4Runner vs. Tahoe

[ladywolf]

I too debated between chevy and toyota. We absolutely love our 08 duramax. However, having my t4r instead of a tahoe I'm more than happy and pleased about. It fits better into our lifestyle, and I haven't had any worries out of the typical chevy gremlins that came out in 08. 3 years and 60k isnt terribly horrible. Honestly, I chose the 4runner because toyota service is awesome. I hate dealing with chevy dealerships, whether it be service or sales. If all you plan on doing is city driving and whatnot, seriously think of size and turning radius. The chevy will turn like a tank, and it sucks to park it in crowded lots. the t4r has a nice tight radius, and fits better in those skinny parking spots. I've towed 500 miles with a trailer and probably about 1000 lbs on it. the t4r still averaged 18-20mpg.

I too love chevy ltz vehicles....but I sure as hell cant afford a 60k gasser truck when a 38k limited has basically all the same features and whizbangs and doodads.

 

[4Robber]

The Tahoes are sweet but I'd have trouble buying one w/ 60K mi.

 

[dekeman]

This is pretty simple: You like the Tahoe. You can save at least $10k getting something you like?

Tahoe it is!

They're not terribly unreliable, they're comfy, and with kids around, something a little broken in is a lot easier to live with as you don't want to be fretting about the truck every time the kids get near it.

Save yourself some money, buy yourself some peace of mind, then when the wee ones are older, buy the next gen 4Runner when it comes out (hopefully, it will have a turbo V6 to make up for lack of V8).
How about a pic of the LTZ?

 

[charlier180]

If the original poster has not already done so I suggest that he visit some of the Tahoe forums. There he will find the good, the bad and the ugly information about the Tahoe. Some of my coworkers own Tahoes. Trust me, they do have their good, bad and ugly points just like most vehicles do.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Tough call.

Both are nice vehicles. 4runner has more offroad ability than the Tahoe, but you said you probably wouldn't use that.

Chevy's V8's are pretty nice. Especially compared to the 4runners V6.

Go with whatever you feel is best. I think you would be fine with either.

We have a Suburban with 110,000 on it and haven't had to do anything to it.

 

[CApilot78]

Tahoe vs 4runner - same situation as me

I was in the EXACT same boat last month.

I wanted a used Tahoe. I was looking at a 2007 or 2008 Z41 4x4 Tahoe. In 2009, Chevy put a a 3.42 rear end in and a 6 speed tranny. After test driving the 2009, I decided I liked the 2009 MUCH better. So I started looking at a 2009. I found a couple used ones for low 30s (25k miles, etc).

Here is the issues I had and why I decided the 4runner - 1) Yes, the Tahoe does have the 4cylinder shut down on the hwy and gets "21mpg". I my test drive, this was true below 60mph. Above 60mph, it had to keep all 8 cylinders going and at 75mph (speed limit out west), I was getting 15mpg (my 4runner gets 17.3 at 75). 2) I have a 3000lb boat and a 1,200lb trailer. The 4runner does it just fine. The Tahoe would tow it better, but the 4runner was ok. 3) In city driving, the Tahoe DRINKS gas. The real world city with the Tahoe I drove was 12-13mpg. The SR5 and limited don't have all of the 4x4 bells and whistles the tahoe Z71 has (locking rear diff, Bilstein shocks, etc), but I can upgrade my 4runner for $2,000 with a great lift kit.

In the end, I went with a 4runner because it really does get better MPG, it tows what I need, it has 7 seats and I feel better taking the 4runner out in the mud, dirt, etc. I would have hesitation (and so would my wife) taking out the Tahoe in those conditions.

 

[Snooperstyle]

You COULD find a used 2010 t4r. I test drove a used one with 8k miles on it before I bought my new one, and that was back in July...so even if there are only a few...used ones will pop up, and you will have more on your warranty than you would with that Tahoe. If you get lucky you might even find one that has the maintenance package too. You should consider cost of ownership (including combined MPGs) over the time period you will own it, and not just price. Depends on if you have time to wait...

 

[forcefed]

I am debating the same exact vehicles at the moment (used Tahoe vs. new 4runner). So far the 4runner is winning

 

[Racerboy007]

My .02cents....

Ok. Let me try to understand what you are debating. I need to know that price is not the deciding factor for you. You can afford BOTH the Tahoe and the 4Runner with your options? Yes? Ok.
If that is the case really you aren't really comparing the same thing.

