4Runner vs. Tahoe

[volrus7]

Guys I probably know what kind of responses I may get here but I seriously would like to to hear from some of you who considered these two vehicles at one time or another. I always had my eye on a newer model Tahoe because I LOVE the look of them but then I realized there was no way I could pursue a $55k to $60k vehicle regardless of how much they may actually sell it to me under MSRP or invoice (I would want an LTZ which is the Toyota equivalent to a Limited).

Anyway, I have an opportunity to buy a 2008 model LTZ from one of my buddies for about $26k. It has 60k miles and has practically every option you can get on it. Now, I need someone to convince me that I shouldn't buy this Tahoe and should instead spend $35k to $40k on a new 4runner.

Obviously I'm going to get the "it's a Chevy" comments, but I need more than that because right now I'm thinking I can get this Tahoe which has been my first choice historically from someone who has already taken a huge hit on the value vs. me taking the entire hit on a new 4runner. Also, the Tahoe is bigger, has a V8, and actually get's about the same gas mileage. Can someone pull me off the ledge here? I want to choose the 4runner but the Tahoe just seems to make too much sense right now. Thanks guys!

 

[desertice]

Guys I probably know what kind of responses I may get here but I seriously would like to to hear from some of you who considered these two vehicles at one time or another. I always had my eye on a newer model Tahoe because I LOVE the look of them but then I realized there was no way I could pursue a $55k to $60k vehicle regardless of how much they may actually sell it to me under MSRP or invoice (I would want an LTZ which is the Toyota equivalent to a Limited).

Anyway, I have an opportunity to buy a 2008 model LTZ from one of my buddies for about $26k. It has 60k miles and has practically every option you can get on it. Now, I need someone to convince me that I shouldn't buy this Tahoe and should instead spend $35k to $40k on a new 4runner.

Obviously I'm going to get the "it's a Chevy" comments, but I need more than that because right now I'm thinking I can get this Tahoe which has been my first choice historically from someone who has already taken a huge hit on the value vs. me taking the entire hit on a new 4runner. Also, the Tahoe is bigger, has a V8, and actually get's about the same gas mileage. Can someone pull me off the ledge here? I want to choose the 4runner but the Tahoe just seems to make too much sense right now. Thanks guys!

hey man!!! Get what you like and feel comfortable with. both are nice and robust suv's. personally i chose the 4runner over everything else and i have NO regrets at all. I love it...... the only advice i can give you is that be very careful before spending 26k on a car that is 3 years old and has 60k miles !!!! if the choice was between a new Tahoo and a new 4runner,,,, then you can simply choose the one you like more,,,, however this is not the case..... if I were you i will not go for a car that has 60k miles...... especially if compared to a perfect 4runner. also bare in mind that a well-equipped SR5 4 runner is as low as 31 or 32 k which ois only 5k more than the Tahoo with 60K

 

[eskimochaos]

How long do you plan on keeping it? That's what I would be worried about. They are completely different too - the Tahoe is much more comfortable inside I think. Its also much larger.

 

[Scuba6]

Guys I probably know what kind of responses I may get here but I seriously would like to to hear from some of you who considered these two vehicles at one time or another. I always had my eye on a newer model Tahoe because I LOVE the look of them but then I realized there was no way I could pursue a $55k to $60k vehicle regardless of how much they may actually sell it to me under MSRP or invoice (I would want an LTZ which is the Toyota equivalent to a Limited).

I just traded in my 1999 Tahoe which I've driven for 12 years and bought a 2011 T4R Limited. I also strongly considered the new Tahoe and will miss my old one. That said, I couldn't drop the $49K for the truck I priced out.

They're undoubtedly both great trucks and you'll probably be happy either way. I do miss the extra room I had in my Tahoe, but will get used to the 4R in time (only had it a few days).

Like the previous poster, my only thoughts would be on how the truck is running after 60K in 3 years. Are any extended warranties still in place? I also don't know what a "fair" price is for a vehicle of that age / mileage, but I'm sure you're doing your research on that end.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[volrus7]

Thanks for your input. I realize I could spend less on a new 4runner to get in the low $30ks but I would want leather for sure. I do know for sure that the 60k miles pretty much break down as 70% highway and interstate and 30% city. I also know it has never been off road. It was used to pull a boat a few times each summer. So, I'm not worried about the type of miles, but am a little worried about electrical and other types of issues that wouldn't be covered by the 100k powertrain warranty.

 

[desertice]

How long do you plan on keeping it? That's what I would be worried about. They are completely different too - the Tahoe is much more comfortable inside I think. Its also much larger.

i plan to keep my 4runner for 10 years. and yes, i agree with you the Tahoo is larger... is "large" is what you are looking for???? i have 3 kids and my wife and we all fit comfortably in the 4runner ... (i have third row).. The Tahoo is a good truck, however the problem with the Tahoo you are considering is that it is 3 years old and has 60k miles on it. trust me you will start having troubles with this car sooner that you imagine.... Typically these cars starts needing repair around 60K miles.....

