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Been recently wanting an older-ish 4runnner. specifically a 2001-2003. Dont really enjoy the 2004-2009's, but then got to looking at the Lexus equivalents (the Landcruiser Prado) or the GX470 and I totally dig it!!
I can find 2004-2006's for about $6k all day.
My main reasons for wanting one is to become a jeepbro. I really really want to "overland" it out.
Such capable offroaders!
And Because it floods in Houston, the "Monsoon seasons" get pretty crazy here. I still have my '06 6MT TL and the GX would solely be a 2nd ride. I'm not terribly concerned with fuel mileage as it would be a second vehicle.
if I keep looking and researching, i'll probably drop $6k on one by the end of the year. lol
I wanted to only pay about $6000 but searching locally yielded horrible results at that price point. I'd rather pay a little more for a cleaner example.
I had scheduled a local craigslist ad for this weekend, but cancelled. as I know I would be disappointed with it.
the interior is so beat up. https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/d...217634479.html
on top of the O2 sensor(if that's the only thing wrong) , the interior is all sorts of fucked up. the arm rest is black and the dash is cracked.
I would rather spend a little bit more to get a cleaner example, if that means travelling out of city or state. For a few grand more at the $7-9k price point, the trucks look exceptional!
Go for it! I have a modded Nissan Xterra, but I am thinking of getting a 1st gen Toyota Sequoia for more space. Off-roading and overlanding is so much fun.
sure, Landcruisers/LX's/Sequoia's are bad ass, just way too big.
Same thing with the QX80. Just way too big!
Sure, one could argue that the GX is way to big for my needs, I could get away with A '90s jeep Cherokee, a '90s Isuzu Rodeo, a '90s Pathfinder or early 2000's 4runner. but what fun are those? lol
I guess what I'm trying to say is; I dont care for "third row seating"
I would immediately take out the foldable non-existent third row in the GX and use the space for activities.
so, Now that I've upped my budget to about $9 or 10k....the only thing stopping me is actually purchasing one. as there are plenty in that price range in good condition.
More of a want. I dont really need a 2nd vehicle...just something cool to have.
Last edited by justnspace; 10-31-2020 at 02:25 PM.
sure, Landcruisers/LX's/Sequoia's are bad ass, just way too big.
Same thing with the QX80. Just way too big!
Sure, one could argue that the GX is way to big for my needs, I could get away with A '90s jeep Cherokee, a '90s Isuzu Rodeo, a '90s Pathfinder or early 2000's 4runner. but what fun are those? lol
I guess what I'm trying to say is; I dont care for "third row seating"
I would immediately take out the foldable non-existent third row in the GX and use the space for activities.
so, Now that I've upped my budget to about $9 or 10k....the only thing stopping me is actually purchasing one. as there are plenty in that price range in good condition.
More of a want. I dont really need a 2nd vehicle...just something cool to have.
Ah okay. Well, I've always thought the GX was more or less the same size. I have no Infiniti loyalty but I've always been partial to the QX80...and frankly, with what it comes with, you just may be surprised. I think it's not that much bigger than the Lexus GX.
Ah okay. Well, I've always thought the GX was more or less the same size. I have no Infiniti loyalty but I've always been partial to the QX80...and frankly, with what it comes with, you just may be surprised. I think it's not that much bigger than the Lexus GX.
And would you consider a Cayenne?
oh no, the Lexus LX/Landcruiser/Sequoia's/QX80 are longer and wider to include a third row.
The GX has a laughable foldable 3rd row, practically non-existent
well, yes. I would love a fast SUV, specifically a Macan. or an SQ5
again, the smaller 2 row SUV's.
however, one has to pick a direction to modify. can one "overland" a Macan or an SQ5? sure, but then it would totally destroy the purpose of these "fast" SUV's.
If I had a Macan, I'd lower it, tune it and make it a super fast monster on the streets. Same thing with the SQ5. Lower it, tune it and have it eat Dodge Chargers for lunch.
these SUV's are meant to go fast.
The Purpose of a 4runner/GX isnt to go fast rather its intended purpose is to climb shit.
Curbs are just suggestions. lol
I think Jeep has sold me a lifestyle of camping and exploring (I was a boyscout)
However, I can't afford Wranglers.
What is your real budget? Remember that getting a cheap GX isn't without further expense. You'll have to do whatever repairs/updates to it along with the mods required to make it into what you want. My guess is you're going to push in another $5k-$7k into good mods/repairs to make it into the bare minimum off road and be reliable at the same time.
which is why I mentioned earlier in the general car talk thread that for right now; it's just bullshit or just talk. I'm comfortable spending $10k on the truck to get a good example. and then leaving it stock until further funds become available.
but who knows
it's something I want. Do I really need an overland rig? probably not. but it's nice to dream right now. lol
I could go in the opposite direction and get the macan or Sq5. lol
there's still plenty of time, not like I need something right now at this moment.
I'd spend the $10k or even more on getting a good, reliable one or plan on spending that much to make it good/reliable. If you plan on actually overlanding this thing then you'll definitely need that out in the middle of nowhere. If it's just an image then then whatever, send it.
Don't do the fancy SUV route, it's so overdone. Also, next time Houston floods which one is going to get you to the liquor store easier?
