Invasion of the 4Runners!

For those who don't know me, I live in eastern Washington State (the "Dry Side") in the Cascade Foothills. In a "normal year" (Whatever the heck that is), we might get snow from around Thanksgiving into February with a last snowfall around Easter. When I bought my 2019 Premium used there were only 3 available on the used car lots, including the Toyota dealership. The dealer had a waiting list.

This year (since about Thanksgiving), I have seen a marked increase in 4Runners. The dealers are carrying about 8-10. Just this morning, I took mine over to the dealer because the check-engine light came on yesterday (about 3.5 mi each way) from home . On the way back, I counted at least 8-10 4Runners of various years. Previously, SUVs were primarily some model of Jeep. Doesn't appear to be the case any more!!!

And about 1 in 3 cars seem to be RAV4s.

 

I go by my local dealer from time to time and am just now seeing a marked increase in new vehicles there. First time since the Pandemic. They actually had 3 4Runners on the lot and are no longer advertising that all vehicles are MSRP.

 

Saw at least a dozen at the dealer this AM=Didn't stop to look!!! Still trying to talk my wife into trading her RAV4 in on a used 4Runner

 

I see an insane amount of 4R in the Phoenix area. Probably at least 6-8 every day on my commute to work and back (20 min each way).
The other day, 2 right in front of me

 

4Rs are statistically seriously underrepresented near me, although Tacomas and Tundras are ubiquitous, as are Highlanders and RAV4s. There are about 900 vehicles in my neighborhood, which until this month included only five 4Rs. However, there are two "new" ones this week (both pre-owned).

 

I actually saw five or six at one stoplight this last week!!

 

Back a few years ago, before I sold my 87 4Runner, I was driving it over to the store in our town. I pulled into the town's stop sign, a 4-way, and there were 3 other first gen 'Runners at the stops. One for each stop sign. We all sat there for a minute just staring at each other, incredulous. Especially myself and the other silver, unmodified, 4Runner, nearly identical to mine. Only difference I could see right off was his lack of the spoiler I had "borrowed" off my ex's mini-Bronco before she was encouraged to leave.

It was an amazing sight, especially in such a small town as this one. We finally all went our own ways. I have seen the other silver first gen at our grocery store several times since then, although I sold mine when I bought my '99 4Runner. It's still amazing to me how many Toyotas are in our area, with a predominance of 4Runners of various ages. They seem to come out of estavation every fall, when the weather starts to turn bad for the winter. Then back to sleep in the summer, with the Toyota cars taking over. The dealership is always crowded, especially the repair shop. Not because they break, just regular maintenance stuff, mostly. Even my preferred mechanic is overwhelmed. It's a 4 WD shop, and they all drive older Toyotas. They love their Toy's as much as I do. Only problem is to get in I have to make an appointment...

Have fun, other Toyota lovers!
Pat☺

 

EXACTLY!