Considering selling and moving to a sedan (Subaru WRX Limited) thoughts????

[alexb]

I've had this thought in my head the last several days and it just wont go away. I love my 4Runner, but with 99.99% of my driving lately just being around town and commuting to work, the spark when I get in to drive it just isn't there anymore. My car before this was a heavily modified 2008 Infiniti G37 and in the back of my mind I've always missed getting rid of it. Here's some of the reasons I've been thinking about.

1. Driving the 4Runner just isn't that fun anymore. Sure getting it off road is an amazing experience, but it's honestly been over a year since I've truly gotten it off the pavement.

2. Gas mileage. With my current setup I'm averaging about 14-14.5 MPG with mixed driving. The WRX (NON STI) EPA rates at 21-23 combined depending on if you get the CVT or 6MT. Real world reports are even higher.

2b. Using some online calculators I could save anywhere from $400-$700 a year in gas (this factors in running premium on the WRX).

2c. I could take off my 4Runner's lift, heavy tires, roof rack and all the other MPG killers, but then I think I'd be even more bored driving just a plain 4Runner like every other high school girl in this town.

3. I'm at 50K miles on the 4runner so my powertrain warranty will be up within probably 8-10 months. I know these are built like tanks and will last to 200K+ with no issues, but the thought of having a fresh warranty is always nice.

4. I need to research what I could realistically get for my 4Runner, but I think I could sell it as-is, or part it out, and get into the WRX I want for under a 5K difference. Maybe only 1-2K.

5. My wife has a Rav4 so we really have no need for 2 SUVs.

6. The 4Runner is sooooo slowwwww. But I've never expected it to be quick at anything.

So with that said, I would like to get some honest opinions. Would you do it? Should I look at other cars? I tried to like the Camry, but just can't come to like it. I've looked at Mazdas, Hondas, KIA, Hyundai/Genesis and there's just nothing from them that really excite me. The Subaru WRX has always been a favorite car of mine.

Looking forward to the responses

 

[RedSled]

If you truely think this will make you happy, DO IT. Life is short, live it.

 

[MissouriBreaks]

Sounds like you already made up your mind.

I understand the mpg concerns as my 4Runner even gets 1 to 2 mpg less than my FJ Cruiser did.

The lack of your 4Runner exciting you when you are driving it, sounds like a problem of it being your daily driver and you driving it too much.

Both my now gone FJ Cruiser and my 4Runner are not my daily driver. That is left to the 2009 Pontiac Vibe, which gets less exciting to drive as time goes on, but it gets 30 mpg +/-, which more than makes up for not driving the 4Runner all of the time. I might drive the 4Runner once or twice a week, with the longest trip typically being a Friday Night Fish Fry trip to a friend's bar about 40 miles round trip.

Sadly, neither the FJ Cruiser or 4Runner got/get much time off-road. There is just not a lot of off-road opportunities in the Chicago area. In fact, with nearly 2,000 miles on the 4Runner, the only off-road time has been on a lawn and that was not in 4WD as I would have had to fill in any ruts it made.

That being said, I did not buy the 4Runner only for its off-roading capabilities. I bought it because it was what I wanted.

It sounds like you want something different and I do not think that any of our replies are going to change that fact. It might delay it, but over the long-term your mind is made up.

My only question is, how long before you get tired of the Subaru or whatever else you should buy?

 

[240ric]

Get rid of the Rav4, give the 4runner to the wife, and buy the WRX.

 

[arehman11]

I had a pretty well modded G37 prior to my 4Runner. I think the 4Runner is more fun to drive in a different way. I thought it was pretty boring stock looking, so I added all the TRD pro bits/wheels and just went with P rated G2's and will be adding 6112/5160 with a mild lift to help set it apart a bit. I have to say I get significantly more looks and more attention at Cars and Coffee than I ever did with my G37. Don't know how to describe it, but it just feels special compared to driving a sedan. Also my 4Runner gets the same MPG average as my G37 did but on regular instead of premium.

