When I deployed to Afghanistan we had 2 4Runners (4WD) that hadn't seen pavement in a decade. One with 270K miles, the other with 320K. Everything worked on them and they ran like tops. Yours is doing fine, and you do have a lot of highway miles. You could replace the engine and transmission and it is still waaaaay cheaper than trucks right now. PS: if you replace the alternator, make sure it is new from Toyota. Rebuilds are OK for city driving with AAA but not offroading
It might worthwhile to preorder a Nippon Denso alternator and store it on a shelf until you have it installed, otherwise your mechanic will install a rebuild
I was worried about the starter failing on mine in the middle of the dessert, so I'm going to start carrying a spare starter, and tools needed. Cheaper than new car payment.
KEEP THE 4RUNNER. I WAS CERTIFIED AT TOYOTA FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS AND I SAW TOYOTAS WITH WELL OVER 400,000 MILES ON THEM. JUST KEEP UP WITH THE OIL CHANGES AND WHEN IT BREAKS, FIX IT, DON'T LET IT GO. I BOUGHT A USED NISSAN XTERRA WITH 205,000 ON IT, AND THE MILES DID NOT SCARE ME. THE BEST VEHICLES ON THE STREET TODAY ARE TOYOTA, NISSAN, AND HONDA. LOVE YOUR VIDEOS, SO KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
I agree with the ones who say Keep It and bring spare parts. Some people are predicting a lot of new car owners will default on their loans in the next year or two, which will result in a lot of those cars going back on the market at reduced prices. Car Wizard’s videos are very helpful in deciding which models and years are the best for what you do. Great idea to get a winch!
Loved the story of the boss lady. I grew up in rural Tennessee and people helped each other. Sooner or later we will all need someone’s help and it’s good to know that you can count on it. I try to pay it forward and you find that you have friends that you didn’t know you had. Look at the respect you have for Boss Lady now. If she needed help, you’d be at the front of the line with a big “hell yeah!” ❤
That's the way it should be. It never works like that in the city because there are too many people there who, when you offer a finger, will take the whole hand.
Hi Sarah! As an accountant, you could definitely write off the cost and depreciation of a new 4 Runner as a business expense. I worry you might breakdown in the middle of nowhere. Much love ❤️
@@q3trimco A business expense is different than a standard deduction - you can claim both at the same time. $60k business revenue - $20K business expense = $40K gross income - $13K standard deduction = $27K taxable income. Something like that.
Sarah, Your front bumper just clips in at that point. There are 3 screws inside the edge of the wheel well that you may have to remove, but line it up and just use that palm of your hand and smack it back into the clips (unless you busted them). Then line up the 3 screws and tighten them. Easy fix and the rear bumper works in a simulare manner for FYI.
It’s been my practice to just have an alternator in the vehicle along with the basic tools as to have the parts available if you need them. I’ve had new, not rebuilt, alternators only last a few hundred miles before they go bad. Just keep one in your rig and there’s someone at any small town that can help you out changing it!!! Plus, change the tranny fluid, as well as the fluid in the transfer case to keep the rig on the up and healthy.
You don't want to change transmission fluid, transmission shops are now putting the old fluid back in after repairs. Toyotas and Hondas don't like new fluids.
I drove in solo a year ago into the Three Forks/Owyhee river area. Back in there for four days...never saw another person or vehicle. Late Sept. Two days after I got home, my battery failed. Would not hold a charge. It was only two years old. One of those things, You never know. Some software glitch on your brand new 2024 Toyota.. You do all the PM you can do and you roll lifes dice.
Lots of great advice in the comments. My guess is that the residual value isn't what you're looking for in a vehicle but rather the reliability to get you where you want to go with comfort and peace of mind. In that case, with a couple of exceptions, your 4Runner is in excellent shape and, with a few upgrades to give you additional features and protection, I would keep what you have, invest in skid plates, spare parts, roof rack and a complete mechanical evaluation. That would certainly be a better financial decision for the next 170k miles. In any case, Toyota would do well to give you some sort of limited sponsorship. Safe travels and I'll continue to follow you in all of your adventures.
I was driving a Ford F350 between Las Vegas and Bakersfield and lost the alternator. I had a Honda portable generator with a 12 volt output so I wired it to the truck battery with wires from the generator in the bed and drove the last 200 miles home. There’s always a way to get out of a jam. My suggestion to Sarah is to have a new Toyota alternator installed and carry the old one with you along with a tool kit. Watch a few videos on 4 Runner repairs and watch your mechanic when they do stuff. Keep your old ride! That $50 to $60 K for a new one is crazy. But if you want a new one, your old one is worth more than you think. Don’t just trade it in. Sell it privately.
A Hussy video on a Sunday I love it! I say keep your vehicle for a little longer, get the alternator replaced or just wait for the end of the year to buy a new one cause they say it's cheaper to buy a new vehicle at the end of the year.
Get the toy, compact,rugged,trickable, last fover pretty much,yea don't get a van,get a Toyota 4runner and fix up too suit your needs, get rack for top,winch compact one,skid plates too, start a driving the wheels off. Great video,don't get the van! Love. Devo on the block.
I have a 1990 4Runner 5 speed 4x4 that I absolutely love. The only problem I've had is not enough power which is no longer an issue with these rigs. When my 1998 Tahoe retires, I will most definitely get a new 4Runner. Love them 👍🌞
There is almost never any need to replace an alternator. Alternators consist mostly of parts that don't do anything physical. What you *should* do is proactively replace the brushes *inside* the alternator. This is what I did on my high-mileage vehicle.
I have been using an old 98 Ford Expedition XLT 4X4, fir years living and sleeping in her 😴 for years. She now has 207 thousand miles own her and don't plan on Get a new 1. She purrrrrs. I love this truck don't think make anything better then my old girl. So I know exactly what your talking about. Good luck with your final choice. 😊 LONG LIVE THE HUSSY. MAY U ALWAYS HAVE A GENTLE WIND AT YOUR BACK AND DRIVING INTO A MORNING SUNRISE 🌅
Keep your current 4runner till the wheels fall off!! The best suv ever made. Or sell it to me... I'll drive it for ten more years, problem free. 170,000 mi is barely broken in for a 4runner.💪🏻🍻
I agree with you Wonderhussy! *The world would be a better place if we helped our neighbors :) PS: TOYOTA = Wonderhussy is a FANTASTIC ROLE MODE and a GREAT channel for you to sponsor for all the right reasons.
My last 3 vehicles have been 4Runners. I currently have a 2019 2wd SR5. I take it off road all the time. It amazes me how well it handles the terrain of the Desert. I wouldn't have any other vehicle. Stick with your 4Runner. It has a lot of life left in it, believe me! There's an old saying: If you want to go on a Safari, get a Land Rover. If you want to make it back home, get a Toyota.
Keep the one you have! Regular maintenance is the key. I have 250,000 miles on my 4Runner. I use it mainly for out of town use. You could get 500,000 miles on these before major engine work.
I would hold off on buying a new rig for a bit, but considering your usage of this rig, it would make a lot of sense. You’ll get great trade in money for yours and since yours is running ok, you can spec your new rig exactly the way you want it. I would stick with the 4Runner. On the rural folk thing, I can’t understand why people don’t like your content. You never broadcast where you’re at, you’re always respectful of others’ wishes, and you always leave every spot better than you found it. I have a feeling this boss lady has a different take on you after realizing that a few of her buddies trust and love you. You’re awesome.
I have a 2000 Toyota Tundra with 200,000 miles on it. I now tow my RV travel trailer with it on 2,000+ mile road trips. It is the best pickup i've had in my life. I've had new vehicles and they sometimes have more problems than used ones - especially until the bugs are corrected. Keeping your 4- Runner maintained with relatively minor expense (new ones are probably $30 to $40 thousand and cost much more to maintain) is a wise decision. It has served you well for 6 years and will continue to serve you well with regular pro-active maintenance as it seems you do... glad you have a good mechanic - a very valuable asset.
If I was you I would definitely keep your 4Runner. Just keep doing some preventive maintenance on it and it should give you many more trouble free miles. You have a very good dependable rig there. Hope you decide what is best for you. Cheers! Stay safe!
