I have been thinking about this for the past year now. Yes, the unthinkable: selling my 4runner.
Maybe I'm just getting to be an old fart, but my needs have changed since I originally purchased my 4runners since the late 90's. There is nothing mechanically wrong with it except I need to change out the lower control arm bushings. Coupled that with restoring the 76 2002, I'm pulling double duty as mechanic on two cars. Not to mention, gas prices have just about killed my desire to take longer trips. At 17.5 mpg, a trip to No Cal, Yosemite, Kings Canyon, etc. becomes expensive (or maybe I'm that cheap). I love road trips, love camping, etc, but gas is definitely not getting cheaper and the age on the 4runner means I'm spending a lot of money on steering/suspension components and tires as of late.
It is wearing thin, folks. I'm sure if I had a two bay garage where working would be easier, I may have a different take on this. But anyways, I've been thinking about replacing it with a car with better mileage but with *similar* utility.
The vehicle I've been considering is the 6 speed Jetta Sportwagen. I'll keep driving stick, thank you very much. All the reviews I've read have been outstanding on this vehicle. I know VW can't match Toyota on reliability, but the Sportwagen seems to get about 4 to 4.5 stars on just about every consumer report-type rating. The mileage is outstanding, the suspension is typical German, styling is pretty good, what's not to like?
So any JSW owners out there? I'm looking at 2010 to current. Let's chat.
Bob