New Member from CT - Buying First SUV\Wagon

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kb1qzh

New member
Hi Everybody,
My name's Frank and I'm from Stamford, CT. The main reason reason I joined is because I need tips\recommendations for buy my first car (the family Corolla wagon was hit). More on that later. My interests are electronics, computers, amateur radio. I'd like driving off road to that list. (Hey, 90% of my radios are handhelds, mobiles, and portables so hitting the road with them is no problem and fun) I don't have any real mechanical experience but love to learn and I'm a Red Cross volunteer.

So back to my problem. I no longer have a car. I've always wanted something AWD\4WD. Top of the list are Subaru (Outback \ Forester), Toyota (4Runner - Don't like the Rav4 or Highlander), and Nissan (Xterra \ Pathfinder).

I'm after a daily driver that I can fun with and learn with by doing a mild build. Top on the list are a 2010 Forrester X Premium-All Weather package and a 2005 4Runner SR5 V8. Both are being sold by dealers Having never bought a car, I'm pretty unsure about everything, especially buying used.

Any tips?
Are my goals rational?
What should I know about the SR5 V8?

Thanks,
Frank B.
 
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2005 is a great year for the 4th gen, especially if you like the earlier styling of the 4Runner. In 2005, the V8 gained VVT-i giving it a bump in torque and HP. In 2006, the 4Runner got a face lift.

I haven't bought a used car from an unknown owner before, but I would suggest getting a copy of the maintenance record. If you have an independent mechanic, have them take a look over the car and inspect it for any collision repairs, etc.
 
kb1qzh said:
Hi Everybody,
My name's Frank and I'm from Stamford, CT. The main reason reason I joined is because I need tips\recommendations for buy my first car (the family Corolla wagon was hit). More on that later. My interests are electronics, computers, amateur radio. I'd like driving off road to that list. (Hey, 90% of my radios are handhelds, mobiles, and portables so hitting the road with them is no problem and fun) I don't have any real mechanical experience but love to learn and I'm a Red Cross volunteer.

So back to my problem. I no longer have a car. I've always wanted something AWD\4WD. Top of the list are Subaru (Outback \ Forester), Toyota (4Runner - Don't like the Rav4 or Highlander), and Nissan (Xterra \ Pathfinder).

I'm after a daily driver that I can fun with and learn with by doing a mild build. Top on the list are a 2010 Forrester X Premium-All Weather package and a 2005 4Runner SR5 V8. Both are being sold by dealers Having never bought a car, I'm pretty unsure about everything, especially buying used.

Any tips?
Are my goals rational?
What should I know about the SR5 V8?

Thanks,
Frank B.
Click to expand...
What dealer?
I dont like subarus and i own a 4runner so i will immediatly say a 4runner. But just basic logic says that the 4runner has taken its greatest hit in depreciation already if you buy the subura you will lose a lot more cash.
I would stray away from the dealers they tend to be expensive and sometimes dishonest. Look around the area for used 4runners because they are plentiful around us. If you have a buddy who is a mechanic, take him with you.
 
Views from this site will obviously be biased.

Of the two you have narrowed down there are two big differences between them. The 4Runner is built on a truck platform, truck frame and a full 4wd system with locking diff and 4Lo. The Forrester is a car with high ground clearance.

On a day to day basis there probably won't be a huge amount of difference, the 4Runner will probably be higher for point of view. Where the difference will be is if you'd like to do any off roading. The 4Runner's system will be more capable and in the future if you'd like to enhance it's capabilities (don't you worry, the mod bug will eventually get you) there are much more possibilities and options for the 4Runner. The Forester again is just a high car so it's capabilities will be limited in this respect, other than more agressive tires I'm doubtful there's anything a person could do to them.

And I agree with JohnD90, in this case the 4Runner has already lost alot of it's depreciation in comparison to the Subaru, as long as the Runner is in good shape and appears to not be abused it will give you many more years of reliable service. Pull a carfax and get it checked out. Just search through the multiple threads on this or any other sites and read the mileages people get out of these trucks realiably.
 
Quick question(s)

If a Toyota has an accident on its record, can be it be sold as certified? The 4Runner I was originally eyeing was sold. I've found an 06 that I like, but all my family members are telling me to buy the 2010 Forester cause this 4Runner has an accident on the record and can't be certified
 
kb1qzh said:
Quick question(s)

If a Toyota has an accident on its record, can be it be sold as certified? The 4Runner I was originally eyeing was sold. I've found an 06 that I like, but all my family members are telling me to buy the 2010 Forester cause this 4Runner has an accident on the record and can't be certified
Click to expand...

What do you mean by certified? Mine was in an accident, i haven't any issues.
 
I looked at the Forester in the summer of 2008, it was the new 09 model and I really did like it. The Forester X Premium had a good bit of power, I loved the moom roof and I actually had enough head room. The leg room was ample and my wife also liked it. I ended up getting a used 2004 4Runner. I spent less than 1/2 of what a new Forester X Premium cost. I really liked the Forester, it was just hard to justify the cost it.

One concern is getting a big SUV with a V8 because of gas prices now and in the future. If you can get over that part, I think the 4Runner is a better deal. I would also say, with the price difference, that should give you free gas for the next 5 or more years.

Bottom line I think you will like both. You have to decide what is best for you. By the way, I looked at a forum for Foresters. It was pretty decent.
SubaruForester.org
 
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I think I'm having a serious brain fart.

Is it me or is head and legroom lacking the the 4Runner, Xterra, and Pathfinder? I spent the weekend test driving (just the 4Runner 06-07) and sitting in Xterras and Pathfinders and found that there wasn't a lot of head room and my legs we somewhat cramped (not as bad as my mother's 01 Highlander).

I'm a over 6'1", probably 6'1.5" - 6'1.75" and I never noticed this being an issue in the old 94 Corolla wagon. Are these vehicles really this short or am I just not sitting properly and jsut noticing it now?

Thanks
 
I am 6'4" and I hear you about space. On the Forester, I almost felt like I needed to move the seat up and the head space was ample. In the 4Runner, both 3rd and 4th gen. headroom is lacking. There is no way I could feel comfortable in a 4Runner with a sun roof. At stop lights, I have to bend down a bit to see the light. On my 4th gen., I can lower the seat a bit, which helps. As far as leg room, it is OK. I guess it could be more, but it seems comfortable to me. Like I said, the new Forester had a little bit more leg room and a lot more head room. Getting into a 4Runner can be a challenge for tall people, I have a set way to get in and it seems to work.

There are a few things I didn't like about the Forester, but space for me was not one of them.
 
Hmmm, I'm 6'1" and the 4Runner fits me fine. My hair does graze the headliner a bit. I've also got the moonroof in mine. My seat isn't all the way back either, it allows the second row to fold without moving it, but there isn't much room to recline. The second row seat cushion pushes flush against the front seatback (to give an idea of front seatback angle).
 
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