 

[itsdchz]

My only question is, how long before you get tired of the Subaru or whatever else you should buy?

This...

Sounds like your mind has been made up. I used to be in your boat. With just over 25 years of driving experience, I know your feeling to the "T". I have had 17 cars since I started driving. Nearly all have had modifications. I get the itch, you have, and cannot fault you for your decision. Good luck to you, enjoy the Subi, and be safe!

 

[1engineer]

If you truely think this will make you happy, DO IT. Life is short, live it.

Exactly. Don't feel bad, I'm driving a new Tacoma six speed! Life is too short. Enjoy it while you are here on earth.

 

[philsey]

Items #1-#6 are inclusively irrelevant as far as actual justification is concerned. You are just mentally building a case for what you want to do.

My thoughts:

1. Do you have wifely buy-in?

2. Can you afford it?

3. Will kids + pets + junk fit in the RAV?

If all = yes, do it.

 

[blakjack23]

I get that same feeling as you sometimes. However, I need something that can haul the family and gear to the cabin, tow a boat/4wheeler/kayaks, and nothing else out there that can do that really appeals to me more than the 4Runner. I have however, been thinking of giving the 4Runner to my wife and trading her Camry in on something more fun for me. Then I get the best of both worlds.

But yeah, if you don't need two SUV's and want something else....go for it.

 

[philsey]

I've had this thought in my head the last several days and it just wont go away. I love my 4Runner, but with 99.99% of my driving lately.....

You ever hear the old saying that "using the word "but" negates everything that goes before it"?

Just sayin'

EDIT: Have you considered keeping the 4R for the wife and trading the RAV?

 

[Danyo]

It sounds like we are in similar situations instead I went back to Toyota 4wd. Past few years I was able to have at least 2 cars(sport + 4wd) but moving to a downtown area and as a work @ home.. sometimes I did not drive for 2 weeks especially with the rise of Uber and Lyft or simply walking :bluejump: Wife was pretty upset I had 2 cars sitting idle. If space and finance restrict you from having 2 cars, find a balance of a car that will meet your daily needs & "fun" factor. Few years ago, I decided a Lotus Evora (Camry engine) was all I needed. Now the 4Runner is all I need as I look to offload the Lotus and get my wife a Tesla. At the end of day, it's a materialistic car and we are not talking about necessity so go ahead and enjoy it! You cannot always change life but it's pretty easy to change cars :evil: PM me on the Lotus if you are interested! Truly life changing car ownership experience.

 

[alexb]

It sounds like you want something different and I do not think that any of our replies are going to change that fact. It might delay it, but over the long-term your mind is made up.

My only question is, how long before you get tired of the Subaru or whatever else you should buy?

Very good points. Thanks. That is a great question. I said I'd keep the 4Runner forever, but we really never know what the future is going to bring. I love cars and am on my 4th since turning 16 just over 11 years ago.

Get rid of the Rav4, give the 4runner to the wife, and buy the WRX.

I'd love to do that but it's just not an option right now. The Rav is worth 7-8K tops and we don't really have the room for another significant car payment. If I can get decent money for the 4runner (shouldn't be a problem in this market) then the 2-4k price difference is much easier to handle.

I had a pretty well modded G37 prior to my 4Runner. I think the 4Runner is more fun to drive in a different way. I thought it was pretty boring stock looking, so I added all the TRD pro bits/wheels and just went with P rated G2's and will be adding 6112/5160 with a mild lift to help set it apart a bit. I have to say I get significantly more looks and more attention at Cars and Coffee than I ever did with my G37. Don't know how to describe it, but it just feels special compared to driving a sedan. Also my 4Runner gets the same MPG average as my G37 did but on regular instead of premium.

My G37 got sh!t for mileage but damn was it fun to drive. Looks and attention are nice, but there will always be a better looking/cooler/faster/bigger car out there.

This...

