Shawn5800
New member
So.. I was interested to see what the competition was on the "newer" market. I consider new anything over 2003 honestly, just my standards.
I drove a 2006 Ford Escape. I was impressed with handling and response of the pedal but the interior looked cheap to me.
I also drove a 2006 Explorer. I was just not impressed with this vehicle overall. It felt as if it were very very top heavy and any amount of speed in a corner would flip it.
I also drove a 2005 Rav4, i was impressed with this vehicle. Very responsive with the v6. Handling was superior over both Fords. Just missed the cargo space of a full size.
I then finished off the week with a 2008 4runner. I LOVED that damn thing. Everything about it, the interior, handling, power and controls. Stereo was decent for the price. Overall look of the vehicle was great.
In conclusion, my 1998 SR5 felt just as solid as both those Fords if not more solid than the Exploder i drove. My front end in my runner is much tighter compared to the Fords. This could be maintenance issues but i still feel like with a 13 yr difference the vehicles should make me want to even consider trading in my 4R.
Overall, i realized that the down payment, extra money a month and higher insurance is not worth getting rid of my reliable 4R. I love this thing to death and it continues to prove strong. I will drive it into the ground and then buy a newer 4R!
I drove a 2006 Ford Escape. I was impressed with handling and response of the pedal but the interior looked cheap to me.
I also drove a 2006 Explorer. I was just not impressed with this vehicle overall. It felt as if it were very very top heavy and any amount of speed in a corner would flip it.
I also drove a 2005 Rav4, i was impressed with this vehicle. Very responsive with the v6. Handling was superior over both Fords. Just missed the cargo space of a full size.
I then finished off the week with a 2008 4runner. I LOVED that damn thing. Everything about it, the interior, handling, power and controls. Stereo was decent for the price. Overall look of the vehicle was great.
In conclusion, my 1998 SR5 felt just as solid as both those Fords if not more solid than the Exploder i drove. My front end in my runner is much tighter compared to the Fords. This could be maintenance issues but i still feel like with a 13 yr difference the vehicles should make me want to even consider trading in my 4R.
Overall, i realized that the down payment, extra money a month and higher insurance is not worth getting rid of my reliable 4R. I love this thing to death and it continues to prove strong. I will drive it into the ground and then buy a newer 4R!
