I was told to stop by these forums and was surprised by the amount of threads pertaining to the vehicle I just purchased, so thought I'd introduce myself.
A little story so you can all understand my excitement and also dilemma. After screwing my credit in college long ago, my Oldsmobile died. After years and years of payments and taking care of past debts, I was able to get a car from one of those "everyone is approved" lots. It was a Volvo XC90 T6, with 88k miles. I did NOT do enough research and two years later the transmission began to slip. Long story short, the dealer stated that it was due to a leaking axle seal. They replaced it, along with the DIMM and some suspension work. When reinstalling the axle, the mechanic then noted "excessive shaft play" and it was then decided that it did indeed need a replacement. My warranty, however, would not cover it, as the dealer had added the transmission onto the already capped claim from replacing the axle seals, etc. I would need to come up with 7k, which is what the dealer quoted me at. The car had 116k miles, and I check fluids religiously. I was very very upset. I was so upset, that rather than pay for a transmission repair, I traded the car in, still owing over a grand, on a new Fiesta ST. I wanted something small, cheap, fun to drive, and good on gas. Now one year later of driving to central Illinois for work every other week, I decided that the Fiesta is just not comfortable enough for long trips, nor can i easily fit my hockey gear or even go camping easily. It has very low ground clearance, and very stiff suspension. I even replaced the stock 17" wheels with 15" wheels for more cushion from the tires.
I began watching overland/expedition/camping/rock-crawling videos and it made me want to get back into nature, and adventure. I used to love camping, probably due to being in Boy Scouts long ago. I have been drooling over many builds on this site, and really wanted something more comfortable, and capable, something I can keep for a long time.
I got a letter in the mail as my credit has been continually improving, and i was pre-approved for financing per my bank, and they suggested a local dealer. I took a look at their inventory for ****'s and giggles, and noticed a car that had not even been on my radar. A 2003 Lexus GX470 with 80k miles. The price seemed great to me, so I called, and drove the car home that night. It sat on the lot for a single day. The undercarriage is very clean for a rust-belt car, almost as if the car was never driven in snow. It has some scratches, which I actually like.
Now I will park the fiesta, and pay another grand or so until I can list if for sale, at which point I'll have some spending money for this truck. I am not a fan of the wheels or tires, so those are likely to be replaced first. I also want to remove the running boards. I want this truck to look tough, and have more clearance for the day I finally get onto some beginner trails or campsites. I also just don't like the mall cruiser look. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Finally, if anyone around Detroit ever wants company on a drive or help on their rigs, I would love to help. I hope to be able to learn from others, so I would love that opportunity.
A little story so you can all understand my excitement and also dilemma. After screwing my credit in college long ago, my Oldsmobile died. After years and years of payments and taking care of past debts, I was able to get a car from one of those "everyone is approved" lots. It was a Volvo XC90 T6, with 88k miles. I did NOT do enough research and two years later the transmission began to slip. Long story short, the dealer stated that it was due to a leaking axle seal. They replaced it, along with the DIMM and some suspension work. When reinstalling the axle, the mechanic then noted "excessive shaft play" and it was then decided that it did indeed need a replacement. My warranty, however, would not cover it, as the dealer had added the transmission onto the already capped claim from replacing the axle seals, etc. I would need to come up with 7k, which is what the dealer quoted me at. The car had 116k miles, and I check fluids religiously. I was very very upset. I was so upset, that rather than pay for a transmission repair, I traded the car in, still owing over a grand, on a new Fiesta ST. I wanted something small, cheap, fun to drive, and good on gas. Now one year later of driving to central Illinois for work every other week, I decided that the Fiesta is just not comfortable enough for long trips, nor can i easily fit my hockey gear or even go camping easily. It has very low ground clearance, and very stiff suspension. I even replaced the stock 17" wheels with 15" wheels for more cushion from the tires.
I began watching overland/expedition/camping/rock-crawling videos and it made me want to get back into nature, and adventure. I used to love camping, probably due to being in Boy Scouts long ago. I have been drooling over many builds on this site, and really wanted something more comfortable, and capable, something I can keep for a long time.
I got a letter in the mail as my credit has been continually improving, and i was pre-approved for financing per my bank, and they suggested a local dealer. I took a look at their inventory for ****'s and giggles, and noticed a car that had not even been on my radar. A 2003 Lexus GX470 with 80k miles. The price seemed great to me, so I called, and drove the car home that night. It sat on the lot for a single day. The undercarriage is very clean for a rust-belt car, almost as if the car was never driven in snow. It has some scratches, which I actually like.
Now I will park the fiesta, and pay another grand or so until I can list if for sale, at which point I'll have some spending money for this truck. I am not a fan of the wheels or tires, so those are likely to be replaced first. I also want to remove the running boards. I want this truck to look tough, and have more clearance for the day I finally get onto some beginner trails or campsites. I also just don't like the mall cruiser look. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Finally, if anyone around Detroit ever wants company on a drive or help on their rigs, I would love to help. I hope to be able to learn from others, so I would love that opportunity.
scrolling, reading, thinking,... I should suggest Plasti Dip for those wheels! 
