Advice under $25k

[petron5000]

Just for the fact that you want a functional 3rd row, I would steer you away from the 4runner unless you plan on your kids never being taller than about 5 feet. The 3rd row in the 4runner is nothing more than an afterthought to make it appealing across a broader consumer market.

My suggestion would be a Sequoia, Land Cruiser, or GX. A Lexus LX may also be a feasible choice since those don't have the same cult following as the Land Cruiser. Obviously, look for vehicles that don't come from salt states. I noticed you're in TN, so I'd advise looking in Atlanta since their used luxury car market is typically the lowest priced within hundreds of miles.

Thanks. Does the GX have the same 3rd row as the 4R?

 

[jagsr71]

My previous vehicle was a GX470. When not in use, they fold up along the rear pillars and are secured by an adjustable strap. Although you'd think they'd obstruct the rear view. They don't.

<a href="https://imgur.com/Bkb7mBF"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Bkb7mBF.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

I couldn't tell you how the 4Runner 3rd row seats function. I believe they fold down into the floor. Perhaps someone else could chime in on that one.

 

[Xtremluck]

Background

Have a 3rd gen with 220k and a Camry Hybrid and I've decided to sell them and get a single vehicle. $25,000 budget

7-mile commute during the week and we have a 150-acre farm that we go to on the weekends 60 miles away.

Vehicle will do some off-road but on my property, not recreationally.

Landed on a 5th gen or GX460, but prefer the rear roll-down window. Have driven both.

Prices seem to be all over the place and high (damn resale value). I have a TN dealer license through a friend so I do have Manheim access and can ride on dealer tags, meaning I can get in and out of cars quickly.

Requirements

• 3rd row--have 3 kids (14, 10, 6)
• 4wd
• No rust

Preferences

• Non-white, black, silver colors--I like strange colors.
• Leather (personal preference)
• Heated Seats
• Not crazy mods.
• 4runner rear window.

Things I don't care about

• Navigation
• Rear entertainment (I don't believe in screens in the car).

So, if you were in my boat what would you do?

Would you worry about mileage?

Would you just buy the newest Limited or GX460 you could find within budget?

For your stated use case the 5th gen 4runner/GX460 are probably a couple of the worst options out there. Both drive pretty poorly on pavement, are inefficient, have archaic technology and the 3rd rows are useless for anyone older than 6.

Have you looked at the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot or Subaru Ascent?

 

[salong53]

Thanks. Does the GX have the same 3rd row as the 4R?

Yes, it's more or less identical. The one difference is that the GX460 might have a little more headroom.

 

[tristero]

Not knocking the GX, because it's worth looking at, but my 4R has FT4WD and ventilated seats. It only lacks the V8 and the barn door.

forgot to add the barn door under cons

 

[cherplex]

Wow this is my first post I think ha ha. Long time lurker but I'm in similar boat. Looking to get into a 5th Gen. I don't have 3rd row requirement, truck won't be daily driven I've been looking at GX460 options too my budget is probably closer to $30K.

 

[Toffees]

Just for the fact that you want a functional 3rd row, I would steer you away from the 4runner unless you plan on your kids never being taller than about 5 feet. The 3rd row in the 4runner is nothing more than an afterthought to make it appealing across a broader consumer market.

My suggestion would be a Sequoia, Land Cruiser, or GX. A Lexus LX may also be a feasible choice since those don't have the same cult following as the Land Cruiser. Obviously, look for vehicles that don't come from salt states. I noticed you're in TN, so I'd advise looking in Atlanta since their used luxury car market is typically the lowest priced within hundreds of miles.

To each their own, but I have a crew of 11, 9, 5, 2 (and a loaner 3), and the third row works for the older kids (although they don't like being there together if it can be helped.)

For someone with a 14 (who may be driving soon, or at least may have friends who drive) and a 10 and a 6, it's not a terrible choice unless your kids are all offensive lineman (in which case, you probably are as well, and you're looking for a GM product).

LX is a good idea, but not sure what OP will find for $25k however.

 

[Toffees]

My previous vehicle was a GX470. When not in use, they fold up along the rear pillars and are secured by an adjustable strap. Although you'd think they'd obstruct the rear view. They don't.

<a href="https://imgur.com/pafQMVV"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/pafQMVV.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>

I couldn't tell you how the 4Runner 3rd row seats function. I believe they fold down into the floor. Perhaps someone else could chime in on that one.

Third row seats collapse to the floor and the backs fold over to make a flat (but raised compared to non-3rd row) floor for storage behind the 2nd row

 

[Rob71]

No White is your first mistake. 70% of used 4runners are white. cool people buy white:yo:

 

[petron5000]

No White is your first mistake. 70% of used 4runners are white. cool people buy white:yo:

I've noticed. Where did Green and Blue go? I've owned a Rising Blue VW and currently have an old Rosewood Metallic 911 Targa.