted speed limits going up mountains. I've stopped putting money into my 2nd gen because I'm not convinced I'm going to keep it. On the other hand once I'm on the trail and in city driving I'm perfectly happy. Just my two cents.