Why We Obsess Over 3rd Gen 4Runners

The Go Motors, LLC 3rd Generation Toyota 4Runner: Our Third Gen / LC Brand Manifesto Copyright Go Motors, LLC 2015, 2016 WHY A TOYOTA THIRD GEN 4RUNNER ??? Go Motors, LLC: Proud purveyors of the greatest SUVs on the planet: The Third Generation 4Runner and all Vintage Land Cruisers It is told that at the the Tahara Toyota plant in Japan, the birthplace of the Third Generation 4Runner and other legendary SUVs such as Landcruiser, prior to entering the assembly line -- techs are required to pass through a sophisticated air shower to remove dust particles so as not to contaminate the environment on the assembly line. After build, employees look through 4000 details for every 4Runner they produce. And, unlike some American assembly lines where line techs are encouraged high productivity and expediency and any delays are highly discouraged, at the Tahara plant things are quite different: Toyota assembly workers are encouraged the opposite: Never let anything pass with even the slightest imperfection and STOP when you see one. Toyota, in it's insatiable appetite to 'focus and perfect', even found that the EXACT AND PRECISE placement of their automotive lifts in various orientations rather than others caused less fatigue and more comfort and, as a result, better results overall in productivity, for their mechanics / assembly workers and so --- adjustments were DEEMED PRIORITY in one of the largest automotive plants in the world --- just to make sure placement of this equipment was perfect for the workers' and not the budget. Plant employees are required to exercise and perform other physical activities such as holding and rolling golf balls in their palms. The motor exercises keep staff sharp, and Toyota believes these behaviors are essential to help retain the standards necessary to produce flawless vehicles. And while one would think this would actually slow down production (as feared by Toyota's American copycat SUV competitors here in the USA) --- the Japanese car manufacturers at Tahara are continuously renown for somehow miraculously producing one Toyota every 87 seconds equal to 675 models per day for global distribution -- without sacrificing that legendary quality and reliability. Still, all productivity issues aside --- are Third Gen 4Runners and Land Cruisers really the greatest SUVs on the planet? Well, the 4Runner came in at number three in a 2016 study by iSeeCars.com (reference: www.ISeeCars.com) ranking the top 10 longest-lasting vehicles in the US. The 4Runner had 5.2 percent of vehicles over 200,000 miles (320,000 km), according to the study. Land Cruiser, historically, has NEVER been rivaled even by 4Runner -- hands down. Nonetheless, there is yet more telling evidence than mere studies: Scour, comb, research, read any vintage or modern National Geographic or the like or study most ground breaking fieldwork on any frontier, watch the international news, surf the net --- and this is the proof that is not just evident ----- but INDISPUTABLE: Toyota's Land Cruisers and 4Runners perpetually and, without fail, reign formidable exclusivity and are unrivaled as the absolute global winner SUVs on the planet in some of the most far-reaching and inhospitable frontiers on Earth: The Serengeti from Tanzania to Southwest Kenya including but not limited to the Congo, all sub Saharan African Territories, The vast Australian Outback including Uluru and Surrounds as well as all Northern Territories (These territories are where Beta Land Cruisers are tested in the most extreme conditions), Antarctica --- where it is said that Land Cruisers go to die but are, in fact, reborn -- and it's surrounding territories and hostile climate and terrain (Land Cruisers, in fact, are one of the only vehicles to navigate the vast Iceland in these territories -- albeit with some modification (e.g., Land Cruiser AT44 Antarctica Expedition Series--- but they are the starting point that makes 'any' exploration even possible), the triple canopy jungles and forests throughout South America and Asia --- just about anywhere, quite simply, no other SUVs can nor should they go on these frontiers. The list goes on. . . . for decades. How did the Third Gen mastermind ---Toyota's Chief Masaaki Ishiko -- and his Japanese team do it? How do they not only produce the most reliable and legendary SUVs on the planet but at the most rapid rate with absolute perfection and expediency with no sacrifice to quality and durability? There is some anthropological fieldwork and evidence that might provide answers. These point to ancestry and cultural tradition which centers on some very basic values and principles largely embodied in past Japanese cultural traditions passed on and valued throughout subsequent generations. The Japanese historically have a long tradition of understanding the importance of focus and perfection in all that they set out to do. Rather than multi-tasking ----- it's more important in this cultural sense to focus and perfect in all that one does through discipline and hard