Member III
Looks good with that lift!
When I decided to pick up a dedicated adventuring vehicle, I was considering 4runners, 1st and 2nd gen xterras, xjs and early 2000s grand cherokees.
Jeeps are hard to find with lower milage and no rust. Not to mention jeep issues. 4runners were all super high mileage for anything approaching $6k (my budget).
I settled on a first gen with low milage (135k) for a few reasons.
Bullet proof motor. The vg33e motor in the first gen xterras is pretty hard to kill. Change the timing belt, and keep an eye on the valve cover gaskets for oil leaks, and you're good.
Simplicity. Manual transfer case, torsion bars, leaf springs, all old school tech, and simple to work on.
Cost.
I paid 5800 for a really good first gen with low mileage and a good service history. I was also able to confirm the timing belt and associated parts were changed at 111k.
I've been driving it since I bought it, and dare I say, I like it better than my truck (except when it's REALLY cold).
Hey, don't I know you guys? haha!Looking good!! I'm in a 2010 X, I had to take a sawzall to the bolts on my UCA's