mannydantyla

of course I have love for the Jeep, that's why it was such a hard decision.

I ended up trading in the truck for an 08 4Runner. I kinda got fleeced by the dealership, and most people would think I'm crazy for traiding in a '13 GMC w/ 32,000 miles for an '08 Toyota w/ 160,000 miles (and then still having to fork over $5,000 cash) but so far I love this vehicle. The build quality is just so much higher than domestic vehicles.

A few days ago I was driving the XJ around town and it started to run a little hot - it's never done that before. So the problem is getting worse...

I'm still deciding if I want to keep the XJ - I still drive it around town and I love the thing, untill it runs hot, then I HATE it. I can use it as a "beater" vehicle, if I had a farm it would be a perfect farm truck. But I don't. I want to at least go offroading one last time...

Martlor13

you should have left that part out man. I fail to see how you agreed to that lol

EZEARL

Maybe a misprint?

mannydantyla

'08 4Runner vs '97 XJ

• In the XJ, I can let my dogs jump around the interior, stick their heads out the windows with the rain coming inside, because I just don't care. They can't scratch the door panels and the rain can't hurt anything.
• In the 4Runner, I have to keep the dogs in the cargo area or else risk getting the soft interior scratched up. And I definitely don't want rain coming through the windows.
• In the XJ, I can sit perfectly upright yet relaxed, with my left elbow resting on the door panel and the right elbow resting on the center console, with both hands perfectly grasping the steering wheel. I can drive in that position for hours without shifting around.
• In the 4Runner, I'm still struggling to adjust the 20-way adjustable seat to get that same position that came natural in the XJ. And I'm sure that as soon as I get it good enough, someone will site there and then start moving the seat around...
• In the XJ, I can just slam the trunk lid shut
• In the 4Runner, I have to close it delicately because there is a little electric gadget that pulls it tight and I don't want to damage it because then it would never shut tight again. That happened in an old Acura of mine
• In the XJ, I can get 14mpg in the city and 18mpg on the highway
• in the 4Runner, I can get 14mpg in the city and 18mpg on the highway
• In the XJ, I can go wherever I want. I don't have rock sliders but I don't really care
• in the 4Runner, I would not risk rockcrawling - there are no skid plates except of the the gas tank.
• In the XJ, I can lift it very easily and cheaply
• In the 4Runner, if I want to lift it I have to get expensive aftermarket struts, aftermarket UCAs,
• In the XJ, I can get any part I want or need from a large number of websites
• in the 4Runner, I'm still struggling to find a site that caters to 4th gen 4runners. I thought that parts for Tacomas would fit on 4runners but thats not really true. The aftermarket support just isn't like it is for Jeeps.
• in the XJ, I can go online and find a SH*T LOAD of information about repairs, DIYs, mods, etc.
• In the 4Runner, yeah there's some info but almost all of it is just superficial stuff like painting the rims and adding a mesh grill. Hardly anyone is making DIY bumpers (and the ones I've seen look like crap) or trimming the fenders or doing anything functional

I make it sound all bad but the 4Runner is a lot nicer vehicle, of course. It has a ton of features not found on the XJ: storage compartments EVERYWHERE, a beefy frame, v8 engine, 5-speed transmission w/ temp sensor, built-in trailer wiring, a backseat that is not a joke, digital compass, readouts for MPG, thermostat-style climate control, etc. But do you loose something when you add all this complexity? I can't explain why, but the XJ is just so much more.... inviting.

The build quality between the two is not even a fair comparison. The Jeep's exterior is all faded and the windshield is cracked, the 4runner looks like it rolled out of the factory yesterday. And you can just tell which vehicle is better when you sit in the driver seat, put the keys in, start the engine, and drive off. The XJ has a mushy seat, the keys dangle too low and hit my knee, the engine takes forever to start and makes grinding noise half the time, and the engine is so noisy and does not inspire confidence. In the 4Runner though, the leather seat is just so welcoming, the keys don't hit my knee, the engine fires up right away and sounds beautiful, and I drive off with no worry in the world about it stranding me.

The 4Runner feels a lot heaver in the corners (because it IS heavier). But it is also faster, because I got the v8, not to say that it feels much "quicker" than the light 4.0 XJ. But most importantly, the 4Runner doesn't overheat for reasons that I cannot find after putting several dozen hours and thousand of dollars into new parts and rebuilding the engine. The 4Runner doesn't make me want to die inside.

mannydantyla

nope

the Sierra was a v6, long bed, reg cab work truck - no tow package, super bald tires, manual locks and windows, no options or features or anything cool. I hated driving it around town in traffic, and I never use the truck bed. It got good MPG though and was reliable.

EZEARL

I have no problem at all paying big bucks for a GOOD steak dinner. Life's too short. It's only money as long as you get what you want.

mannydantyla

Oh and I forgot to list the biggest difference between these two vehicles: the ride quality. The ride in the 4runner is just simply sublime. Overall I'm really impressed with this vehicle.

Martlor13

with 32k miles and if it was in semi decent shape, i still say i cant believe you agreed lol...if you are happy thats all that matters.......but i'll be flabbergasted for you haha

Martlor13

[QUOTE=mannydantyla;3510826]Oh and I forgot to list the biggest difference between these two vehicles: the ride quality. The ride in the 4runner is just simply sublime. Overall I'm really impressed with this vehicle.[/QUOTE]
I hope so man! Cant make that trade and then not be happy