work. We've seen this theme in countless movies, books, and stories. Think, for example, of ancient Samurai and their legacy and contribution to this culture: The Samurai (or bushi) were the warriors of premodern Japan. They later made up the ruling military class that eventually became the highest ranking social caste of the Edo Period (1603-1867) and they were often the most feared and formidable warriors --- inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, and capable even when the odds were against them. The culture of the Samurai is a good example of the Japanese tradition which embodies that exact focus and perfection which affords all humans the opportunity to achieve just about anything. The mind is a powerful powerful tool and the Japanese and these cultural traditions center on the mind in all that they do: focus, perfection, quality, and pride in each and everything they do constantly. Samurai culture strong was not restricted to the art of war; it was influenced by a variety of sources and itself had a far-reaching impact on Japanese society at large. Buddhism, Zen, Confucianism and Shinto all made their mark on bushido, and helped lend meaning to the life of the warrior. The word Samurai stems from the verb samurau/saburau - to serve - that of which has largely been ingrained in the Japanese tradition and way for centuries since. One could make an entire dissertation on the matter and study all this for decades. No, 3rd Gens are not modern day Samurai --- we have not gone off the deep end with our fascination / obsession here. Still, our discussion merely helps 'get at' and understand the etiology of the Japanese' success for obvious reasons so we can ask: how did Ishiko attain such a great result and perfection when others could not? Well.....you get the idea, yes? One can obviously take their research to any level one want wants.....we hope we gave you a good start. Overall, it's fun to do and we encourage it! The Japanese and Masaaki's team have been largely responsible for creating some of the best and most legendary SUVs on the planet -- such as Land Cruiser (even more rare and difficult to find) and the legendary and slowly more difficult to acquire --- Third Generation 4Runner. Again, keen collectors often have more than one in their collection of either, those who experience owning one even once always seem to want another. Here at Go Motors we are Americans and we are proud to be Americans. But, can we learn something from our Japanese automobile counterparts in this respect. Study, learn, watch, and do. That's our goal. Yet more telling evidence that these SUVs really are legend in reliability: Here at Go Motors we sell many SUVs. Hundreds. And, having that experience -- we have noticed something telling: We sell extended warranty plans to our customers who want them. They are optional. If a customer would like a price on our available Apex Warranties (some of the best “bumper to bumper” extended plans on the market) we are required to put the vehicle's specs into our software including all the vehicle specs, year, mileage, etc. Over time, we noticed that the results were interesting when comparing pricing on various American and Toyota SUVs. Here is just an example --- but by and large -- this trend developed before our eyes: A 25 month / 24,000 mile "bumper to bumper" extended warranty for a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe with 120,000 miles costs $1400, on average A 25 month / 24,000 mile “ bumper to bumper” extended warranty for a Third Generation 4Runner (1997-2002) with 200,000 miles costs $600, on average The same warranty. Much different prices. What is the warranty company saying about third gens? Telling. Furthermore, during training -- our Apex rep told us we couldn't price the full extended warranty plans on older models -- the system, or the company -- just won't warranty older vehicles or vehicles over 200,000 miles. Strange, though, when we price the vintage 4Runners with high miles--- Apex accepts and prices them. When we price SUV copycats of the same age with even less miles -- Apex rejects them. Again, what is the warranty company saying about 3rd Gens? And, so, why a Third Generation 4Runner? First, a bit of history: Developed under Chief Masaaki Ishiko from 1990 to 1995 under the project code 185T, in late 1995 (for the 1996 model year) a significant redesign of the 4Runner was introduced, with an all-new body shell on an all-new chassis.