Oh, the Humanity (UPDATED WITH TEST DRIVE RESULTS)

[TimW]

New guy intro...Hi, my name is Tim, and I am confused....

Anyway, have a 1992 4 Runer 3.0 V-6 w/195,000 mi on it. Great condition, works very well off-road (to the extent I've gone offroad for hunting, camping and such). This was before they made the 4 Runner a vehicle for soccer moms.

Well, am at the point where I may need to dump a couple grand into getting the motor back up to 100%, but it might be less since I have only a general idea of what's wrong (supposed compression leak, but not burning oil and no exhaust smoke). Thought about swapping the 3.0 for the 3.4L V-6, but that's not easily doable.

So, what happens? The H3 appears. Have seen 2 in the Wild here in Glendale AZ. Looks nice. Read a lot here, and a lot of reviews. I'll likely rent one from Avis to try it out.

So, what's the dilemma you say?

Well, I want a good off-road vehicle. No question teh H3 seems to fit that bill, and then some. Though my 4Runner is good there, too.

So, that leaves "how does it act around company?" question. Seems the handling on the H3 is what one would expect from an SUV. But what does have me concerned is the apparent underpowered drivetrain.

Anyone who's owned the 3.0L V-6 in a 4 Runner knows what that is. Sure, lots of low end torque, but it can't get out of its own way to save anyone's life.

Passing another car is something that needs to be scheduled a couple days in advance, and unless you get a good running start and there's nobody else in teh 4 Runner, trying to go up the grade from Phoenix to Sunset Point (I-17 in Arizona) is a 55-60mph affair.

Woe unto He Who Gets Caught Behind a Semi and must Decelerate to 45, For He Shall Not Get Back Up to Speed Anytime Soon!

Mileage is about the same...I get 12mpg around town, MAYBE 17-18 on the highway with a tailwind.

The plus for the 4Runner is the back seat folds completely flat, allowing our dog a nice cozy area to rest when the remainder of the cargo area is filled with stuff. The H3's rear area doesn't seem to do this.

Anyone who's owned a Second Gen 4 Runner AND an H3, can you give me an idea of the difference in the cargo area?

Any of you Phoenix-area H3 owners be willing to meet me and let me paw your vehicle? Maybe take me for a ride? I'll buy you a burger or something!!

Now, for the kicker...we were stupid when we had our home built and didn't get the extended garage...yeah, what did I know...our first house, OK? Anyway, I ahve about 200-203" TOTAL length for the vehicle to fit in the garage, else it sits in the driveway, which isn't something I want to do.

So...spend a couple grand on fixing up the 4 Runner, or $30,000+ on an H3?

Then...where to get it. Lund Hummer is close...but I've heard mixed things about them. I'd be willing to do a bit of driving, but not more than say 1-2 days' worth.

Thanks for letting me vent.