If you had to drive another SUV instead of the 4Runner....
- Thread starter amheck
- Start date
Thai
Elite Member
Hybrid of fuel efficient 4 banger in this day and age of cheap gas??
Thai
Elite Member
The ONLY Jeep I would even consider is the Wrangler Rubicon. The rest is trash.
SwayzeExpress
New member
I say lease a range rover so it's out of your hands before it's a money pit if you are really only thinking a few years. They look good but I would not sleep well owning one past the warranty
wcjeep
Member
Jeep Grand Cherokee has tipm problems. Ford Explorer (civilian and police) has carbon monoxide issues. The Honda's have the terrible ZF 9spd transmission. Range Rover is self explanatory. Subaru has CVT transmissions. GM likes to blame old GM or sue Takata for their problems.
Looked at the Highlander. My wife had trouble reaching the dash controls. Maybe 2012+ 4dr Wrangler Rubicon with automatic. I know the Jeep is not nearly as reliable as Toyota.
Looked at the Highlander. My wife had trouble reaching the dash controls. Maybe 2012+ 4dr Wrangler Rubicon with automatic. I know the Jeep is not nearly as reliable as Toyota.
RotaryDreamz
Member
If I had the chance, I would get an 80 series Landcruiser. I've always wanted one. If I had to choose something more modern, it would be a 2019 Sequoia. Plenty room for the family.
LimeLED
New member
Honestly, I can’t really think of any other SUV I would want over the 4R right now (that I can afford).
That said, in some hypothetical scenario where something happened to mine and I could no longer buy one, this would be my shopping list...
- Jeep GC or Dodge Durango with a V8 (but FCA reliability would be a real concern)
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio (but too many build quality issues at this time plus terrible residual values)
- Audi SQ5 or Porsche Macan (would like try a German SUV, but reliability is a concern)
- 2020+ Ford Explorer ST (I’m interested now that the Explorer is back on a RWD platform; but Ford build quality would be a concern)
- 2020/21+ Ford Bronco (I’m really interested to see what they do with this; my dream would be for it to be open roof and offer the Coyote V8)
- Lexus GX460
While I bought my ‘18 4R new, all of the above SUVs would need to be used due to depreciation. I wouldn’t want to take the kind of hit that all of those would experience when buying new. Maybe new on the GX460 if I could get a good enough deal.
That said, in some hypothetical scenario where something happened to mine and I could no longer buy one, this would be my shopping list...
- Jeep GC or Dodge Durango with a V8 (but FCA reliability would be a real concern)
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio (but too many build quality issues at this time plus terrible residual values)
- Audi SQ5 or Porsche Macan (would like try a German SUV, but reliability is a concern)
- 2020+ Ford Explorer ST (I’m interested now that the Explorer is back on a RWD platform; but Ford build quality would be a concern)
- 2020/21+ Ford Bronco (I’m really interested to see what they do with this; my dream would be for it to be open roof and offer the Coyote V8)
- Lexus GX460
While I bought my ‘18 4R new, all of the above SUVs would need to be used due to depreciation. I wouldn’t want to take the kind of hit that all of those would experience when buying new. Maybe new on the GX460 if I could get a good enough deal.
I've really liked what Mazda has done with the CX5/CX9 design the past few years. If I wanted the car payment I would have gone with the 9 because it's bigger. I had a 2014 CX5 and the only things I didn't like was how small the interior was (compared to my 1500), and how sluggish it felt.
Bumbo
New member
I've done the cost analysis on the Hybrid for my daily commute, and for the added cost of buying a Hybrid, makes for a very poor ROI.
I also very much dislike hybrids in general… it adds cost and complexity to the system, and may have other maintenance cost repercussions in the future.
Personally, if I was going to move into something like this, I’m going to skip the vehicle identity crisis, and go for a fully electric like a Tesla and get supercar fast without ever walking up to a gas pump ever again.
nimby
New member
The hybrid version puts out more power than the standard gas engine.
thanks for the continued thoughts everyone.
