I’ve owned Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Jeep, Honda, and Toyota. My driveway is full of Toyota’s and a 2006 5.9 diesel Ram for towing.
I could go buy a new rig tomorrow if I wanted. It’s no accident my rigs are all Toyota 4-runners, and Tacoma’s and then a Dodge of near the last year of the 5.9 common rail.
The newer Toyota’s don’t seem as good to me, though still better than all the other brands. They are just built better, engineered for longevity compared to other brands.
Jeeps, Fords, ect.. are literally designed to fail at 150k. Tons of plastic, even in critical parts, thin stamped steel and aluminum running gear, engines that never seem to stand the test of time, ect... Sure they have cushy interiors and lots of technology, but that’s it.
1st gen Tacoma’s and 3rd gen 4-runners are to me near the top of automotive manufacturing. Plenty of power, easy to work on and maintain, cushy enough for daily driving, yet ruggedly reliable for the back roads.
Yes, folks ask $8k+ for them, and that seems steep. But tell me, what other rig could you buy for even double that money that’s worth a shit?
I currently drive a damn near unicorn. 1998 4-runner 220k(much newer JDM motor), 5spd, factory locker, no sun roof, 99 intake(MAF), and center console.
Tundra brakes and suspension up front, OME in the rear with modified panhard bar mounts, JBA upper arms. All rubber bushings replaced.
I have maybe 9k into my rig and I consider it money well spent.
I’m going on 300k miles on my 01 Silverado. It’s never missed a beat yet and I drive it all over the National forest in the south hunting, fishing and towing boats etc,
I’ve only replaced alternator, window motor, and water pump.
My truck must have missed the fail memo.
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