Just a guess as to why AT&T often gets better cell service in rural areas is that when they bought out ALLTEL, which invested in numerous rural cell towers and provided awesome service in more remote locations, actually kept some of those towers instead of abandoning all of ALLTEL'S infrastructure. I truly miss ALLTEL!
Toyotas are million mile vehicles. Because you explore such remote areas, I would get a new exact same rig or a Tacoma truck with a shell. Plus a new rig has a warranty! Toyota should sponsor you. You are great role model. I watch every video. Keep up the good work.
@@largent9 I own a Subaru and had two others in the past. I own a Lexus (Toyota) GX470 as well. The GX470 is way more capable off-road than any Subaru. The Subaru Crosstrek is fine for forest service roads. Plus, the Crosstrek is tiny compared to the 4-Runner and the GX470.
I have a 1990 Celica GTS with 308000 miles and still going strong. She has no rust and is so comfy to drive. No off roading, just city and highway, and IN country roads! I would buy another Toyota for their dependability! Love your videos!
92 Corolla had 326,000 on it when I scrapped it. New England winter and road salt and chemicals ate the body up. Leaked oil, but ran solid. I had it for 12 years after buying it used.
Oh Sarah Jane! I've read all the comments and agree with 99.9%. Keep ol' faithful and pack a new alternator. Or you can take the current one and have an alternator shop just replace the bearings. Because that's what fails in alternators. Either way, keep ol' faithful and be understanding. He may need new wheel bearings or a repack soon but keep him and love him. Eventually someone will wreck you and total him out. Then take the insurance money and get another 4 runner.🎉🎉🎉
If you end up getting a new Toyota 4 Runner , I would suggest you seek out a limited slip rear end, and a limited slip front end. You’ll never get stuck again. When you have open differentials, they have a tendency to put power to the wheel that has no traction. So you think you have four-wheel-drive when you actually only have one wheel drive on the front axle and one wheel drive on the rear axle. With a limited slip differential, the power goes to all the wheels. Way more efficient off-road. My Power Wagon has a Detroit Locker in the rear and a True-Trac limited slip in the front. It’s unstoppable.
Your current rig is doing great and you put a lot of money into it. Keep it. If you really are concerned about what "might' happen, go ahead and get a new alternator and while youre at it, get the timing belt changed. You'll be good to go for another 170k.
I'm a professional mechanic and I overland. I love my Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. I've had it 3 years and never had to modify anything. 4Runner is good too.😊
Love your channel. I have enjoyed my 2008 Toyota 4Runner for 15 years, with no problems at all (with normal dealer servicing only). Everything still looks and works like new... amazing quality. I am thankful I don't have to replace it in today's distorted market. I think it will last for another 15 years. I tow my sailboat to the local lake all summer with no problems. Please don't buy an Astro Van. Consider a Toyota Sienna van instead, but don't expect to survive back country driving as well as a 4Runner. As far as the next generation of 4Runner, never buy the first year ov a new model, wait for a year to see the reliability index..
If your worried about reliability DO NOT GET A JEEP OF ANY SORT! A heck out different customer and mechanic reliability sites and you’ll understand. The Toyota 4Runner is miles areas in reliability all the way around BUT brand new they’re also very pricy. Just a little food for thought dear girl!stay safe - stay Toyota!
Fellow Toyota owner here. I think you should replace the alternator and replace any belts that are beginning to show signs of wear. I know this is basic advice but Toyotas are pretty bulletproof and pretty sure you'll be able to get another two hundred thousand miles out of your rig. Best of luck with whatever you decide.
The one area that people forget about having replaced around 100k miles is the timing belt/chain depending which one your engine has, if your engine is an interferrance motor and your timing belt/chain breaks it will usually crush a valve resulting in the head having to be rebuilt and maybe other internal motor parts replaced as well, costing you alot of money and down time. The only way to check if your belt/chain is still good is by taking the front of the motor apart and if you go that far then replace it and know you have another 100k or more miles of worry free driving. I would highly recommend having it replaced seeing your vehicle has around 170k.
@@RUclipscensoredmyusername You are correct but the guides don't, I have a friend whose Nissan truck jumped timing and it has a chain, the chain didn't break but the guides did causing the chain to become loose, therefore the sprockets turned without the chain, she had just under 130k miles and her engine was an interference engine and needed to be completely rebuilt. At least have it checked every 100k miles.
@@harleydude-xo8pu yea Toyota guides should last as long as the engine also. Iv seentoyota guides with 300k on them, barely any wear. Keep your oil clean and probly won’t have any issues. I hated Toyota for most my life. But got tired of fixing my fords and jeeps. I even put a ls400 1uz engine in my old Ford. Nissan quality has gone way down in recent years 240k for a Toyota seems to be the equivalent of 100k for everyone else in terms of wear and tear. 170k lol nah I wouldn’t worry much especially because her 4Runner is so new. That’s the reason if she were to sell it she would get about half the cost of a new one. Toyota. Hell yeah
I think this was one of your best episodes ever! I'm not even in the market for another vehicle but your rundown of your rig was very informative & interesting. Plus, the rest of the video was so darned interesting! Funny how you and the lady who was pi$$ed about you doing a piece about the hot spring she lives near crossed paths again...where she proceeded to bolster your faith in humanity. And, as a bonus, I now know AT&T is the carrier to have in the boonies! 😀Thanks again.
Actually in real remote areas you need both. Some are covered by AT&T but others are better on Verizon. Most work along interstate highways but the rest of the remote areas are kind of split between them. Sarah has the real answer already. An emergency satellite link that she talked about before.
I would keep it till 250K. Then get another 4 runner. Nothing beats a toyota for reliability. I'm on my 5th toyota pickuo since 1983.I put 1 million miles on my first 3. I have a 1994 4wd with 175000 mi & a 2015 4wd tacoma with 63000 mi. I work construction & camp/fish/play with these trucks. You can't beat them.
I will never buy another toyota... ever... the transfer case blew up driving down 395 and the hole in the floor board was so big... you could jump through it without touching the sides... it ripped out the break line's and the gas line... what a disaster...add insult to injury... the dealership treated me like sh**I payed the sob off while it sat in my driveway... I will never buy another toyota as long as I live...f***toyota and their chicken s***dealership... they scre***me for the last time... lol
@@thegreenpickel You can't beat the old school. the 22RE 4 cyl., manual front locking hubs & manual tranny is a bullit-proof design. Unfortunately living in a northern climate rust eventually wins. But, not yet lol
As someone who owns both a Toyota and a Jeep, for what you do, you have the best option. They both have their pros and cons, my tacoma is right there with you, 162k. Keep up the good work!
I remember when your friend got it for you years ago. You did good. Get your Battery tested often. I hope you carry a spare battery. Get that front fender fixed. Even with zipties! Stop trying to talk yourself into another major expense that depreciates rapidly. Carry Spare Fan belts, check your Timing Chain/Belt change schedule and keep the old ones. Buy a tested rebuilt alternator and possibly starter too. Learn how to fix it and carry tools that will change out those items. Stick with what you know. Learn to drive around obstacles.
Wonderhussy, Keep doing your 4Runner. As long as you take care of it, it will get you there and back. I still drive around in my 27 year old Chevy Caprice with 263, 400+ miles on it. It's still all original, runs great, and doesn't burn any oil. I change oil and filter every 3,000 to 3,500 miles and haven't had any major problems.
My two cents. Keep your 4Runner, anything you spend maintaining it will be less and more determinant that any new vehicle bought brand new. If you traded it in, the dealer would have it sold that day for top dollar because these are so popular and reliable. With maintenance it could last many more miles and years. These are popular and have a great resale value for good reasons.
My husband agrees. Your Toyota can go much further. Just keep up maintenance, change parts before they go bad, alternator etc... But the accountant's comment about a new Toyota as a business expense write off....very interesting. Great experience about the woman who rescued you. Life is too short to hold grudges or be unkind to anyone. It brings inner peace to do good even towards someone who we think may not like us. Hang in there and be safe young lady. 😁
I have used that car wash in Tonopah.. Camping up in the Arc Dome Wilderness.. Peavine canyon... was driving out and hit this huge, fresh, cowpie in the road....
Yeah it has to remain closed unless you're on pavement or not moving. Wipe off the seal prior to rolling it down. It's pretty easy to fix or replace those window mechanisms. It's worth doing.
