DD Totaled, Looking to Purchase 4Runner

M

MSBX4RUNNER

New member
A Mack truck decided to make a u-turn in front of me last week and I didn't have time to stop so I slammed into the side of him. Ouch! Anyways, my daily driver was totaled and depending on how the whole insurance thing works out I should be getting a little money back. I am looking at the 4th gen
4runners and the 99-04 Grand Cherokees. I do not know too much about the 4runners besides everyone that I know that owns one loves it and they seem to last forever as long as you take care of it. I will be using the 4runner as a daily driver for the most part but I am not afraid to get this thing muddy. I will also be towing a 23' boat on the weekends. For a new comer like me, what should I be looking for when I go out to test drive? Any additional information you think might be helpful is greatly appreciated!

Thanks
 
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That's unfortunate to hear about your accident. At least you came out of it ok. I see that you are debating between the 4th gen 4runner and the grand cherokee. My fiance own a 04 Grand Cherokee Laredo that is 2wd and the v6 and my parents own a 03 4runner with the V6. I have driven both of them extensively and I would say the 4runner is much nicer and fun to drive. The V6 in the 4runner is more powerful and smoother than the Cherokee. Both cars are the base models and the 4runner feels and looks nicer than the Cherokee. The 4runner also is a bit wider and feels bigger in the inside. I would recommend the 4runner based on driving both cars for the past 2 years. Both vehicles are the base models so I can't vouch for the upgraded versions of each car. Good luck with your search.
 
I've towed a little u-haul trailer that was full of stuff from moving behind both of them and they both did great. They didn't struggle pulling the load up hills or on the freeway. I had a hard time not speeding with the trailer on for both of them. I haven't pulled anything bigger though, so I can't give you advice on something the size of a boat. The 4runner V8 would probably do great because of all the extra torque.
Also looking at the HP of both vehicles, the 4runner has 50 more hp in the V6 and rated the same for MPG. Torque is also 50 more than the Jeep.
 
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Since you will be towing on weekends I would strongly recommend the V8. The truck will be happier and if you find a V8 that had the factory towing package the trailer hitch is good for 7k (5k on the V6). Of course you could put anything on it you want (correction...I got carried away...not anything)
 
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Thanks guys, the boat weighs about 4,250lbs and that is without the trailer, gas, and gear. Im thinking V8 as well....... however, what if I find a great deal on a V6? Do you think that will suffice?
 
It sounds like you are going to be around 6000 pounds going down the road.

Do you tow the boat long distances, or do you just go a mile to the ramp? If you actually tow far, I'd get the V8 for sure. If you are towing hundreds of miles a week, it might be more comfortable if you get a full size truck, but thats up to you.

If you are just going down the block to the ramp, it doesn't really matter.
 
Ideally I would look for a Sport or Limited (They have bigger and better front brakes) with a V8. V8s also have a transmission cooler.

That being said, I think any model will suit your needs. You don't really need to sweat the differences for your needs.
 
Welcome to the board. Sorry to hear about your accident. What don't you look at an 05 and up V8 4Runner? They bumped up the horsepower and torque during that MY, which may be beneficial for you.
 
MSBX4RUNNER said:
A Mack truck decided to make a u-turn in front of me last week and I didn't have time to stop so I slammed into the side of him. Ouch! Anyways, my daily driver was totaled and depending on how the whole insurance thing works out I should be getting a little money back. I am looking at the 4th gen
4runners and the 99-04 Grand Cherokees. I do not know too much about the 4runners besides everyone that I know that owns one loves it and they seem to last forever as long as you take care of it. I will be using the 4runner as a daily driver for the most part but I am not afraid to get this thing muddy. I will also be towing a 23' boat on the weekends. For a new comer like me, what should I be looking for when I go out to test drive? Any additional information you think might be helpful is greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear about the accident and, most importantly, glad that you are Ok.

I owned 2 Grand Cherokees for a total of 7 years, they were 1999 and 2001, both leased brand new.

