04/05/06 4Runner

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rockkyourlife

New member
I have had a 2000 4Runner for the past 6 years, and it seems to have finally hit its demise. I recently took it to the Toyota dealer, and it will cost more to fix than it is worth. The whole rear axle seems to be shot, bearings are gone, and the breaks seems to be stuck to the tire when it is cold out. The car also had 200,000+ miles.

I am looking into a newer 4Runner, Highlander or Rav4. My preference is a newer 4Runner as I love the ride of it, and I enjoy bigger cars. Would I notice a difference in gas mileage between a 2000 4Runner with 200,000+ miles and a newer 4Runner, and has anyone downgraded from a large 4Runner to a Rav4 or even highlander?

Any input would be appreciated.
 
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You definitely want to stick with a 4Runner. Reason being the highlander and rav4 are the "soccer mom" versions of the 4Runner. The 4R is designed to go off-road, while also being comfortable. Unless you plan on not going off-road anymore. I've driven all of these SUV's, and going from a 4Runner to either one of the others, you will be disappointed. Plus, you couldn't participate in this awesome forum :)
 
Depends on what you're going to use it for.

99% of people who buy an SUV NEVER EVER take it off-road.

If you NEVER go off-road..or NEVER tow then a Highlander or Rav-4 will be fine. The difference is Size and Gas mileage.

The 7-8yo Rav-4 and Highlander are smaller then the new ones today. The new highlander is NOT much smaller then the 4runner...but built totally different. Highlander is based on the Camry platform...while the 4runner is body on Frame design.

You'll have to decide what vehicle fits your needs. If I wasn't doing any towing I'd seriously consider a Highlander. The little off-roading I do the Highlander can handle it. The Rav-4 is too small for my needs.
 
i agree with what you said.

in your shoes I would ask myself this...If you are not looking to go off-road/tow, etc, why buy an SUV? :)
 
rockkyourlife said:
I have had a 2000 4Runner for the past 6 years, and it seems to have finally hit its demise. I recently took it to the Toyota dealer, and it will cost more to fix than it is worth. The whole rear axle seems to be shot, bearings are gone, and the breaks seems to be stuck to the tire when it is cold out. The car also had 200,000+ miles.

I am looking into a newer 4Runner, Highlander or Rav4. My preference is a newer 4Runner as I love the ride of it, and I enjoy bigger cars. Would I notice a difference in gas mileage between a 2000 4Runner with 200,000+ miles and a newer 4Runner, and has anyone downgraded from a large 4Runner to a Rav4 or even highlander?

Any input would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

If it didn't have so many miles on the engine I'd say find a 4runner axle in a junk yard... easy swap.
 
MikeInNH said:
Depends on what you're going to use it for.

99% of people who buy an SUV NEVER EVER take it off-road.

If you NEVER go off-road..or NEVER tow then a Highlander or Rav-4 will be fine. The difference is Size and Gas mileage.

The 7-8yo Rav-4 and Highlander are smaller then the new ones today. The new highlander is NOT much smaller then the 4runner...but built totally different. Highlander is based on the Camry platform...while the 4runner is body on Frame design.

You'll have to decide what vehicle fits your needs. If I wasn't doing any towing I'd seriously consider a Highlander. The little off-roading I do the Highlander can handle it. The Rav-4 is too small for my needs.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum!

Ditto what MikeInNH says and I would think gas mileage would be a little better for a 4th gen than your 2k model? Depends on if you want or need a off road capable ride.
 
There's definitely a different feel when it comes to driving. My mom drives an RX350 built on the Camry platform and it's a lot smoother than my T4R. However, the T4R handles bumps and uneven surfaces way more easily, while not feeling like it's some rickshaw going over the jungle in Africa. The extra cargo space comes in handy for me, so consider that.

While I love driving both, I'd give the T4R the hands down victory. Even if you're just going to be using it for city driving like I do, it's a fun thing to drive.
 
The list of Toyotas I've had in order:

98 T4R SR5 V6
03 Toyota Highlander Base 2.4L
2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V8

Both the 4Runners win. Not that I didn't like the Highlander, matter of
Fact I loved it, but it was salvaged and the 2.4 was way, way WAY too small for such a CUV.

It did fine. The Highlander was the 2WD model (those are FWD) and it did fine with the little bit of offroad I did. Handled the city with ease too. But the engine didn't have enough power. Simple as that. The V6 is the better option for the 1st gen Highlander.

Now, if your towing and doing serious offroading, the 4Rummer takes the prize. It's up to you and what you need in a vehicle.
 
I say go with the 4runner. Bt get what you really want your paying for it make sure you don't compromise to much get what you really like it makes the gas and payment much easier to take.

I love my 06 V6 get from 15 to 23 mpg with mud tires and a lift. those are the extremes really. 17/20 is day to day.

Now a smaller eng wont save you gas as much as you would like unless you drive really slow down hill. A V8 same model as mine will do just a hair better on gas. And a 4 cyl you end up flooring all of the time.

Go out and drive a bunch of what your looking at take as much time as you can, don't hurry sleep on a final purchase and you will be happier.
Just my worthless 2 cents.
:driving:
 
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