Yeah, lots of choices and yes, I also agree, it would make sense to lease something I'd not feel comfortable buying for long term like the Land Rover or Jeep or maybe even the Durango. That way, you're out in 3 years and wipe your hands clean.
Although this leasing stuff isn't quite as cheap as I thought. For one of my first vehicles that I ever got on my own back over 20 yeas ago, I leased a Grand Cherokee and I remember that being stupid cheap.
I just sent out some emails for lease rates on a ~$35K VW Atlas and numbers were coming back $500+ month with a grand or two down. I was really surprised. I was thinking like $350-ish.
But like someone else mentioned, yeah, I guess if the vehicle has a high initial depreciation, you're paying for all of that I think.
Not that I wouldn't be happy with another 4Runner right now, I was just thinking it'd be nice to mix it up for a couple years. But not a necessity. My v8 Limited has been great fun to drive and seems to still have some get up and go.
Yeah, lots of choices and yes, I also agree, it would make sense to lease something I'd not feel comfortable buying for long term like the Land Rover or Jeep or maybe even the Durango. That way, you're out in 3 years and wipe your hands clean.
Although this leasing stuff isn't quite as cheap as I thought. For one of my first vehicles that I ever got on my own back over 20 yeas ago, I leased a Grand Cherokee and I remember that being stupid cheap.
I just sent out some emails for lease rates on a ~$35K VW Atlas and numbers were coming back $500+ month with a grand or two down. I was really surprised. I was thinking like $350-ish.
But like someone else mentioned, yeah, I guess if the vehicle has a high initial depreciation, you're paying for all of that I think.
Not that I wouldn't be happy with another 4Runner right now, I was just thinking it'd be nice to mix it up for a couple years. But not a necessity. My v8 Limited has been great fun to drive and seems to still have some get up and go.
Thai
Elite Member
Yeah, but it's a RAV4! More power to do what? Beat a Civic?
Just kidding...i get it but just not worth it at the asking price, what it is, and gas prices.
nimby
New member
Yeah, but it's a RAV4! More power to do what? Beat a Civic?
Just kidding...i get it but just not worth it at the asking price, what it is, and gas prices.
I don't get it? I'm not racing anyone in a Rav4.
The question was "If you had to drive another SUV instead of the 4Runner"?
I provided MY answer. How could I possibly be wrong?
Gas prices fluctuate by the way. I'm still paying $4 / gallon where I live and my commute is mostly short distance city driving. Hybrids make sense for my situation.
When the 4runner comes out with a hybrid option, I'll get one.
Bumbo
New member
Your thoughts are pretty much on point, Cars that have poor residual value you are getting nabbed for the high deprecation during the lease.
I had a family member who just got off a 4Runner lease and after it was all said and done said, it was a mistake to lease it because the resale / residual valve is so good. For vehicles like this, you are a lot better off buying. They ended up getting another, buy bought it this time around.
Leasing does make sense in some scenarios where the cars have poor reliability, or if you are a 1099 where you can write off the lease payments against your taxable income. Personally that’s about the only time I would consider a lease.
mybabydaddy
New member
Well this thread is just plain timely.... I’ve been gone for just over a year, but I check in on here from time to time for general updates and whatnot. Saw this thread and found it intriguing.
For those on the forum that don’t know me, I had three different 4Runners. The last one a 2014 TE w/ KDSS... 5100 lift, FN Wheels, RCI skid, TG2s. It was a really well-balanced daily driver (not too mention a good-looking, not over the top lifted Runner). Finally, one day after being on vacation last year and driving a brand new Explorer Sport with a Turbo charged engine, I decided I’d had enough... and wanted my money to go to something more street oriented, more tech, and more sporty. I live in TX... we don’t camp or fish... my wife doesn’t like doing any of that anyhow... I don’t have time to off-road (I work ridiculous hours most weeks)... blah, blah, blah... you get the idea.