[5][6] This time, it shared virtually nothing with the pickup it had originally evolved from, and shared its chassis with that of the Land Cruiser Prado four-door wagon. Whereas the transition to the second generation 4Runner was one that kept the build quality and options roughly on par with the rest of the mid-size SUV market, the changes made in the third generation turned the 4Runner into a more luxury-oriented vehicle. This move paralleled the changes to the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder, but moved the 4Runner into a distinctly different class from its older competitors, the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Blazer, and Isuzu Rodeo. The third generation 4Runner did, however, look very similar to the second generation. The third generation 4Runner also featured new engines that are also installed in the first generation Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks: 2.7L I4 replacing the previous 2.4L I4; 150 hp (110 kW) max horsepower at 4800 rpm (an increase of 38 hp (28 kW)), and 177 lb·ft (240 N·m) max torque at 4000 rpm (an increase of 35 lb·ft (47 N·m)); 3.4L V6 replacing the previous 3.0L 3VZ-E V6; 183 hp (136 kW) horsepower at 4800 rpm (an increase of 33 hp (25 kW)), and 217 lb·ft (294 N·m) max torque at 3600 rpm (an increase of 37 lb·ft (50 N·m)). In 1996 the 4Runner was dropped from sale in the UK, to be replaced by the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which was badged as the Toyota Land Cruiser Colorado. Significant changes from the second generation models include a larger body on a longer wheelbase, increased interior space, increased cargo space, dual airbags, ABS, lift-up tailgate, coil-spring suspension all around, rack and pinion steering, and aerodynamic contour designed glass headlights. Additionally, Hilux Surf versions immediately moved to 16-inch wheels and gained a And least we not forget the center differential on 3rd Gens introduce with 3rd Gens, which enables the use of four-wheel drive on hard surfaces without complication. The prior system was retained to give on-the-fly shifting between rear- and four-wheel drive as before. The new 4Runner was also available with a factory installed selectable electric locker in the rear differential, a first for the 4Runner but available since 1993 in the Toyota Land Cruiser. Why ...you ask: do people love these 4Runners? Why do collectors not care about mileage??? They are so trouble free for so long. Think back to several paragraphs earlier (look up) ---- remember.....unlike American SUV assembly line employees building copycat SUVs here in America --- Japanese assembly workers MUST hit the STOP button when a vehicle is anything less than flawless -- it's not a choice. There in lies a great difference that matters in the long run. Combine that with the quality materials, craftsmanship, design, history, the philosophy, and the consistency all mentioned above and it makes sense why. Why do these engines go for 400,000, 500,000, 700,00 (with neglect!) miles or more without any noises or complaints? Again....it's all about the above. But if your a frugal kind of person and fashion a new copycat vehicle will be better overall economically —— as experts who have worked on, recon’d and sold hundreds and hundreds of these SUVs: THINK AGAIN. It's been tried and tested and the results are in: You can buy a new car or SUV copycat EVEN with one of those fancy kind of extended warranties (you know...the ones with loopholes) and it won't last as long and will give you far more trouble than a used very high miles Third Generation 4Runner for a fraction of the price. You'll also get sick from the waiting room coffee while you wait for service on your 'new' SUV over and over again — often only to hear ‘that’s not included’… It's just a fact. If you purchase any copycat SUV brand new --- you would more than likely sell it or trade it in before the used Third Gen reaches it's theoretical / predicted half life (and that's if you were a second or third or fourth owner!). The hard part is not just finding one: It's finding one in good condition, cared for, with a rust-free frame that's affordable. That said, the theoretical and predicted half-life mark doesn't offend true aficionados -- it empowers them. They undercoat, care for, maintain, rebuild, sing songs to, and overall just love their Third Gens and cruisers. Giving one up is like giving up a member of their family. Weird a little --- but true and we COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND. Here's our modus operandi that might set us apart from other purveyors of these legendary SUVs: First, we are picky. Beyond reason. Our bar is high -very high: we only buy great 4Runners that are beautiful. Our search is daily and nationwide. In all instances they are beautiful when they come into stock and EVEN THEN we make them EVEN more beautiful for when they leave — if they have not had a recent timing belt and water pump they get one, if they need work — they get it, frames are checked even more than prior to purchase, thoroughly cleaned, repaired, if necessary and in a manner as to not destroy the integrity of the vehicle and in the proper way, with special equipment and then thoroughly undercoated for added protection (if they already have not been), etc. We are constantly scouring the lists, traveling, looking over the daily runs, going here / there, comparing, checking, scanning, buying, restoring —— and, our hard work usually pays off ALWAYS. Yes, they're out there and they take notice right away. The 4Runner addicts come from far and wide. WE HAVE A GLOBAL FRONTLINE. The 3rd