Obviously, I expect people on this forum to be biased but I am curoius to know what other vehicles you looked at, why and if you have any reqrets. I am considering the Durango or the Pathfinder or the 4Runner. I currently have a 2WD '01 Dakota SLT QC with 4.7L with 4 wheel ABS, limited slip, auto. It was (and still is) the perfect size. Dependablitity has been ok; not great but it could have been worse. Specifically the major repairs have been: new A/C controls at 20k, new trannie at 35k, new rear end at 45k and again at 95k, new front suspension (almost everything) at 98k, new brakes/rotors at 110k. Main reasons looking at the imports is reputation for dependability, higher mileage. I need 5000# towing to comfortably tow a 4200# boat and trailer. There are very few choices that offer 5000 towing with better mileage and I don't like the Liberty. I appreciate your advice.
Tough choice
- Thread starter sbbamafan
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Derek
New member
My g/f is a service advisor at the local Dodge dealership and even she will admit that the 4Runner is MUCH better than anything Dodge will ever produce. Plus, keep this in mind. Dodge USED to have a 70K mile powertrain warranty. Well, they were losing too much money on warranty repairs, so for 2006 they dropped it back down to a 36K mile powertrain warranty, nothing more. That should tell you something. At least Toyota gives you a 60K mile powertrain warrantly, even though you probably won't need it.
Gromulus
New member
Re: Tough choice - huh?!?
Hmmm. "OK dependability"? Surely you jest?!? I guess it all depends what you are used to. Personally, I would RUN AWAY form any brand that gave me that many problems! Of course this forum, like any other of it's type, is biased. But as far as Toyota/Lexus reliability - it is with good reason. In general, they are the most reliable vehicles on the market - bar none. Honda/Acura is probably still #2 but they have had their share of some recent problems (e.g. 5-speed auto trannys).
I make an effort to look at all brands and models when purchasing a new vehilce, but nothing gives me that warm, cozy feeling like a Toyota. Sure, I am a long time Toyota owner but my company is a major supplier to the OEM atuomotive market. W know automotive quality requirements. Toyota is our biggest customer and as far as we (and I) are concerned, they are tops in reliability for good reason. I could have obtained a decent discount on a Honda or GM, but nothing on a Toyota. That is fine with me.
The Durango is a nice looking vehicle and does offer more space and higher towing ability if properly equipped. Too bad they lowered the ground clearance with the most recent model. Reliability is still below average. Pathfinder is a good choice but it doesn't offer quite the off-roadability with it's IRS. IMO the on-road ride and handling are also not in the same class as the Runner (especially if equipped with X-Reas). I test drove the Pathfinder several times since it was one my short list.
I truly feel no SUV offers the balance of off-road performance, on-road ride and handling, relative comfort, and towing ability as the 4Runner. Either the V6 or V8 models should satisfy your requirements. No bad choices here.
Don't take my or our word for it, Get out there, do your research, and test drive them all!
sbbamafan said:
Hmmm. "OK dependability"? Surely you jest?!? I guess it all depends what you are used to. Personally, I would RUN AWAY form any brand that gave me that many problems! Of course this forum, like any other of it's type, is biased. But as far as Toyota/Lexus reliability - it is with good reason. In general, they are the most reliable vehicles on the market - bar none. Honda/Acura is probably still #2 but they have had their share of some recent problems (e.g. 5-speed auto trannys).
I make an effort to look at all brands and models when purchasing a new vehilce, but nothing gives me that warm, cozy feeling like a Toyota. Sure, I am a long time Toyota owner but my company is a major supplier to the OEM atuomotive market. W know automotive quality requirements. Toyota is our biggest customer and as far as we (and I) are concerned, they are tops in reliability for good reason. I could have obtained a decent discount on a Honda or GM, but nothing on a Toyota. That is fine with me.
The Durango is a nice looking vehicle and does offer more space and higher towing ability if properly equipped. Too bad they lowered the ground clearance with the most recent model. Reliability is still below average. Pathfinder is a good choice but it doesn't offer quite the off-roadability with it's IRS. IMO the on-road ride and handling are also not in the same class as the Runner (especially if equipped with X-Reas). I test drove the Pathfinder several times since it was one my short list.
I truly feel no SUV offers the balance of off-road performance, on-road ride and handling, relative comfort, and towing ability as the 4Runner. Either the V6 or V8 models should satisfy your requirements. No bad choices here.
Don't take my or our word for it, Get out there, do your research, and test drive them all!
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I guess the reason I consider these failures as 'ok' is twofold. I use what I consider to be a great dealer (I know this is hard to believe for domestics) and I had an extended warranty, have one on my last 5 cars. All work was performed quickly with minimal interuption to my daily life or my wallet. As for import vs. domestic reliability, I have always driven domestics but my wife has had two imports (Hondas) adn still has an '02 Odyssey. The Hondas have been in the shop much more frequently than my domestics. Granted the severity of the problems is typically lower, but it is the inconvenience that bothers me more than the cost of the repair (within reason). BTW the odyssey also needed a trannie before 40k miles. She now has 75k on the odyssey and just had the 6th strut replacement (all at different times).
ToyotaDan
Guest
sbbamafan said:
I will try to be semi objective. When I bought my 2003 4runner, in 2003, I had a few rattles that needed to be addressed. After that, it was and is rock solid.
My 2005 Toyota Sienna is another story. It has been in the shop for electrical problems twice, the moon roof rattles like its about to fall off, and some of the speakers went out. NAV unit doesnt work when its cold. It has been in the shop more than my 1998 Durango (that I traded in on the 4runner).
