New here, 2003+4runner VS 2005 JeepGCherokee??

[Heracles]

Hi All,
Im shopping for a Suv. Ive almost purchased a pre 2003 4runner (love em) but after seeing the 2003s, and seeing you can buy them used for the same as the older generation- im going that route-

I was going to consider a V6 2003 4runner, but after readin up here it seems as the way to go especially since I think im gonna buy used (something with 50K miles or lesss) a V8 is the way to go.

I was considering a Jepp Grand Cherokee..but not that im thinking about it Toyota>Jeep.

So you 4 runner folks- are your trucks super bullet proof !??

I know man Toyota Supra people, and the amazing reliability stories has me sold on a Toyota..

Hope to hear any advices and reccomendations, thank you.

 

[Heracles]

I might be buying this:

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/d...isamstown&dealer_id=34243134&car_id=202871569

 

[pipspeak]

Toyotas are reliable, no question. All cars have a few issues (as do new-model 4runners) but overall Toyota and Honda tend to get the highest marks for solid engineering that lasts a long time.

What year Jeep were you considering? The last model GC had far more reliability issues than the 4runner. The 2005-06 GC seems to be better but we've no idea how longer-term reliability will turn out. Both old and newer Jeeps get worse gas mileage than the Toyota but are just as capabable off-road, if not more so.

Looks-wise the 2003-06 4runner is better looking than the new GC - the designers did a good frontal job on the Jeep but seemed to give up once they reached the rear, which is too boxy. Interior-wise, both suck! The Toyota is Japanese ugly inside, the Jeep is cheap and bland looking inside.

When I was looking for 2-year old cars I considered both the Jeep GC (2005) and the 4runner. I opted for the 4runner, mainly because I'd already owned two Jeeps and fancied a change. Otherwise it was a close call.

 

[Mark86]

My Toytoa is just about bulletproof! As long as the 4Runner was properly maintained, you should have it for many years. In addition, that is not a lot of miles for a 3 years old vehicle. As for a comparison, I had a 2003 Sport, rented a 2005 GC Laredo, and now have a 2005 Limited. The only pros I found in the Jeep were the all in one key and minimal road noise. The interior of the Jeep is loaded with cheap plastic while the 4Runner uses soft touch materials. The controls in the 4Runner also feel like they are better quality than those in the Jeep. As for the exterior, 4Runner wins by a mile. The ride in the GC was bouncy. If it wasn't for various interior rattles, it would have been a very quiet ride. Overall, a used Toyota is more reliable than a brand new Jeep!

 

[Thai]

Personally, i would stay away from a 2003 V6 model due to some initial bugs. However, after 2003, the V6 is just as reliable as the V8's. There are a few nagging issues: sulfur smell (make sure TSB was done) and rear clunk (no damage, but annoying; no TSB yet...you can search for more info on this forum).

Otherwise, the 4runner is one of the most reliable (if not the most) SUV, bar none.

 

[ThatsRicci]

big fan of the v8 and 2003+ 4runners... although i long for the day when my 06' is considered 'used' and looks as ruggeded as the older 4 runners, after a couple tumbles and tree scrapings

i thought the sulfer smell was just a friendly reminder to shut the rear window when travelling at speed to avoid exhaust gas inhailation

kinda like propane and other household gases have odors attached to them to warn you of their odorless presence!