Hello all - newbie here on the forums. I've been lurking for a while and reading/researching a bit. In the process of relocating to Central Oregon over the next year or so. I have property near Bend and will be building a small home to retire (sort of) up in that area. I currently have a "AWD" 2nd Gen Honda CR-V manual transmission 148k on the clock and runs great - is OK in a bit of snow and ice, dirt roads, etc... but have been hankering fro something that I can use for "real" off-roading and able to handle some deeper snow which they get in this area once or twice a year for a couple weeks or longer. I've had a Toy truck, Samurai and Isuzu Trooper over the years, and all were used fairly extensively off-road in the Anza Borrego & Cleveland NF areas when I lived in San Diego. I started looking at 100 series LC and found out about the Prado LC in OZ, which is what the GX470 is... 4Runners have a great rep and I like them, but it appears the GX has a taller interior ceiling height. As you might tell by my name, I am a fairly avid mountain biker and also road rider. Getting up in years so not too fast any longer but still love to ride. One of the reasons I purchased the CR-V was that I can more easily carry a couple/three bikes in the back as it was taller and I can stand them up with the front wheels off. 4Runner wouldn't allow that and neither would the many of the other soft-roaders - therefore the Honda as I wasn't in a place or lifestyle where I was likely to go off-road. On a GX or 4R I would probably not go too crazy changing things (at least initially...). Beefier tires maybe and some armor underneath should cover most of what I would do. Probably lift the suspension an inch or two down the road. Plan on leaving the engine stock and want something that will last years and still be able to get into some rougher/rutty dirt roads and handle deep-ish mud and snow.
Does anyone here have the measurement of the height(s) of the GX rear door opening and floor-to-ceiling? Also, 4th Gen 4Runner input would be appreciated too - if it's taller than it used to be I might lean there too... I'm looking for a first gen GX or 4th gen 4R. With my budget I'll probably be looking for a rig with around 200k on it. If there are service records is there anything to hesitate with on this? I hear that these can go for double that if maintained.... Also, for a reasonably easy-driving guy, what sort of real fuel economy should I expect? The Honda gets 25 mpg on the highway and I usually get 19-20 in my normal around town/some freeway usage. I know I'll take a hit, just wondering how much. My old Trooper (V6 & Manual) gave me about 16-17 in the same usage as I do now. I may keep the Honda as a run-around but really don't need 3 vehicles either, so this may replace as my daily. Other vehicle is a full size Transit van that I use for work and camping in when road tripping. Also gets about 16 mpg for my usual usage.
OK - that was long. I look forward to hearing what you more seasoned Toyota/Lexus owners out there have to say. BTW - the LC and LX 470 are also potentials, but the slightly smaller vehicle appeals to me... Thanks in advance!
ATBScott
Does anyone here have the measurement of the height(s) of the GX rear door opening and floor-to-ceiling? Also, 4th Gen 4Runner input would be appreciated too - if it's taller than it used to be I might lean there too... I'm looking for a first gen GX or 4th gen 4R. With my budget I'll probably be looking for a rig with around 200k on it. If there are service records is there anything to hesitate with on this? I hear that these can go for double that if maintained.... Also, for a reasonably easy-driving guy, what sort of real fuel economy should I expect? The Honda gets 25 mpg on the highway and I usually get 19-20 in my normal around town/some freeway usage. I know I'll take a hit, just wondering how much. My old Trooper (V6 & Manual) gave me about 16-17 in the same usage as I do now. I may keep the Honda as a run-around but really don't need 3 vehicles either, so this may replace as my daily. Other vehicle is a full size Transit van that I use for work and camping in when road tripping. Also gets about 16 mpg for my usual usage.
OK - that was long. I look forward to hearing what you more seasoned Toyota/Lexus owners out there have to say. BTW - the LC and LX 470 are also potentials, but the slightly smaller vehicle appeals to me... Thanks in advance!
ATBScott