looking for a used one for my soon to be 16 year old

[Hayden]

I'm in college now and I can tell you the specs I'd look for in your situation.

You should be looking at 4th gen V6 (for good gas mileage...no need for an 8), 4x4, less than 60k miles if you're willing to spend $20k. I only spent $17k but I have 80k miles.

Edit: For what it's worth, don't feel bad for buying your son a nice truck. I've had a job since I was 15 years old, but my parents still paid for all of my tuitions, rent, insurance, etc...I still understand and respect money and working for what you want. It's just a very very nice thing to do for your child and they will never forget it. I am super appreciative of how well my dad takes care of me...definitely will be buying him a yacht when I'm deep into my law career

 

[MikesToy]

MikesToy...btw, where did you get there V8 I-Force emblems?? I'd love to snag a couple for my 'Runner...thanks...

I got 'em from ebay. I don't know how much they charge/cost now but 5yrs ago, they were running $20 a piece but cheaper than dealer prices.

 

[4-Ripcord]

wow, never get a vehicle over $5k for the 1st car. That's what you learn to drive in.. :nono:
And don't freaking buy it for him, what is that teaching him? He can't get a job and at least go 50/50?

Find a nice used 2nd gen or early 3rd gen, should be around $5k for a decent one that will last fine.

 

[rx900]

I drove a brand new 4th Gen in high school when I turned 18 :hatsoff:

 

[034RUNNER]

Any year, '03 and up. For what you're willing to spend, get a sport ed. or limited. You definitely do not need to spend that much though. I paid $17k for my '03SEin '06 w/30k on it, showroom cond. You may have to look, but the deals are out there.

 

[Nuke]

You don't mention your location or where he'll be driving through college so we can't comment with respect to that. I, too, feel a bit like lambasting as far as giving a 16 y/o a $20k vehicle but I'll assume you know what you're doing.

A reasonably well maintained Toyota will last well beyond 200,000 miles. You'll find many folks here plunking down what sounds like big bucks for a T4R with over 150,000 miles on it.

The V6 is barely more fuel economical than the V8 but is just as great a performer as the V8. If he's not towing, I'd go for the V6.

If he intends to off-road or if snow is an issue, than a 4x4. If you don't need it for those situations then the 4x2 will save you a good amount of money.

You'll find that the vast majority of folks that are adamant and anal about taking care of their vehicles will have excellent maintenance records. I've had 3 T4R's and the previous 2 were sold with detailed maintenance records.

Good luck.

 

[peter78]

Thanks-I plan to get him a safe car and I know for a fact the the 4 runner is a safe car.

My Son is in college and really likes 4Runners. There could be worse choices. Air bags, ABS brakes, VSC (vehicle skid control), high off the ground so you can see better and trendy so that other kids think it is cool. I basically gave the 2001 to my son, he doesn't use it in college, but he uses it when he gets home.

The 2006 model has MP3 player, which he would appriciate. Some come with curtain air bags, it was an option, so I would look for one with that option. Curtain air bags came standard in 2008 and 2WD versions could be found at around the price you are thinking. If it were me, I would think of a V6, less power and a little easier to mantain and insure for a young adult. If he wants 4WD, don't wimp out and get a 2WD, once you pick, you are pretty much stuck with what you got. If he wants 4WD, the V6 you can choose to drive in 2WD mode or 4WD mode, if you get a V8 it is full time 4 wheel drive. Just a few things to consider.

 

[Colemanfu]

Buy him mine - he'll love it. 04 4x4, 55K, never in the mud pit, lives inside. I have 4 bikes and want to go carless - just don't drive it anymore. I am a biker.

 

[hlsess]

Buy him mine - he'll love it. 04 4x4, 55K, never in the mud pit, lives inside. I have 4 bikes and want to go carless - just don't drive it anymore. I am a biker.

how much what color is it blue or black?

 

[MikeWhoTruong]

Some of you guys are so quick to judge, when you don't even know the kid or the family, he came asking for advice on what to look for in a vehicle for his son. He did not come here seeking parental advice, I'm sure there are better forums suited for that need when/if it arises. I personally would not buy a 20k car as a first vehicle for any 16yro, but to each his own. Whats wrong with planning for a reliable and safe car that will last through college. You can find a cheaper older car that can do the same thing, but for some people having a newer and lower mileage car can give that extra piece of mind for them and their child. I'm sure no parent wants to go into this kind of scenario with the notion that " they WILL wreck this." It definintly can happen, but I would hope that you would have for faith in your child. For those of you that are so sure a 16yro WILL wreck their vehicle, maybe that child shouldn't even be driving.

@hless, if you are getting this for safety and realiability, its great that you can offer this to your kid. Kudos to you.

If your getting this because your son just wants it, and for status with your friends and family, then I agree with what most people said above.

 

[BROOKLYN]

hlsess whats your son into in terms of cars, does he enjoy off roading, cruising w/ the system blasting, mountain hikes, sking or just to get from point a to b. Reason i ask is this will give us a better understand which 4runner best for him or if the runner is good at all for him.
The runner is an awesome truck i swear by it and will only drive runners but my family aint crazy about it because they have different wants and needs.

 

[4r fro]

ok, ive been lurking, but registered just for this.

Speaking from a early 20's male, I would say do not get your son exactly what he wants as his first car, but maybe as his second car. My parents took an expensive route because of their intransigence in getting anything other an a volvo. the car was CPO so they figured it was in decent shape, but it ended up having problems immediately after we brought it home. The warranty was excellent, until it expired and we were SOL. The car was so bad that my dad didn't care and just wanted to get rid of it. Ended up selling it for 5% the price of a new one at 120k miles and 9 years old.

Second and current car is also the exact opposite of what i wanted and what my peers drive. All of my friends who are into cars have GTIs, minis, porsches, m3s and I'm stuck with another used family sedan. None of them had a job when they got the cars. They routinely track their cars and I just sit at home with envy because 1. i dont know how to drive stick and 2. i can't join the fun. yes, i can sit shotgun, but its not the same. my parents know i like cars and do know that i drive hard at times and still insist that it's safer. If im going to drive hard regardless of car, id rather be doing it in a car meant for that purpose rather than something that isnt. fwiw, i checked the safety on current car and it's less safe than a late model civic.

with the money my parents spent on those two cars, they could have gotten a NEW car that i actually WANTED.

if it means anything, im top 15% of my class at a top 40 school studying engineering. I have also spoken to several graduate advisors and am pretty much guaranteed to be accepted by a top 20 school for phd program so i think ive worked hard over the years.

edit: both my mom and dad drove manual cars (e30), yet they are still hesitant for me to drive one.