Looking at new purchase - need info.

[Firescooby]

Hey guys, this is my first post. I have a 2002 Tacoma 4wd and it is my third 'yota.

My wife and I test drove a new Highlander and 4runner Friday. It will not be used for wheeling, just need RELIABLE, DEPENDABLE, and LONG TERM transportation. I like the 4runner better and there really isnt a huge price difference between them.

What we are looking at is a 2wd SR5 with V6 with the airbag package.

I know this new 4runner is new, but wondering if there are any issues with them yet? I know how reliable the previous runners, and Toyota's are in general.

- What kind of real life mileage can we expect with mostly highway driving?
- What kind of power does the V6 have? (My wife was the only one that drove)

Any more info would be great.

THANKS!!

 

[jharris2]

First, welcome to the forum!

I have a V6 SR5 with 4,000 miles on it....mine is 4WD, but I usually run it in 2WD mode.

I find the truck has plenty of power for my needs -- it cruises well at 70+ mph and has lots of reserve for passing 18-wheelers, etc. On the current trip, I'm averaging about 21 mpg on 87 octane fuel (current tank is 91 octane to see if it makes any difference). Current trip has been mostly interstate driving (70-75 mph) with cruise and air conditioner on.

If you are planning on towing on a regular basis, then I'd recommend the V8. That's not in our plans, so not an issue.

The V8, while it has less horsepower (245 to 235), it has more torque and it's lower on the power curve -- net is that it has better acceleration and effective power.

As far as issues, there is 1 recall for early model V6 engines, a minor part may have had a problem and it was an easy fix. Other than that, minor annoyances like squeaks and rattles that are common to both V6 and V8 models.

In your shoes, I'd be comfortable with either choice. Both are reliable, good, solid vehicles. We buy vehicles with plans to keep them for 10 years or 100,000 miles. The 4Runner and the Highlander fit that objective. What swung me to the 4Runner was that I was replacing an F150 and a Chrysler Concorde, so I needed something to haul stuff from Home Depot and Lowes.

I'd encourage you to personally take both for a drive on the same day so you can compare them and have a better understanding how they work.

Hope this helps.

 

[Thai]

Just a few quick notes:

- Highlander may be better for your wife if she is on the short side...easier to get in and out.

- Last time i checked, Highlander does NOT come with side HEAD PROTECTION airbags...i think it has only thorax/chest side airbag. 4runner does have side curtain/head airbags.

- Highlander has a more proven reliability history (4runner is too new). However, watch out for the SLUDGE PROBLEM in Highlander.

- Highlander is likely gonna be a bit more comfy because it is based on the Camry (unibody and independent suspensions).

- 4runner can tow more if the need arises. Highlander can only tow 3500 lbs.

- Highlander will likely be redesigned soon (in a year or so i think). Remember the current Highlander model is based on the PREVIOUS generation of Camry. Now that the RX330 just came out, Highlander redesign will soon follow.

Hope this helps. Good Luck.