new baby=new4runner?

[igrip]

Here is my newest dilemma. We just had our first baby in February. My wife and I each own a 4Runner (I have a lifted and modded 96 and she has a stock 99). They have 185k and 150k miles respectively and neither has any problems. The 99 is our travel vehicle and my wife and baby's primary driver.

I am really the worried kind when it comes to accidents, especially side swipes by inattentive drivers and now that the baby is here, that worry has multiplied.

The new Runners (05-up) have side curtain airbags (front/rear) that would probably help my family fair much better in a crash. But, the 99 is still in such good shape and is only worth about $6K probably and I am trying to justify that the new one is that much safer and worth getting rid of the good 99.

Basically, I can't see getting rid of something that is still running perfect, but am I being "stupid" since this involves safety. Looking at crash test videos, I think I know my answer...just wanted advice from those who may have gone through the same thoughts. Thanks in advance.

Rami

 

[<<<<]

I'd get the best baby seat money can buy, also make sure ancor points for that seat in 99 Runner are solid. If seat is secured well - there is no need for curtain air bags even in roll over for baby. Your baby is safer in 99 Runner than say, in 2009 Corolla because of simple physics of mass.

 

[igrip]

Good thought...we already have a Recaro baby seat (with side impact protection) and is placed in the center. But, I am also thinking of the safety of my wife...more thoughts appreciated.

 

[4Evr4RunN3R]

I think the 3rd gen 4runners have reinforced side impact beams, that in the case of a side impact car accident, your protected from the force of the crash and the beams absorb most of the energy from seriously injuring you. If i am wrong, please correct becuse i dont wanna give out unreliable information.

 

[icantsee]

I wouldn't put much thought into it, because you already have a solid vehicle.

Not like you have a tiny Smart Car.

Just be sure you get a heavy quality baby seat & place that beautiful child in the center.

And you have a 4DR...so access is easier.

Or if you're more cautious...then I would get a vehicle w/ Side Curtain Airbags.

Side Curtain Airbags Deployed! Please Advise
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28862

via s_christlieb3

 

[icantsee]

I've been telling my (2) closes friends that are now fathers to get a Sienna.

Because it has Remote sliding doors & rear hatch.

Never have to open the door by hand when they have their daughter w/ them or when they are grocery shopping.

 

[johnny0723]

Hey, congrats on the new baby!

I had my first baby recently (8 months ago) and am kicking myself over getting a 4runner without the side airbags. It was an option on my 05 SR5 4x4. Anyways, I like the suggestions I've seen from others...get a nice solid car seat and place it in the middle of the back seats. If you need any recommendations, I have the Britax Marathon car seat (about $250 at Target & Babies R Us) and find that my child likes it a lot. Looks very comfortable, feels like its made of high quality material and it looks great. More importantly, it has achors that can very quickly attached and detach from my car seats. It was easy to move it from car to car.

Anyways, to get back to your question...I'd actually upgrade to a Sequoia if possible. I find my 4Runner to be pretty small for me, wife, mother, child, and a stroller. There's not much room left in the trunk once that stroller is in there. Also having the baby seat in the middle really makes it tight back there for the wife. Another thing is that the rear seat of the T4R cannot be reclined. I think the Sequoia has 3 rows of seats and all rows can be reclined a bit...believe me, this really comes in handy for long road trips. I travel often between NY and Boston and its painful back there for a few hours.

Best of luck in your decision!

John

 

[TheBlueWave]

I wouldn't put much thought into it, because you already have a solid vehicle.

Not like you have a tiny Smart Car.

Just be sure you get a heavy quality baby seat & place that beautiful child in the center.

And you have a 4DR...so access is easier.

Or if you're more cautious...then I would get a vehicle w/ Side Curtain Airbags.

Side Curtain Airbags Deployed! Please Advise
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28862

via s_christlieb3

Smart cars actually have a high rating in crashes. Its more to do with the frame structure than with the side airbags it has standard. Kinda surprising, but look it up and see for yourself.
On the topic, though, congrats on the baby. A '99 runner will protect any safe driver just fine, as well as their most precious cargo.