I am thinking about trading in my 2012 Silverado and picking up a 2013 4runner sr5. I drive 100 miles a day to work and I am wanting a 4x4 that will get 20mpg and is still big enough to pull a utility trailer. Twice a month I pull my 5x14 trailer with a Yamaha Rhino 700 on it. Am I looking at the right vehicle for this or am I barking up the wrong tree.
Questions before I buy
- Thread starter thekevin
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Newf4R
New member
I will be shocked if you find anyone on here tell you anything but "Buy the 4Runner." If you posted that same question on Chevrolet-Silverado.org (if that even exists) you might get a different answer.
I've had my SR5 5 months now and I absolutely love it! I have towed an enclosed trailer a little bit larger than yours (16'x7') with two loaded up snowmobiles aboard (500lbs a piece) without a problem. The 4Runner has no issues towing IMO. Like myself, it sounds like you do a fair bit of going. I have been really impressed with my fuel economy on the highway... when in 2wd of course. I'm assuming your Silverado has full-time 4wd option. Gotta go to the Ltd. to get those and whistles over here! There's no doubt Chev. has a nice comfortable ride when it comes to their trucks, but the 4Runner's ride is pretty comfy too. Lastly, re-sale! Compare the re-sale on your silverado to the same model year 4Runner with similiar mileage. These things don't depreciate... not up here in Can. at least. I could really use the pick-up sometimes when it comes to the ski-doo, but after having my 4Runner, I wouldn't trade it for any truck out there. Happy Shopping!!
I expected it to be a little biased but I also thought people, like yourself, that do pull with them would speak up. I test drove a new 2012 last week and really liked the way it drove. It is nice having a truck but no more than I use the bed I don't mind hooking on to the trailer. I have owned several Toyota truck and the only real problem I had was with the 3.0 motor in my 89 and loved everything else about them but I haven't had one newer than that.
Blacksunshyne
New member
Yeah this board will more than likely be biased. If you are buying either to keep 1-5 years get which every strikes your fancy. If you are keeping it longer than 5 years get the Toyota.
had my sr5 4x4 since jan. Best fuel mileage I have got is 19. pretty much stays right there, I drive mostly hwy miles too. haven't towed anything yet, but I haul my foreman 500 around on utility trailer behind a v6 ranger so I don't imagine there would be any probs behind a v6 4runner
submarinepirate
New member
I just did a search on Carmax, and the closest thing they've got in comparison to mine was a 2011...and it has 42k miles on it and they're still asking $29k...might as well buy a new one at that point IMO. But yeah, 4Runners have always held their resale value from what I've seen over time.
Titanpat57
Senior Member
I commute about 90 miles daily. With the accessories added to the truck to date (rack, slider/steps, drawer system) I'm down to about 17-18 mpg. I also tow (a trailer to do dump runs and lumber yard runs, and a camping trailer about 2600 lbs)
I've always had dual wheel trucks, shrank down to a Nissan Titan, (with a slight mistake in between) and finally this. I have never had a problem with power to date, getting the best mileage ever since I've owned trucks, and have never enjoyed a smaller truck as much as this one. The fun factor is a blast, and as a little sidenote...the dealership I bought it from was ready to give me $30,000 on a trade in for a 13' with 60,000 miles on my truck....
Try that with a Chevy...
I have a new silverado and my wife has an 11 limited 4runner. They are really completely different feels. The Chevrolet feels like its built like a tank compared to the 4runner, but the 4runner will average around 20mpg. I think that the 4runner would pull your trailer fine, but it's going to be different than what your used to. Just look at the bright side, it will definitely get better fuel mileage.
KS4RUNNER
New member
It's a great vehicle, but you prob wil get 18 mpg on the hwy. ESP if you drive 75 mph or so. I seem to alway be around 2300 rpm. I wish we had. 6 speed auto/. Hwy overdrive 6th gear that could get the rpm's down to 1400 or so. The fuel economy would for sure improve. Anyway I love mine and plan on buying a 2nd one here soon. ( I came from driving several suburbans before getting the 4 runner, I have never looked back). Best of luck,
KS
KS
If you keep the speed at 70 or below you can hit the highway ratings... Above 70 the brick shape doesn't do us any favors. I'm really hoping a 6-speed auto isn't offered on the 2014, as it would really make me consider trading in my 2013 which would be silly.
I have exhaust, cold air intake and efi live custom tune on my Silverado and I am really good to keep it at 65 on the highway and the best I can get out of my truck is under 18mpg. I only have 9800 miles on my truck but I don't like spending $600 a month in fuel and with my tune I have to run 89 octane to get that fuel mileage so I may save quite a bit.
I looked around a little bit this weekend and I can get the sr5 for around $32k and the trail models are closer to $40k. Is it worth looking at a trail model.
I looked around a little bit this weekend and I can get the sr5 for around $32k and the trail models are closer to $40k. Is it worth looking at a trail model.
Titanpat57
Senior Member
well to be honest....there's really only two types of 4runner owners...
Those with Trail Editions....
and those who wish they had one...:yo:
"BOMBS AWAY"!!
I traded my 2500hd for the 4runner, mostly because I was wanted more than 10mpg. The 4runner gets closer to 17-18 combined like others have said, so it was a big improvement for me, but if you are getting close to 18 in your truck I don't think it would be worth it. I do miss my truck, but the new ride is growing on me, and it tore through the snow this winter like a tank!
Easy decision.
Just traded in my 08 ext cab Rado (2wd 5.3L) on a '13 Limited 4x4. I was a little hesitant because I've grown used to having full size trucks. I'm 6'4" first off, only drive about 40 miles round trip for work, but am constantly driving outside of work.. 2500 miles on my T4R in a month! lol. I also pull an 18' Caravelle ski boat regularly in the summer. Took it in for service last week and was VERY IMPRESSED with how well the T4R towed it. Felt just as stable on the interstate, and stopped even better than my truck did. I miss my big V8 and being able to pass folks with ease ha, but that is my one and only gripe about the Runner. It absolutely fulfills my needs while getting 19-20 hwy.. 17-18 around town. Best I ever got in the 08 Rado was 17.5 on a trip.
Just traded in my 08 ext cab Rado (2wd 5.3L) on a '13 Limited 4x4. I was a little hesitant because I've grown used to having full size trucks. I'm 6'4" first off, only drive about 40 miles round trip for work, but am constantly driving outside of work.. 2500 miles on my T4R in a month! lol. I also pull an 18' Caravelle ski boat regularly in the summer. Took it in for service last week and was VERY IMPRESSED with how well the T4R towed it. Felt just as stable on the interstate, and stopped even better than my truck did. I miss my big V8 and being able to pass folks with ease ha, but that is my one and only gripe about the Runner. It absolutely fulfills my needs while getting 19-20 hwy.. 17-18 around town. Best I ever got in the 08 Rado was 17.5 on a trip.
