No car payments here either, otherwise I'd buy that new 4runner. (I know the 4 runner doesn't meet the size requirement, but is very tempting for its off road abilities). I always pay cash for my vehicles. Often I save for years to get them. But that beats a car payment ... I don't like to be on the hook for fixed expenses every month aside from housing / utilities. If you have ever been unemployed or close to it, you will understand!


G

One of the contributors to failure is running the tank low.

They rely on being submerged for cooling.

Always top off at half a tank.

That and I think 100k is just average life for the unit.

I replaced mine myself, ***** of a job.

Unlike a car where you can normally access the pump from under the rear seat with trucks you generally need to drop the tank.

It's like wrestling with a coffin.

Would not do it again.

I've had people say they wouldn't buy a GM truck because of the fuel pump "issues" every 100-150K miles

Really?

Just treat the pump like preventative maintenance if you're scared. It's not a big deal.
It's still cheaper than doing a timing belt service on an old Sequoia.

Just did a pump in one of these recently, not a bad job at all.

In the past year my rear diff cover and rear brake lines have rusted away. Again, not bad jobs and parts are generally inexpensive. Hard to beat these trucks if you dont mind the average interior of the earlier models.

I did it on my old Bronco (95). It left the wife stranded when she was sick, going to the pharmacy for meds. Great thing was that I just had filled it up, so I had to deal with almost 30 gal. of fuel ... That killed my love for the truck (after doing a cracked head job 2 months prior). I put a new pump in it and put it on craigslist the next WE. ;) Cool truck, but it worried me in the boonies ...

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Indeed. That timing belt job took 8h of my time. Ridiculous that they'd put a belt on a truck engine (I realize it isn't solely a truck engine). Overall, I do not think the early Sequoia is all it is cracked up to be in terms of Toyota reliability ...

I have almost 160k on it now - it is due for the next belt at 210k. It will be gone before then. I think selling it at 180-190k will get better money than going over 200k. It is due for tires soon, so that's a reason I was thinking about replacements!

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i thought the new four runner was huge on the inside? i love the new boxy version.

those new suburbans..or yukon XL's are massive. i like them, tho..just no need for one in my life.

Well, it is getting close to the size of the 1st gen Sequoia (this is my impression, not measurements / data). It also has an optional 3rd row seat that nicely folds down flat into the floor.

http://medicaltourismbusinessnetwork...eally-want.jpg

That said, it is much smaller than a Suburban. But it also gets better fuel mileage. Maybe I should consider a car payment. ;)

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No love for the previous generation 4Runner? You can get it with a fold flat 3rd row seat (2004+), V6 or V8, it's just as capable off road as the new one, has a huge aftermarket, and you can get a really nice one for $20k. I had a 2003 V6 4x4 Sport that I bought new and sold to Paul (Seahawk) at about 65k, he's well over 100k with no issues. All that I did was fluids while we owned it, and we routinely got 24 MPG highway.

I really like the new ones, but DAMN they are expensive.

I just had a Suburban rental for the last few weeks, it was a late model with 20K miles. It was comfortable and drove well however it's a slug compared to my 02 Tahoe.

My wife looked at it and said "too small" after peeking into the driver's side window. I will revisit this myself. It is tempting due to the fuel mileage and the solid platform the truck is built on. I did not know about the 3rd row on the 2004+, that is definitely a huge plus!

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145K on the odo. She loves it still. Great SUV if the size is right.

I rented a brand new Sub on an extended trip two years ago to the western test ranges. I flew into LA, hit Mojave, China Lake, 29 Stumps, Yuma, White Sands, back to Edwards, and then over to Phoenix to see my daughter then to Nellis in Vegas.

I spent the majority of my time on back roads, goat trails...the long way around.

The Sub was freakin' great, an absolute pleasure in all manner of comfort and performance. I am looking hard at a new one given it's towing capability and the fact that I want to keep my F150 as the farm truck.

I was told not to let the fuel tank go below 1/4 tank. The gas actually cools the fuel pump.
We were driving to Florida in my friends 02 GMC 3500 p/u with a 6 litre. He likes running the tank to empty. Just after filling up the fuel pump failed within the hour.
One other thing. I was told the fuel filter in my 06 is in the fuel tank. So I guess I have to change both when the pump fails.

1500s are for wussies....itty bitty brakes and suspension for a big SUX.

Big diff with the 2500. I had 100K miles on the original brakes.

Fuel pump can be changed just by lowering rear of tank. The pump fits inside a spring loaded fuel level sending unit. You have to replace the whole unit. The design seems a little goofy with a relief valve that is after the main filter sock. Once the main sock gets clogged unfiltered gas can wear out the brushes in the pump if you live in dusty areas. Mine did last for 170k miles on an 01.

I've had a 82(diesel yikes!), 87, 94, 01 and now an 07. The 01 was the best IMO. It was lighter and got almost 18mpg on hwy. 07 gets 15mpg everywhere. Gearing plays a big part though. None were used for heavy towing.

Smell/check condition of transfer case fluid as most do not get the $17 a quart fluid changed at recommended interval. It holds a bit less than 2 qts.

Always did fluid and filter changes on trans in mine so no trannny issues even after 175k miles. The 07 did have its trans repalced right after warranty when my folks owned it.