Sporin
New member
After shopping CRV, RAV4, and Forester, we liked the CRV best but the price was outrageous IMO for the little 'ute.
I'd been watching online used inventories for a good 4runner and on my way back from the NEA meeting today I took a litle sidetrip to check this one out in person. A 2006 SR5 V8, 45k miles.
Did some research ahead of time and knew what to look for (prop shaft clunk, seat rattle) and this truck had neither. I was leery of headroom but, while it's no where near as huge as the Accord it's adequate. Plenty of hip, shoulder and elbow room for my big body, tons of legroom for the boy behind me.
I really hadn't planned to buy anything today, but the drive sealed it, shopping at the end of the month didn't hurt the deal either I suspect. The 4.7 V8 is silky smooth and powerful. The 5-spd auto shifts smoothly. The whole truck was tight and rattle free. Interior and exterior look near-new. Near new set of tires (Cooper Discoverer ATR) and brake pads.
I couldn't pass it up. Got a solid deal, decent trade in on my Accord, and added a 3/36 b2b ($50 deductible) for piece of mind and brought it home. We were out of warranty on our Accord.
Son was ecstatic. Wife seemed happy that the costs were reasonable.
It's so much more vehicle then the Accord for a very minor monthly cost uptick.
Biggest change will be the gas mileage... the computer says I averaged 19.7 on the way home and I'm hopeful I can keep my average in that area. The V8 turns about 1200 rpm in around town driving.
That's not too far off the 24-26 average my friends get in their CRV. I average 27-29 in the Accord.
Sorry for the low-light iPhone photos:
From the dealer's site:
Some nice features, good stereo with Aux plug & steering wheel controls, moonroof, the slide-down rear window which I LOVE for the dogs (both my 85 4Runners had this as well).
Readout for Average speed, MPG, and miles to fill up. Outside temp gauge. Auto climate control.
Full time 4WD, with low range and center diff lock as well has hill decent control. Full tow package.
Good sales experience at Toyota of Keene. The only upsell offered was the warranty and it was something I was interested in anyway. The V8 truck was priced below the V6's by thousands... maybe a harder sell? Who knows... win-win for me. The MPG difference is minor.
So now we are a 2 Toyota Truck family. The Land Cruiser will take offroad duty, the 4Runner will do everything else.
I'd been watching online used inventories for a good 4runner and on my way back from the NEA meeting today I took a litle sidetrip to check this one out in person. A 2006 SR5 V8, 45k miles.
Did some research ahead of time and knew what to look for (prop shaft clunk, seat rattle) and this truck had neither. I was leery of headroom but, while it's no where near as huge as the Accord it's adequate. Plenty of hip, shoulder and elbow room for my big body, tons of legroom for the boy behind me.
I really hadn't planned to buy anything today, but the drive sealed it, shopping at the end of the month didn't hurt the deal either I suspect. The 4.7 V8 is silky smooth and powerful. The 5-spd auto shifts smoothly. The whole truck was tight and rattle free. Interior and exterior look near-new. Near new set of tires (Cooper Discoverer ATR) and brake pads.
I couldn't pass it up. Got a solid deal, decent trade in on my Accord, and added a 3/36 b2b ($50 deductible) for piece of mind and brought it home. We were out of warranty on our Accord.
Son was ecstatic. Wife seemed happy that the costs were reasonable.
It's so much more vehicle then the Accord for a very minor monthly cost uptick.Biggest change will be the gas mileage... the computer says I averaged 19.7 on the way home and I'm hopeful I can keep my average in that area. The V8 turns about 1200 rpm in around town driving.
That's not too far off the 24-26 average my friends get in their CRV. I average 27-29 in the Accord.Sorry for the low-light iPhone photos:
From the dealer's site:
Some nice features, good stereo with Aux plug & steering wheel controls, moonroof, the slide-down rear window which I LOVE for the dogs (both my 85 4Runners had this as well).
Readout for Average speed, MPG, and miles to fill up. Outside temp gauge. Auto climate control.
Full time 4WD, with low range and center diff lock as well has hill decent control. Full tow package.
Good sales experience at Toyota of Keene. The only upsell offered was the warranty and it was something I was interested in anyway. The V8 truck was priced below the V6's by thousands... maybe a harder sell? Who knows... win-win for me. The MPG difference is minor.
So now we are a 2 Toyota Truck family. The Land Cruiser will take offroad duty, the 4Runner will do everything else.
She misses the manual transmission but she'll adjust.