 

[volrus7]

Oh yeah, I plan to keep it until about 150k miles which from what I've seen is very achievable with the Tahoe (definitely a reality with the 4runner).

Basically, I really like the looks of the 4runner but I LOVE the looks of the Tahoe and the interior is so lush. BUT (and it's a big but), I worry about the reliability of the Tahoe. I don't know what to do.

 

[eskimochaos]

Oh yeah, I plan to keep it until about 150k miles which from what I've seen is very achievable with the Tahoe (definitely a reality with the 4runner).

Basically, I really like the looks of the 4runner but I LOVE the looks of the Tahoe and the interior is so lush. BUT (and it's a big but), I worry about the reliability of the Tahoe. I don't know what to do.

What do you plan on doing with it? Mall cruiser, highway queen etc etc. Do you have any other cars?

 

[desertice]

Oh yeah, I plan to keep it until about 150k miles which from what I've seen is very achievable with the Tahoe (definitely a reality with the 4runner).

Basically, I really like the looks of the 4runner but I LOVE the looks of the Tahoe and the interior is so lush. BUT (and it's a big but), I worry about the reliability of the Tahoe. I don't know what to do.

my final advice: dont spend 26k for a 3-year old car that has 60k miles on it.... even if it is the best car in the world. do your debate between a new 4runner and a new Tahoe..... if you like the Tahoe more and can afford it.... go for it, it is a nice truck!!!! but it has to be NEW !!!!!! this is the magic word : NEW NEW NEW

 

[westwind77]

I went back and forth between the 4R, Tahoe, & Yukon. Honestly price was the main factor that brought me to the 4R, it was too much to swing the others with what I wanted in them. As someone already posted, all depends what you are going to be doing with your new 'ride' & how many people you need to haul around on a daily basis. If you are hauling over a 5k trailer, well then, you know the 4R is not for you. I went back and forth because of the lack of v8 in the new 4R but I am more than pleased with the new v6! My brother has an 01' Yukon, 200k on it, a couple minor repairs but that is it, going strong.

If you are going to be hitting the trails hard I would go for the 4R. If you are going to be hauling heavy trailers or loading tons of people and items into your 'ride' then I would vote for the Tahoe. To help you out the best we would need to know what you plan to be doing on a daily basis and any special things/places you would like it to handle.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

A Sequoia is closer to the size of a Tahoe. The 4runner is a smaller vehicle. The dealer here has a lot of 2010s left over. You may be able to get a good deal on a new 2010.

 

[volrus7]

my final advice: dont spend 26k for a 3-year old car that has 60k miles on it.... even if it is the best car in the world. do your debate between a new 4runner and a new Tahoe..... if you like the Tahoe more and can afford it.... go for it, it is a nice truck!!!! but it has to be NEW !!!!!! this is the magic word : NEW NEW NEW

You say NEW NEW NEW but doesn't every financial advisor out there tell you USED USED USED is the way to go? The problem is I CAN'T afford a $50k vehicle but I would love to have a Tahoe LTZ.

 

[volrus7]

A Sequoia is closer to the size of a Tahoe. The 4runner is a smaller vehicle. The dealer here has a lot of 2010s left over. You may be able to get a good deal on a new 2010.

Problem is they are stopping production of Sequoia...at least that's what I heard. Also, the Sequoia costs as much as a 4runner and they hold their value better which means I can't get into one as cheap as the Tahoe.

 

[volrus7]

So here's some more information that will help you all help me.

I plan to use it as a daily driver to and from work and for an occasional 300 mile work trip. My work commute is 70% interstate. The only off roading I will be doing is off the path to get to the occasional pond to fish. I only need to tow a small landscaping trailer a few times per year. No hardcore off road. We get a decent snow fall about 3 times per year when I feel more comfortable in a 4x4. I have two kids (4 and newborn) so I don't need a third row necessarily. Our other car is a 2009 Toyota Sienna Limited and is the family hauler and vacationer. I had an Infiniti QX4 that I loved but I traded it in with 140k miles on a 2010 Ford Fusion Sport (fun to drive and a great car 25k miles in). The QX was a little too small. I miss the functionality of an SUV so I want another one. The ideal vehicle would possibly be a Highlander but I don't like the looks. As for looks, it's down to the 4runner and the Tahoe. Hope this helps with the "diagnosis". Thanks everyone!

 

[volrus7]

I guess making a table would help with "reasons for 4R" and "reasons for Tahoe" in two separate columns and organize them by their importance to you.

FWIW, I'm always a little wary of purchasing used vehicles because reliability is really important to me: too many of my friends have had bad experiences with vehicle maintenance with American car manufacturers and used vehicles.