Gens don't last long -- it's like getting a patch of good old earth -- they just aren't making them anymore and the true aficionados know: Why haggle --- if the price is reasonable (and our prices are definitely reasonable) -- buy it. Most who have owned one of those other SUVs and then owned a Third Generation 4Runner often declare: "I'll NEVER GO BACK!" WHY? Then, they find us and say "thank God!" ---- a place to buy them! Bullet proof motors and drive-trains, locking diff, double wishbone suspension, and all that we discuss above and more. The list goes on. Buy one. You won't be disappointed and if you think it's too much money to buy one: Keep thinking bullet proof engine and drive train, think locking diff, think double wishbone suspension, and re-read all the above and we are sure you will love our price after you do. It's a fact: These Toyotas, even under horrible conditions and neglect, will still be driving and out perform and outlast any other. And, ours' are not ones that suffered. We are picky. We pick the best nationwide. Maybe at some point in time that will have to change and the supply will be very limited --- we'll have to restore more, obsess more, and go further. But for now...we got you covered! We hope we've helped you in your decision. Don't hesitate to call us if you want to talk more. Thanks for considering Go Motors, LLC! Ok.....go now. You've found out 'why' -- now it's time to find 'which' perfect 3rd Gen is right for you -- — AND IF YOU ASK US: THEY ARE ALL GREAT. Feel free to call us for our available Inventory today — and tomorrow. But, be warned: They don't last long so we highly encourage you to call us today if you have an interest in any of these. Go now.....LOOK. Go Motors: Buyers Choice Top Mechanics 2015-2025 — Purveyors of legendary SUVs such as Toyota Land Cruisers and 3rd Gen Toyota 4Runners nationwide. For any appts. Please call or text us. Please bear in mind we have a specialty shop and we show our vehicles by advance appointment at this time. We strongly encourage customers to make appointments with as much advance notice as possible but if you are not sure or if you want to come quickly — just give us a call and we are happy to try to accommodate, if possible. We are quite flexible and can show when convenient for most buyers (e.g., early morning or evenings Monday through Sunday) — just please give us advance notice. We show vehicles on a first come first serve basis and our appts. fill up fast so be sure to make your Appt. soon if you have strong interest in any of our vehicles. Please learn more about our appointments by Attn Global Customers from Middle and South Americas / Ivory Coast and from the Middle East and other global locations: We try to make ourselves helpful with your shipping and cargo assistance / BiVAC Ocean Freight compliance. Please contact us for more details or visit: www.maersk.com for more information. For a shipping quote we recommend: https://www.maersk.com/find-a-price/ or Ask us for details and assistance. Se Habla Espanol Epi (860) 797-0549. If you are from the West Coast USA we also offer same assistance. Arms' length inspections and shipping are easy and affordable. Ask for details. We encourage all buyers to please check our website to be sure if anything is of special interest to be sure it is not sold — we try to update our website daily but sometimes we get busy so keep in touch. For customers coming from out of state we hold vehicles of interest to those customers provided they have a confirmed appt. More Go Motors SUVs: We presently have several 3rd Generation Toyota 4Runners in stock. We also have a Supercharged Manual 3rd Generation 4Runner currently in our inventory available any day now. Call for Details. Many of our Third Gens and Land Cruisers have been not just great purchases, they are GREAT investments. Please read about one of our in-stock manual supercharged 4Runners (sorry, folks, it's sold - but we have another available soon - call for details): https://bringatrailer.com/2016/06/22/trd-supercharged-5-speed-1998-toyota-4runner Please also note that some of our vehicles currently for sale are being test driven so mileage may be slightly higher upon inspection. Other SUVs (several 5 speeds) and Third Generation Toyota 4Runners available at Go Motors, LLC. Visit our website to check out our inventory. As with all our 4Runners -- they are well priced, beautiful, and they don't last long so give us a call or Visit our website at GoMotorsUSA.com for pictures and details. Thanks for your interest. PLEASE NOTE: We like to take pics in several different light at different times of the day: early morning / sunrise, mid-day, and evening. We often feel that these subtle differences give buyers perspective of the appearance of some of our vehicles and the variations in color and light may help buyer see what the vehicle looks like all in all. All is aimed to help buyers “see” the vehicle as much as possible in different light before coming out to test ride it. This is a Copyright Work, Go Motors, LLC 2015