Greetings and salutations!

[JSC]

Prospective 4Runner owner here, hoping to lock up the deal relatively soon. Test drove most of the mid-size SUV's out there and it came down to the 4Runner and the VW Touareg. In all honesty, I liked the design elements of the VW better but reliability is #1 with me so the 4Runner is the choice.

Little about myself, 31 year old small business owner who likes to snowboard. Live in Forest Hills, New York. Currently drive a IS300 but went through HELL this winter so I said ENOUGH!

Test drove a V8 and a V6 at Westbury Toyota in LI. Salesguy was ok, seemed willing to deal. Anyone have any experience with these guys? If anyone can point me in the direction of a reputable NY metro dealer, I'd be much obliged. I think I'm headed towards a V8 Limited in white or silver.

Also, question about the NAV, is it the same one that Lexus uses? Thats been my toughest decision, to NAV or not NAV, not sure its worth the bread. Anyways, TIA for any input, hope I can pick up the truck very soon.

 

[slyangel9]

I live in New York city and was dealing with the NY dealers. Straight to the point, I went to Caldwell Toyota in NJ (25 miles west from Manhattan). Much better experience with them.

 

[JSC]

sly

It's that bad, huh. Did you try Queensboro Toyota at all?

 

[Mark86]

JSC, welcome to the board. You made a good choice in going with the 4Runner. I went to Galaxy Toyota in New Jersey. It is around 45 minutes from Manhattan and they are pretty easy to deal with. Had some minor problems with the service department installing things wrong, but they took care of it.

Also, go with the V8. There is better acceleration and for those NY winters, you need the full time 4WD

 

[gsr2is300]

JSC,

I also have an IS300 and I am looking at the 4Runner and the BMW X3. I am leaning towards the 4Runner because of the reliability and the navigation should be very similar to the one I have in the IS300.

Like you my IS300 sucks in anything but dry weather, and there is zero room for storage. I can't get over how pathetic the trunk space is. It is a fun car but not very practical for a homeowner.

These forums have a wealth of information and have been very helpful with my decision making.

Good luck...