I have the exact same 4Runner. Best driving machine I ever had. If I was riding around where you go with that car, I personally would replace the alternator. A gasoline car can drive 100-150 miles without an alternator, if the battery is in good shape and the bearings in the alternator didn't seize up, which would destroy your accessory drive belt, which drives your coolant water pump and the engine overheats quickly if the belt snaps. Of course, the less lights, radio etc. you have turned on, the longer it will drive.
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser; bought it new ,98000 miles later; with no issues ! Nock on wood of course. Certainly is off and on road capable ( first and only new car/ truck I have ever owned…) so as far as I know it’s the best suv in the world .
My 4 Runner is a 2002 , 200 k miles , no issues or problems , changed the battery after 12 years - just because was worried like you - only get 6 years out of the new one. Recharged the a/c last years for the 1st time , changed out 1 brake lite , and that's it. Best vehicle I've ever had , and I have had all the 4x4 's ever made. Guess I could / should replace the shocks , but I'm used to the ride. That's my 4 Runner story.
Another great episode. jmo If you want a different type of rig go for it but if you like this, keep it. Cars are changing fast right now. Your 4-Runner can always be repaired. Love the stories!
Another great personable wholesome video Sarah…and to anyone who has contacts that could sponsor Sarah…like give her the Key to Nevada…she is a great Nevada story teller…
Hey Sarah, as always, love your posts! Loyal follower never miss an episode! You’re right, you absolutely can’t beat a Toyota for reliability! There is a another RUclipsr call the car wizard. He’s a mechanic works on all kinds of cars and raves on about Toyotas! Even though they cost a little more, he says in the long run, they’re the best investment! I was thinking with the incredible depreciation of a new one, maybe consider a low mileage used? I don’t know! Ford transit would be great as a nomad, but I bet it doesn’t have the durability of a Toyota!
Sarah I bought a 2022 4Runner TRD off road Premium last July!! It has good skid plates and a awesome roof rack. I removed the back seats and built a carpeted platform in the back. All with you in mind!! I freaking love this rig! My advice: BUY A TRD PRO NOW!! Keep the one you have and use both, breaking in the new one slowly. Beat the old one up now and beat the new one up later!! Love you sister!!!
The first week with my brand new 1990 Isuzu Trooper, backed into a concrete pylon and mangled its driver-side rear steel bumper. Fortunately, was able to remove it, then squish it back straight between a couple wood blocks that I drove over. Congrats on how far you've driven your rig.👍
Loved the "Wonderhussy Report!" I think this would be a great feature to add to your channel on a regular basis. Your channel is mostly travel but along the way you've encountered many challenges and overcome them. These experiences make great stories. Lastly, the "chance" encounter with the woman who was offended by your work was a God wink. He is always doing stuff like that because Jesus said to love your neighbor. His desire is just as you said that we mend what is broken and restore what was lost. This is where we find peace. God bless you Ms. Wonderhussy
Yes your 4Runner may go for another 170K miles, the places you go are probably not the best locations if something does happen. Now, something else to ponder is this... always shy away from the first year of a new model vehicle. When they make changes like introducing a 4 banger there are going to be teething problems. They could be minor or major, you just never know. My advice, as a life long car guy, would be to go for a new 4Runner with the same V6 you have now. Why take the chance on anything else.
I had a Nissan Pathfinder. I loved it being from central Idaho. Lots of mountains. That thing would go anywhere. But after 300.000 miles my wife and I called it the Nissan Junkfinder.
Try the Ironman foam cell pro shocks. They SHOULD last practically forever, and if they do wear out many years down the road, they're easily user-rebuildable because they're unpressurized (so you don't need to repressurize them, and seals are much simpler & easier to replace). I'd keep the 4Runner for at least 250k and probably 350. It's a lot of highway miles. It'll last a long time.
V-6 it babe. Look at how well this one has done but if you do get a van count me in with you I'm a free man and you never know how long you got left on this earth. Love ya Keith
Regarding your Toyota's alternator, you are basically correct, it could fail unexpectedly. When the alternator fails (stops charging the battery), the battery icon on the dashboard should light up (it's supposed to light up, with the engine running, if there's a problem with the vehicle's charging system). When you turn the starting key to the first or second "click" position (but before the key is turned to the "start" position), the dash lights (including the battery light icon) will normally light up, but after the engine starts & is running, most of the dash lights (including the battery light icon) will go out. I would recommend buying a new (not rebuilt) alternator from AutoZone, O'Reilly's, etc., & keep the alternator in your vehicle. Then, if your vehicle's alternator quits, you already have a replacement with you, & you need only to find a shop to install it.
Toyota Sienna yes they do but so not for you lol. Love everything you do. I can literally watch you for a whole weekend of all of your older videos. Ive watched most of ur videos many times
If it were me, I'd keep the 4Runner and just keep doing the preventative maintenance you've been doing (and yes, this could include proactively replacing the alternator). My present vehicle is a 1995 Chevy van with 313K miles on it, and it's still going strong. I've never owned a 4Runner, but I have had a couple old Toyotas before, and yeah, they were unsurpassably reliable and more or less bulletproof cars.
Wonderhussy just take good care of your 4Runner and it will serve you well. My car has 43 years and it is still in a good condition, a drive it even today, so don't worry about your Toyota 4Runner, it will be fine.
Trust your instincts and experience. If you think a Toyata 4 Runner is best for you, then it probably is. Speaking of update videos . . . would like to see a one year update on your mini-split.
I was out at the spring and learned that I just missed you ........ oh well. Stick with the 4Runner, I love mine. You might be surprised how much you can get for yours , being famous and all.
Hello, Janice and Brian here (good wine) - You are precisely correct in your analysis. Your old steed is not going to continue to be as dependable as your ventures into desolate lands demand. Amid the choices of manufacturers, Toyota, and particularly the 4Runner is bulletproof and, as you know, extremely off-road capable. Ford, Chevy, or Jeep are light years behind in reliability, a critical gulf in the inhospitable places that call to you. There are off-road vehicles with proven durability and capability paired with van-like accommodations. None come from common US manufacturers. They, like Toyotas, are bullet-proof and that has been proven in even harsher conditions than you venture into. My favorite is the Unimog. MAN also makes a similar beast. Both are huge off-road trucks that literally keep up with Paris-Dakar racers, while providing sleeping quarters, mobile shops, and any other utility functions needed. They are stunning, but insanely pricey, thirsty, and beyond huge by 4Runner standards. Think of your sister’s boyfriend’s bus with tires twice that size and able to go wheeling with the Moab crew. In contrast, any kind of normal “van” would be in deep trouble trying to keep up with a 4Runner. The interesting bit is the optimal powertrain for what will inevitably be your next Toyota. You can conservatively double your gas mileage with a hybrid, due to the extreme gas guzzling of the 4Runner. My favorite is the 2024 4 cylinder hybrid. I have beaten the hell out of a previous generation 4 cylinder Prius since 2010 and it has never skipped a beat. They never do! Driven pedal to the metal it delivers mpg in the high 30’s. While the EPA rating is 50 mpg, I did a careful 2-way trial of “hypermileing”, modulating the throttle by road slope, and going at just under 50 mph. I got 60 over a 2 x 40 mile trip. The new version is 20% more efficient and much more powerful. Turbocharging and a remarkable range of efficiency and reliability changes yield a bullet-proof 4 cylinder with about 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque (more than your current V6!). Some variables affecting your 2024 model year choices: • You went 170,000 mi at 16 mpg = 10,625 gallons of fuel. • Double the mileage to just 32 mpg (4Runner-sized hybrids do 34-36) and 10,625 gallons divided by 2 = 5,312.5 gallons not burned. • At the current Nevada average per gallon of regular ($4.236) that is 5,312 gallons x $4.236 = $22,503.75. Consider that as a percentage of the sticker price!!! Then, what is the value to the planet? • We visited you in a rental 4Runner and afterward, I experimented with pounding down the road as well as optimizing mileage. At best, I managed to get 20 mpg and at worst, it was an insult to the planet! Even my Corvette, with twice the HP can nearly double the mileage (eco mode, running on 4 cylinders). The 4Runner was fantastic, but an appalling ecological dinosaur. • The Toyota 4-cylinder hybrid has proven itself to be extraordinarily