Hey guys,
I'm new here, and just starting the process of researching 4runners. Going to have a bunch of questions and am looking for some advice.
My background: I've owned 11 cars in the past 7 years, ranging from a couple Lexuses to a couple Mercedes, a couple Mustangs, a murano, and an S60R. Very knowledgeable automotive-wise, but not too familiar with the 4runner specifically. I know they've always been very capable and dead-nuts reliable. Currently I drive a 2007 Lexus ES350.
Well, I've recently moved in with my GF and her 5 yr old daughter, and we adopted an 85lb chocolate lab....needless to say, neither my ES nor her 02 corolla are really cutting it when carting everyone around.
So, I started looking at SUVs and have narrowed it down to the 4runner based on it's reliability, fuel mileage, and all it has to offer. That, and it's one of the few SUV's left that actually looks manly, and not a girly soccer-mom crossover.
So, I've narrowed it down to the 6 cylinder 4th gen, but for financing reasons would need to probably stay 06-09, which as I understand is a post-facelift range.
So basically, here's what I need from you guys:
1.) Any specific things to look for or worry about when shopping for one of these?
2.) Any specific years to avoid due to manufacturing defects, some years had better options etc?
3.) Any particularly important services to make sure have been done? Example: on the 2nd gen Lexus GS they revised the ball joints in 01, and it was important to get it replaced with the new part, anything similar on the 4runner?
4.) Any specific trim level to avoid? I've heard the sport rides harder than the SR5 and limited.
5.) Any options you guys consider a 'must have' on any model?
It seems like an 06-09 is in my reach in the 60-90k mile mark, with financing being the determining factor on mileage. There's a couple limited models around but are more money of course, so the SR5 has caught my attention.
I look forward to learning and appreciate any advice you can give me! :bigok:
I'm new here, and just starting the process of researching 4runners. Going to have a bunch of questions and am looking for some advice.
My background: I've owned 11 cars in the past 7 years, ranging from a couple Lexuses to a couple Mercedes, a couple Mustangs, a murano, and an S60R. Very knowledgeable automotive-wise, but not too familiar with the 4runner specifically. I know they've always been very capable and dead-nuts reliable. Currently I drive a 2007 Lexus ES350.
Well, I've recently moved in with my GF and her 5 yr old daughter, and we adopted an 85lb chocolate lab....needless to say, neither my ES nor her 02 corolla are really cutting it when carting everyone around.
So, I started looking at SUVs and have narrowed it down to the 4runner based on it's reliability, fuel mileage, and all it has to offer. That, and it's one of the few SUV's left that actually looks manly, and not a girly soccer-mom crossover.
So, I've narrowed it down to the 6 cylinder 4th gen, but for financing reasons would need to probably stay 06-09, which as I understand is a post-facelift range.
So basically, here's what I need from you guys:
1.) Any specific things to look for or worry about when shopping for one of these?
2.) Any specific years to avoid due to manufacturing defects, some years had better options etc?
3.) Any particularly important services to make sure have been done? Example: on the 2nd gen Lexus GS they revised the ball joints in 01, and it was important to get it replaced with the new part, anything similar on the 4runner?
4.) Any specific trim level to avoid? I've heard the sport rides harder than the SR5 and limited.
5.) Any options you guys consider a 'must have' on any model?
It seems like an 06-09 is in my reach in the 60-90k mile mark, with financing being the determining factor on mileage. There's a couple limited models around but are more money of course, so the SR5 has caught my attention.
I look forward to learning and appreciate any advice you can give me! :bigok:
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