One you love the Tahoe - it looks good and stuff but realistically, it has 60K miles right? and maybe out of warranty so you are going to face issues on your own - that's pretty risky. I don't know if you have owned any other cars before or if you have ever purchased a new car before. In my opinion there is definitely something to be said for buying a new car and having the security of a warranty, also knowing every detail about the car and where it has been. I understand from reading prior posts that you kindof know the breakdown of the mileage on your friends car but you will never be 100%.
I have a friend that bought a GMC truck with almost the same mileage as yours that you are considering...he bought it used from a friend and to be honest when he first got it I thought - wow! But now after a few months I can honestly say that he regrets inheriting his friends car problems. The transmission isn't good, the breaks had to be done, the speedo is jumping and the electronics are shorting out...this is what he's dealing with and he only drives the car on weekends - has a company car.

Now, I am not saying that you must buy a 4Runner - I don't care what you buy. You are asking for an opinion. I would say that the safe bet is to always to choose a new vehicle rather than a used one (especially high mileage) 9 times out of 10. My opinion.

If it's an issue where you like the looks of the Tahoe over the 4Runner nobody is going to convince you out of buy one over the other. Buy what you like - the car has to hit you in the face and you have to say DAMM and ask for seconds. That's the way it was for me...I looked at all different kind of cars in this category and it was the 4Runner that did it for me and that's why I bought one.

Good luck to you and hope that you will be able to make a decision.

Final thought, I would rather buy a car and know it's problems and issues - and deal with them and know that it was my own bad luck or fault. Hopefully, have a warranty to help out. Rather that inheriting other peoples issues and have to deal with it on my own and prolly at the worst possible times. Rather the devil you know than the one you don't or something like that....oh well rambling now.

 

[volrus7]

Ok. Let me try to understand what you are debating. I need to know that price is not the deciding factor for you. You can afford BOTH the Tahoe and the 4Runner with your options? Yes? Ok.
If that is the case really you aren't really comparing the same thing.

One you love the Tahoe - it looks good and stuff but realistically, it has 60K miles right? and maybe out of warranty so you are going to face issues on your own - that's pretty risky. I don't know if you have owned any other cars before or if you have ever purchased a new car before. In my opinion there is definitely something to be said for buying a new car and having the security of a warranty, also knowing every detail about the car and where it has been. I understand from reading prior posts that you kindof know the breakdown of the mileage on your friends car but you will never be 100%.
I have a friend that bought a GMC truck with almost the same mileage as yours that you are considering...he bought it used from a friend and to be honest when he first got it I thought - wow! But now after a few months I can honestly say that he regrets inheriting his friends car problems. The transmission isn't good, the breaks had to be done, the speedo is jumping and the electronics are shorting out...this is what he's dealing with and he only drives the car on weekends - has a company car.

Now, I am not saying that you must buy a 4Runner - I don't care what you buy. You are asking for an opinion. I would say that the safe bet is to always to choose a new vehicle rather than a used one (especially high mileage) 9 times out of 10. My opinion.

If it's an issue where you like the looks of the Tahoe over the 4Runner nobody is going to convince you out of buy one over the other. Buy what you like - the car has to hit you in the face and you have to say DAMM and ask for seconds. That's the way it was for me...I looked at all different kind of cars in this category and it was the 4Runner that did it for me and that's why I bought one.

Good luck to you and hope that you will be able to make a decision.

Final thought, I would rather buy a car and know it's problems and issues - and deal with them and know that it was my own bad luck or fault. Hopefully, have a warranty to help out. Rather that inheriting other peoples issues and have to deal with it on my own and prolly at the worst possible times. Rather the devil you know than the one you don't or something like that....oh well rambling now.

You are correct that I CAN afford both, but I'd rather have the lowest car payment for a car that I really like...you know, get what you like for the least amount of money.

Now, as for the problems and the peace of mind with a warranty, I totally get that. In fact, I've had both new and used cars (have a Ford Fusion that is a little over 1 year old now that I bought new). The problem is I've been lucky with used cars (Infiniti QX4) and unlucky with used cars (Volvo S80). The latter putting me over the edge to say I'd never buy used again, but I've since come around to the Dave Ramsey way of thinking in terms of depreciation.

If it weren't for the awesome looks of the Tahoe, the plush interior, and the size, this would be a no-brainer, I'd buy the 4runner for reliability and resale value. I guess what I'm saying is the 4runner is the smart choice (other than taking the new car depreciation hit) but the Tahoe is what I really want.

Why can't they make a Cheyota Tarunner that has the looks and size of the Tahoe and the reliability of the Toyota!

 

[4RFan]

30K for a truck with 60,000 miles would be too much for me - especially when you consider the medicore reliability of the Chevy. (Check out some of the Tahoo and GM Truck forums and you will see what I mean - specifically oil leaks).

Now, I understand you love the looks of the Tahoo and you would be OK with the size. In that case, I would suggest you look at one of the less expensive Tahoo trims in a new 2011. You can always add leather, rims, and many other gadgets as you go, but at least you will be starting with a NEW vehicle with full factory bumber-to-bumper warranty. With the rebates, below invoice purchasing, and good financing deals, you probably could get into something really nice and not much more than a 4Runner.

