As I mentioned back on RTAM, I traded in the Hyundai Genesis just before Thanksgiving.
I've been angling to get a 4x4 of some kind since I was old enough to drive and I deliberated over F150s, 100 series Landcruisers, 5th gen 4Runners, and GX470/460s. As much as I wanted an F150, I am not comfortable parking such a long and wide beast, given my terrible depth perception. Plus, I was reluctant to buy another $30k+ vehicle.
After experiencing the solidness of Spectre's 200k old 4Runner, that cemented my decision to be a normie and buy Toyota 4x4 of sorts. Thanks to my time in the Emirates, I really wanted a 100 series Landcruiser. A good one of these at a reasonable price proved elusive and I turned to looking at the Lexus equivalents. The Lexus LX470, while generally cheaper, wasn't my style and didn't do anything for me.
So naturally, I went to test drive a 6 speed Hemi Challenger (my first plan) at a local Carmax. Jesus, they're slow after driving an S550 5.0. Laughably slow. I had an SRT 392 in my sights, but I was after too specific a model (2014 SRT 392 Core 6 speed in Sublime Green or Plum Crazy). And I still wanted a 4x4. So I sampled some GXs at a local dealer and bought this example.
It was a pretty much fully loaded '08 GX470 in silver (not black this time lol) with charcoal interior. It had a little over 100k on the odo when I bought it and it still drove like new. The air suspension was in decent shape, but the shocks were starting to show their age. The dealer performed the timing belt and water pump service for me and I picked it up.
Of course, I couldn't leave it alone for more than a few weeks with those silly stock 30" tires and tired suspension, so I had a 3" Toytec lift installed by Tandem Offroad, running boards removed, and picked up some used 33" BFG KO2s.
So far, I've performed most of the 105k service by changing the oil, front and rear diff fluid, transfer case fluid, and had the power steering fluid and transmission fluid done by my local dealer.
Three months in and I regret nothing, although it's been interesting getting used to the abysmal fuel economy on 93 octane...about 14 mpg average, 12 city, 17 highway lol. But it's been a great road trip vehicle, daily driver, and hauler of people and stuff. I look forward to doing some wheeling early next month for the first time.
Only took a few months, but @Crazyjeeper and I went on a little outing with his dad to Barnwell Mountain Recreational Area out in Gilmer, TX this past weekend.
I'm definitely hooked now. Probably going to snapping up a set of rock sliders soon and going to start saving for a 4.10 gear swap plus selectable front and rear lockers.