Tuui
Member
Greetings.
I've been lurking on the forum for awhile now, trying to soak up as much info as I can about 4runners with the hope of buying one. It seems that time has come and I have a few questions to ask of the group before I make a purchase.
1. Should I be looking at a 4runner or is it overkill?
This will be my winter vehicle and my "utility" vehicle for the rest of the year. I'm currently driving a slightly lowered '89 325is with winter tires and it handles great in the snow, but ground clearance is a major issue for me (aside for the fact it's on its last leg.) I live in Minneapolis and the side streets are rarely plowed very well. Getting in and out of my alley is always an adventure after the plows come through. So I wouldn't consider this an off-road vehicle, just an I'll never get stuck vehicle. Another factor is cargo room/storage. My little 2-door barely has enough room for my Lab/GSP mix in the back seat. I'm looking for something with enough room for him (he's about 80lbs) but also have the flexibility to make home improvement runs to Home Depot or Menards. It may server brief towing duty for my parents boat, but that's five miles to the landing, round trip (16ft. v-hull, single axle trailer) so I'm looking for a towing package.
2. Is the AWD system more beneficial to me than holding out for a 99-00 Highlander 5-speed with an rear locker?
I'm not a fan of automatics (both current cars are 5-speed, have only owned manual transmissions) but it seems the group is split on this topic. I realize manuals are rare and by narrowing my search down to 99-00 I'm limiting my search even more. I test drove a 2001 SR5 automatic and I didn't mind it at all (the automatic, that is.) I'm not a fan of the two-tone look or extra cladding on the Limiteds but I'd consider a single color limited from 99 or 00 if it's a "best of both worlds" scenario to get the AWD system and a rear-locker. Honestly, it would be great to have the locker but for my intended use I don't think it's necessary. So basically I'm looking for a 99-00 Highlander 5-speed, or an 01-02 SR5 Sport Edition. I believe I understand the breakdown of the AWD system, the 4Hi/4Lo and the rear locker, so I think for my intended use the AWD would be my best bet.
3. Should I not sacrifice looks for utility?
I love the overall looks of the 3rd Gen. 4runner, and it's even better with nice wheel flares and the hood scoop (completely cosmetic, but sexy.) The biggest sticking point for me seems to the hood scoop and color keyed bumpers. I realize it's my decision, but should I get over the hood scoop and, to a lesser extent, the bumpers? This vehicle will, for the near future, be stock so I'm not looking to add a sport hood later or upgrade the bumpers, or (oh yeah I forgot, gotta be one of the two five-spoke designs) the wheels.
I'm sorry to hit you with a wall of text for a first post, but I think posting this has helped me iron out exactly what I'm looking for. I'd appreciate anyone's input or thoughts (good and bad, I can take it) on my future purchase or other things to think about that I may have overlooked. I was paying particular attention to a recent post about a summer beach vehicle and I loved all the info from that thread since I feel I have a similar need.
Ultimately, here is what I'm thinking.
1. I think I'm sold on a 4runner. It should be able to do everything I want it too and even more if I ever decide to venture off road to camp/fish.
2. As much as hurts me to give up on a 5-speed, I think the AWD system is the thing for me (unless a nice 5-speed SR5 Highlander falls from the sky.)
3. I think I'm going to hold tight on my "style" wishes. I can probably make it through this winter with the E30, so I don't NEED to buy a 4runner right now, but I'll have the money available now, should the right vehicle come my way. I'm not opposed to a fly-and-drive (I did that for my summer car) so that helps in my search.
Anyway, thanks for reading if you made it this far. There's quite a wealth of information on this forum and in links in the stickies about so thank you to everyone has contributed to this forum. It's nice to know there's a support community just a click away.
I almost forgot. I'm going to try to take a look at this vehicle.
Used | Cars Trucks Autos | Sport Utility Vehicle | 2002 4Runner SR5 Toyota | Private Party | Minneapolis – St Paul, Minnesota | Twin Cities Metro
It's at the extreme top-end of my budget but if it seems solid, I'm definitely interested. Miles don't scare me too much (235k on the E30) so is it worth it to pay more for a low mileage 4runner like this, or pay less for a bit more "experienced" T4R?
