a dumb cat
New member
Greetings all. My first vehicle purchase was made just over a week ago. I did an extensive amount of research before deciding on the 2011 Trail Runner (silver).
I went through many decision changes and vehicle classes. From another sedan (I currently own an older Camry, purchased used), to a truck (impractical for my purposes), to SUVs. Most fitting was the latter class, and I began researching small to large SUVs. The Rav4, Highlander, Acura RDX and Mazda CX-7 were considered due to their smaller size, price and/or better fuel economy, but I quickly scrapped the small SUV class because I did not see myself in such a tiny excuse for a "utility" vehicle. Large SUVs were simply too large, so I further narrowed my selection process to midsize SUVs.
This was the most complicated and longest part of the process. Test drove many vehicles: Acura MDX, Jeep Compass and Grand Cherokee, Mazda CX-9, Honda Pilot, and of course the Runner. MDX was suuuuper plush but not my style, while the others just didn't feel "right." I actually test drove the Runner last, only after a friend suggested I take a look at it. It just seemed too big (I test drove the smaller SUVs mentioned above after all, so you can imagine the size difference felt from behind the wheel). HOWEVER, once I got behind the wheel, everything just felt right.
I was super excited that I could begin the next phase: negotiations with the many Southern California Toyota dealers. In all honesty, I was probably about 1-2 days away from purchasing the MDX (they kept lowering the prices to compete with eachother! It was actually pretty fun), and I'm grateful to my friend to steer me back to Toyotas. Finally found my baby: a Trail Runner without Nav, and a good and honest salesman to work with. Picked up the silver beauty last Tuesday, and just admiring it while it sits in the driveway. Ready to take it out on the trails once I break her in.
As this is my first vehicle I purchased on my own, I know little in the way of places in SoCal to take her and get her feet wet. I do not plan to modify (lift, tires, etc.) just yet, so some easy trail recommendations would be much appreciated while I break her in, nice and easy.
I look forward to interacting with all you folks here. Been reading the forums the past week before registering. Lots of helpful info in here!
I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to take a pic and get an avatar image set up, but will do so this weekend.
Cheers,
Ed
P.S. Where are all the 5th-gen Runners? I drive to work every day and nary a one passes by, and I've NEVER seen another Trail edition! lol
I went through many decision changes and vehicle classes. From another sedan (I currently own an older Camry, purchased used), to a truck (impractical for my purposes), to SUVs. Most fitting was the latter class, and I began researching small to large SUVs. The Rav4, Highlander, Acura RDX and Mazda CX-7 were considered due to their smaller size, price and/or better fuel economy, but I quickly scrapped the small SUV class because I did not see myself in such a tiny excuse for a "utility" vehicle. Large SUVs were simply too large, so I further narrowed my selection process to midsize SUVs.
This was the most complicated and longest part of the process. Test drove many vehicles: Acura MDX, Jeep Compass and Grand Cherokee, Mazda CX-9, Honda Pilot, and of course the Runner. MDX was suuuuper plush but not my style, while the others just didn't feel "right." I actually test drove the Runner last, only after a friend suggested I take a look at it. It just seemed too big (I test drove the smaller SUVs mentioned above after all, so you can imagine the size difference felt from behind the wheel). HOWEVER, once I got behind the wheel, everything just felt right.
I was super excited that I could begin the next phase: negotiations with the many Southern California Toyota dealers. In all honesty, I was probably about 1-2 days away from purchasing the MDX (they kept lowering the prices to compete with eachother! It was actually pretty fun), and I'm grateful to my friend to steer me back to Toyotas. Finally found my baby: a Trail Runner without Nav, and a good and honest salesman to work with. Picked up the silver beauty last Tuesday, and just admiring it while it sits in the driveway. Ready to take it out on the trails once I break her in.
As this is my first vehicle I purchased on my own, I know little in the way of places in SoCal to take her and get her feet wet. I do not plan to modify (lift, tires, etc.) just yet, so some easy trail recommendations would be much appreciated while I break her in, nice and easy.
I look forward to interacting with all you folks here. Been reading the forums the past week before registering. Lots of helpful info in here!
I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to take a pic and get an avatar image set up, but will do so this weekend.
Cheers,
Ed
P.S. Where are all the 5th-gen Runners? I drive to work every day and nary a one passes by, and I've NEVER seen another Trail edition! lol