bullet-proof for a very long time. It is also now a powerful package able to move a big rig. If you want more room, it is an option in a Grand Highlander with all-wheel drive. This is not as much of an off-road beast, but it is considerably larger, much better riding, in a similar overall package. The big difference between all-wheel and 4-wheel drive is in extremely slippery conditions. You are young enough to not mind the pounding that the 4Runner delivers due, in part, to primitive body-on-frame construction from Toyota’s pickup line. Perhaps the smaller, but more off-road capable, hybrid 4Runner would better suit your needs, given your petite bedding requirements. My bet - aches and pains of another half-dozen years of 4-wheeling will demand the vastly better ride of independent suspension and all-wheel drive… My aching back and sciatica suggest making that move to smoother ride now, avoiding disk damage!!! • Normally, I would not recommend a more complex drivetrain for your rugged travels. However, the Toyota hybrids just don’t break!!! Your use case is unusual, but if you stick to your current path of valuing reliability and trading in well before the mileage that could be reached in urban use, I strongly suspect that the problems would be the assorted bits and bobs, like your tailgate, and not the drivetrain. With a hybrid you could definitely pocket the $22.5k, while imposing a smaller environmental footprint, two pivotal issues. • I am not an off-roader. I have taken the Prius and many other vehicles far beyond where any rational person would go; it was a challenge and it never went badly - I still should have had my head examined! I wonder how many times the superiority of 4-wheel drive would have made a difference versus all-wheel drive, which is definitely inferior in the most traction-limited challenging conditions but far better the rest of the time. Would a similar, but far better riding, vehicle that offers significantly more interior space be a good trade-off? I suggest a tiny bit more discretion when it is snowing or muddy and remote. Those conditions (especially being remote) are risky in a 4-wheel setup. All that makes the 4-cylinder hybrid offered in the Grand Highlander, a likely best fit for your next, or a following, vehicle. • 6-cylinder hybrids are available. They offer something like 360 hp and are out-and-out fast. In your slow-speed, rough-road world, gearing matters and hp does not. • As for optional bits and bobs, Bilstein shocks are fabulous… BF Goodrich, with tires that are poor on-road, gets a ton of respect from clearly excellent off-roaders. I am delighted that you are attending to getting the last-reasonable mile out of your rig while making sure that you will be around for years to come. Extracting the last few miles and replacing bits when they fail, works in urban service where towing or coasting into a shop is relatively easy. In the outback, replacing them all BEFORE they fail protects you from unreasonable risk. I do health and safety for over 200,000 transit workers and they get beaten to death by rough-riding buses. The 4Runner is a bit similar. I hope that you go for something Toyota, but with less whole-body vibration. A heavy driver gets more isolation out of the seats, etc. You do not! For women, particularly, it is a big issue over time, and the first hints of overexposure are very often permanent problems. Your cleverness and inventiveness are vastly more important than the difference between an off-road beast and a kinder rig that is almost as capable, except in the most sketchy conditions, where what you need is to not wheel alone. Plan ahead and neither rig will stop you. The kinder choice would be more comfortable and less injurious over time. It is time for a new rig to protect you and the planet, lower running costs, and ensure that more of your unique honesty, wit and whimsy comes our way for years to come. You mean so much to so many! Janice and Brian PS You are getting a ton of excellent advice! I want to echo the comments below about aftermarket parts v Toyota parts. We have a serious problem with counterfeit and substandard parts. The comments about how far a Toyota can go are also correct. If you always offroad with others, getting those extra miles while carrying tools and spare parts would be low risk. As someone who "Vants to be alone" the calculus is vastly different and you have gotten the high-reliability miles out of a superb rig that will go on for many more miles (and trips to repair shops).
I would just keep that one. Every Toyota my family has had we got 400k miles out of with not any real problems. I would just upgrade skid plate, bumpers, add rock sliders and a basic rack to get those pads out of cab. Maybe add an light strip on top.
My 2 cents is the way you travel, definitely get another Toyota 4 runner. And if this is the last year before they switch to a 4 banger, get one ASAP. Even as good as Toyota is, for someone as tough on a vehicle as you are, stick with the tried and true motor you have now.
NEVER doubt the YOTA! Alternators can be tested. And your cluster light problems are most times caused by an oxygen sensor in the exhaust stream being fouled by not only your vehicle but other folks exhaust. These things can be sensitive. Disconnect the black line (ground) from your battery for a bit, drink a beer, and reconnect to reset that dash cluster flashing. Cheers!
Keep your 4Runner, spend some money and have it checked out mechanically. Fix any issues and do your add-ons that you mentioned. Customize it a little and enjoy the hell out of it. You'll save money in the long run and it will seem like a new vehicle. But if Toyota offers you a new one....Oh Yeah!! Keep the videos coming. You're the Best!
If you are worried about your alternator letting you down in a remote location keep a spare battery with you. When one battery dies swap them out and you will have some time to get back to civilization. Just have to make sure not to run any accessories. A good battery will go a ways without an alternator charging it.
![[Car camping in the rain] Sleeping in the car eating sushi in an apple orchard. Hiace camper](/img/1.gif)
When I deployed to Afghanistan we had 2 4Runners (4WD) that hadn't seen pavement in a decade. One with 270K miles, the other with 320K. Everything worked on them and they ran like tops. Yours is doing fine, and you do have a lot of highway miles. You could replace the engine and transmission and it is still waaaaay cheaper than trucks right now. PS: if you replace the alternator, make sure it is new from Toyota. Rebuilds are OK for city driving with AAA but not offroading
It might worthwhile to preorder a Nippon Denso alternator and store it on a shelf until you have it installed, otherwise your mechanic will install a rebuild
If you tell your mechanic that you want new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts on a Toyota then you will get Denso parts
@@CarShopping101 Yeah, sure. The guy will install a rebuild and charge you for a Denso.
I was worried about the starter failing on mine in the middle of the dessert, so I'm going to start carrying a spare starter, and tools needed. Cheaper than new car payment.
toyota may sponsor you with your following... 🍀
Keep your 6! Better than anything with a 4 or turbo in front of it!
As a Tacoma owner, I second that
I would third that. I would buy a new one with the 6 and keep the old one. You will find it useful at times to have both runners.
@@gjb9315I'd buy a GX 460. A few years old, 50k miles, go for about 35k. They just depreciate a little faster
KEEP THE 4RUNNER. I WAS CERTIFIED AT TOYOTA FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS AND I SAW TOYOTAS WITH WELL OVER 400,000 MILES ON THEM. JUST KEEP UP WITH THE OIL CHANGES AND WHEN IT BREAKS, FIX IT, DON'T LET IT GO. I BOUGHT A USED NISSAN XTERRA WITH 205,000 ON IT, AND THE MILES DID NOT SCARE ME. THE BEST VEHICLES ON THE STREET TODAY ARE TOYOTA, NISSAN, AND HONDA. LOVE YOUR VIDEOS, SO KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
I agree with the ones who say Keep It and bring spare parts. Some people are predicting a lot of new car owners will default on their loans in the next year or two, which will result in a lot of those cars going back on the market at reduced prices. Car Wizard’s videos are very helpful in deciding which models and years are the best for what you do. Great idea to get a winch!
I will stand by my 2007 4RUNNER forever. 158k miles and still bullet proof.
transfer case and auto trans gonna cost
@@scutterlibby ❤❤❤❤
👍especially when compared to $50k for 2023 model
They don't build like they used to. Your 2007 probably will outlast any of the 2023 4-Runner models.
That's really low miles for a 16 year old car
Loved the story of the boss lady. I grew up in rural Tennessee and people helped each other. Sooner or later we will all need someone’s help and it’s good to know that you can count on it. I try to pay it forward and you find that you have friends that you didn’t know you had. Look at the respect you have for Boss Lady now. If she needed help, you’d be at the front of the line with a big “hell yeah!”
❤
That's the way it should be. It never works like that in the city because there are too many people there who, when you offer a finger, will take the whole hand.
I love the lesson that came out of your stuck in the mud story. I live my life with that rule of just be excellent to each other for sure ❤
I second this. @dolls_onthego4645 you put into words what I couldn't. *Stuck in the mud story could also be a great Toyota commercial!!!
I have a 2012 4cyl Toyota....still going strong and take it everywhere.....
