thinking about buying a 4runner

S

swalker

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I could use some help. I am getting ready to buy a mid size suv. I need to have a third seat, "decent" gas mileage, and somthing comfortable (i put about 30k miles on per year) I am not an "offroader", and will really only use the 4x4 a few times a year when it snows. I want comfortable seating for 4 adults, the back seat would be for 2 young small kids I am considering:

Toyota 4 runner
Ford explorer
Nissan Pathfinder

The 4runner is the most expensive, but also the one I like the looks of the best. Also, it has not rebate right now and the other 2 do

Is the 4runner worth the extra money? If I get the 4runner, should I get the limited, or get the sr model and add the leather, 3rd row etc and save a few thousand $

Any help is apreciated

thanks
 
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Welcome! How much money do you have to spend? Have you considered a van since you have 2 kids (sounded you want to put them in the back)? I would not put 2 kids in a 3d row seat in an SUV for safety reasons. But to each own.
 
thinking around $40,000 but always like to save a few bucks. Have done the van thing before and while it is practical, not the way I want to go this time. 90% of the drive time would be just me for work, or possibly my older kids in the middle seats. Have a girlfriend with 5 and 10 year old, want to be able to take the whole "family" places once in a while.
 
The Brady bunch eh? :jk: For $40K, you might find a 5th gen 4Runner (SR5)with 3d row seats unless you want to consider the new Honda Pilot with 3d row seats.
 
For your use, I think a 4Runner is overkill. I'd consider Pilot, Highlander and the like. A car based SUV should be more to your liking long term.
 
dagosa said:
For your use, I think a 4Runner is overkill. I'd consider Pilot, Highlander and the like. A car based SUV should be more to your liking long term.
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x2 pilot or highlander, new 4runners are very pricey. Why not buy a newer used one? like '08+
 
Go with the 4Runner and don't look back

Since I keep my vehicles for several years, before I throw down $40K you can bet I looked, studied, compared and drove several other vehicles. I now own a 2010 4Runner Limited 4x4 so I may be somewhat predigest. But from what I know if you have $40K to spend I would recommend the 4Runner.

I own an older Pathfinder and they are excellent vehicles, but Nissan SUVs have not kept up with Toyota in design, engines and practicality. We looked at the new Pathfinder and it didn’t take long to rule it out. Since I used to be a Ford man I think I have earned the right to say the build quality on the Explorer just doesn’t match up to either the 4Runner or Pathfinder. Take a decibel meter and see the difference in quietness in the 4Runner cabin as compared to the Explorer. As far as the Honda Pilot just check out the stopping distance as compared to the new 4Runner. That distance could make the difference of simply driving away from a situation or a really bad accident.

However, you need to realize the ride in the 4Runner is somewhat stiff like a truck, but it’s not uncomfortable. I have a bad back and living in Texas everything is a long way, so driving a distance is not a problem. The quietness in the cabin really helps on fatigue. Of course if you want a highway cruiser my wife’s Sequoia can’t be beat.

I have owned my 4Runner for almost a year and I like just about everything about it. I would recommend the Limited, but wouldn’t get the navigation package, as it’s too expensive for what you get. A Tom Tom is a better way to go. I would also recommend the 4x4 even if you do not plan to go off road. The 4x4 has all wheel drive in addition to true 4-wheel drive. Because of the all wheel drive my 4Runner handles better in wet weather that a lot of SUVs do on dry pavement. You also get your money back as a used 4x4 is always in demand. The 6 cylinders have all the power you need short of a racetrack. The braking is outstanding. It also is one good looking vehicle!

Obviously, others will have different opinions, but the 4Runner was right for me.
 
If i were in your shoes, i'd buy 2 vehicles for $40K. I'd get a used Honda Odyssey EX (they look sexy in some way) which has the power and room for everyone. I heard it's a great van for long vacation drives. Have the girlfriend drive that. And get a used 4th gen V8 for my daily batmobile driver. Having only 1 vehicle may suck. What if you're stuck @ work and the rest of the family has some errands to do or in case of emergency? Just my 2 cents.
 
:iagree: with others against the 4Runner. The third row will be outgrown in a few years and only short trips around town will it be useful. Also consider that there will be little to no cargo space, which makes packing for a trip away for a few days tough, unless you get a roof top cargo box.

SUVs are good if you need towing or off-roading capabilities, but a minivan (which I know you don't want) is better suited for a growing family.

On Mikestoy's note... My cousin's inlaws snatched up a pair of brand new '09 Odyssey's EX-L with DVD entertainment and nav for $25k during clearance.
 
I believe the 4runner is worth the extra$$. In your case I'ld get the sr5 3rd row. Keep in mind the limited is full time 4wheel drive with 20" tires that you will have to replace every 1-2 years. Take the extra coin and invest in roof cross bars and cargo carrier and maybe winter tires cuz IMO the stock tires on a 4runner are crap in the snow/ice.( I am also partial to Toyota )
 
From what you are needs are as described, I would go with a full size SUV, something like a Expedition, Tahoe, etc. The 4runner is not that comfortable and more like a "workhorse" that may not be a good fit for you and the family.
 
Burt said:
From what you are needs are as described, I would go with a full size SUV, something like a Expedition, Tahoe, etc. The 4runner is not that comfortable and more like a "workhorse" that may not be a good fit for you and the family.
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I second that. I think a Tahoe would be a great vehicle too. Everyone that has them loves them...I've driven several and they are really nice. Ride well, quite, smooth.
 
I have had a lot a of vehicles. I bought a new 4runner in 98 and still have it today. I drove it daily until about 5 years ago when my commute increased to 100 miles a day. It has been in the shop only twice and together I only spent about 800 bucks on service since new not counting normal maintenance.

I don't knoiw how the new ones compare but based upon my experience would highly recommend.

KPB
 
MikesToy said:
If i were in your shoes, i'd buy 2 vehicles for $40K. I'd get a used Honda Odyssey EX (they look sexy in some way) which has the power and room for everyone. I heard it's a great van for long vacation drives. Have the girlfriend drive that. And get a used 4th gen V8 for my daily batmobile driver. Having only 1 vehicle may suck. What if you're stuck @ work and the rest of the family has some errands to do or in case of emergency? Just my 2 cents.
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I would get a Designated Commuter i.e. a 10 year old Civic or Jetta, and a 4th gen 4runner to use when you need to transport alot of people.
 
The 4runner would not be comfortable with a 3rd row. Like Uneek said, with the 3rd row up there is going to be hardly any cargo room.

I don't see a Tahoe being much bigger. I think you need to go with something like a Suburban.
 
got the 4runner

Thanks for all the input.

I love the Taho, but about $10,000 more and much poorer gas mileage.

Almost got a honda pilot, until my teenage daughter said "thats a girl car dad"

Went with a 2011 silver sr5..added leather and 3rd row..saved about $5000 vs limited, and I dont need the bigger more expensive 20" wheels.

Got it bought for $250 over invoice. I utilized ZAG pricing, and then still got my local dealer to match the best price so I get the best of both worlds.

Just got it this week, but LOVE it. 90% of the time it is just me in the vehicle, but i love having the exta seats when needed.

Always driven a truck, just put 200k on my avalanche, so the ride doesnt bother me at all.

I do think I may have to try a little off roading though...I am thinking I am getting the bug reading allthe post on here.

Again thanks for the input!!
 
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