Hi all,
I asked a question about land cruisers in another forum (cruizers.com), was directed here. Looks like lots of good info!
Anyway, I decided to retire my rusty 87 4Runner from dual-use (daily driver/off-road) to just off road. I'm now looking for a daily driver that can also haul a family of four on long road trips comfortably, towing a pop-up camper. It also must be as capable as possible off-road. I'm thinking $10-15k range (so's I'm not scared to let it get scratched). After much web surfing and reading, I think I've settled on a 93-97 TLC. Toyota reliable, big and powerful enough, and has front/rear/center difflocks factory OEM.
Now, as I read the newbie faq on sleeoffroad, it seems that 93-94 are "better": better radiator, less parts going beneath the frame, none of those STINKIN' airbags, and fewer of those weenie luxury items. I'd really like to get manual tranny too, but <sigh> looks like no-go without some import ha$$le. (I also hate leather seats, but don't think I can avoid them).
So, I know this is all opinion, but who disagrees? Is it possible to find a nice, no-rust 94 in great shape for $10k? Ideally I'd like to find one that already has OME, ARB and never been driven off-road (you know, like the woman with the brazilian wax, skimpy bikini and all the moves, but still a virgin-- I know, a fantasy).
Any thoughts? Any help? I've been looking for over a month now, and even in a big market like Chicago (where I am), there are slim pickin's, esp. rust-free.
Thanks,
Kenton
I asked a question about land cruisers in another forum (cruizers.com), was directed here. Looks like lots of good info!
Anyway, I decided to retire my rusty 87 4Runner from dual-use (daily driver/off-road) to just off road. I'm now looking for a daily driver that can also haul a family of four on long road trips comfortably, towing a pop-up camper. It also must be as capable as possible off-road. I'm thinking $10-15k range (so's I'm not scared to let it get scratched). After much web surfing and reading, I think I've settled on a 93-97 TLC. Toyota reliable, big and powerful enough, and has front/rear/center difflocks factory OEM.
Now, as I read the newbie faq on sleeoffroad, it seems that 93-94 are "better": better radiator, less parts going beneath the frame, none of those STINKIN' airbags, and fewer of those weenie luxury items. I'd really like to get manual tranny too, but <sigh> looks like no-go without some import ha$$le. (I also hate leather seats, but don't think I can avoid them).
So, I know this is all opinion, but who disagrees? Is it possible to find a nice, no-rust 94 in great shape for $10k? Ideally I'd like to find one that already has OME, ARB and never been driven off-road (you know, like the woman with the brazilian wax, skimpy bikini and all the moves, but still a virgin-- I know, a fantasy).
Any thoughts? Any help? I've been looking for over a month now, and even in a big market like Chicago (where I am), there are slim pickin's, esp. rust-free.
Thanks,
Kenton