Looked at a 4Runner yesterday, and I have a question

brian4d

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Dec 3, 2007
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High Point, NC
10 years ago it was a darling of SOF in South America, don't know if it is still the case.
It is a true 4x4 - meaning it is not a station wagon on a pickup frame with a transfer case bolted underneath, but the t-case is mostly tucked between the framerails, making the diffs offset to the side. In the ROW, it comes without any of Lexus' doodads, but with e-locker or two on top of very functional transfer case.

Really interesting to travel to different countries and see/drive the autos that will never be imported into the states. A few more would be the Hilux Surf/Truck, Land Cruiser Truck and Nissan Patrol. Out of all these the LC Truck would be top of my list to own. Shame really.
 

mgreenspan

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Feb 28, 2005
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Briggs's Back Yard
1007405429.jpg


This? I'm sure it's great in many ways, but is it just me or does it look a bit girly? Reminds me of my wife's old RAV4 and all the Highlanders the grandma's drive around here.

Is the GX470/460 cargo room measurement with the rear seats inside or removed? I personally love being able to completely take them out when not needed.

I guess it is girly if you consider any curved appearance as girly.
gx1_111.jpg
 

brian4d

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Dec 3, 2007
6,499
67
High Point, NC
Is the GX470/460 cargo room measurement with the rear seats inside or removed? I personally love being able to completely take them out when not needed.

I guess it is girly if you consider any curved appearance as girly.
gx1_111.jpg

I don't think Eric knew it has 3rd row seating because he mentioned something about less people space. Either way the 470 and 460's are great trucks, very capable and long lasting. I can actually fit in my 3rd row for a trip across town, cross country not so much.

Looks like the one in the photo is a sport edition. Hard to find for sure. Wheels and smoked headlamps gave it away.
 

mgreenspan

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Feb 28, 2005
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Briggs's Back Yard
Just wait 4 years and start importing Land Cruiser Colorados. Same thing as the gx/prado with d4d and rear locker standard. Just test drove a bunch and they drove the same as the gx.
 

mgreenspan

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Feb 28, 2005
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Briggs's Back Yard
Do it. They should have some there. They'll probably cost more but will be lhd and likely less rusty although the ones I saw here in the uk weren't bad If they weren't coastal trucks.
 

garrett

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Jun 18, 2004
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10 years ago it was a darling of SOF in South America, don't know if it is still the case.
It is a true 4x4 - meaning it is not a station wagon on a pickup frame with a transfer case bolted underneath, but the t-case is mostly tucked between the framerails, making the diffs offset to the side. In the ROW, it comes without any of Lexus' doodads, but with e-locker or two on top of very functional transfer case.

Yep. The Prado is what is being used across the board by SOF/SOCOM, etc. Twin turbo diesels and even with high level armor they move about quite well. The 79 series pick ups are on another level than the Prado's and Hilux's, but they will beat you up pretty good on a long trip off-road.

I still love my Tahoe though. :)
 

p m

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Apr 19, 2004
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Yep. The Prado is what is being used across the board by SOF/SOCOM, etc. Twin turbo diesels and even with high level armor they move about quite well. The 79 series pick ups are on another level than the Prado's and Hilux's, but they will beat you up pretty good on a long trip off-road.

I still love my Tahoe though. :)
I can totally understand the choice.
It is a ubiquitous and unassuming vehicle, not screaming out loud "I am Taliban" or "I am the U.S.Government" like full-blown Cruisers and Suburbans do, or "I am mid-level narco trader" of G-Wagen fame (actually, 110s have a similar connotation).
The turbodiesel is indeed properly sized in it - not a gutless wonder or crankshaft breaker like our favorite brand's, and not the Big Three product (good for a moderately-sized container ship in ROW).

That said, I could never love a Prado, though my hate would be far more muted than in case of a 4-Runner or today's Lexus Darth Vader offerings.
 

ERover82

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Nov 26, 2011
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Darien Gap
Not this?

<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SE6FZnnq8a8/Tj7TYyyGvQI/AAAAAAAAASs/5M4AMdMN45Y/s1600/2010MY_Bulletproof_Toyota_Land_Cruiser_200_car.jpg" width="800">
 

garrett

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Jun 18, 2004
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Middleburg, VA
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I can totally understand the choice.
It is a ubiquitous and unassuming vehicle, not screaming out loud "I am Taliban" or "I am the U.S.Government" like full-blown Cruisers and Suburbans do, or "I am mid-level narco trader" of G-Wagen fame (actually, 110s have a similar connotation).
The turbodiesel is indeed properly sized in it - not a gutless wonder or crankshaft breaker like our favorite brand's, and not the Big Three product (good for a moderately-sized container ship in ROW).

That said, I could never love a Prado, though my hate would be far more muted than in case of a 4-Runner or today's Lexus Darth Vader offerings.

Currently DSS is looking for options as the 1 ton Suburban is done and it's their main choice for level 6/7 armor vehicles. They are "testing" some options at their facility where I work. But depending on location/use they use everything from G wagons, Prado, LCs, etc. SOF in general are almost all Toyota based on "indigenous" vehicle and reliability. They have a 5 year dead line life on them, so it's sad to see them get destroyed so soon.
 

Ballah06

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Jan 21, 2007
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Savannah, GA
If they were legal in the US, I would definitely get a Land Cruiser diesel like we had in Africa in 06. Freaking thing just worked and had basic washable interior. Solid trucks. Been all over Liberia with those and they just kept on going.
 

kennith

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Apr 22, 2004
10,891
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North Carolina
If they were legal in the US, I would definitely get a Land Cruiser diesel like we had in Africa in 06. Freaking thing just worked and had basic washable interior. Solid trucks. Been all over Liberia with those and they just kept on going.

Yup.

Can't get away from the things over there, which makes it triple-frustrating to get back and not be able to buy one.

The Land Cruiser 70, or whatever number they are on now, is a great vehicle that I actually think would be a great success in the US if brought in. Every country bumpkin out there would have one; pretty much like everywhere else in the world.

Toyota no longer has to get past being Japanese. The Tacoma eventually cured most people of that foolishness. Oh, they still want a GMC or whatever, but that won't stop them from having a jacked up Taco beside their American school bus.

Cheers,

Kennith