[notfarnow]

So I've had my apple carts upturned in the past month, and it looks like a fleet adjustment will be required to accomodate the changes. I am going to be staying at my mother's home for the winter while she's in China, and her home is on a particularly tough hill. Also, I'm buying a cottage next week, and I'd like to be able to drive in and out of its 2000ft driveway year round.

So, the fwd v70 is going to be retired, and I'm looking at 3rd gen (96-2001) Toyota 4runners. Initially, I was looking for a base model with the 22re and a 5 speed, but the more I've read, the more I'm leaning towards the '99-'00 4runner Limited, because:
- Leather interior is more washable/kid friendly
- "Multi-Mode" transfer case has a lockable center diff, so you can run it unlocked (awd) or locked (4x4). (only available 99-2002)
- electric actuated locking rear diff (only available until 2000)

The downside to the Limited is that they were only available as automatics, and I really prefer a manual transmission. Having said that, the selectable center diff in the transfer case makse quite a difference when you drive in a climate like ours, especially where this will become my primary driver for a year or two. A straight 4x4 is a handful in the snow when it's a commuter vehicle, especially on the highway.... being able to toggle between awd/4x4 might trump gettibg a manual transmission

What say ye?