THE STORY
For sale is a Chilean registered Toyota 4runner SR5 3.4 v6 with 172,000km, which is currently available in Santiago. I purchased this car in Santiago in February 2015 after a long and exhaustive process finding an appropriate vehicle. I have adventured in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay and Ecuador in a journey that has taken me approximately 32,000 km across the continent.
Initially I visited used car yards and found the cars to be overpriced, some of very poor quality and the salesmen breathtakingly dishonest. After 3 weeks of test driving and walking around in the stifling heat, in desperation I reached out to my network to find a reliable mechanic in Santiago. I was put in touch with Finkelstein Motors, and their excellent mechanic, Dan, came with me to inspect vehicles being privately sold. After much research and consultation I decided I wanted a Toyota 4runner, overwhelmingly the "fans favourite" (see screenshots in following section) in terms of 4 wheel drives in South America. I found a private seller and the mechanic conducted an extensive test drive and inspection. He highly recommended the purchase of the vehicle, .
I have since had an epic journey through South America, which is currently 32,000 km long and counting. This car has safely taken me to the most incredible and remote corners of South America. I have taken it over beaches, dirt roads, steep high altitude passes, it has spent the night over 4,000 m multiple times and helped me access private spots no other tourists see. At the time of writing I am in Quito and will be driving to Chile to sell the vehicle. I am open to selling it anywhere between Arica and Santiago as I am heading south through this region.
The car has been extremely well looked after and other than general wear and tear i.e. brake pad replacements and fluid replacements, there has not been a single issue with the motor or the electronics. It has been an absolute gem of a vehicle and has more than lived up to its reputation and high expectations.
The car is also equipped with a Ironman 4x4 rooftop tent, which I have slept in almost 100 nights, mostly for free in various spectacular wild campsites. This has been an incredibly efficient and comfortable way to camp around the continent, as the tent is equipped with a double mattress and is made from extremely durable materials. This has allowed me to set up camp comfortably and quickly almost anywhere the car can be parked. The tent has easily dealt with thunderstorms and severe winds, it never once leaked water inside during rains.
I wish to sell the car with the roof tent as a package and have set an asking price of US$9,000.
Initially I visited used car yards and found the cars to be overpriced, some of very poor quality and the salesmen breathtakingly dishonest. After 3 weeks of test driving and walking around in the stifling heat, in desperation I reached out to my network to find a reliable mechanic in Santiago. I was put in touch with Finkelstein Motors, and their excellent mechanic, Dan, came with me to inspect vehicles being privately sold. After much research and consultation I decided I wanted a Toyota 4runner, overwhelmingly the "fans favourite" (see screenshots in following section) in terms of 4 wheel drives in South America. I found a private seller and the mechanic conducted an extensive test drive and inspection. He highly recommended the purchase of the vehicle, .
I have since had an epic journey through South America, which is currently 32,000 km long and counting. This car has safely taken me to the most incredible and remote corners of South America. I have taken it over beaches, dirt roads, steep high altitude passes, it has spent the night over 4,000 m multiple times and helped me access private spots no other tourists see. At the time of writing I am in Quito and will be driving to Chile to sell the vehicle. I am open to selling it anywhere between Arica and Santiago as I am heading south through this region.
The car has been extremely well looked after and other than general wear and tear i.e. brake pad replacements and fluid replacements, there has not been a single issue with the motor or the electronics. It has been an absolute gem of a vehicle and has more than lived up to its reputation and high expectations.
The car is also equipped with a Ironman 4x4 rooftop tent, which I have slept in almost 100 nights, mostly for free in various spectacular wild campsites. This has been an incredibly efficient and comfortable way to camp around the continent, as the tent is equipped with a double mattress and is made from extremely durable materials. This has allowed me to set up camp comfortably and quickly almost anywhere the car can be parked. The tent has easily dealt with thunderstorms and severe winds, it never once leaked water inside during rains.
I wish to sell the car with the roof tent as a package and have set an asking price of US$9,000.
THE CAR IN ACTION
IS THE TOYOTA 4RUNNER THE BEST OVERLANDING VEHICLE AVAILABLE?
Below is a screenshot taken from the PanAmerican Travelers Association Facebook forum. This group has over 2,000 members, many of whom are experienced overlanders in South America. Recently a question was posed about the best car to drive in South America in terms of finding parts, servicing, reliability and fuel consumption. The forum answers speak for themselves about the preferred overlanding vehicle!
MAINTENANCE & ENHANCEMENTSThis page details all the ongoing maintenance, replacements and enhancements performed on this vehicle.
ACCESSORIESThis page includes details of all the accessories included with the car along with a few available for purchase.
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SPECIFICATIONSClick below for specific details and vehicle specifications.
REGISTRATION DETAILSExplanation of the required paperwork in Chile and the validity of the current documents.
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THE ROOFTOP TENTEverything you need to know about the Ironman 4x4 Rooftop tent.
CONTACT MEIf you would like to discuss the car further, please get in touch with me via this page.
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