RUGGED REPUTATION
The Toyota 4runner, also known as the "Surf" outside of the US, is based on the Toyota Hilux platform. The Toyota Hilux can be found in every corner of the world because of its simple and utilitarian design. You may remember the tiny Toyota pickups on recent news footage from the Libyan conflict, with mounted heavy machine guns and rebels with RPG's in the back. As a matter of fact, the Chad-Libya conflict has been dubbed the "Toyota War" because of their affinity for the nimble assault Toyotas. This vehicle is even used by rebel forces from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. The Hilux is driven by Australian Special Forces, ranchers in the Australian outback, farmers around the world, UN troops, and not to mention thousands of off-road enthusiasts.
If you're not believing how tough these are, you need to watch this incredible video by BBC's Top Gear: Killing a Toyota. Ironically, this truck has the same drivetrain (except it's a diesel) and interchangeable parts as ours...hopefully we don't have to recreate any of these tests on our trip. If you enjoyed that video, there's also a part 2 and part 3 with the same truck.
RELIABILITY
This vehicle has not left me stranded yet, knock on wood, and it's impressed me time and time again. It's very easy to work on, and if I'm ever stumped there's vast online resources available that have helped me figure it out. Chances are, if I'm having an issue with my vehicle, someone else has encountered it and found an easy solution to fix it. With the proper tools and a factory service manual, nothing is impossible to fix on this 4runner.
PARTS AVAILABILITY
Since the drivetrain and most parts are found on the Hilux and interchangeable, that means that we should have no problem finding replacement parts anywhere in the world. Toyota has a great parts network and there are several dealerships along our route. We have also made a few friends here in the US that specialize in parts for our vehicle, so worst case scenario we could have replacement parts shipped to us.
CLEAN SLATE
Our particular 4runner was found right here in rust-free Austin, Texas before we even decided to do this crazy adventures. We are only the third owners and this vehicle has been severely pampered (at least before we got our hands on it).
The original owner kept meticulous service records and the 2nd owner also did an amazing job of continuing with the regular maintenance. Between the first two owners, everything that could go wrong or wear down with time has been replaced or rebuilt over the years. At the slightest sign of any issue, they took the vehicle in to get it resolved immediately. This baby was only sold to me because the 2nd owner wanted more room in the garage for their daily driver! That's right...former garage queen. All of this makes it even harder to drag the 4runner through 30,000 miles of topes, tumulos, and torrential downpours! I love this vehicle and we will try to baby it, hopefully making the previous owners proud. I feel like this Toyota is ready to shine...spin some wheels and see the world. We're hoping to do just that over the next two years.
PLANS WITH THE BORDER RUNNER
For this trip we are focusing on reliability, comfort, and security...all in that order. Our motto is to plan for the worst, but expect the best so that will definitely play a part. It's hard not to go overboard when you're preparing for 30,000 miles thru jungle, washed-out roads, and bad-guys but we're trying to stay practical.
