After months of researching different types of SUV's, CUV's, rugged station wagons and the like, I made my way to Mountain States Toyota last Saturday on the pretense of looking at a new vehicle. The sales consultant who met me asked very focused questions of what I was looking in a vehicle - easy - a vehicle with good ground clearance, can get me, my gear, and my climbing partners to a rugged trailhead, is comfortable to drive, doesn't mind a 4x4 rock-strewn "road", and not $30K. At that point, he directed me to a line of 12 used Toyota 4Runners - all quite nice. Some were newer, some were low miles, some were "Toyota Certified", some were 2.9% financing for 60 months, and some had the aroma of way too much perfume/smoke. What caught my eye was this beauty - a dark blue, 2006 4Runner SR5 with sunroof, skid plates, 6 cylinder, nice rims and a good price. Qualifying for 2.9% was a major perk as well. I spent most of Saturday afternoon test driving, asking a lot of questions, negotiating for new mats/new tires, deciding how much to put down and how much I could afford with monthly payments. Time well spent. By late afternoon, I was driving my 4Runner home and dreaming of new summits that the 2010 climbing season brings.
As one of my regular climbing partners, Patrick Vall, said and I quote..."I'm just glad you can't use your lame "my Honda can't make it up that road" excuse any more when we go 4-wheeling to get to a trailhead. My 160K mile 4Runner thanks you! I'm looking forward to sleeping while you drive;)"
Pretty much covers it...Climb On!
2 comments:
So glad you decided to go with this one (although an Outback would have done the job too; just not as cool). As a proud two Toyota owner, I approve! CLIMB ON, cousin!
You finally found a new vehicle that's right for you! AWESOME! Lots of room for gear.
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