Hey, I'm looking for a vehicle. My options are a 4th gen 4runner or a Hilux surf/ third gen like this. 4runners are very scarce where I am and are hard to find. For example the best 4th gen in a 650mi radius is a 2003 with 230k miles for $7000us or a 1995 Hilux surf with a 2lte turbo diesel with 94k miles for the same price. I'm awake it's right hand drive and may be a little hard to get used to but I'm willing to do it for a car this legendary. Would any of these be a good deal. (With a pre inspection and test drive)
1995 Hilux surf with a 2lte turbo diesel with 94k miles for the same price
Realize that diesel Toyotas aren't all that great, and never have been.
I can't really think of any good turbo-diesel Toyota has put together.
I wouldn't pay that much for a 27 year old 4Runner.
They're really not THAT great - they're really "overhyped".
The 4Runner got 2 stars on safety, that's half of a Mitsubishi Mirage (the most dangerous new car on American roads) ... this... thing... literally has better structural rigidity.
link to image source: https://www.motortrend.com/news/mitsubishi-mirage-on-hiatus-for-2016-updated-2017/
Edit: spelling mistake
I wouldn't buy either. Especially not the import.
Why not?
because $7k for a worn out car is crazy.
And imports end up being massive headaches.
I live in northern Canada with the worst roads that get 4x4 trucks stuck. After my parents got a 5th gen and pulled out countless people I'm convinced I need one. I'm okay with having a high mileage vehicle if it's been inspected.
I've also driven the worst roads and pulled out people. 4Runners are good cars but they're not magic, and there are many 4x4's capable of doing this. I would look for something with less miles. An inspection will tell you if something is safe, but not worn out.