on the Hunt for a 4runner trophy...

[heiser]

I don't want to discourage too much, but I'm from arizona and hunted for a 4runner for about 3 months. I only noticed about two 4runners with 3rd row seating and I was watching multiple sites every day.

 

[28.]

Let me get this straight, if I shop 'lexus' it's $$$$ but if I shop 'prado' it's $$$ little less cause of the name? but in reality it's the SAME vehicle/parts? I'm learning as fast as I can but there is SO MUCH to take in.

For my trailer

I don't think I'll be more than 1500 lbs ever but it can be loaded to 2000 lbs max

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/133970401@N04/19333023151/in/datetaken/" title="20150701_000655"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/301/19333023151_dfc9ff9226.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="20150701_000655"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Oversees the 120 platforms are Prados.. The GX is essentially a dressed up 4runner..

Was gonna sk if you'd considered a used Land Cruiser? Either 100 series or 80 series? Either one will suit your needs just fine and you can find a good deal if you look around. But like most have mentioned, don't let high miles scare you away if the maintenance is there.

 

[techno]

If its just a passenger carrying road trip type vehicle, why stick to 4runners? There's plenty of other 3 row SUVs that handle better and get better gas mileage.

When you take offroad capability and 3rd row into consideration, the main competitors are the GX470, Pathfinder and LR3. The V6 4Runner gets better mileage than all of them. But interestingly, the others can usually be found cheaper. I did the math based on my typical driving and after two years I would be better off, financially, in the 4Runner.

 

[Martinjmpr]

The more I think about it, if I didn't need a vehicle that was physically larger (funny how the more you camp the more crap you seem to want to take) I would be all over the GX470.

Think about this: When they were new, the Lexus was at least $10k more than the 4runner. But because the 4runner is such a hot commodity on the used market and the GX is not, I see GX's going for about the same price as a V8 4runner, and in some cases the 4runner is quite a bit more $$.

 

[SnowLizard]

so now I'm going test driving quite a few, I've learned the following

Land Crusiers - expensive
4runners - HIGHLY desiered = expensive
Lexus GX - expensive to repair, decent prices


the Service records are what I'm looking for, when we get one it has to be a pampered vehicle, period.

Thank you all so much on the type of vehicles... more options make it much easier...

I did search on the 4th gens ADD, I didn't find anything conclusive, kinda like the 3rd gen LBJ, I'm sure it's happened, but under certain circumstances. I don't think we will be 'pushing' it off road as thats what my 99 is meant to be.


new caviaut, her 2007 Hyundai Tucson is in her parents name. I just found out (after few years of marriage) that it can be used for a 'newer' vehicle trade in, or sell after we get her 'newer' vehicle. so looks like I have to get a 2007+ vehicle, the price just went to 15-25k range any more and we'll be looking at 5th gens... grr. :ballchain:
I'm afraid to ask if there is a mileage restriction... I'm gonna assume NO, for now.

that gets rid of alot of the market... but other models should help. the Hunt continues

 

[Martinjmpr]

What's expensive to repair on the lexus? Only thing I could think of might be the GPS or maybe the air suspension? I know the air suspension can be removed, but I also know on some "luxury" vehicles the GPS also controls the HVAC so it's not like you have the option of just swapping the unit out for an aftermarket one.

I reflexively steer clear of anything with a "luxury" brand name (Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Cadillac, Audi, BMW, etc) just because I figure when you go into any place to get it serviced they're going to see you driving a luxury car and automatically double the charge.

 

[Martinjmpr]

. But interestingly, the others can usually be found cheaper.

And why do you suppose that is? : Hell, I've seen ~10 - 12 year old Discos go for around $2500. A 4runner of that vintage would be over 10 grand.

Of course, most of the LR's you see for sale also say "Needs a little work" - Ah, that whole "British understatement" thing. :

 

[SnowLizard]

What's expensive to repair on the lexus? ...

I reflexively steer clear of anything with a "luxury" brand name (Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Cadillac, Audi, BMW, etc) just because I figure when you go into any place to get it serviced they're going to see you driving a luxury car and automatically double the charge.