Thanks again all,
Tim
I've been lurking on the forum for awhile now, trying to soak up as much info as I can about 4runners with the hope of buying one. It seems that time has come and I have a few questions to ask of the group before I make a purchase.
1. Should I be looking at a 4runner or is it overkill?
This will be my winter vehicle and my "utility" vehicle for the rest of the year. I'm currently driving a slightly lowered '89 325is with winter tires and it handles great in the snow, but ground clearance is a major issue for me (aside for the fact it's on its last leg.) I live in Minneapolis and the side streets are rarely plowed very well. Getting in and out of my alley is always an adventure after the plows come through. So I wouldn't consider this an off-road vehicle, just an I'll never get stuck vehicle. Another factor is cargo room/storage. My little 2-door barely has enough room for my Lab/GSP mix in the back seat. I'm looking for something with enough room for him (he's about 80lbs) but also have the flexibility to make home improvement runs to Home Depot or Menards. It may server brief towing duty for my parents boat, but that's five miles to the landing, round trip (16ft. v-hull, single axle trailer) so I'm looking for a towing package.
2. Is the AWD system more beneficial to me than holding out for a 99-00 Highlander 5-speed with an rear locker?
I'm not a fan of automatics (both current cars are 5-speed, have only owned manual transmissions) but it seems the group is split on this topic. I realize manuals are rare and by narrowing my search down to 99-00 I'm limiting my search even more. I test drove a 2001 SR5 automatic and I didn't mind it at all (the automatic, that is.) I'm not a fan of the two-tone look or extra cladding on the Limiteds but I'd consider a single color limited from 99 or 00 if it's a "best of both worlds" scenario to get the AWD system and a rear-locker. Honestly, it would be great to have the locker but for my intended use I don't think it's necessary. So basically I'm looking for a 99-00 Highlander 5-speed, or an 01-02 SR5 Sport Edition. I believe I understand the breakdown of the AWD system, the 4Hi/4Lo and the rear locker, so I think for my intended use the AWD would be my best bet.
3. Should I not sacrifice looks for utility?
I love the overall looks of the 3rd Gen. 4runner, and it's even better with nice wheel flares and the hood scoop (completely cosmetic, but sexy.) The biggest sticking point for me seems to the hood scoop and color keyed bumpers. I realize it's my decision, but should I get over the hood scoop and, to a lesser extent, the bumpers? This vehicle will, for the near future, be stock so I'm not looking to add a sport hood later or upgrade the bumpers, or (oh yeah I forgot, gotta be one of the two five-spoke designs) the wheels.
I'm sorry to hit you with a wall of text for a first post, but I think posting this has helped me iron out exactly what I'm looking for. I'd appreciate anyone's input or thoughts (good and bad, I can take it) on my future purchase or other things to think about that I may have overlooked. I was paying particular attention to a recent post about a summer beach vehicle and I loved all the info from that thread since I feel I have a similar need.
Ultimately, here is what I'm thinking.
1. I think I'm sold on a 4runner. It should be able to do everything I want it too and even more if I ever decide to venture off road to camp/fish.
2. As much as hurts me to give up on a 5-speed, I think the AWD system is the thing for me (unless a nice 5-speed SR5 Highlander falls from the sky.)
3. I think I'm going to hold tight on my "style" wishes. I can probably make it through this winter with the E30, so I don't NEED to buy a 4runner right now, but I'll have the money available now, should the right vehicle come my way. I'm not opposed to a fly-and-drive (I did that for my summer car) so that helps in my search.
Anyway, thanks for reading if you made it this far. There's quite a wealth of information on this forum and in links in the stickies about so thank you to everyone has contributed to this forum. It's nice to know there's a support community just a click away.
I almost forgot. I'm going to try to take a look at this vehicle.
Used | Cars Trucks Autos | Sport Utility Vehicle | 2002 4Runner SR5 Toyota | Private Party | Minneapolis – St Paul, Minnesota | Twin Cities Metro
It's at the extreme top-end of my budget but if it seems solid, I'm definitely interested. Miles don't scare me too much (235k on the E30) so is it worth it to pay more for a low mileage 4runner like this, or pay less for a bit more "experienced" T4R?
Thanks again all,
Tim
