I recognize your screenname from JU. I have a 2002 WJ... had a 2000 4Runner Limited 4wd before it.

Things I prefer about the Jeep:
features. The seats move every which way, the trip computer is fun, the radio has so many bells and whistles, etc. The Toyota was kinda basic.
Seats. I HATED my 4Runner's seats. The Jeep's are much wider and you sit in a more traditionally "Truck" seating position.
Ride. The Jeep feels more planted on the highway
Solid front axle. There is no arguing with its benefits off road.

Things I prefer about the 4Runner:
QUALITY. My Jeep has been a MESS. I had my Toyota for 40k and it never skipped a beat. Everything was well put together and I can't think of a thing that ever really went wrong with it htat was not my fault.
ground clearance. Both of my vehicles are/were stock height. The first thing about the Jeep I noticed off road was its lack of clearance. I need a 2" BB to keep up with my 4Runner
LOCKER! My 4Runner had the factory electric rear locker. AWESOME

Overall? I enjoy driving the Jeep more most of the time... but I wish it was better screwed together. Jeep also has a much bigger aftermarket.

 

Thanks fellas,
I don't need all the bells and whistles of the ZJ, right now, maybe when I am 70 or something, but I want a GOOD reliable vecihle that can take a beating and come out shinning. From what you all have said, what I have been reading to much about the past few days, and everything else..I am almost positive I am going for the Runner................................

Can't wait!..Now I just need to find myself one....
Thanks!peace
Bennett

 

speaking of high milage, Im at 221000 miles on my 3.0L 3vze. (1990 2nd gen) The engine is STILL flawless. The tranny is acting up now, but that was my fault for not testing the depth of some water and having not extended my breathers.

The next vehicle I have will be a v8 4Runner, but I plan on keeping this '90 forever.

Steve

 

benzj, welcome.

I'll also confirm what Bumpin' said about the mileage and flawless (in my case, almost flawless) operation. My '91 Runner 4x4 has been EXTREMELY reliable. That is the biggest difference that I experienced between the Jeep and Toyota products. I owned a CJ from new to about 150k miles and everything was replaced at least once on it. You also could spit and the thing would get stuck in it because it was so light and couldn't get traction. I sold it and bought the Runner new in '91. Now, the odometer reads 156,000 but with the 31x10.5 tires that I put on it when it was new, the odometer is off by about 10%, so I'm really at 170,000. I have never had it lay down on me or leave me stranded. I can still get in it and turn the key and go anywhere....literally, ANYWHERE. It still looks new.....if fact after my annual waxing of it, I'll have people at the gas pump ask how I like my new Runner. I have had to have the auto trans rebuilt at 100k but I have put 70,000 on the rebuilt one with no problem.....that was the only major problem I have had. I have replaced several water pumps, and had the contacts replaced on the starter, the fuel injectors reworked (ultra sound cleaned), and have a new radiator in the garage to replace the original which has pin hole leaks in the top of it.....but it has never let me down.....it has always got me to where I needed to go AND get me back home.

The Toyota is a well built vehicle that will hold up and provide carefree ownership (read this as hardly seeing your friendly Dealer). This is where I usually tell you about my friend, who is a Tech at the local Jeep dealership who absolutely loves the Cherokee....not because it is good and reliable, but because they need work so much that they put food on his table and pay his mortgage....but I won't tell that story

I am planning to sell my Runner and buy a 2004 Double Cab Tundra 4x4 this fall. After, 12 years of trustworthy driving (daily) out of my Runner, I am planning to only replace it with another Toyota product. (I hate to bring it up, but remember what the Taliban drove in Afghanistan....Toyota 4x4's....because they are reliable).

You will enjoy the 3rd Gen Runner you are looking for. You will also enjoy this group on this Forum. They are a wealth of knowledge of these vehicles and the nice thing is they DRIVE their trucks and know what they are talking about.


David

 

And the Iraqi's drove Nissan's. I wonder what that means?

 

And so did our US Spec Ops. Now you know these guys pick the most dependable, reliable equipment (guns, electronics, etc). Considering the number of choices (i.e. Ford Sport Trac, Nissan Double Cab, etc.), they picked Toyota Tacoma Double Cabs. I believe someone on the boards mentioned that there was "run" on Taco Doublecabs when we invaded Afghanistan.


Now, how do I get one like this w/ a machine gun too?

Bob

 

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And the Iraqi's drove Nissan's. I wonder what that means?
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It means it's another example of something the French gave to them when Iraq was under the UN sanctions. Doesn't Renault own majority share now of Nissan??

I knew I smelled a conspiracy there......Better go call CNN and FoxNews.......something stinks!!

 

Yep. Not sure if it is majority but it is at least 40% or so.

 

I think you answered your own question... Go for the Toyota. I recently went from a 98 5.9 GC to a 4th gen limited. It doesn't have all the bells-and-whistles but I don't worry about it breaking down.

Scott

 

Man, you guys sure make a guy fell at home..THANKS!

I am really in the market now for a limited 4x4 Runner with decent miles on it and in good condition. I REALLY would like to get this project up and rolling as soon as possible.

Thanks guys....I apperciate all the help so far.

I LIKE that Taco.

Bennett