I think you answered your own question... :eyebrows:

I'm thinking the same thing, stay away from lexus... but Land Crusier might be viable... but all are in the 30k range might as well go 4runner :frusty: :gun4:

 

[SnowLizard]

well thanks to craigslist, I've been hunting for pics and models, well wife has say now... I swear the pool is dimishing... if they don't get what they want they will just squeeze you till they do... :hail:


so the Lexus is a no, the big rear door opening is not an option, we have a trailer and it just won't work... sure we can open it alittle, but with dogs, it won't.

the land cruiser, is a no... she didn't like the rear lift gate, even on the 95 4runner she didn't like it. I did tho...

so due to door, the 4runner only...

sucks cause I found a possible cherry 2000 land cruiser with 144k for 14k...
2000 Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4, ONE OWNER, NEW TIRES, JUST SERVICED, IMM

we did go see a 2005 v6 4x4 4runner, with 3rd row, with 122k miles for $8900, drove nice, there was mud caked 'under' the car, the engine bay showed no major leaks, but I had a feeling it was abused by current owner... and never maintained, engine light throwing cat, knock, trans, and v-trac codes... I didn't want to find out what else it needed, but then again that price was nice.
2005 toyota 4runner 4x4
what do you guys think???

 

[Martinjmpr]

Why do you need the 3rd row?

That's the albatross around your neck. There are a lot of nice 4th gens available but most of them won't have that 3rd row.

If you absolutely have to have a 3rd row and that's the most important consideration then you may want to widen your search beyond 4th gen 4runners.

The R51 Pathfinder (2005-2012 I think) has body-on-frame construction, 4wd, a more powerful 4.0 V6 than the 4runner and every one comes with a towing package AND a 3rd row. Things it doesn't have that the 4runner does are a roll down rear window, multi-mode 4wd and a solid rear axle (the Pathy has IRS.) It's a bit longer than the 4runner but it's still in the same general size category.

If you insist on staying with Toyota you could also consider the Highlander which has a 3rd row and which I believe is rated to tow up to 4000 lbs.

Other than that, finding a 4th gen with a 3rd row is going to require either a lot of patience or a willingness to travel a good distance. Obviuosly only you can decide if it's worth it.

 

[SnowLizard]

Why do you need the 3rd row?

That's the albatross around your neck. .

it's a ball and chain... translated, Wife. (hope she doesn't see this thread)

the wife wants a 7 seater, tried to give her my 4runner and I get a 6 seater 2014 tundra, but she didn't like that idea or price tag... oh well tried.

Wife's reasoning's, she's a soccer mom, and wants to tote our kids around (2) and wants to be able to drive their friends around IF it arises... she is set on 7 seats.

I like the highlander... I've been looking and reading up on them since your post... few things stand out to me

AWD available, not as great as 4runner but still great option
Lower to ground, easier to enter/exit, and Dogs don't jump so high, great for our arthritic 4yr old dog
good enough power for towing our small cargo trailer
noted (by others) to be bigger inside and smaller outside vs 4runner??? how did they do that!
rear hatch lifts UP! she loves that (some even have auto lift on newer ones)
better mpg!
searching around, the prices/features/options are right in our price range.
it fits the 07+ rule... and low mileage.

overall it's a 4runner that's never getting modified, she won't use the 4runner to it's max capacity, except for the seats. so this makes sense to go this route.

the AWD is for driving in snow/wet/icy conditions we will encounter on road trips in northern utah and bear lake idaho
7 seats with rear seat hidden in floor, awesome!

I hope I'm still welcomed with a highlander... oh wait I have some 3rd gens.

 

[techno]

Highlander is unibody construction.
4Runner is body on chassis.
That's how they do it. I'm in almost the same boat as you, the Highlander makes more sense than the 4Runner for my realistic needs. But..... I just want the 4Runner!

 

[SnowLizard]

I just hope my wife doesn't come back and demand a 4runner only...

 

[Martinjmpr]

noted (by others) to be bigger inside and smaller outside vs 4runner??? how did they do that!

Highlander is unibody construction.
4Runner is body on chassis.
That's how they do it.

Beat me to it. Unibody + independent rear suspension allow for a lower deck and wider body while keeping the exterior the same size. Also safer as it allows for crumple zones and the entire monocoque body absorbs shock instead of it all being transferred to the frame.

I just hope my wife doesn't come back and demand a 4runner only...

