My new 4R for harsh environment

Hello!

I picked up my brand new 4Runner yesterday.

I live in the Virgin Islands, on a quite remote island. Cars get a serious beating. Tropical heat, heavy rains, extremely steep hills, terrible roads, sometimes concrete but no tarmac so highly slippery, potholes, deeply rutted dirt roads.

Currently I have a 99 Wrangler TJ, yellow, 50,000 miles, with a 1.5inch lift and OME springs and shocks. Love that thing. One word - Analogue! The OME kit makes it handle well too. Engine is sweet but other parts fail often including aircon.

Wifes car is a 99 Grand Cherokee 4.7L, 55,000 miles. Also engine sweet but electrics are screwed.

I got a 4Runner mainly to replace the Cherokee. I need a car that can handle tough conditions. There is only one place I need a "real" 4x4, thats a super steep dirt road, very loose rocks and deep ruts, down to a secluded beach. Go there couple times per month.

And because the consequences of a breakdown here are way worse than other places - there are no good mechanics.

Not quite ideal because smaller lighter cars, maybe a bit more power, are better suited to these roads.

I got a Limited because I need AWD (my wife cant handle back wheels slipping on a wet steep slope). I love the Xreas, because there are tight twisty roads and I drive fast. I won't love Xreas if it fails me within 10 years... My annual mileage is about 3,000 (drive every day but its a small island!)

Spec was predetermined - would be an extra $10,000 to import something from US. Silver, no sunroof, 3rd row seats. The 3rd row is particularly annoying because the last thing I want is EVEN MORE weight up that hill.

I am trying to break the car in gently but it's difficult with ultra steep hills etc. Got it with 5miles yesterday, drove it around for hours, now has 80.

Couple pics of the underside. Some rust already.Normal, I know.

Anyone know what that black stuff is hanging underneath? Wondering if my dealer put a anti rust coating.

Hoping to have many years of faithful service

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

Welcome from SoCal

 

Welcome.

 

Do vehicles rust there? If they do, I’d start with some sort of rust prevention. I like the fluid film/wool wax/Pb surface shield approach, but anything except the rubber coating stuff.

 

Welcome from Canada.

 

Welcome from the center of the bourbon universe.

 

Welcome