Hi Sarah! As an accountant, you could definitely write off the cost and depreciation of a new 4 Runner as a business expense. I worry you might breakdown in the middle of nowhere. Much love ❤️
I agree exactly here, especially because this your business and everyone wants you happy and safe. Get a new rig and write it off.
Well I guess we know what his 'thing' is 'cause I'm sure he has no mechanical skills to speak of.
She wouldn't have enough to trump the standard deduction unless she makes massive payments.
@@q3trimco A business expense is different than a standard deduction - you can claim both at the same time. $60k business revenue - $20K business expense = $40K gross income - $13K standard deduction = $27K taxable income. Something like that.
new one not needed thanks
Sarah, Your front bumper just clips in at that point. There are 3 screws inside the edge of the wheel well that you may have to remove, but line it up and just use that palm of your hand and smack it back into the clips (unless you busted them). Then line up the 3 screws and tighten them. Easy fix and the rear bumper works in a simulare manner for FYI.
It’s been my practice to just have an alternator in the vehicle along with the basic tools as to have the parts available if you need them. I’ve had new, not rebuilt, alternators only last a few hundred miles before they go bad. Just keep one in your rig and there’s someone at any small town that can help you out changing it!!! Plus, change the tranny fluid, as well as the fluid in the transfer case to keep the rig on the up and healthy.
Spare serpentine belt is also a good insurance investment. Basic tool kit from H.F. wouldn’t hurt either. Tuck them down under the spare tire.
You don't want to change transmission fluid, transmission shops are now putting the old fluid back in after repairs. Toyotas and Hondas don't like new fluids.
@@DJPLAST2 I learned long ago, that when ever I changed the serpentine belt, to keep the old one, assuming there was no visible damage.
An alternator is one of those parts that does give you no warning. But its also one of those parts that can last for 600,000 miles.
I drove in solo a year ago into the Three Forks/Owyhee river area. Back in there for four days...never saw another person or vehicle. Late Sept. Two days after I got home, my battery failed. Would not hold a charge. It was only two years old. One of those things, You never know. Some software glitch on your brand new 2024 Toyota.. You do all the PM you can do and you roll lifes dice.
Lots of great advice in the comments. My guess is that the residual value isn't what you're looking for in a vehicle but rather the reliability to get you where you want to go with comfort and peace of mind. In that case, with a couple of exceptions, your 4Runner is in excellent shape and, with a few upgrades to give you additional features and protection, I would keep what you have, invest in skid plates, spare parts, roof rack and a complete mechanical evaluation. That would certainly be a better financial decision for the next 170k miles. In any case, Toyota would do well to give you some sort of limited sponsorship. Safe travels and I'll continue to follow you in all of your adventures.
Yeah they should sponsor her at least half price type of deal😂
@@dieterlange7581 they could use Sara and her adventures story in an ad.
Sarah gets enough free stuff sent to her, a Sugar Daddy purchased that 4 Runner for her, don’t give her any ideas MAN!
@@christopherneil988 Toyota should send her a year of Razors, to clean up that mess under her armpits!
@@apocyldoomer ????
I was driving a Ford F350 between Las Vegas and Bakersfield and lost the alternator. I had a Honda portable generator with a 12 volt output so I wired it to the truck battery with wires from the generator in the bed and drove the last 200 miles home. There’s always a way to get out of a jam.
My suggestion to Sarah is to have a new Toyota alternator installed and carry the old one with you along with a tool kit. Watch a few videos on 4 Runner repairs and watch your mechanic when they do stuff.
Keep your old ride! That $50 to $60 K for a new one is crazy. But if you want a new one, your old one is worth more than you think. Don’t just trade it in. Sell it privately.
A Hussy video on a Sunday I love it! I say keep your vehicle for a little longer, get the alternator replaced or just wait for the end of the year to buy a new one cause they say it's cheaper to buy a new vehicle at the end of the year.
Yea I was like, what day is it?? Toyota for life
I have a 4Runner! 2008 193K 4x4 Great vehicle.
Keep the 4Runner because 2017 was one of the BEST years of that generation . I have a 2004 with 260K and it keeps going strong 💪
Get the toy, compact,rugged,trickable, last fover pretty much,yea don't get a van,get a Toyota 4runner and fix up too suit your needs, get rack for top,winch compact one,skid plates too, start a driving the wheels off. Great video,don't get the van! Love. Devo on the block.
All this does is make me want a Toyota 4runner! You are so popular you could auction yours off and probably pay off a new one.😊
WH, You still need a Hi-Lift jack and a shovel. Ask your OR shop about those jacks !!
I have a 1990 4Runner 5 speed 4x4 that I absolutely love. The only problem I've had is not enough power which is no longer an issue with these rigs. When my 1998 Tahoe retires, I will most definitely get a new 4Runner. Love them 👍🌞
Stick with what you like and trust
I remember when she had that old pickup truck...
drive your rig till the wheels fall off. keep with Toyota
There is almost never any need to replace an alternator. Alternators consist mostly of parts that don't do anything physical. What you *should* do is proactively replace the brushes *inside* the alternator. This is what I did on my high-mileage vehicle.
I have been using an old 98 Ford Expedition XLT 4X4, fir years living and sleeping in her 😴 for years. She now has 207 thousand miles own her and don't plan on Get a new 1. She purrrrrs. I love this truck don't think make anything better then my old girl. So I know exactly what your talking about. Good luck with your final choice. 😊 LONG LIVE THE HUSSY. MAY U ALWAYS HAVE A GENTLE WIND AT YOUR BACK AND DRIVING INTO A MORNING SUNRISE 🌅
Keep your current 4runner till the wheels fall off!! The best suv ever made.
Or sell it to me... I'll drive it for ten more years, problem free.
170,000 mi is barely broken in for a 4runner.💪🏻🍻
Sounds like a plea for a new free truck
And it'll probably work
Best vehicle ever
I work at Toyota Dealer most wanted SUV
I agree with you Wonderhussy! *The world would be a better place if we helped our neighbors :) PS: TOYOTA = Wonderhussy is a FANTASTIC ROLE MODE and a GREAT channel for you to sponsor for all the right reasons.
Wonderhussy doing a car video?? HELL YEAHHHHH!!! 🤘😎🤘🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
My last 3 vehicles have been 4Runners.
I currently have a 2019 2wd SR5.
I take it off road all the time. It amazes me how well it handles the terrain of the Desert.
I wouldn't have any other vehicle.
Stick with your 4Runner. It has a lot of life left in it, believe me!
There's an old saying: If you want to go on a Safari, get a Land Rover.
If you want to make it back home, get a Toyota.
Keep the one you have! Regular maintenance is the key. I have 250,000 miles on my 4Runner. I use it mainly for out of town use. You could get 500,000 miles on these before major engine work.
I would hold off on buying a new rig for a bit, but considering your usage of this rig, it would make a lot of sense. You’ll get great trade in money for yours and since yours is running ok, you can spec your new rig exactly the way you want it. I would stick with the 4Runner.
On the rural folk thing, I can’t understand why people don’t like your content. You never broadcast where you’re at, you’re always respectful of others’ wishes, and you always leave every spot better than you found it. I have a feeling this boss lady has a different take on you after realizing that a few of her buddies trust and love you. You’re awesome.
I have a 2000 Toyota Tundra with 200,000 miles on it. I now tow my RV travel trailer with it on 2,000+ mile road trips. It is the best pickup i've had in my life. I've had new vehicles and they sometimes have more problems than used ones - especially until the bugs are corrected. Keeping your 4- Runner maintained with relatively minor expense (new ones are probably $30 to $40 thousand and cost much more to maintain) is a wise decision. It has served you well for 6 years and will continue to serve you well with regular pro-active maintenance as it seems you do... glad you have a good mechanic - a very valuable asset.
If I was you I would definitely keep your 4Runner. Just keep doing some preventive maintenance on it and it should give you many more trouble free miles. You have a very good dependable rig there. Hope you decide what is best for you. Cheers! Stay safe!
So so so true. How awesome of that lady. That’s how I try and live. Thanks for this video.
Freedom
Just a guess as to why AT&T often gets better cell service in rural areas is that when they bought out ALLTEL, which invested in numerous rural cell towers and provided awesome service in more remote locations, actually kept some of those towers instead of abandoning all of ALLTEL'S infrastructure. I truly miss ALLTEL!
