Decision to keep or switch vehicles

0

05CTSV

New member
I need your help folks, I have had my 07 shadow mica for 8 months now and it is 100% stock (Sr5 and 80k). It is a v8 with tan leather, no navi. Only issues is a moistured headlight, all of the window "scraper" trims are deteriorated and or gone, and the fender flares are all a bit chewed up. ** Also the HVAC cluster is completely non-illuminated...sucks at night **

I am trying to decide to finish paying off the 4runner and keep it or trade up to a slightly bigger SUV with more power (tahoe, yukon, sequoia)

I have been driving a lot lately which my dogs and wife love, but I am starting to get a bit uncomfortable driving it and I am missing some of the leisurely items of something of a bit more luxury. I miss more power especially, nice stero/navi/XM radio/bluetooth audio and sometimes heated seats.

The more research I do shows that every vehicle has their problems and the runner seems to be quite a reliable SUV. I just wish it came with a little bit more of the above, which is what is pushing me towards a slightly bigger model.

No kids yet, but in a few years yes... I just sold my CTS-V which laid down about 540 to the wheels and I have been itching for some more power, and comfort..


Anybody have any suggestive words of wisdom or feel similar as to the way I am feeling??? Please go lightly, I tried searching but didn't find much.

Thanks!!

P.S. A good car/truck forum is also what helps me buy a vehicle and the 4runner is no slouch on support, hence why I am here:)
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
You could add the things you are missing fairly cheap compared to trading vehicles (excluding horse power). I would say pay it off at least. Big vehicles with high hp are cool but not as cool as no payment. Drive this one and save up and by the bigger suv like a boss, with cash.
Or get a land cruiser. I have no good reasons for option b but it would be a land cruiser.
 
Every item you listed can be added to your 4Runner. There is even a guy on here with a supercharger on his 4.7. Luxury and heat can be added to your seat through Clazzio, there are right ups on here on fixing your interior light issues, and you could replace your headlights with a set of pretty sweet black ones, and last of all a navi system can be added fairly easy.
 
Not to chastise the decision, but why did you get rid of the V? Was there a need for 4wd or more room? Planning on building an offroad-capable daily driver? Just need room for dogs? In order for people to give you opinions, understanding what your intentions are might help.

Each vehicle has its strong and weak points. The 4Runner, when new compared to its peers doesn't stand out as a go-to vehicle. After 100k miles though, there is a reason the resale on these is still pretty high. They are durable, and still have a lot of life in them. That combined with the fact that offroad they are arguably some of the toughest and most capable within their class make them sought after.
 
Yep, easy to add all that you desire except the horsepower— no available superchargers are C.A.R.B. approved, so not California legal.

Good luck!
 
Pay it off!

Then take that same monthly payment and put it into a savings account. Use that money to purchase the desired upgrades or the new vehicle. Say good bye to monthly payments, best way to be.
 
For me, I have to be as honest as I can with myself. What I mean is deciding what I'll ACTUALLY use the car for instead of what I want to build. Also, seeing it all in front of me helps too. I literally write down a list of what needs I have and pros and cons of the vehicles I'm considering. Then see which fits/works best with your list. It seems like you drive a lot and you take your dogs with you so room and comfort seems to be at the top of your list. You've had your 4Runner and enjoyed it I'm sure, but there's nothing wrong with getting something new. When I was 19 I had a Mach 1 that I drove when the weather was nice but other than that my 4th gen is the only vehicle I've bought that exceeded $8k. I get board and end up wanting something different. Just go with your gut!
 
ARunner said:
Not to chastise the decision, but why did you get rid of the V? Was there a need for 4wd or more room? Planning on building an offroad-capable daily driver? Just need room for dogs? In order for people to give you opinions, understanding what your intentions are might help.

Each vehicle has its strong and weak points. The 4Runner, when new compared to its peers doesn't stand out as a go-to vehicle. After 100k miles though, there is a reason the resale on these is still pretty high. They are durable, and still have a lot of life in them. That combined with the fact that offroad they are arguably some of the toughest and most capable within their class make them sought after.
Click to expand...

I sold the V cuz I had a great offer for it and I drove it about 4 times a month which costed me money in insurance, upkeep, fuel, detailing, methanol etc... Miss it though :)

I will drive my daily 96% on pavement, like to have the room for the dogs, the flat rear seats make it nice for them but the cabin isn't very comfortable to me which is where most of my struggle is. I really think I could go either way but would hate to trade it and then get into another vehicle that isn't as reliable as this one.

LandCruiser would be ideal, but they are so fricken expensive for no reason in my opinion..the 200 was like one of the worst selling vehicles in america :(
 
I would say as far as not only reliability but long term wear and tear the Toyotas do very well. If you're uncomfortable, consider another option though. If you just need to go down a maintained dirt road, most any 4wd will get you there. You might consider the 100 series (98+) LandCruisers as well. They're bigger, but will be slower than your 4Runner, if that's a serious issue for you. They, like all Land Cruisers hold their value well because they are excellent machines. Like for like (similar miles, age) plan to pay quite a bit more than you did for the 4Runner.

But seriously a Tahoe or something might fit you better and while they may not be quite as dead reliable and trouble free as the 4runners, there are plenty of examples of them running 200k+ miles and the parts are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. The entry price would also be likely lower than either of the Toyotas, which might offset some of the longer term issues that cost you down the road.
 
05CTSV said:
** Also the HVAC cluster is completely non-illuminated...sucks at night **
Click to expand...

That is easily fixed. You can do it with a screwdriver, 10 minutes, and a few bulbs from your Toyota dealer.

The Tahoe/Sequoia are not "slightly" bigger. They are much, much bigger. Test drive one and try to park it in a parking garage.
 
OkiSurf1996 said:
You could always swap to a GX470...
Click to expand...

What is the difference in lexus to toyota, i love my 4runner except the comfort and nice things that come in luxury vehicles. Call it what it is, but now I have one car and it is basic where as I have always had a used luxury car and it was really nice... I want my cake and eat it too :)

Thanks all for the input so far, if yall had some similar feelings that I have expereinced what would be your top 5 go to mods for me to start, maybe that will make me happy.

I do hate that the sunroof wont stay open, the 12v isn't constant, etc...

I didn't think the tahoe was huge compared to the 4runner, i know the seqouia is though...

Is the 100 a step down for the 4runner? is the 200 worth the cash???

is the lexus legit?

Thanks folks!!!!! I love the people here..
 
Lexus is Toyotas luxury line and the GX470 is essentially a luxury 4runner . Go look at one, I think it might he exactly what you are looking for.
 
I'd consider the the, like a Chevy Silverado and a GMC Sierra. The gx470 isn't really a luxury land cruiser because the land cruiser is already luxury. There hasn't been much distinction in them in quite a few years
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 411 (members: 3, guests: 408)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,307
Messages
3,554,055
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top