So I left... and got a used Porsche Macan GTS. Then I ECU-tuned it as well. It’s fast. Very fast for a CUV... about 400 ponies. There are very few other CUVs or SUVs that are faster (Macan Turbo... Stelvio Quadrifolio... Lambo Urus... You get the idea). It handles better than 95% of the cars on the road as well.
Then, later in the year, I decided I’d had enough of my wife’s family hauler as well... so we got a brand new LR Discovery HSE Turbo Diesel. It is H.O.T. One of the coolest looking SUVs on the road IMO.
So... here I am... Am I happy with our choices?.. I don’t know... Let me explain...
First.. the Land Rover. Damn. Beautiful SUV. Diesel has RIDICULOUS torque. Ungodly. Plenty of luxury. Tech is wonderful. Still a little “tough” looking as well. But not too big, and not too small. We bought beginning of March. It’s been in the shop 3 times already for a total of about a month. Mostly minor stuff (creaks, rattles, some tech glitches) and one middle-sized issue (air suspension - replaced compressor). Will I do it again? Probably not. We do live VERY close to the dealership... so dropping off and getting a loaner is a piece of cake. But still... no one LIKES having their car in the shop...soooooo....
Now the Porsche. Man, now this is German Engineering at its finest. Well built. Solid as a tank. Drive it like a race car and it begs to keep going. Most amazing car I’ve every owned. I’m on the forums and in the P-car world now.... and it just sucks you in. BUUUUUUTTT... G Damn it’s expensive. Look up “the Porsche Tax” and you’ll see what I mean. I went into ownership with eyes wide open... I’m a car guy, so I researched heavily and knew what I was doing. But da’yam... it’s just a different world. I’ve combo’d my maintenance and upkeep between dealer and Indy shop (and some myself)... so I keep things in check. But still...
Every. Single. Week. I ask if I should have kept my Runner. I love, and I mean LOVE my GTS. I love driving it. I love looking at it. I love washing it. But it’s just tough to drive something so (nice) every day, with kids, and construction, and stupid people, and small parking spaces... yada, yada, yada... you get the idea. With the Runner, you just drove it. I didn’t worry. I didn’t think. Just drive. And it was cool. And I like that. And I miss it. But now I am used to driving this beast. A street-oriented beast. So what do I do now? I’ve considered going back to a Runner... but I don’t think I’d be happy. But I just can’t seem to find another option... yet. Who knows... I have another year before I have to make some decisions. My GTS had high mileage when I bought it, so I need to decide if I’m going to get rid of it while it’s still worth a chunk of change, or just try to ride it off into the sunset and hope and pray something catastrophic doesn’t happen to that puppy.
Here are the two current rides I mentioned....
/Users/KRIS/Downloads/IMG_2197.JPG
/Users/KRIS/Downloads/57825716531__27F5098B-C6FE-419D-9775-33C15833983E.JPG
For those on the forum that don’t know me, I had three different 4Runners. The last one a 2014 TE w/ KDSS... 5100 lift, FN Wheels, RCI skid, TG2s. It was a really well-balanced daily driver (not too mention a good-looking, not over the top lifted Runner). Finally, one day after being on vacation last year and driving a brand new Explorer Sport with a Turbo charged engine, I decided I’d had enough... and wanted my money to go to something more street oriented, more tech, and more sporty. I live in TX... we don’t camp or fish... my wife doesn’t like doing any of that anyhow... I don’t have time to off-road (I work ridiculous hours most weeks)... blah, blah, blah... you get the idea.
So I left... and got a used Porsche Macan GTS. Then I ECU-tuned it as well. It’s fast. Very fast for a CUV... about 400 ponies. There are very few other CUVs or SUVs that are faster (Macan Turbo... Stelvio Quadrifolio... Lambo Urus... You get the idea). It handles better than 95% of the cars on the road as well.
