Better pics (daylight):
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Stickers on the roof rack have seen better days. Might just razor blade these off.
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As I said above, it's a nice vehicle to drive. I have to say I really like the obviously "Xterra-inspired" luggage rack with the wind deflector built in.
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Tires are crappy Kumho's in an odd size - 235/70/16. Most likely will be replaced with a P-rated Cooper M+S. I had Cooper M+S's on my 07 4runner and I was very impressed with their performance in snow and rain. I don't need an "off road" tire so I'm not going to waste the $$ on an LT-rated tire for it.
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Feels very small compared to the 'Burb which is kind of nice. Actually the size is kind of an interesting thing: I've owned a 3rd gen 4runner and a 4th gen 4runner. In terms of size this is actually a bit smaller than the 3rd gen, probably close in size to the 2nd gen 4runner. It's not until you get into a vehicle this size that you realize just how big most "compact" or "mid-sized" SUV's have become. I would say in terms of size this is about the same as my wife's Honda CR-V.
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Fit and finish is impressive for a 14 year old vehicle. It does have one minor little glitch, apparently at some time in the past the regulator or window on the front passenger side was replaced. Everything works except that when I put the passenger window all the way up (it's an auto up/auto down just like my 3rd gen 4runner), it will go to the top and then immediately open again about 4". My guess is that the "safety mechanism" that is designed to protect your fingers or your pet's neck is activating and opening the window because it detects an obstruction. I'm wondering if maybe when they put the window back in they put it a smidge too high. I can actually close the window by "bumping" it (pushing the button for just a second so it moves a short distance) until it's closed but eventually I'll need to get that looked at.
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Other than the tires and the passenger window the only thing that may need attention is the AM/FM/CD/Cassette (yes, cassette) stereo. Like most of us (I'm guessing) I listen to music on my iPhone or iPod so I need to get a way to get my music on this. And Bluetooth would be nice, too. Crutchfield is my go-to on stereos - I've done 3 of them now so I'm confident I can put a decent stereo into this for not too much money, although it's a bit of a shame to replace the nice looking factory unit (that works fine and sounds great.)
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Haven't got it emissions tested yet but I'll try to do that tomorrow so I can get it tagged (it already has the plates on it from my previous DD but legally it's not registered yet.) I think it will be a nice DD and it should help me keep miles off of the Suburban.
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Now the only question is: Which vehicle gets the garage? We have a 2 car but obviously the wife has her car on one side so I only get one slot (and really I already have two motorcycles in there so I'm already a bit over my limit!) At this point I'm thinking the 'Burb is going to have to sleep outside since the Pathy is a little bit nicer (it's also easier to fit in the garage. The 'Burb fits - but just barely.)