The 3-word version of my feedback on JGC - DON'T BUY IT!!! :nono:

1999 was the first year that body-style was intoduced and the truck was completely re-designed. I actually wanted the '98, but they were all sold out and I got a good deal on the 1999 lease that I could not pass, (the dealer also happened to have a black one).

Talk about under-developed... Problems started popping up after 1 week of ownership. Below is a laundry list:
- door remote controllers, three replaced in as many months
- cpu that the door controllers communicate with
- fuel pump
- fuel control module
- complete rear axle

Could not wait to give it back... When taking it back to the dealer we got suckered into another one, 2002. The deal was GREAT, and we were assured that all problems of the 1st model year were worked out and many units were replaced and re-worked by Mercedes engineers, AND the truck had 7 year/100000 miles drivetrain warranty. We allowed oursleves to be convinced that this was a NEW Chrysler Co and indeed a NEW product...

Well, 2002 was definitely and improvement over 1999, but still had it's fair share of dealer visits:
- an instrument cluster replaced because of faulty speedometer
- radio replaced (it would not eject a cd)
- and guess what else :jaw drop: door remote controllers. But this time only 2, which definitely speaks volumes about the improvements in Chrysler quality control... ;):

Keep in mind that all those repairs was covered under the warranty. So don't even think about buying a 99-04 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

There is simply no comparison in reliability between JGC and T4R. 4Runner, if maintained, will take you easily to 200K miles and beyond. Try getting that with JGC...

As mentioned before, you would be better off with a V8. V6 might be underpowered for you boat, plus its not rated for your boat weight. 05 and later models have upgraded V8s with higher torque and HP.

Let us know what you end up buying and post up some pics. Good luck.
 
offshorebear said:
Ideally I would look for a Sport or Limited (They have bigger and better front brakes) with a V8. V8s also have a transmission cooler.

That being said, I think any model will suit your needs. You don't really need to sweat the differences for your needs.
Click to expand...

Do all the 4th gen V8's come with the tranny cooler already installed?
 
snhrph said:
Sorry to hear about the accident and, most importantly, glad that you are Ok.

I owned 2 Grand Cherokees for a total of 7 years, they were 1999 and 2001, both leased brand new.

The 3-word version of my feedback on JGC - DON'T BUY IT!!! :nono:

1999 was the first year that body-style was intoduced and the truck was completely re-designed. I actually wanted the '98, but they were all sold out and I got a good deal on the 1999 lease that I could not pass, (the dealer also happened to have a black one).

Talk about under-developed... Problems started popping up after 1 week of ownership. Below is a laundry list:
- door remote controllers, three replaced in as many months
- cpu that the door controllers communicate with
- fuel pump
- fuel control module
- complete rear axle

Could not wait to give it back... When taking it back to the dealer we got suckered into another one, 2002. The deal was GREAT, and we were assured that all problems of the 1st model year were worked out and many units were replaced and re-worked by Mercedes engineers, AND the truck had 7 year/100000 miles drivetrain warranty. We allowed oursleves to be convinced that this was a NEW Chrysler Co and indeed a NEW product...

Well, 2002 was definitely and improvement over 1999, but still had it's fair share of dealer visits:
- an instrument cluster replaced because of faulty speedometer
- radio replaced (it would not eject a cd)
- and guess what else :jaw drop: door remote controllers. But this time only 2, which definitely speaks volumes about the improvements in Chrysler quality control... ;):

Keep in mind that all those repairs was covered under the warranty. So don't even think about buying a 99-04 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

There is simply no comparison in reliability between JGC and T4R. 4Runner, if maintained, will take you easily to 200K miles and beyond. Try getting that with JGC...

As mentioned before, you would be better off with a V8. V6 might be underpowered for you boat, plus its not rated for your boat weight. 05 and later models have upgraded V8s with higher torque and HP.

Let us know what you end up buying and post up some pics. Good luck.
Click to expand...

Awesome advice thank you. As soon as I get all the insurance stuff figured out and a check, I'll let yall know what I get.
 
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