Oh, the Humanity (UPDATED WITH TEST DRIVE RESULTS)

[hispeed6]

Hi Tim, welcome to the club from somebody who quit lurking just last night.

I had a '95 4Runner with a 5 speed when I lived in PHX. It was a good truck but you're right, you could time that thing 0-60 with a sundial. And when we would go to San Diego over the mountains using 3rd gear on the uphills became a reality.

I test drove an auto equipped H3 this week and I'd put the accelleration above that of the 4runner and slightly beneath my 4.0 jeep wrangler 5 speed. It's tolerable but don't count on winning the race to the next light. Best bet would be go to Avis and rent one for a day to see if you're okay with the accelleration. Better to spend $100 to know for sure than have 5 years of payments.

For me it was good enough. I pick mine up next Wednesday in Columbus OH when I get back from this work trip!

Cheers,

hispeed6