2017 Vancouver International Autoshow

[poleclimber63]

My Wife and I traveled down to Vancouver with my 2 younger son's this Week, and while there, my middle Son and I went to the 2017 Vancouver International Auto Show.
We loved getting a chance to sit in lots of cars and trucks! Some were a real surprise but others were disappointing. The one thing consistent, is the level of tech in the vast majority of vehicles!

My son focused on the sports cars and sports sedans, as I have a Celica as well as a 4Runner, I had to have a look at the sports cars (Toyota 86= Scion FRS) as well as the trucks!

I must admit there isn't much that competes with the 4Runner at its price point, several for much more $$$....
I had a shock... my son has spent years in the back and front seat of my 4Runner. Where I'm going with this is, he's 6'4 1/2" tall and has trouble fitting in some places... When he's in my 4Runner he has head room and is reasonably comfortable. He got into the 2017 4Runner, and leaning forward his head touched the roof! He said he had more room, in the back seat of my 4Runner!! Isn't the 5th Gen BIGGER than the 3rd Gen???? WOW!

The other shock I had was pricing. The base price is $44K CDN. Right next to the 4Runner was a Tundra. The base price on the Tundra is 29K. That's $15k less for a Tundra than a 4Runner!!! WOW.

Just on a side note, I would love to exchange my Celica for the new 86....

 

[poleclimber63]

The example shown above is the TRD PRO model which was listed at $52K CDN. As a direct alternative, again, there isn't much around.

The obvious alternative would be Jeep. Cherokee North 4x4 comes in at a base price of $38K CDN. Also the Patriot High Altitude, at a base price of $29K CDN. Lastly, the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon with a base price of $45K CDN. The problem I'd have considering a Jeep, is the durability and reliability. When you're up a mountain, you want to know you're getting home, so as far as I'm concerned, it would be false economy going Jeep---- not to mention the re-sale!

We looked at GMC, Hyundai, Land Rover, Ford, Dodge etc. (Lexus GX460 and LX570 are stunning$$$-- I'd be afraid to take them off road!!) but there are few "body on frame" alternatives, unless price is no object, or you consider a full size (4dr)pickup.

I'll stick to my 4Runner.
As far as the headroom issue, from above, with my son, it was rear seat headroom he demonstrated. Lots of room up front (definitely more than my 3rd gen)! He is the exception--- we found lots of vehicles he didn't fit into. The funniest was the Mazda MX-5---- with the seat full back, his knees wouldn't fit under the steering column and his forehead was level with visor! His head touched the ceiling in some, and he could only sit up straight in a few, due to an open sun roof slide!

In the end, it was all great fun!

 

[audiciter]

At first I was surprised at the $44k base price. Then I did the US > CDN currency conversion. So about $34k USD is about right.

The Tundra thing is throwing me off a little.

Our 'base' model SR Tundra is around $30k. So in canadian dollars that should be $40k. How are Tundras sold in Canada for $30k?

 

[poleclimber63]

I read the suggested price off the information sheet. I just checked the Toyota BC (Canada) website and it says Tundra starts at $30675 CDN. After looking at the site, I understand the variation--- it seems the Tundra comes in a wide variety of trims, 11--wow. The base is a 2X4 basic cab, and the top, 4X4 Crewman Plat. Edition at $58,580 CDN. On the website the cheapest Crewman is $46,680 Cdn, slightly more than a base 4Runner. The vehicles at the show may or may not be local. I noticed a lot of the test drive vehicles had Ontario, Alberta and Quebec plates. The $29k CDN maybe the base Ont. price...

Not that long ago, Canadians used to visit the USA to bring back vehicles, as they were usually cheaper with exchange and or in better condition. As far as new cars are concerned, could this trend be reversing??