They're going to be difficult to find, overpriced and probably in crap condition for the money. Also, from what I've heard (no direct experience) the 3rd row seat is next to useless (which is why very few people ordered it.)

Maybe she has to actually see one to understand. Nice thing about the Highlander is that there are a ton of them out there so finding one with all the bells and whistles you want should be easy.

 

[eviele]

I just hope my wife doesn't come back and demand a 4runner only...

The first two 4Runners I looked at were ones with 3rd row seat.
It's pretty tight back there....

It sounds like folks have given you great advice. Some days I think the Highlander would be best for me. We don't need a third row seat, but with a little one on the way it might be nice in the future. And I commute a ton and the 4Runner is a great vehicle, but the Highlander is probably better on the highway...

...then I remember one of the big selling points of the V8 4Runner for me and that's the reliability. I wanted a vehicle that would last me ten or twelve more years and after a lot of research I thought the V8 4Runner gave me a great chance at that.

Time will tell.
Good luck with your search.

 

[SnowLizard]

I haven't found it specifically, but can the HighLander be driven 4wd all the time? even on dry surfaces?

 

[RPS13]

I saw one 4Runner with the 3rd row seats. IMO, they're useless, because it seemed like a huge "tack on" feature that didn't have good access.

We cross shopped new Highlanders and Honda Pilots a couple of years ago. IMO, the Honda Pilot is a better soccer mom mobile. I'd actually say better all around. I felt like it drove better, had a little better access inside, was cheaper, and the engine was more willing to get it down the road at a reasonable pace.

They're both better mom-mobiles than a 4Runner, which is pretty cramped inside for its size when you're trying to tote around a bunch of kids and strollers and stuff. I'm always amazed at how much crap comes with a kid (especially small ones).

Just my 2 cents of checking out the previous gen mommy mobiles.

 

[SnowLizard]

don't get me wrong, it's not just a mom-mobile... if we have more than 5 passengers, this vehicle will need to pull the trailer, with 5+ kayaks, supplies, ect...
and for the places we go, we still want the power (HP) to get there without slowing down going uphill, 7 people + cargo = heavy... so I don't want to go too weak of a system
I' have found some explanation on highlanders AWD system, with previous explanations it is apparent 50/50 power split isn't the best at towing..

These utilize a limited slip center differential and open front and rear differentials. It is a viscous coupling center differential. If one of the front wheels begins to spin faster than the rear, the heavy liquid in the center begins to firm up which routes more power to the rear. Once torque is equalized, the 50-50 power split is resumed. This system is always engaged and requires no driver input.

It is possible to become stuck with this system. This is because of the open front and rear differentials. If both right tires were on ice, all power would be routed to these wheels. This is a fairly unlikely occurrence on a light duty vehicle like these. On the Highlander, you can get VSC, which includes traction control. If the right wheel begins to slip, brakes are applied to this wheel and power is sent to the left. On the 4WD model, there is no rev limiter associated with the traction control

non-toyota source so take it for what it's worth:Toyota 4WD systems explained - Car Forums at Edmunds.com

so although it's not the wonderful 4runner power split of 31/70 (or something like that... ) it still keeps it even...

I have found the older highlanders aren't as comfy as some of the 4th gen 4runners.

I do like the seats folding into the floor...

Im grudgingly considering a 2010 (5th gen) 4runner... maybe we can find a LTD version with the full time 4wd... it's what kinda decided on. but I think we will have to wait till they reach the 25k range...

or look at the new sequoia's and hope my wife doesn't get car sick in them.

 

[LUVDA4RUNNER]

There are 2 4th gen 4runners w/third row at performance Toyota in Omaha. One is a v6 the other a v8

 

[RPS13]

don't get me wrong, it's not just a mom-mobile... if we have more than 5 passengers, this vehicle will need to pull the trailer, with 5+ kayaks, supplies, ect...
and for the places we go, we still want the power (HP) to get there without slowing down going uphill, 7 people + cargo = heavy... so I don't want to go too weak of a system
I' have found some explanation on highlanders AWD system, with previous explanations it is apparent 50/50 power split isn't the best at towing..

IMO, something like a newer Honda Pilot will smoke a V6 4th gen 4Runner, and maybe even a V8 one. 250 HP, lighter weight, more aggressively geared with a quicker shifting trans. Don't discount the mom mobiles, they make pretty good power these days.