Considering a 4Runner

[bofa]

Hi all.. I know nothing about 4Runners but we are in the market for a new SUV. Just sold my 350Z and we are getting ready to sell the Xterra and I'm looking at the SR5 4WD among other vehicles.

To be honest, we were heavily leaning towards a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited but after I got the pricing down I realized we were in the neighborhood of a 4Runner I figured with the 4Runner I wouldn't have to listen to my wife ***** about a leaky roof, rusting hinges, death wobble, etc. :

So, as I've learned over the years, the best way to get the scoop on a vehicle is to visit the forums, and here I am! I'll be checking out the stickies/FAQs etc and if there's anything else that you think might help in my decision, please feel free to point me in that direction.

 

[Localmotion]

Heres my story:

My first car was a 1996 Toyota 4runner given to me by my father. I loved it very much and drove the piss out of it. I started to do mods in 2002 and eventually sold it in 2011. It had 252,000 miles on it and i drove the dogcrap out of it!

I bought a brand new 2008 Acura TL and also loved it. When I sold the 4runner back in 2011, I quickly missed it. In fact, I was on the search for a new 4runner in May 2011. Eventually, I found a 2012 that was perfect for me. I didn't need the options the Limited had, so I got a SR5 with the PT package. I got a great deal IMO and now have 130 miles on it....I did just buy it on Monday. I am having running boards put on because I don't plan on wheeling this one as I did my last one....just yet!

Hope that didn't bore you.

 

[bofa]

Nice! I won't do much wheeling except maybe the occasional trip to the beach (we have one close by where we can drive on it). I'm really having a hard time picking between 2WD and 4WD. I know 4WD will be better all around, but we just don't use it much here in FL. I still think I'll end up getting it though...

 

[Localmotion]

I went with the 4wd option because its nice to have, when you need it. I too, probably wont be doing any wheeling in my 4runner. I really loved it because of the handling and the ride. It is a 10000x improvement over the 3rd generation. I also am partial to Toyotas because of my past experience with them. I think for the money, it is the best buy. Also, down the road, if you decide that you need something else, the 4runner retains its value very well due to Toyotas market strategy.

 

[bofa]

Very true. I'm fond of the Toyota brand. About 10 years ago, the day before I was to get married, someone ran a red light in front of me when I was driving my 1 y/o Rav4 to work. I hit them at about 45 mph. I did a 180 in the intersection, ripped the tires off the wheels, broke the engine block in multiple places... was crazy. The Rav was totaled, I walked away with only a broken thumb due to my ninja grip on the steering wheel (I actually bent it). To top it off the other driver didn't have insurance or even a license. I was only 1 year into financing with no down payment, it had retained it's value enough that my insurance covered it without gap. I credit Toyota with helping me make it through that wreck both physically and financially.