Keep her happy or?
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Morning Oppo.
Finally got Project $400Runner up and running. She's all ready for tires and her maiden voyage. My wife has been thinking of selling her Renegade, since she'd be getting $2000 more than it's worth. We're trying to remove extra debt from our lives, so this would be a big bonus for us as it would remove a car payment and give us extra cash for bills. At that point she'd take over the keys for the 4Runner and use it as a daily.
She only really drives to work and back (about 10 miles) and occasionally to the stores around town. So this winter it would be great with new tires and it would allow me to keep wrenching on it since "it's for her".
We took it for the maiden voyage around town last night with her driving. Now I should note, we're both large people. I'm 6'7", she's 6'4" and we are both "Wisconsin Size". Anyway, I don't mind a rally driver position with my knees around the wheel and being in that Toyota truck style seating. The wife, on the other hand, does not enjoy that. She immediately asked if the seat lowered or if it went back farther, which it does not. She said she could live with it, but I believe it was pity for the weeks worth of work I put into the timing belt replacement...
I immediately asked if she wanted me to find her something else, which I am willing to do as I can sell the 4Runner for $1300-$1500 in it's current state and get her an equivalent vehicle. I mentioned finding a Jeep Grand Cherokee, K1500, Suburban/Tahoe and her eyes lit up. A large truck/SUV is her M.O. and finding her one would keep her happy and would be cheap to repair with any issues. I know she fits in those with no problem either.
I have considered looking into mounting the drivers seat lower in the 4Runner, although I'm not sure what options I have available as removing the seat will most likely mean drilling, tapping, and installing new bolts even if she doesn't like the new position. Plus, the 4Runner was supposed to be a Gambler's car and part of me feels bad putting my wife in a vehicle that is really meant for shenanigans and not daily duty.
So what say you Oppo? Should I try and fix up the 4Runner and modify it for her or just cut the losses and get something we know fits us and would be more comfortable without modifications
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I put risers just in the front on the drivers seat in my Tacoma - definitely helped by giving some needed thigh support. I'm 6'1" with a 34" inseam, and "lower Midwest size". LOL
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@davesaddiction I've seen that for thigh support. The issue is she's so damn tall her bun hits the sunroof. Can't even close it with the cover as that'll hit our heads
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From what you describe, especially her reaction at the suggestions of alternatives, I say cut your losses and get something that fits you both correctly. I think you'll both be much happier than trying to convince yourselves that the 4Runner works.
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@limitedtimeonly completely fair. I've been scouring Facebook and Craigslist this morning looking for something that fits the needs. I just don't want to buy a ticking time bomb either.
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@rctothefuture Removing debt to me sounds awesome, but my wife being uncomfortable for even a ten mile commute does not. If she indicates that she likes everything but the seating, do your due diligence and see if it's easy enough to modify the seat height. Otherwise, I would say it's not in the cards.
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@rctothefuture what about something like a Tahoe or Toyota sequoia?
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Cut your losses and look for a GMT800 SUV.
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@houstonrunner I’ll second that. We’ve got a GMT800 Suburban that we picked up super cheap that has been great for a beater (300k miles, light rust and deer damage). I’ve often thought of selling it and the wife’s Crosstrek to get a lower mileage Tahoe and putting the difference towards savings. Great trucks.
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@sony1492 I'd second that and add Land Cruiser/LX to the list (even though it's rare to find an affordable one).
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@sony1492 Sequoia is a little out of the price range.
I've taken the advice and looking at Suburban's and Tahoes. They are all over the place in pricing, which is pretty funny. Will see what I can dredge up. Wife is content with trying a lower seat. I may be able to manufacture some rails and make something work, so we'll see what happens.
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@frinesi2 $13k with 220,000 miles and bedliner paint
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@sony1492 I mean ... I just got one for $13,500 with 84k miles and only kind of shit paint on the front bumper, hood, and roof.
But I did say that's rare.
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@frinesi2 oh thats an excellent deal, what color?
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@sony1492 Black.
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@frinesi2 Spicy! I would love a LC for the house but that's too rich for my blood.
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@rctothefuture also have you looked at the Xterra? If you're looking at a 2-row SUV like the Grand Cherokee, that might be an option as well. I know absolutely nothing about them but I know at least one Oppo got one recently and another was looking at them. Or maybe I already suggested this to you back on Kinja?
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@frinesi2 We have looked at them, same problem as the 4Runner. Most Japanese midsize SUV's aren't built for height.
