Most cost-effective platform to baseline and build? (1 Viewer)

[dschad]

I suspect there similar threads to this question out there, but I haven't been able to find one (although I've read a lot of very interesting threads on my search). So I will ask:

Assuming that I were to get one of a 80, 100, or 120 (GX470 or 4R) in the 140,000 mile range with generally the same level of care/condition, would there be significant differences in the base lining costs between the models? And then once base lined, assuming doing things like a 2-3" lift and basic stuff to build a mild wheeler, are there going to be any significant cost differences? I would do most, if not all of the work myself. I also expect to build the sliders, skids, bumpers, so those costs wouldn't vary a whole lot.

I sort of conclude that there wouldn't be much difference, but then again I would think that a 4R would be a lot less expensive. My research, most of the lifts and lockers generally run pretty close in price, within a few hundred...but that said, I'm not always sure what I am looking at.

I'm in the early stages of my quest to get a good rig for wheeling and DD, and I'm kind of all over the place cycling between the 80->100->120->80...

Thanks for your thoughts,
Don

 

[mattv94]

For economy and space I'd lean towards the 4runner with the 1gr-fe

 

[2klc100]

Just buy what you like! In my opinion, you should get the 100. It has decent power, parts are not expensive, DD or off road capable, older models are cool but more $ input to get it to current 100s. Just my 2 cents

 

[dschad]

Unfortunately, I like them all! The 100 does tend to land in the middle ground. I think the biggest drawback for me is the size.

I should probably just get one of each...

 

[Tapage]

did you have the chance to drive a 4R vs Land Cruiser ( either 80 or 100 ) .. ?

 

[dschad]

All except a gen 4 4runner. Just short drive on the 80, longer on the 100 and a long time ago I married into a 4runner. Unfortunately baby seats were a pain so we sold it.

Bummer on that one.

 

[Tapage]

I like the V8 runners .. but other than that there is no comparison ( IMHO ) between a 4R and Land Cruiser .. clearly different vehicle segments being the Cruiser the best ..