Buying Question - 06 LTD 4x4 or 07 Sport 4x4

[skybum02]

I've been lurking for a while since I'm thinking about buying a 4Runner for a while now and wanted to see different mods and what folks are going to theirs.

Now it is time to make the big purchase.

I have two Toyota Dealer CPOs that I have found that seem like a good deal. I have looked on Craigslist and Autotrader for local "non-dealer" better prices but haven't found anything worthwhile.

The first 4Runner that I found is an 06 LTD 4x4 with 51k miles offered at $24. Clean carfax as a prior lease. New tires.

The other is a 07 Sport 4x4 with leather 31k miles offers at $23k-24k. Clean carfax. Needs new tires IMHO. Prior lease.

The pros for the 06 LTD are the JBL stereo that I can add Sirus Sat Radio to and it has F&R side curtain airbags. One of the reasons I'm getting rid of my old Blazer is for better safety ratings in the 4Runner. So the side curtain airbag is a bonus. The Sport doesn't have the side curtain airbags.

The biggest con to the LTD is the higher mileage and one year older.

I like the color of both.

The prices of both are about or less than the Edmunds TMV.

I'm open to all comments and opinions since you all are the pros on all things 4Runners.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Nuke]

Neither of those are high mileage. Expect an easy 200,000 miles with little to no NON-PM.

Both prices are a bit high as would be expected from a dealer. You should be able to haggle either one down about $2000 - $3000. I bought a new leftover '08 Sport V6 in November '08, stickered at ~$35,600 and I paid $30,000 and change out the door.

 

[T4RVA]

I'm assuming both are either V6 or V8... I recently purchased 06 Limited 4WD w/ 42K miles for $23K. So, you should be able to negotiate $2K to $3K off of the asking price.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one. I liked the 06 Limited for the stereo system, heated seats (my wife, mostly), and 18" wheels. Does the 08 Sport have same color grill as the rest of the car? I know the Limited does...

Good luck.

 

[M1911]

When I bought my 03 limited, side curtain air bags were non-negotiable. I want side curtain air bags in a top-heavy vehicle. YMMV.

 

[majmattmason]

This is why I insisted on side airbags in our 2008 4Runner. See this thread about half-way down for photos. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/28857-do-you-roll-your-window-down-2.html

 

[chaz]

a couple other things to consider, do you want/need x-reas , does the ltd have rear air suspension, hows the hood scoop look to ya, v6 or v8 w/ FT 4wd, etc.

 

[Trendari]

Get the limited, the mileage is only just getting broken in so you will be fine.

I don't believe the Sport's after market leather seats will be heated versus the Limited's standard heated leather seats...so they may be cold in the mornings for ya on the Sport.

 

[imdav2u]

I live in the St. Louis area,a little over a month ago,I purchased a 1 owner 4x4 Limited V-6 in near perfect condition with 51k for $17,800.Keep shopping or look at other areas of the country where they might be cheaper.

 

[skybum02]

a couple other things to consider, do you want/need x-reas , does the ltd have rear air suspension, hows the hood scoop look to ya, v6 or v8 w/ FT 4wd, etc.

I like the hood scoop it isn't too bad. But the idea of the Faux look is silly sometimes.

 

[skybum02]

When I bought my 03 limited, side curtain air bags were non-negotiable. I want side curtain air bags in a top-heavy vehicle. YMMV.

Yes I agree I did some research about side curtain air bags and they seem like they add about 50% more protection (what ever that is implied to mean) in a side impact or a roll over. My girlfriend was involved in a SUV highway speed roll over accident and was very lucky to walk away w/o a scratch! I'll see if I can find some picts and post those some place.

 

[skybum02]

Well I wish I was posting picts of the 4Runner LTD that I was going to buy. I have some bad news. I drove 2.5 hrs to look at the 4Runner LTD the dealer said had the side curtain airbags. Well to my dismay as soon as I stuck my head in the cabin and looked for the "name" plate with the Side Curtain SRS info it was blank. No tag on the seat either. I then asked the dealer to ensure the particular T4R has the side curating airbags he insisted it did. I was 98% certain that it did not and even looked at a sport (2x4) that he had on the lot and it did have the side curtain "logos plates" I pointed that out to them and they still wasted my time. I'm glad my girlfriend said stick to my guns and don't compromise on buying w/o the side airbags. It was a sweet ride tho, oh well... I'll keep looking.

 

[Uneek]

Definitely get the side and curtain airbags. Your GF is right about the improved safety with the additional airbags. On my '04 Camry it's marginal for side impact without and excellent with them.

 

[J.A.]

This is why I insisted on side airbags in our 2008 4Runner. See this thread about half-way down for photos. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/28857-do-you-roll-your-window-down-2.html

:bash: For 2008 Side and Curtain Airbags become standard equipment on all models.

 

[majmattmason]

:bash: For 2008 Side and Curtain Airbags become standard equipment on all models.

If you noticed in the previous thread, I had ordered a 2007 that never arrived due to a blatant, lying salesman about an order being placed by the dealership. So, I wound up ordering an '08 from Milton Martin in Gainesville, GA. Truck saga wound up spanning 2007/2008 before it actually arrived from Japan.