2wd?

P

PBR1

Member
I'm new to this forum and my reason for being here is that I'm in the market for a new soccer mom rig for the wife. I NEED the 3rd row seat, and just can't do the minivan thing. The Highlander is probably more practical, but to me it's like a minivan without sliding doors.

So here's my question, if I'm most likely never going to use 4wd, do I need it? If I level off the front and throw on some new wheels and tires, would that work? I want 4wd just because it's cool, but I honestly think it will never get used.

Thoughts?
 
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You're in Southern California, and from the description I assume you have kids. But you can't think of a good reason to have 4WD? HELLO!!!!!! :faint:
 
The third row seat kinda sucks. If you NEED it it's small unless you only putting small kids back there. The Highlanders are pretty nice, nothing wrong with them. That's what I would get. But if you do end up with a 4Runner, there is noting wrong with getting a 2WD one if that's what you want. Half the people on here who will tell you you have to get a 4x4 one probably never take their 4x4 4Runner on anything that REQUIRES 4x4.
 
For your needs, a body-on-frame SUV will be a waste of money and hugely inefficient.

You really want a Crossover Utility Vehicle (unibody SUV, or CUV) like an Explorer or Highlander. You say "you" can't do the minivan thing... have you asked your wife?

I've never driven a 2WD 4Runner, but compared to a decent CUV or minivan the 4Runner doesn't handle as well, isn't as safe, and gets worse gas mileage. With a 2WD version you get all that without even the benefits of having a little fun off road. Seriously... stop reading the reviews on the internet and go for a test drive in a Sienna.


As for 3wbdriver's comments... I visit the Beaumont area frequently for business; I'll be there next month. I try and try and try to get approved for a 4WD, but I always get stuck in a little 2wd rental car. I would STAY off road if I lived out there!

Seriously... go play on the Southern California Edison access roads, or out on some BLM land. You can even stay on the "roads" if you want. If you get real curious you can head on down to all the ORV areas around the Salton Sea. Southern California is an off-roader's dream land.

[ETA]
Just read the other comments... nevermind. Still, look at an CUV or minivan. Seriously. The 3rd row in the 4Runner is all but worthless.
 
If you're not in an area that you don't have to deal with ice and snow, and you don't go seriously offroading, then don't bother with 4WD. Keep the extra money and spend it on your kids - you'll get more joy from that than having 4WD abilities that you never use.
 
You'd probably all be happier with a Sienna. They are extremely spacious, handle well on the road and get way better gas mileage than any 2 or 4 wheel drive 4Runner. I traded one in for my 4Runner and if I didn't have an itch to start off-roading, I probably would have bought another one. They are that good and fit the needs of my family perfectly (outside of some mild rock crawling... LOL) But, seriously though, get your wife in on the discussion and try driving one along with a highlander and a 4Runner.

_coder
 
PBR1 said:
I'm new to this forum and my reason for being here is that I'm in the market for a new soccer mom rig for the wife. I NEED the 3rd row seat, and just can't do the minivan thing. The Highlander is probably more practical, but to me it's like a minivan without sliding doors.

So here's my question, if I'm most likely never going to use 4wd, do I need it? If I level off the front and throw on some new wheels and tires, would that work? I want 4wd just because it's cool, but I honestly think it will never get used.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I was in the same boat. My wife wanted a 4 Runner. She only goes off road by accident. I bought her a 2WD limited and she loves it. I have 2 full size 4WD trucks, one is lifted and heavily modded. They are higher maintenance when miles rack up, but I need a 4WD truck.

There are many on here who have 4WD T4R's and use them. Others have it and never use it, but I do not fault them, their money their choice. They say to get it in case you may need it.... I guess I will go out and buy a helicopter.
 
My wife is in her second consecutive 2WD 4R. That's what she wants - a truck. She likes the way it handles potholes, speed bumps and crappy roads in general. And the occasional dirt driveway.

Hell, I voted for Reagan! I'm not communist.
 
4x4 when a CUV will do

Only communists and people who voted for Reagan would recommend buying a 4Runner 4x4 strictly for an urban commuter. :hand:
:rofl:

Seriously though, go sit in that 3rd row seat for a while. Try getting in and out a few times. Everyone says that seat is for small children and infant car seats.

I see the Highlander all the time here in So Cal. I have to look twice to see if it's a 4Runner or a Highlander. The Highlander will handle better on roads and city driving. Everything people are saying above is true.

For better gas mileage and less initial cost, consider a cross-over, uni-body frame utility vehicle (CUV). There are lots to choose from and many of them have AWD. For $35K to $42k you have lots of great choices.

What other 4x4 vehicles do you have?
 
If your buying new...and depending on how long you keep it, the 4runner does have a better resale value then the highlander. But the 4runner will not ride as nice, get horrible gas mileage in LA traffic, and much harder to get into then the more family friendly highlander. I highly doubt you will ever need 4wd in socal unless you take it wheeling. I would go for the limited if you do pick the 4wd 4runner, that way you don't have to exercise the part time 4wd every month.
 
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