Drive your Four Runner's little sister, a RAV 4, and we have been everywhere !! ❤ Yota's are amazing !! ❤
Toyotas are million mile vehicles. Because you explore such remote areas, I would get a new exact same rig or a Tacoma truck with a shell. Plus a new rig has a warranty! Toyota should sponsor you. You are great role model. I watch every video. Keep up the good work.
Off road voids that longevity.
Might look in a Subaru. I have taken my Crosstrek anywhere I've wanted to go. You can lift it and own it for a lot less money
@@largent9 the cvt transmissions suck
Lesbian, drug abuser, aetheist. Try Bud light.
@@largent9 I own a Subaru and had two others in the past. I own a Lexus (Toyota) GX470 as well. The GX470 is way more capable off-road than any Subaru. The Subaru Crosstrek is fine for forest service roads. Plus, the Crosstrek is tiny compared to the 4-Runner and the GX470.
I have a 1990 Celica GTS with 308000 miles and still going strong. She has no rust and is so comfy to drive. No off roading, just city and highway, and IN country roads! I would buy another Toyota for their dependability! Love your videos!
92 Corolla had 326,000 on it when I scrapped it. New England winter and road salt and chemicals ate the body up. Leaked oil, but ran solid. I had it for 12 years after buying it used.
Back in those years , Toyotas were made in Japan. Nowdays , they are using cheap materials.
Scooty Kilmer is proud of you. o7
Oh Sarah Jane! I've read all the comments and agree with 99.9%. Keep ol' faithful and pack a new alternator. Or you can take the current one and have an alternator shop just replace the bearings. Because that's what fails in alternators. Either way, keep ol' faithful and be understanding. He may need new wheel bearings or a repack soon but keep him and love him. Eventually someone will wreck you and total him out. Then take the insurance money and get another 4 runner.🎉🎉🎉
2000 4 runner, 280,000 miles original alternator went out. Needed $8.00 brushes, bearings still good. Blow out with air when changing oil will help.
If you end up getting a new Toyota 4 Runner , I would suggest you seek out a limited slip rear end, and a limited slip front end. You’ll never get stuck again. When you have open differentials, they have a tendency to put power to the wheel that has no traction. So you think you have four-wheel-drive when you actually only have one wheel drive on the front axle and one wheel drive on the rear axle. With a limited slip differential, the power goes to all the wheels. Way more efficient off-road. My Power Wagon has a Detroit Locker in the rear and a True-Trac limited slip in the front. It’s unstoppable.
Your current rig is doing great and you put a lot of money into it. Keep it. If you really are concerned about what "might' happen, go ahead and get a new alternator and while youre at it, get the timing belt changed. You'll be good to go for another 170k.
I'm a professional mechanic and I overland. I love my Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. I've had it 3 years and never had to modify anything. 4Runner is good too.😊
Love your channel. I have enjoyed my 2008 Toyota 4Runner for 15 years, with no problems at all (with normal dealer servicing only). Everything still looks and works like new... amazing quality. I am thankful I don't have to replace it in today's distorted market. I think it will last for another 15 years. I tow my sailboat to the local lake all summer with no problems. Please don't buy an Astro Van. Consider a Toyota Sienna van instead, but don't expect to survive back country driving as well as a 4Runner. As far as the next generation of 4Runner, never buy the first year ov a new model, wait for a year to see the reliability index..
If your worried about reliability DO NOT GET A JEEP OF ANY SORT! A heck out different customer and mechanic reliability sites and you’ll understand. The Toyota 4Runner is miles areas in reliability all the way around BUT brand new they’re also very pricy. Just a little food for thought dear girl!stay safe - stay Toyota!
Fellow Toyota owner here. I think you should replace the alternator and replace any belts that are beginning to show signs of wear. I know this is basic advice but Toyotas are pretty bulletproof and pretty sure you'll be able to get another two hundred thousand miles out of your rig. Best of luck with whatever you decide.
Keep what you have
The one area that people forget about having replaced around 100k miles is the timing belt/chain depending which one your engine has, if your engine is an interferrance motor and your timing belt/chain breaks it will usually crush a valve resulting in the head having to be rebuilt and maybe other internal motor parts replaced as well, costing you alot of money and down time. The only way to check if your belt/chain is still good is by taking the front of the motor apart and if you go that far then replace it and know you have another 100k or more miles of worry free driving. I would highly recommend having it replaced seeing your vehicle has around 170k.
Toyota timing chains are “lifetime” they generally last the lifetime of the engine.
@@RUclipscensoredmyusername You are correct but the guides don't, I have a friend whose Nissan truck jumped timing and it has a chain, the chain didn't break but the guides did causing the chain to become loose, therefore the sprockets turned without the chain, she had just under 130k miles and her engine was an interference engine and needed to be completely rebuilt. At least have it checked every 100k miles.
@@harleydude-xo8pu yea Toyota guides should last as long as the engine also. Iv seentoyota guides with 300k on them, barely any wear. Keep your oil clean and probly won’t have any issues. I hated Toyota for most my life. But got tired of fixing my fords and jeeps. I even put a ls400 1uz engine in my old Ford. Nissan quality has gone way down in recent years 240k for a Toyota seems to be the equivalent of 100k for everyone else in terms of wear and tear. 170k lol nah I wouldn’t worry much especially because her 4Runner is so new. That’s the reason if she were to sell it she would get about half the cost of a new one. Toyota. Hell yeah
@@RUclipscensoredmyusername my 2010 tacoma still blue books for $18k🤣. Cant beat them
@@janetairlines1351 good choice 👌
Keep it! They are worth 300 k miles easy, especially one where you have treated it so well!
I think this was one of your best episodes ever! I'm not even in the market for another vehicle but your rundown of your rig was very informative & interesting. Plus, the rest of the video was so darned interesting! Funny how you and the lady who was pi$$ed about you doing a piece about the hot spring she lives near crossed paths again...where she proceeded to bolster your faith in humanity. And, as a bonus, I now know AT&T is the carrier to have in the boonies! 😀Thanks again.
Actually in real remote areas you need both. Some are covered by AT&T but others are better on Verizon. Most work along interstate highways but the rest of the remote areas are kind of split between them. Sarah has the real answer already. An emergency satellite link that she talked about before.
WH hidden gems!
Gosh, I love your stories!
I would keep it till 250K. Then get another 4 runner. Nothing beats a toyota for reliability. I'm on my 5th toyota pickuo since 1983.I put 1 million miles on my first 3. I have a 1994 4wd with 175000 mi & a 2015 4wd tacoma with 63000 mi. I work construction & camp/fish/play with these trucks. You can't beat them.
I would keep it to 300k and spend $30,000 dollars to rebuild it.
The '94 with a 22RE engine holds a special place in my heart.
I will never buy another toyota... ever... the transfer case blew up driving down 395 and the hole in the floor board was so big... you could jump through it without touching the sides... it ripped out the break line's and the gas line... what a disaster...add insult to injury... the dealership treated me like sh**I payed the sob off while it sat in my driveway... I will never buy another toyota as long as I live...f***toyota and their chicken s***dealership... they scre***me for the last time... lol
@@thegreenpickel You can't beat the old school. the 22RE 4 cyl., manual front locking hubs & manual tranny is a bullit-proof design. Unfortunately living in a northern climate rust eventually wins. But, not yet lol
Thank you for what you do, and I hope you will be able to use this towards a NEW vehicle! Maybe a U.S.A. nameplate. Stay safe and take care! Bob
As someone who owns both a Toyota and a Jeep, for what you do, you have the best option. They both have their pros and cons, my tacoma is right there with you, 162k. Keep up the good work!
I remember when your friend got it for you years ago. You did good. Get your Battery tested often. I hope you carry a spare battery. Get that front fender fixed. Even with zipties!
Stop trying to talk yourself into another major expense that depreciates rapidly. Carry Spare Fan belts, check your Timing Chain/Belt change schedule and keep the old ones. Buy a tested rebuilt alternator and possibly starter too. Learn how to fix it and carry tools that will change out those items. Stick with what you know. Learn to drive around obstacles.
Wonderhussy,
Keep doing your 4Runner. As long as you take care of it, it will get you there and back. I still drive around in my 27 year old Chevy Caprice with 263, 400+ miles on it. It's still all original, runs great, and doesn't burn any oil. I change oil and filter every 3,000 to 3,500 miles and haven't had any major problems.
