3rd gen 4Runner vs. 1st gen Sequoia?

[t-bills]

Hello everyone:

New to the forums. Looking to buy a used SUV as a work truck that will tow a trailer (food cart) that will be under 2,000 lbs. Budget is around $5,000. Considered a number of options and concluded that the post-2000 Explorer's, Durango's, and Blazer's just aren't terribly reliable. Nissan Pathfinder's seem decent too but it has a slightly lower towing capacity (3,500 lbs) and not that many have tow kits on them.

Obviously leaning towards a 4Runner (hence why I'm here ) but also noticed a bunch of early 2000's Sequoia's for not much more than a late 90's/early 2000's 4Runner. Putting aside the obvious size/engine/country of origin differences, would you go with a Sequoia or a 4Runner?

Also want to rep+ all members who put together a very comprehensive BUYER's GUIDE... this is a very big reason I'm leaning towards a 4Runner!

 

[chaz]

if you are not going off road much if any, sequoia if you want/need something that's larger, with more torque & a v8. however, if your food cart is under 2000lbs. & is used in NYC, a 3rd gen 4runner maybe more maneuverable.

 

[shadow247]

For around town towing, the 4Runner will be much better. Try to find a 5speed 6 cylinder if you can. I have driven a few Sequoias, and the turning radius is awful compared to the 4Runner.

 

[t-bills]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. It will be driven within NYC so a 4Runner's smaller footprint is definitely more convenient (not to mention they may charge more for a full-size SUV like the Sequoia. 2 questions:

1. It is obviously best to go way below the 5,000lb max tow limit - is 5,000lb just the tow, or does that include total occupancy of the car? (ie. weight of other stuff, or a passenger in the car)

2. I realize the extensive maintenance threads that I find here for the 4Runner so it should be easy to trouble-shoot. Do you think the 4Runner is generally more reliable than the Sequoia? Being built in Hino's plant in Japan definitely gives 4Runner an edge.