I think the domestics have gotten better in terms of quality. I just bought a C6 corvette and i am not worried about reliability.
I think the best bet is to buy a Toyota built in Japan - and the 4runner fits that bill.
I'll say whats been said before, just to re-iterate, but all that follows is fact: We are going to be biased here.
OK, now that that's over with, let me say I owned two chevy blazer's before I bought the 4Runner, and while none of them weren't in the shop as much as your Dakota, they did have their problems. The domestics have gotten much better in terms of quality and reliability but to compare them to a brand like Toyota would be making a leap of faith.
The 4Runner is such a solidly built vehicle for the money, its amazing. Its as quiet over rough roads as any luxury SUV out there, especially since they thickened the glass on the '06. For the money its going to be a MUCH better choice than the Durango or the Pathfinder and here's why:
If you spring for the Durango equipped with the Hemi you are paying more money for a slight towing advantage (which is outside your range anyway), worse fuel economy (don't kid yourself with the MDS, the only time 4 cylinders will be active is going 55 on level ground with no boat. Any faster than that, or a stiff headwind and all 8 will fire up, that system is a joke), worse drivability and worse performance. Yes there will be more room, and maybe that is what you are looking for but I wouldn't recommend it.
The Pathfinder is in its first model year, which usually means working out the kinks. I've heard reports of large gaps in body panels among other problems. The spirited V6 is a nice piece of machinery, but loud inside the cabin from what I've heard.
Do yourself a favor and go test drive all 3 back-to-back. Toyota quality and drivability will shine through. Whether you drive the V6 or V8, you'll never go back.
OK, now that that's over with, let me say I owned two chevy blazer's before I bought the 4Runner, and while none of them weren't in the shop as much as your Dakota, they did have their problems. The domestics have gotten much better in terms of quality and reliability but to compare them to a brand like Toyota would be making a leap of faith.
The 4Runner is such a solidly built vehicle for the money, its amazing. Its as quiet over rough roads as any luxury SUV out there, especially since they thickened the glass on the '06. For the money its going to be a MUCH better choice than the Durango or the Pathfinder and here's why:
If you spring for the Durango equipped with the Hemi you are paying more money for a slight towing advantage (which is outside your range anyway), worse fuel economy (don't kid yourself with the MDS, the only time 4 cylinders will be active is going 55 on level ground with no boat. Any faster than that, or a stiff headwind and all 8 will fire up, that system is a joke), worse drivability and worse performance. Yes there will be more room, and maybe that is what you are looking for but I wouldn't recommend it.
The Pathfinder is in its first model year, which usually means working out the kinks. I've heard reports of large gaps in body panels among other problems. The spirited V6 is a nice piece of machinery, but loud inside the cabin from what I've heard.
Do yourself a favor and go test drive all 3 back-to-back. Toyota quality and drivability will shine through. Whether you drive the V6 or V8, you'll never go back.
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sharp4runr
New member
My old coworker has the new pathfinder. While it is a bit larger compared to the 4runner, interior space isn't that great. The 2nd row has really bad leg room. 3rd row on the pathfinder is nicer though. Also the materials in the cabin aren't as nice as the 4runner.
Can't comment on the Durango as I haven't been in the new one.
There were no other SUVs I needed to test drive when I was looking. I knew the 4Runner was it.
Can't comment on the Durango as I haven't been in the new one.
There were no other SUVs I needed to test drive when I was looking. I knew the 4Runner was it.
4RunnerRon
New member
After much experience with both domestic and import vehicles during the past ten years, I have come to the conclusion that Toyota overall is at the top of their game. For a mid-size SUV option with all the features you're looking for, a V8-equipped 4Runner would be the most dependable and fun to own vehicle you could choose. And even though Toyota's aren't exactly on the inexpensive end of the price spectrum, the value of their dependability, utility, and enjoyment is priceless.
4RUNNER_RULES
New member
Another Biased answer.
Here is my order of preference (if costs are comparable):
Plan to keep less than 3 years: 4Runner, Pathfinder, Durango
Plan to keep more than 3 years: 4Runner, Pathfinder (forget the Durango)
Plan to keep more than 5 years: 4Runner (forget the Pathfinder & Durango)
Here is my order of preference (if costs are comparable):
Plan to keep less than 3 years: 4Runner, Pathfinder, Durango
Plan to keep more than 3 years: 4Runner, Pathfinder (forget the Durango)
Plan to keep more than 5 years: 4Runner (forget the Pathfinder & Durango)
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faster4runner04
New member
I know its biased but... I LOVE my 4runner. I have owned 3.
Baba Booey
New member
Besides, the front of the new Pathfinder looks just like this...
Koz
New member
sbbamafan said:
You have to be kidding! You would even consider another Dodge especially after your own experience. The choice between the Path and the 4Runner is the question. They both are great trucks. The Path is a little cheaper and that's because it has less standard features. The 4Runner has a little better on road ride/handling with the XREAS. The 4Runner is better off-road and has more towing capacity. To put it in a nut shell, the 4Runner does everything a little better, which will justify the little higher cost. The 4Runner will have a better resale value and be more reliable.
Koz
i would never buy a Dodge Dakotaor Durango (although the newer ones are better)!! There are way too many problems with them. I chose the 4Runner because I live in a Toyota family (have had over 60 combined) and I saw the 4runner as a practical replacement for my GTS. Living in NH I never got to enjoy my GTS so the 4Runner had the best potential for me.