My two cents. Keep your 4Runner, anything you spend maintaining it will be less and more determinant that any new vehicle bought brand new. If you traded it in, the dealer would have it sold that day for top dollar because these are so popular and reliable. With maintenance it could last many more miles and years. These are popular and have a great resale value for good reasons.
My husband agrees. Your Toyota can go much further. Just keep up maintenance, change parts before they go bad, alternator etc... But the accountant's comment about a new Toyota as a business expense write off....very interesting. Great experience about the woman who rescued you. Life is too short to hold grudges or be unkind to anyone. It brings inner peace to do good even towards someone who we think may not like us. Hang in there and be safe young lady. 😁
She's trying to get gifted another free vehicle.
@@c.s.mcleod7383 My husband says the same.
I have used that car wash in Tonopah.. Camping up in the Arc Dome Wilderness.. Peavine canyon... was driving out and hit this huge, fresh, cowpie in the road....
Sara, one thing to keep in mind if you drive with the back window down on dirt roads it will suck the dust in the vehicle.
Yeah it has to remain closed unless you're on pavement or not moving. Wipe off the seal prior to rolling it down. It's pretty easy to fix or replace those window mechanisms. It's worth doing.
Best vehicle I ever owned.....450,000 miles .Very comfortable too sleep in
I have the exact same 4Runner. Best driving machine I ever had. If I was riding around where you go with that car, I personally would replace the alternator. A gasoline car can drive 100-150 miles without an alternator, if the battery is in good shape and the bearings in the alternator didn't seize up, which would destroy your accessory drive belt, which drives your coolant water pump and the engine overheats quickly if the belt snaps. Of course, the less lights, radio etc. you have turned on, the longer it will drive.
And not one of those crap ones from auto zone. Toyota's oem ones are made by denso. Hers could still last many more years, if it even fails at all....
@@janetairlines1351 Probably, but I have seen them fail at 120k and even less. Of course, always buy OEM.
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser; bought it new ,98000 miles later; with no issues ! Nock on wood of course. Certainly is off and on road capable ( first and only new car/ truck I have ever owned…) so as far as I know it’s the best suv in the world .
My 4 Runner is a 2002 , 200 k miles , no issues or problems , changed the battery after 12 years - just because was worried like you - only get 6 years out of the new one. Recharged the a/c last years for the 1st time , changed out 1 brake lite , and that's it. Best vehicle I've ever had , and I have had all the 4x4 's ever made. Guess I could / should replace the shocks , but I'm used to the ride. That's my 4 Runner story.
I just sold my 1999 4runner with 361,000 miles and watched the new owner drive it away. 4runner is an amazing machine.
Another great episode. jmo If you want a different type of rig go for it but if you like this, keep it. Cars are changing fast right now. Your 4-Runner can always be repaired. Love the stories!
Another great personable wholesome video Sarah…and to anyone who has contacts that could sponsor Sarah…like give her the Key to Nevada…she is a great Nevada story teller…
Hey Sarah, as always, love your posts! Loyal follower never miss an episode! You’re right, you absolutely can’t beat a Toyota for reliability! There is a another RUclipsr call the car wizard. He’s a mechanic works on all kinds of cars and raves on about Toyotas! Even though they cost a little more, he says in the long run, they’re the best investment! I was thinking with the incredible depreciation of a new one, maybe consider a low mileage used? I don’t know! Ford transit would be great as a nomad, but I bet it doesn’t have the durability of a Toyota!
thats hat i thought ,saw auto trader and her's would be around 20k or more then buy a used one with low miles around 40k
Sarah I bought a 2022 4Runner TRD off road Premium last July!! It has good skid plates and a awesome roof rack. I removed the back seats and built a carpeted platform in the back. All with you in mind!! I freaking love this rig! My advice: BUY A TRD PRO NOW!! Keep the one you have and use both, breaking in the new one slowly. Beat the old one up now and beat the new one up later!! Love you sister!!!
The first week with my brand new 1990 Isuzu Trooper, backed into a concrete pylon and mangled its driver-side rear steel bumper. Fortunately, was able to remove it, then squish it back straight between a couple wood blocks that I drove over. Congrats on how far you've driven your rig.👍
Loved the "Wonderhussy Report!" I think this would be a great feature to add to your channel on a regular basis. Your channel is mostly travel but along the way you've encountered many challenges and overcome them. These experiences make great stories. Lastly, the "chance" encounter with the woman who was offended by your work was a God wink. He is always doing stuff like that because Jesus said to love your neighbor. His desire is just as you said that we mend what is broken and restore what was lost. This is where we find peace. God bless you Ms. Wonderhussy
Yes your 4Runner may go for another 170K miles, the places you go are probably not the best locations if something does happen. Now, something else to ponder is this... always shy away from the first year of a new model vehicle. When they make changes like introducing a 4 banger there are going to be teething problems. They could be minor or major, you just never know. My advice, as a life long car guy, would be to go for a new 4Runner with the same V6 you have now. Why take the chance on anything else.
I had a Nissan Pathfinder. I loved it being from central Idaho. Lots of mountains. That thing would go anywhere. But after 300.000 miles my wife and I called it the Nissan Junkfinder.
Try the Ironman foam cell pro shocks. They SHOULD last practically forever, and if they do wear out many years down the road, they're easily user-rebuildable because they're unpressurized (so you don't need to repressurize them, and seals are much simpler & easier to replace). I'd keep the 4Runner for at least 250k and probably 350. It's a lot of highway miles. It'll last a long time.
STFU. She needs Bilsteins.
04@270,000... zero problems. Lived in it a year straight. Need shocks so I'll check these out
It's very dependent on how and what you wheel. It's very normal to rebuild shocks yearly with a lot of use
@@tuckerhiggins4336 Yearly rebuilds are not very normal at all...except for shocks like King and Icon
New 4Runner FTW!!! Don't take any chances, Sarah Jane. We want to know you're going to get where you're going and get home safe and sound. ❤❤❤
I think you should consider a 4WD toyota truck with a slide in camper. Think of the extra comfort it would afford you.
V-6 it babe. Look at how well this one has done but if you do get a van count me in with you I'm a free man and you never know how long you got left on this earth. Love ya Keith
Oh Dear Universe,What did we do to deserve a Sunday vid from Wonderhussy?
It's a promo video.
@@c.s.mcleod7383 For what? Old beat up Toyota 4 Runner?
Yep, solid as it gets. I like early 90s Blazers too. They rust before they stop.
Regarding your Toyota's alternator, you are basically correct, it could fail unexpectedly. When the alternator fails (stops charging the battery), the battery icon on the dashboard should light up (it's supposed to light up, with the engine running, if there's a problem with the vehicle's charging system). When you turn the starting key to the first or second "click" position (but before the key is turned to the "start" position), the dash lights (including the battery light icon) will normally light up, but after the engine starts & is running, most of the dash lights (including the battery light icon) will go out.
I would recommend buying a new (not rebuilt) alternator from AutoZone, O'Reilly's, etc., & keep the alternator in your vehicle. Then, if your vehicle's alternator quits, you already have a replacement with you, & you need only to find a shop to install it.
Smart 👍🏼
Stick with YOUR Toyota....
Love you ...Take care ❤😎
man this got me considering getting one. that undercarriage was clean as hell
Toyota Sienna yes they do but so not for you lol. Love everything you do. I can literally watch you for a whole weekend of all of your older videos. Ive watched most of ur videos many times
If it were me, I'd keep the 4Runner and just keep doing the preventative maintenance you've been doing (and yes, this could include proactively replacing the alternator). My present vehicle is a 1995 Chevy van with 313K miles on it, and it's still going strong. I've never owned a 4Runner, but I have had a couple old Toyotas before, and yeah, they were unsurpassably reliable and more or less bulletproof cars.
30:19 yes
Wonderhussy just take good care of your 4Runner and it will serve you well. My car has 43 years and it is still in a good condition, a drive it even today, so don't worry about your Toyota 4Runner, it will be fine.
Trust your instincts and experience. If you think a Toyata 4 Runner is best for you, then it probably is.
Speaking of update videos . . . would like to see a one year update on your mini-split.
The best way to keep a part from failing, is to keep a spare one with you.
