Hi to ALL -
Good morning! New member here - new to 4x4s and off-roading, and most of all, new to the 4Runners (actually, I still don't have a 4Runner).
With both the boys growing, I wanted to introduce them to the outdoors; hence, me wanting to learn more about the off-roading. So the plan was to sell the Toyota Camry (my wife's) and get a sport SUV. However, in my specific case, my wife also needs to be able to drive it in an urban setting as it will become her 'daily driver,' to bring the boys to/from school and other extra curricular activities. I can't have the SUV replace my daily driver, a Chevy Volt, as I commute 40-miles one-way to work. As I can EV (electric vehicle), there is the better mileage, as well able to take the carpool during the rush hour commute.
However, as a backup plan in the event she's unable to drive the 4Runner, have lined up a few alternatives (in a order of priority):
Really want the 4Runner, but, compared, to say, even the Highlander - it is quite a dinosaur (doesn't have the newer electronics and other safety features). As I progress through my research, I'm quite wary of the poor reliability (and resalibility) of either the Explorer and the Traverse (I guess nothing beats Toyota in terms of consistentcy and reliability).
So, waited until my wife could test drive the 4Runner... With a couple of caveats (at the least she wants a Rear Cross Traffic sensor or something), yes, she could drive it.
Hence, contacted our dealer for the trim we (actually "I") wanted - a 2018 TRD Off Road Premium (with a $2K off the MSRP).
Alas, they were out of stock and have to wait for the latest shipment coming from Japan (tentatively a couple of weeks from now).
Nothing is finalized, yet, and can still change my mind until the papers are signed. What do you guys think (funny that I'm asking this in a 4Runner forum)...?
Cheers!
PS:
_
Good morning! New member here - new to 4x4s and off-roading, and most of all, new to the 4Runners (actually, I still don't have a 4Runner).
With both the boys growing, I wanted to introduce them to the outdoors; hence, me wanting to learn more about the off-roading. So the plan was to sell the Toyota Camry (my wife's) and get a sport SUV. However, in my specific case, my wife also needs to be able to drive it in an urban setting as it will become her 'daily driver,' to bring the boys to/from school and other extra curricular activities. I can't have the SUV replace my daily driver, a Chevy Volt, as I commute 40-miles one-way to work. As I can EV (electric vehicle), there is the better mileage, as well able to take the carpool during the rush hour commute.
However, as a backup plan in the event she's unable to drive the 4Runner, have lined up a few alternatives (in a order of priority):
- Toyota Highlander
- Ford Explorer
- Chevy Traverse (2018 model)
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Honda Pilot
Really want the 4Runner, but, compared, to say, even the Highlander - it is quite a dinosaur (doesn't have the newer electronics and other safety features). As I progress through my research, I'm quite wary of the poor reliability (and resalibility) of either the Explorer and the Traverse (I guess nothing beats Toyota in terms of consistentcy and reliability).
So, waited until my wife could test drive the 4Runner... With a couple of caveats (at the least she wants a Rear Cross Traffic sensor or something), yes, she could drive it.
Hence, contacted our dealer for the trim we (actually "I") wanted - a 2018 TRD Off Road Premium (with a $2K off the MSRP).
Alas, they were out of stock and have to wait for the latest shipment coming from Japan (tentatively a couple of weeks from now).
Nothing is finalized, yet, and can still change my mind until the papers are signed. What do you guys think (funny that I'm asking this in a 4Runner forum)...?
Cheers!
PS:
- I've already read through several threads on the forum, ie., reputable shops in the southern California area, front camera (for off-roading) builds, use of the different modes (H2, H4, L4, etc.), etc. Very interesting!
- We're planning to go the long haul with this purchase, be it the 4Runner or something. My eldest will be entering college in 10-years and hoping to pass the vehicle to him.
_
Congrats!