Sounds like your mind has been made up. I used to be in your boat. With just over 25 years of driving experience, I know your feeling to the "T". I have had 17 cars since I started driving. Nearly all have had modifications. I get the itch, you have, and cannot fault you for your decision. Good luck to you, enjoy the Subi, and be safe!

Thank you for the input. Sometimes you get the itch and just have to scratch it!

Items #1-#6 are inclusively irrelevant as far as actual justification is concerned. You are just mentally building a case for what you want to do.

My thoughts:

1. Do you have wifely buy-in?

2. Can you afford it?

3. Will kids + pets + junk fit in the RAV?

If all = yes, do it.

1. Talked to her last night and she was OK with it.
2. Depends on what the 4Runner can go for, but it shouldn't be a problem.
3. Yep. No kids and not planning on any for several years. 1 pet and not a lot of junk.

I get that same feeling as you sometimes. However, I need something that can haul the family and gear to the cabin, tow a boat/4wheeler/kayaks, and nothing else out there that can do that really appeals to me more than the 4Runner. I have however, been thinking of giving the 4Runner to my wife and trading her Camry in on something more fun for me. Then I get the best of both worlds.

But yeah, if you don't need two SUV's and want something else....go for it.

Really don't have the need for both SUVs anymore. Don't have anything to tow or haul around other than the dog. Both of our dad's have new F150s and live within 10 miles so if I ever need a truck for something I can get one.

You ever hear the old saying that "using the word "but" negates everything that goes before it"?

Just sayin'

EDIT: Have you considered keeping the 4R for the wife and trading the RAV?

Very good point. Thanks. See above. Would love to dump the rav, but it's not in the books right now.

 

[Roofiem]

I WAS in the same boat as you a few years ago. I traded in a 2010 4Runner for a Nissan Titan, then that to a new Nissan Altima because I hated the mpg. I then bought a new WRX, and loved that car for a month... Then I got bored. I realized that I missed my 4Runner as my DD, even though I had an FJ sitting in the driveway too. I started to really dislike a car that some people dream of owning.
Long paragraph short, I went back to a '16 4Runner. I realized I missed it. I now get excited to drive it, and find myself on this forum more than anything else. I wasn't like that w/ any of the other vehicles.
Like others have said, it sounds like you've made up your mind already. If you aren't feeling the 4Runner is a hobby and a DD, and will w/ a WRX, then that's the way to go. Just don't make the mistake I did, and bounce vehicle to vehicle just to end up where I started.

 

[fogcitysurfer]

Don't feel bad about moving on. This is a fun forum and the 4runner is a great vehicle, but if its not what you want right now then get the Subaru. I will be selling mine soon too, I've had it less than a year. Like others have said, life is too short.

 

[Heavy_GD]

But, the real question before you buy a suberbro is... do you even vape?

haha... If you have the means, just do it. But I would dump the rav4.

 

[Toffees]

Get rid of the Rav4, give the 4runner to the wife, and buy the WRX.

^This^

If all the HS girls in town drive 4Rs, it might also make your wife feel young again

 

[spetka]

My last car was an Outback Limited. I could be offroading in Anza-Borrego during the day, or driving in the snow, then go to a nice restaurant at night. Had a few valet guys laugh when they saw the exterior vs the interior. It was pretty luxurious inside. Fun car, just different.

 

[mcarey86]

I came from a WRX to the 4Runner. Had a 2014 Limited hatch.

Fun car, till the 100% stock motor blew up at 9700 miles. Traded it in with 11000 on it.

It was also loud as hell, the stereo sucked, and just felt like a cheap piece of shit everywhere. Could actually barely use my phone on the highway due to the road noise and engine drone. And when at lights, people outside the car could clearly hear any conversation I was having, even if the windows were up.

That said, the headlights were amazing and I loved the engine noise, but I literally miss nothing except the occasional on ramp these days. Oh, and the subaru community is ten-fold more fun day to day than the 4Runner community. I loved throwing and getting peace signs at the other cars on the road.

 

[Slavic]

Good luck, be happy.

 

[Slavic]

But I like the feeling like I drive truck/tank.