I've only had RWD 4Runners (picked up my third one yesterday). Don't need 4WD -- the closest I'll get to "off roading" is a gravel parking lot.
Why do I keep choosing the 4Runner?
- The upright seating position suits me. Might not work for others, but I like sitting up high and without a lot of dashboard area in front of me
- Great visibility. I can see where the hood ends. The A-pillars are way forward and more vertical than most crossovers or cars (I recently drove a rental Buick Lacrosse -- you could easily lose a pedestrian or bicyclist behind the A-pillar if you're not careful)
- Versatile interior. the 4Runner can haul 5 adults and luggage without breaking a sweat (try that in a 3rd gen Highlander Limited with the second row captains chairs). I've carried long objects by folding down the center portion of the rear seat. Hauled exercise equipment, large TVs, and other things that would be tough to squeeze into a car.
I take all that with the downsides of a 4Runner. This is what I tell people when they ask if I'd recommend my 4Runner.
- If fuel economy is the top priority, the 4Runner is not the right choice (also meaning -- if the difference in fuel economy between the RWD and 4WD version is significant enough to be important to you, you're probably setting yourself up to be disappointed)
- It's not a sports car and will neither accelerate nor handle like one -- the good ol' V6 and 5-speed auto aren't going to make you think you bought a Mustang. (And, yes, the 5-speed is "old," as almost any reviewer will point out -- however, I'd prefer something that's proven reliable vs. the 9-speed debacle Jeep has with the Cherokee)
- It's not a minivan. If you carry more than 4 or 5 people on a regular basis, get a minivan. Not a midsize crossover, but a minivan (the Sienna has an AWD model).
All that being stated, if it comes down to price and/or resale value, take a look at your dealers' inventories. If they are mostly 4WD, you'll probably have a better chance getting a good deal on a 4WD model vs. asking them to special order a RWD for you, along with stronger demand for 4WD when you resell it.
If it's mostly RWD models, I'd pocket the savings and not worry about resale as much, as you'll likely find that most of your potential buyers are looking for RWD anyway (dealerships stock what people want to buy).
Why do I keep choosing the 4Runner?
- The upright seating position suits me. Might not work for others, but I like sitting up high and without a lot of dashboard area in front of me
- Great visibility. I can see where the hood ends. The A-pillars are way forward and more vertical than most crossovers or cars (I recently drove a rental Buick Lacrosse -- you could easily lose a pedestrian or bicyclist behind the A-pillar if you're not careful)
- Versatile interior. the 4Runner can haul 5 adults and luggage without breaking a sweat (try that in a 3rd gen Highlander Limited with the second row captains chairs). I've carried long objects by folding down the center portion of the rear seat. Hauled exercise equipment, large TVs, and other things that would be tough to squeeze into a car.
I take all that with the downsides of a 4Runner. This is what I tell people when they ask if I'd recommend my 4Runner.
- If fuel economy is the top priority, the 4Runner is not the right choice (also meaning -- if the difference in fuel economy between the RWD and 4WD version is significant enough to be important to you, you're probably setting yourself up to be disappointed)
- It's not a sports car and will neither accelerate nor handle like one -- the good ol' V6 and 5-speed auto aren't going to make you think you bought a Mustang. (And, yes, the 5-speed is "old," as almost any reviewer will point out -- however, I'd prefer something that's proven reliable vs. the 9-speed debacle Jeep has with the Cherokee)
- It's not a minivan. If you carry more than 4 or 5 people on a regular basis, get a minivan. Not a midsize crossover, but a minivan (the Sienna has an AWD model).
All that being stated, if it comes down to price and/or resale value, take a look at your dealers' inventories. If they are mostly 4WD, you'll probably have a better chance getting a good deal on a 4WD model vs. asking them to special order a RWD for you, along with stronger demand for 4WD when you resell it.
If it's mostly RWD models, I'd pocket the savings and not worry about resale as much, as you'll likely find that most of your potential buyers are looking for RWD anyway (dealerships stock what people want to buy).
Last edited:
layball:
