I decided not to get an Xterra (or any other vehicle for that matter) for the time being.

I ordered some replacement shocks for the tailgate, some replacement Bilsteins and Downey coils up front, and bought some new spark plugs.

I will keep the truck as long as I can, and be on the lookout, meanwhile, for a low miles 2000. If I'm lucky, I'll switch over to that.

 

Smart man Hugo!

Mine's going to be driven in college by my now 2yr old son.
J/K I have been looking at 4th gens, but just can't bring myself to take on car payments again.

 

good choice hugo. save the $ that you would spend on a car and put it in a savings account with a 5% interest rate and let the $ work for you.

 

Actually, money saved will be dumped in my other automotive money pit (the M3), on renovations on the house, or for travelling purposes.

I figured I didn't need to waste 40 grand (CAN$) on a truck I didn't need, especially if reliability was a question mark.

I had the sheetmetal around the windshield re-done and repainted last year, so the truck has little/no rusts issues at the moment. I should be good to go for a while.

 

If you do go and buy another 4runner, consider buying one down in the southwest US and have it shipped up to the border for importation. The process isn't that bad, I guarantee it's cheaper than buying in Canada and you'll get a vehicle that is completely rust free (ie it's like buying it new.....body-wise anyway). It's just horrible how fast winters up here can totally trash vehicles.

 

Well... looks like the '05 model year of US Tacomas WERE available with 6 speed, short box, and off road package.

Uh-hoh...