LOL so true! Insurance for a rainy day!
I was out at the spring and learned that I just missed you ........ oh well. Stick with the 4Runner, I love mine. You might be surprised how much you can get for yours , being famous and all.
I LOVE story time with WonderHussy!! And this was a great one!
Hello,
Janice and Brian here (good wine) -
You are precisely correct in your analysis. Your old steed is not going to continue to be as dependable as your ventures into desolate lands demand. Amid the choices of manufacturers, Toyota, and particularly the 4Runner is bulletproof and, as you know, extremely off-road capable. Ford, Chevy, or Jeep are light years behind in reliability, a critical gulf in the inhospitable places that call to you.
There are off-road vehicles with proven durability and capability paired with van-like accommodations. None come from common US manufacturers. They, like Toyotas, are bullet-proof and that has been proven in even harsher conditions than you venture into. My favorite is the Unimog. MAN also makes a similar beast. Both are huge off-road trucks that literally keep up with Paris-Dakar racers, while providing sleeping quarters, mobile shops, and any other utility functions needed. They are stunning, but insanely pricey, thirsty, and beyond huge by 4Runner standards. Think of your sister’s boyfriend’s bus with tires twice that size and able to go wheeling with the Moab crew. In contrast, any kind of normal “van” would be in deep trouble trying to keep up with a 4Runner.
The interesting bit is the optimal powertrain for what will inevitably be your next Toyota. You can conservatively double your gas mileage with a hybrid, due to the extreme gas guzzling of the 4Runner. My favorite is the 2024 4 cylinder hybrid. I have beaten the hell out of a previous generation 4 cylinder Prius since 2010 and it has never skipped a beat. They never do! Driven pedal to the metal it delivers mpg in the high 30’s. While the EPA rating is 50 mpg, I did a careful 2-way trial of “hypermileing”, modulating the throttle by road slope, and going at just under 50 mph. I got 60 over a 2 x 40 mile trip. The new version is 20% more efficient and much more powerful. Turbocharging and a remarkable range of efficiency and reliability changes yield a bullet-proof 4 cylinder with about 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque (more than your current V6!). Some variables affecting your 2024 model year choices:
• You went 170,000 mi at 16 mpg = 10,625 gallons of fuel.
• Double the mileage to just 32 mpg (4Runner-sized hybrids do 34-36) and 10,625 gallons divided by 2 = 5,312.5 gallons not burned.
• At the current Nevada average per gallon of regular ($4.236) that is 5,312 gallons x $4.236 = $22,503.75. Consider that as a percentage of the sticker price!!! Then, what is the value to the planet?
• We visited you in a rental 4Runner and afterward, I experimented with pounding down the road as well as optimizing mileage. At best, I managed to get 20 mpg and at worst, it was an insult to the planet! Even my Corvette, with twice the HP can nearly double the mileage (eco mode, running on 4 cylinders). The 4Runner was fantastic, but an appalling ecological dinosaur.
• The Toyota 4-cylinder hybrid has proven itself to be extraordinarily bullet-proof for a very long time. It is also now a powerful package able to move a big rig. If you want more room, it is an option in a Grand Highlander with all-wheel drive. This is not as much of an off-road beast, but it is considerably larger, much better riding, in a similar overall package. The big difference between all-wheel and 4-wheel drive is in extremely slippery conditions. You are young enough to not mind the pounding that the 4Runner delivers due, in part, to primitive body-on-frame construction from Toyota’s pickup line. Perhaps the smaller, but more off-road capable, hybrid 4Runner would better suit your needs, given your petite bedding requirements. My bet - aches and pains of another half-dozen years of 4-wheeling will demand the vastly better ride of independent suspension and all-wheel drive… My aching back and sciatica suggest making that move to smoother ride now, avoiding disk damage!!!
• Normally, I would not recommend a more complex drivetrain for your rugged travels. However, the Toyota hybrids just don’t break!!! Your use case is unusual, but if you stick to your current path of valuing reliability and trading in well before the mileage that could be reached in urban use, I strongly suspect that the problems would be the assorted bits and bobs, like your tailgate, and not the drivetrain. With a hybrid you could definitely pocket the $22.5k, while imposing a smaller environmental footprint, two pivotal issues.
• I am not an off-roader. I have taken the Prius and many other vehicles far beyond where any rational person would go; it was a challenge and it never went badly - I still should have had my head examined! I wonder how many times the superiority of 4-wheel drive would have made a difference versus all-wheel drive, which is definitely inferior in the most traction-limited challenging conditions but far better the rest of the time. Would a similar, but far better riding, vehicle that offers significantly more interior space be a good trade-off? I suggest a tiny bit more discretion when it is snowing or muddy and remote. Those conditions (especially being remote) are risky in a 4-wheel setup. All that makes the 4-cylinder hybrid offered in the Grand Highlander, a likely best fit for your next, or a following, vehicle.
• 6-cylinder hybrids are available. They offer something like 360 hp and are out-and-out fast. In your slow-speed, rough-road world, gearing matters and hp does not.
• As for optional bits and bobs, Bilstein shocks are fabulous… BF Goodrich, with tires that are poor on-road, gets a ton of respect from clearly excellent off-roaders.
I am delighted that you are attending to getting the last-reasonable mile out of your rig while making sure that you will be around for years to come. Extracting the last few miles and replacing bits when they fail, works in urban service where towing or coasting into a shop is relatively easy. In the outback, replacing them all BEFORE they fail protects you from unreasonable risk.
I do health and safety for over 200,000 transit workers and they get beaten to death by rough-riding buses. The 4Runner is a bit similar. I hope that you go for something Toyota, but with less whole-body vibration. A heavy driver gets more isolation out of the seats, etc. You do not! For women, particularly, it is a big issue over time, and the first hints of overexposure are very often permanent problems. Your cleverness and inventiveness are vastly more important than the difference between an off-road beast and a kinder rig that is almost as capable, except in the most sketchy conditions, where what you need is to not wheel alone. Plan ahead and neither rig will stop you. The kinder choice would be more comfortable and less injurious over time.
It is time for a new rig to protect you and the planet, lower running costs, and ensure that more of your unique honesty, wit and whimsy comes our way for years to come. You mean so much to so many!
Janice and Brian
PS You are getting a ton of excellent advice! I want to echo the comments below about aftermarket parts v Toyota parts. We have a serious problem with counterfeit and substandard parts. The comments about how far a Toyota can go are also correct. If you always offroad with others, getting those extra miles while carrying tools and spare parts would be low risk. As someone who "Vants to be alone" the calculus is vastly different and you have gotten the high-reliability miles out of a superb rig that will go on for many more miles (and trips to repair shops).
Peace of mind is priceless. You deserve a new Toyota. Follow that great intuition of yours always. :)
I would just keep that one. Every Toyota my family has had we got 400k miles out of with not any real problems. I would just upgrade skid plate, bumpers, add rock sliders and a basic rack to get those pads out of cab. Maybe add an light strip on top.
My 2 cents is the way you travel, definitely get another Toyota 4 runner. And if this is the last year before they switch to a 4 banger, get one ASAP. Even as good as Toyota is, for someone as tough on a vehicle as you are, stick with the tried and true motor you have now.
NEVER doubt the YOTA! Alternators can be tested. And your cluster light problems are most times caused by an oxygen sensor in the exhaust stream being fouled by not only your vehicle but other folks exhaust. These things can be sensitive. Disconnect the black line (ground) from your battery for a bit, drink a beer, and reconnect to reset that dash cluster flashing. Cheers!
Is the guy who bought you this one still alive?
keep it it has many more miles to go
Keep your 4Runner, spend some money and have it checked out mechanically. Fix any issues and do your add-ons that you mentioned. Customize it a little and enjoy the hell out of it. You'll save money in the long run and it will seem like a new vehicle. But if Toyota offers you a new one....Oh Yeah!! Keep the videos coming. You're the Best!
Richard, your RIGHT, that Toyota is just gettin broke in !!!
I agree 👍 💯
A winch should be one accessory you should get, especially after your stuck-in-the-mud experience.
If you are worried about your alternator letting you down in a remote location keep a spare battery with you. When one battery dies swap them out and you will have some time to get back to civilization. Just have to make sure not to run any accessories. A good battery will go a ways without an alternator charging it.