A ‘Maybe’ 4Runner Owner

Congrats! Judging from what you’ve said on this thread, you’ll like the 4runner.

If you end up using the 4runner for off-road travel, then you’re *really* going to like it! This is a great traveling machine!

It’s not perfect by any means, but mine has been fun and nice enough to make me want to take care of it…AND actually use it!!! Actually using it off road will expose it to some dangers. Mine has pinstripes all over the paint. You’ll slowly decide what types of financial and physical danger you’re willing to put up with. Pushing my comfort zone has been the funnest part about my ownership experience. I had a motorcycle my entire adult life, but I just wasn’t willing to continue with that level of risk just for a hobby. I bought the 4runner hoping that it would replace the motorcycle as a hobby. In that regard, the 4runner has been perfect!

With regard to maintanance, I also view that as part of the hobby. I treat mine like the future classic it is (mechanically, not cosmetically) Lots of woolwax to keep rust at bay, thorough undercarriage cleaning inspection, and paint touch up after off-road adventures, and whatever actual mechanical maintanance it actually needs (not much so far). Well, there was one thing, but I won’t scare you with that

Settle into it, don’t go crazy with mods yet. Pretty much anything you change or add will take away from what toyota intended in the balance of the design. There are good reasons for many of the typical mods (except for raptor lights).

My best advice: Spend your money only on mods you can justify based on how you’ll be using it, and that improve an aspect function/performance that you want. As long as you are understand the trade-off and are willing to live with it, you’ll be happy as a clam.

The biggest trade-offs come in the form of added weight that affect mileage and which will eventually require new suspension, having to repainting sliders/steel armor when it all goes to shit in a few years, removing heavy skids/armor to accomplish basic maintenance, and worse gearing as a result of bigger tires.

By the way, the non-kdss version is probably all around softer/cushier on most roads than a KDSS equipped 4runner.

Have fun with your new 4runner!

 

Welcome from E.Pa.