2007 4Runner or 2005 Tundra - Decisions

[T4ROffroad]

Hello all! I am fairly new to this forum. I joined it awhile ago because my dad has a 2006 4Runner and I figured I might as well join just in case he had any questions. Well, lately I've been doing some browsing on here, checking out build threads and photo threads and have really gotten the itch to get a T4R for myself.

About six or seven months ago I got a 2005 Toyota Tundra SR5 crew cab 2x4 with 70,000 miles for $13,500. Here's a pic:



So far I've really enjoyed the Tundra. Looks good, rides nice. Plenty of room inside too. Gas mileage could be better. I average around 15mpg around town which is where I spend most of my time driving. Also, I really wish it was 4x4. That's a huge reason I'm thinking about selling it. At first I didn't think I would need it or want it, but I am really interesting in getting into offroading with something other than fourwheelers and the Tundra just isn't cutting it. Plus a 4x4 Tundra isn't exactly a nimble trail vehicle either, but at least it would have some offroad capabilities versus how it could probably get stuck trying to go up hill on wet grass now. Another thing I don't care for is the plain looking interior of the Tundra. It doesn't exactly have a modern look and the fit and finish of the hard plastic certainly doesn't give off the impression of high quality. Of course it's just a truck and an older one at that, but I'm sure you get what I'm saying. Hopping in my Dad's '06 4Runner makes me feel like I'm going from a Corolla to a Lexus GS 350. The fit and finish is much better and the overall look is vastly improved. Plus, I don't really need a pickup. All I do is haul air around in the bed about 99.9% of the time.

So with that in mind, I've been looking on Craigslist for 4Runners and have come across a 2007 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition 4x4 for $19,500. Here's a picture of it:



It has around 110,000 miles and looks to be in excellent shape. He is high on the price though and would have to come down quite a bit before I could even think about purchasing it. This is exactly what I have been looking for in a 4Runner though, so I have to keep that in mind.

What do you guys think? Should I get that 2007 4Runner or one similar to it or keep my current 2005 Tundra? Really, the only thing about the Tundra I would miss is the v8 sound, but the better gas mileage, better overall build quality inside and out, and most of all FOUR WHEEL DRIVE that the 4Runner has would probably make me forget all about the v8 quickly. All input is appreciated!

 

[034RUNNER]

It sound like a 4Runner or at least an SUV may be better suited for you. It sounds like you've had a change of heart with your Tundra, and I would think that the lack of off-road capability (size of the truck, really), and lack of 4x4 are the biggest concerns. Since you don't need a pick-up, I would suggest going the route of the SUV, and since you like the 4Runner, maybe that's a good way to go.

As for this white one you posted. 2007 and 110k miles is a LOT. And the price he's asking, I think you may be out of luck. You say you would need the price to drop a lot, that likely won't happen by too much unless you're very patience or he has a serious reality check. While these trucks hold their values (my 2003 was a great example of this, I myself was pleasantly surprised), I think he's a bit off his rocker.

I did a search and found a similar one, 2007 SE with 100k miles asking just under $14k. What cars actually go for vs. book value are two different things and most people don't realize this. If you want to try and talk to the guy and go for this white one you posted, here's the link to try and level with him. I realize your location is a little ways from me, but from what I've seen the value of 4Runners is about the same throughout, as long as the specs are the same (has 4x4, etc.).

2007 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 V8 Sport Edition

 

[T4ROffroad]

Sorry for the late reply! Was busy today! But yes, I agree. I think an SUV would be the better vehicle for me as well. I really like this 4Runner. I'm going to go look at it this weekend and see if it checks out. I e-mailed him and he said he is flexible on the price. Hopefully at least $4k flexible.. We'll see! I think I have made up my mind though. If it's not this 4Runner I'm going to continue to look for one that's similar. I guess I shouldn't rule out a Tacoma either, but those are very hard to find around here and seem to be priced far above what they should be worth in my eyes, but I'm going to keep an eye out for those too.