New guy here - never thought I'd drive an SUV!

[Kennedy]

I've been in the market for a new car for a while now but haven't started seriously looking until just last week. Right now I have a BMW 328i. It's been a great car but it's getting old and I'd like to have something to be able to haul a waverunner. I've been looking at a new SR5 V6 with option combo 'B'. Are the wheels the same as on the Limited model? The dealer they said were, however they didn't have this combination on their lot to look at for myself.

I was extremely impressed on my first test drive. I usually don't like driving SUV's mainly because I'm so used to driving smaller cars. I wanted a somewhat luxurious SUV that got somewhat decent gas mileage, but when I began looking I couldn't find anything that really fit the bill. The X5's were too expensive and I didn't feel comfortable with the high mileage, the RX330 was too expensive, the RX300 just isn't so nice looking, Explorer and Grand Cherokee were too ordinary and I didn't really want something American. So as you can tell...I'm a little picky.

I was really suprised on my first 4Runner test drive. The ride and drive was so much nicer than I expected! This SUV is pretty much everything I could ask for. After reading the forum a little, I see that just about everyone is in love with their 4Runner too. Hopefully I can join the club sometime soon!

One last thing. MSRP is $32,285. Should I expect to pay sticker or somewhat below? I'm selling my car privately so trade-in isn't going to be an issue. Thanks in advance.

 

[Guest]

Most of the SUVs you named as alternate considerations are not really true SUVs... they are more like large/raised station wagons. The 4Runner is built using body on frame design as is used on all pick-up trucks, and SUVs like the Tahoe, trailblazer, etc.


The RX300/330 is built in the Camry/ES300/ES330 playform, the X5 is built on the pre-2004 5-series car platform, etc.

The explorer is body on frame - based on the ranger... but they motors and transmissions in those things are very suspect and they just don't ride that well IMO... very jiggly, like the previous generation 4runners (the new ones are wayyyy better)

You might want to look into getting the X-reas suspension option if you want to improve the handling/stability a bit. It's a pretty cool concept engineered by yamaha, that will transfer fluid from the the shocks on one side to the shocks on the other in order to reduce lean in turns and such.

The limited's wheels are an available option on the SR5. Yes they are the exact same wheels, although I'm not sure if they use the same tires or not.

You should probably shoot to pay for somewhere inbetween 400 and 1000 dollars over invoice price, which would be way way under MSRP.

I actually just ordered an 05 Limited with plenty of options for about the same as the MSRP on the SR5.

 

[sharp4runr]

Yeah Threxx summed it up pretty good. Of all the vehicles you listed only the 4Runner and the GC are really off-road worthy

The SR5 17" wheels are the same wheels you can get on the Limited model. If I can suggest though, think about upgrading to the Sport Edition. The SE comes with upgraded 17" wheels (Wheels are Unique to SE), bigger front disc brakes, silver roof rails, color matched side mirrors and XREAS. XREAS is an upgraded suspension that links the shocks to its diaganol counterpart (Front driver shock is linked to rear passenger). Having XREAS increases ON Road handling tremendously. Of course I'm biased, because I chose a SE over the SR5 and Limited. Do a search on the forums and you'll quickly see why so many other individuals are glad they have the Xreas.

As far as price point, you can expect to pay a couple hundred dollars below invoice if you haggle enough. I was able to get my 2K4 SE that had a MSRP of about $33500 for $30200.

My V6 SE had the JBL 10 spkr, moonroof, spoiler, floor mats, cargo nets, double decker system, rear seat audio, head phones etc.

 

[ScottAW]

FWIW, I had an '01 Audi A4 1.8T before I got the 4-Runner. Love my 4-Runner now, V6 with the sport (x-reas) suspension is a blast to drive.