If you're ok waiting, I'd save your pennies for a Wrangler. The aftermarket support is absolutely unreal for those and they are super easy to fix with cheap(er) parts than the Lexus. Another option is a Cherokee XJ. Fair warning that neither of these options will be nearly as comfy as a GX lol.
The Cayenne would be a great project rig but the aftermarket support is nothing like the other options. With that said, the VAG aftermarket support is growing by the day & there's more than a few guys out there putting in work off-road.
Downside would be repair costs but you could find an early model (955) V6 for dirt cheap and you'll have even less shit to worry about.
Other option would be the Touareg which is basically a Cayenne without makeup but you could aim for a TDI that has the extended emissions warranty for 4 years/48k miles & you'll be laughing drivetrain wise...
I've firsthand seen a Touareg (lifted with the right and bigger tires) off road, I followed one for half a day during one outing. I'll give you a guess of why it was only half a day
How much do you enjoy your wheel well liners, fenders, and rocker panels?
I know TFL has had amazing luck with theirs though so it is definitely possible.
It's definitely not for the faint of heart going the VAG route, that's for sure.
Just need to be realistic with what your goals are. Legit rock crawling or overlanding for camping in spots most ppl will never see. The VAG route is pretty solid for the latter & you still have the comfort/handling on road.
In a few years there's a good chance I'm buying an older Cayenne & just going for the full off road flex. They look just nasty when done right.
4Runner/GX/LC/LX maybe even toss in a Tacoma with a cap on the back. Not sure if you could get into a FJ for that budget.
JK/JL/JT probably well over budget, though IIRC the 2-door JKs are usually a bit cheaper than the JKUs? Far from the comfort of the GX (as Sam mentioned) but a XJ Cherokee should be plenty capable for just about anything you could find in TX, and it's available in 2/4 door & truck versions.
We have an XJ that lives down on our ranch STX on the MEX border (but has had the engine replaced with a carbed Buick 3800). It's on forklift solid rubber tires, so it's nearly impervious to the lethal thorns down there.
The older GX look great in overland builds. The interior leaves a little to be desired but it isn't the worst. Definitely a plus that they come with the V8 in them that is pretty robust and bullet proof.
I've always thought the GX would be an awesome build and the interiors seem to hold up so much better than other cars. Yes, you could get super carried away and spend a ton of money on it but I don't think you'd have to, especially if you aren't doing insane off roading.
As for saving for a Wrangler, yeah, I love mine but they hold value way too well and you see a million of them. Are they capable off road, absolutely but I'd rather cruise in that Lexus than my JLU.
My coworker has a used GX built out. The value on a used one is actually pretty incredible given the build quality and the luxury interior. Its very capable, and IMO the best solution for a sub 10k full build that will last 300k miles.
Speaking of Overlands, I finalized my Bronco build yesterday, and I'm going with the Bronco Badlands Overlands Edition. Basically the exact build as below, paint, etc, with a couple less accessories and 33s ATs instead of 35s MTs. I snuck in a ressie the night of the reveal, but it still puts me out to July/August 2021. So a full 12 month wait plus.
i posted it up... white just like Justin wants... I'll give you the OG hookup... it was a NC car for most of it's life and my buddy bought it during early covid... he is only selling because he has two of them (he has a gold one too)
@justnspace let me know if you have any questions from a maintenance and upkeep perspective... my '09 has been rock solid the last 6 yrs with 118k miles on it...
prices on these have gone up lately... my other local friend just bought an '08 with 180k miles for 12.5k but then had to do a timing belt service on it... he also looked at almost 10 of them before he pulled the trigger on his... anything 10k or below will most likely be trashed or require you to address maintenance things that will quickly shoot the cost up... I'd spend a few k more for a well sorted one and you can then start to mod it... don't be afraid of mileage on the engine but higher mileage will affect wear items like suspension (the rear air bags are expensive)
My friends renter uses a gx as his camping/hunting rig. He loves it.
I wouldn't go into the boonies in a 12-16 year old car unless I knew condition of all the rubber in the engine though. Belts, hoses, motor mounts, That type of thing. Other than that I wouldn't think too much about reliability on a 200k toyota. That being said I also get turned off by 12 year old cars with 200k on them that cost over 10 grand.
havent given much thought since I last updated this thread!
have been unemployed for the last 5 or six months. but do have the cash for a $6k or so GX....
but now that I'm employed I can spend a little more. lol
just got a employee probation evaluation document and it's for 6 months! lol, so we'll see what happens in the next few months or so.
My new job has me picking up computers from terminated/separated employees...(Another excuse to get a GX) lol gotta have more room for activities. lol
havent given much thought since I last updated this thread!
have been unemployed for the last 5 or six months. but do have the cash for a $6k or so GX....
but now that I'm employed I can spend a little more. lol
just got a employee probation evaluation document and it's for 6 months! lol, so we'll see what happens in the next few months or so.
My new job has me picking up computers from terminated/separated employees...(Another excuse to get a GX) lol gotta have more room for activities. lol
we'll see!
So........see you in 6 months when you update us when and if you pull the trigger
10-30-2020, 05:38 PM
as there are plenty in that price range in good condition. 
cap on the back. Not sure if you could get into a FJ for that budget.