You're probably thinking about it in the context of what's best for you, but also keep in mind that you may be wanting to buy the Tahoe because it's your friend selling you the car. Irrespective of price, you may want to buy from your friend to create a win-win situation for both you and your friend (as it seems your friend is trying to sell the Tahoe), though this win-win may not necessarily giving you maximum utility in your purchasing decision.

Keep in mind that you can also always make more money and buy another car in the future...

I understand what you're saying but it being my friend really doesn't play into this at all. I'm still going to try and get the best deal I can get from him just like I would from a dealer. I'm looking at buying his because I know how he is about maintaining his vehicles and I know what type of driving he has done in it. This thing was washed every week and waxed once a month and he has done every scheduled maintenance and has the records to prove it.

 

[larrylegend]

If I were making the purchase I would buy the best car for the money that I was going to spend. If you want to save even more money I am sure you could find a slightly used 4 runner. I would not really want to buy a vehicle with 60k miles on it for that much money.

 

[Ryan F.]

I believe that the purchase of a vehicle is a purchase of passion. We all spend way too much for what we drive, but because we love what we drive, we take the hit, and have fun. You, my friend, want the Tahoe, but your common sense tells you to buy the 4 Runner. Now, while I would recommend a 4 Runner based on my passion, I have to say that you should just get the Tahoe. To hell with common sense--drive what you love!

 

[TOYSTRY]

Outside of towing capacity, V8 and appearance (opinions vary) I see no reason to get a Tahoe. Those three things were the things I really like about the Tahoe that the 4Runner didn't have.

No V8, sucky towing capacity and underpowered V6 in the 5th Gen 4Runner.....however the other features the 4Runner did have were the reason I got one. I'm hoping that they offer a Supercharger in the near future, only time will tell.

 

[gm350reratliff]

As far as the V6 in the 4runner vs. V8 in the tahoe debate goes, I own a 2008 SR5 4x4 V6 and a 2004 chevy silverado Z71 ext. cab with the 5.3 V8 (like the tahoe would have). The 4runner may not be rated to tow as much but will hands down spank that chevy pickup. In fact it has even beat an esclade-rated 100hp more, by a few car lengths [closed course, pro driver ]. Not that street racing a stock(engine wise) 4runner is anything you would do but it can do that while getting way better mpg's. The wife and I went back and forth on the tahoe vs. 4runner thing back in 2008. We chose the 4runner for reliablity, size, mpg's, aftermarket support, and for the fact that the ponitac G6 GTP that the 4runner replaced was really falling apart after only 50k miles. Not only that but the dealer service network seemed like they either had no idea how to fix what was wrong or they made an excuse for everything. It was somewhat the same for my silverado when it came time for warrenty fixes. I guess you could say that I'm a little old-school in that I prefer some of the unrefinedness that the 4runner has vs. other vehicles on the market. Some things to look out for on the tahoe is the transmissions are weak, t-case sensors commonly go out, rear axle is weak, and the fuel pump is another issue. The 5.3 is generally good but the multiple cyclinder displacement brought some of its own issues. All that and the wood on the dash just doesn't look good to me. Drive them both. Pick the one that best suits you and your family.

 

[tumbler180]

So here's some more information that will help you all help me.

I plan to use it as a daily driver to and from work and for an occasional 300 mile work trip. My work commute is 70% interstate. The only off roading I will be doing is off the path to get to the occasional pond to fish. I only need to tow a small landscaping trailer a few times per year. No hardcore off road. We get a decent snow fall about 3 times per year when I feel more comfortable in a 4x4. I have two kids (4 and newborn) so I don't need a third row necessarily. Our other car is a 2009 Toyota Sienna Limited and is the family hauler and vacationer. I had an Infiniti QX4 that I loved but I traded it in with 140k miles on a 2010 Ford Fusion Sport (fun to drive and a great car 25k miles in). The QX was a little too small. I miss the functionality of an SUV so I want another one. The ideal vehicle would possibly be a Highlander but I don't like the looks. As for looks, it's down to the 4runner and the Tahoe. Hope this helps with the "diagnosis". Thanks everyone!

Wow, sounds like you're in a somewhat similar situation to me last year. Well except for the wife/kids. I mainly commute, occasionally take winter trips to Tahoe, and rarely tow. I used to drive a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder, and was planning to get a used Tahoe LTZ until the 5th gen T4R was introduced. I decided to go with the 4Runner because I really didn't need a truck as big as the Tahoe, and a little over a year ago, a loaded used Tahoe was gonna run me $30k or so. Additionally, I find the 4Runner interior to be noticeably larger compared to the Pathfinder. So in the end, I decided that a new 4Runner made more sense for me than a used Tahoe at about $30k, and I've been completely happy. If I coulda gotten the Tahoe for $25k, it might have been a tougher decision at the time, but even if that were the situation, I would still be totally happy with my T4R today. Good luck, either way you're gonna have a cool truck.

Oh, if I was making the decision now, I would also check out the new Grand Cherokee. In the end, I'm not sure if I'd be able to get past my prior experiences with poor Jeep reliability, though.