Then, later in the year, I decided I’d had enough of my wife’s family hauler as well... so we got a brand new LR Discovery HSE Turbo Diesel. It is H.O.T. One of the coolest looking SUVs on the road IMO.
So... here I am... Am I happy with our choices?.. I don’t know... Let me explain...
First.. the Land Rover. Damn. Beautiful SUV. Diesel has RIDICULOUS torque. Ungodly. Plenty of luxury. Tech is wonderful. Still a little “tough” looking as well. But not too big, and not too small. We bought beginning of March. It’s been in the shop 3 times already for a total of about a month. Mostly minor stuff (creaks, rattles, some tech glitches) and one middle-sized issue (air suspension - replaced compressor). Will I do it again? Probably not. We do live VERY close to the dealership... so dropping off and getting a loaner is a piece of cake. But still... no one LIKES having their car in the shop...soooooo....
Now the Porsche. Man, now this is German Engineering at its finest. Well built. Solid as a tank. Drive it like a race car and it begs to keep going. Most amazing car I’ve every owned. I’m on the forums and in the P-car world now.... and it just sucks you in. BUUUUUUTTT... G Damn it’s expensive. Look up “the Porsche Tax” and you’ll see what I mean. I went into ownership with eyes wide open... I’m a car guy, so I researched heavily and knew what I was doing. But da’yam... it’s just a different world. I’ve combo’d my maintenance and upkeep between dealer and Indy shop (and some myself)... so I keep things in check. But still...
Every. Single. Week. I ask if I should have kept my Runner. I love, and I mean LOVE my GTS. I love driving it. I love looking at it. I love washing it. But it’s just tough to drive something so (nice) every day, with kids, and construction, and stupid people, and small parking spaces... yada, yada, yada... you get the idea. With the Runner, you just drove it. I didn’t worry. I didn’t think. Just drive. And it was cool. And I like that. And I miss it. But now I am used to driving this beast. A street-oriented beast. So what do I do now? I’ve considered going back to a Runner... but I don’t think I’d be happy. But I just can’t seem to find another option... yet. Who knows... I have another year before I have to make some decisions. My GTS had high mileage when I bought it, so I need to decide if I’m going to get rid of it while it’s still worth a chunk of change, or just try to ride it off into the sunset and hope and pray something catastrophic doesn’t happen to that puppy.
Here are the two current rides I mentioned....
/Users/KRIS/Downloads/IMG_2197.JPG
/Users/KRIS/Downloads/57825716531__27F5098B-C6FE-419D-9775-33C15833983E.JPG
Both very nice choices....
I have absolutely always loved the Range Rovers. Heck, I'd be happy with the Range Rover Sport, although I don't doubt the diesel non-Sport version is immensely fun to drive.
Also have always loved the Panamara, but yeah, I think I had an idea about the "Porsche Tax" and decided it just wasn't for me. Even a few years old one, I saw maybe in the mid 30's for the lower end model, I know I'd be just cursing everytime I had to go to the dealer. I make semi good money but am pretty frugal at heart, so I'm not sure I would sleep good at night owning something like that.
Blast to drive though, I'm sure. But yes, my 4Runner has never stranded me. Been closed a few times, on the highway with the fuel needle WAY below E with 20 miles until the next gas station and we've made it every time.
I have absolutely always loved the Range Rovers. Heck, I'd be happy with the Range Rover Sport, although I don't doubt the diesel non-Sport version is immensely fun to drive.
Also have always loved the Panamara, but yeah, I think I had an idea about the "Porsche Tax" and decided it just wasn't for me. Even a few years old one, I saw maybe in the mid 30's for the lower end model, I know I'd be just cursing everytime I had to go to the dealer. I make semi good money but am pretty frugal at heart, so I'm not sure I would sleep good at night owning something like that.
Blast to drive though, I'm sure. But yes, my 4Runner has never stranded me. Been closed a few times, on the highway with the fuel needle WAY below E with 20 miles until the next gas station and we've made it every time.