Make sure you take the time to really think it through, check other forums, and I would say that sometimes it is worth spending a little more up front if you will enjoy it more and save in repairs down the road.

 

[philsey]

Regardless of the brand, and your perceived or hopeful condition of it, personally I could not bring myself to spend $30k on any vehicle with 60k on it. 15k? 20k? 25k? .... maybe .... but jeez man, 60k is about where problems (even small ones) start.

You're going to finance right? Have you checked the different loan rates on used vs new? Have you considered how really badly upside down you'll be in a year on the used one? .02

 

[4 Runner]

i'd say pass on the tahoe...the 2007-2008 models have a ****ty 4 speed transmission. chevy realized this and in 2009 they started putting in the much nicer/reliable 6 speed transmission. i'd say go for it if it was the 2009 6 speed auto, but from what i have read, the 4 speeds become trash after a while.

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

Here is one thing to consider when do you have to do all your drivetrain maintenance on the Tahoe? I did mine on my old 4runner at about 60k I did engine oil tranfer case both diffs and anitfreeze and brake it cost me damn near 1k to get all this done. I am not sure what chevy recomends but I would not want to buy a vehicle and dump a ton of money into it for maintenance right away. But on another note a friend of mine had an 03 Tahoe with a mild lift and 33's did great offroad gas mileage sucked lol was a good vehicle until the trans went out at 115k but no real problems with it in the 3 years he owned it. Hope this helps

 

[moonpath]

I agree with everyone who has said that nearly $30 K for a vehicle with nearly 60,000 miles is too much. I also like chevys and own a 2005 chevy trailblazer with 104K on it. It runs well and has not had many problems other than normal wear and tear. No transmission or engine problems with it. However, given the good looks, reliability, and comfortableness of my new 4tr, I would not spend almost the same amount on a vehicle that has 3 years of solid use on it. I do not think the Tahoe is a good deal financially - even though it is loaded.

But, I also agree that you should get the vehicle you have the most passion for. If you do not, you will always be second guessing yourself on whether you are driving something you really like. Best wishes on your choice.

PS: One other option is to do a search for a chevy certified vehicle, ie., a 2009 that you might pick up for not much more yet with many fewer miles that still has some warranty left.

 

[volrus7]

I must say, I am very impressed by all of you on here. You have all given me some excellent points and excellent feedback to an issue I'm still struggling with. To be honest I half way expected to be ripped for even considering a Tahoe from such a devoted group of Toyota fans. Thank you all for your help on this topic. In the end I realize that if nothing else, I'm very lucky to even be considering which of these two vehicles I should buy. Thank you all for your help and I look forward to additional thoughts. I'm hoping to make a decision in the next week or two.

 

[TTown]

I vote for buying the 4Runner over the Tahoe mainly because of the 60k miles. I agree you should look at the maintenance schedule. The 60k service os probably pretty expensive. Check to see when the timing belt has to be replaced too. I'm guessing around 60k to 75k which is quite costly.

I am however a believer in getting what you want. If you really want the Tahoe, then here is my 2 cents:

Lower the price: I booked at Tahoe LTZ loaded with options including nav and it books for $26,100. If he were to trade it in to a dealer he would probably get 4 grand back of book or $22,000. Chevys are very soft on the market right now, being an SUV with high mileage is not so great as well, so this Tahoe has many strikes against it.

The good news is you should be able to take advantage of this since you are the buyer. If this is a good friend $22,500 is what he should sell it to you for. I would not pay over $23,000 for it. If it doesn't have nav I would knock off another $500. If you haven't already, book the Tahoe with the exact options so you have a more accurate number. Based on my experience the Fair market value is close to the cash price for a trade-in. You could even ask a dealer to see what they would give your friend if they sold it to the dealer without buying anything in return. Do your research on the 60k and 75k services. Use the prices of these in your negotiation. Remember when you buy this vehicle, you are taking on the risks, not your friend. And most importantly have the vehicle checked out. Find out what needs to be replaced like tires, brakes etc. Even though this is your friend and you know the miles doesn't mean the vehicle doesn't have problems.

 

[volrus7]

In looking at Tahoe's on the lot today one vehicle crossed my path that I hadn't thought about. Any thoughts on the Avalanche? I think they are stopping production after this model cycle but they seem to have the same interior as the Tahoe but with a limited functionality of a truck. Anybody have any experience with them?

 

[ladywolf]

they are not too bad depending on what you want to use them for. my coworkers loved theirs. its basically a chopped tahoe. it gives you a little bed space if you wanna haul something, some interior space if you dont, and the cover that goes over the bed if you want to keep something out of sight out of mind.