Update - Stolen 5th Gen, what should I replace it with

[hokie123]

My beloved 2016 SR5 premium was stolen in the alley behind my girlfriends townhouse exactly one month ago. Apparently insurance companies wait 21 days to start the claim because 70% of stolen vehicles are recovered. 30 days later and I haven't gotten paid yet, hopefully this week. The adjuster is giving me roughly $30K.

Anyway, I come here for advice on replacement options. I can technically afford just about any T4R but I never thought I'd buy a 50K vehicle, my 2016 was 37ish.

If you guys were in my shoes, what would you get? I've been out of the car/4runner shopping game a long time.

I kind of do what to get something nice like a LE.

Are people really paying high forties for a SR5 Premium and >50K for a LE. If they are, does it make sense to buy used?

Any suggestions is appreciated. Oh its use will be DD, road trips and driving on the beach occasionally.

 

[hokie123]

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[AZ Craig]

My beloved 2016 SR5 premium was stolen in the alley behind my girlfriends townhouse exactly one month ago. Apparently insurance companies wait 21 days to start the claim because 70% of stolen vehicles are recovered. 30 days later and I haven't gotten paid yet, hopefully this week. The adjuster is giving me roughly $30K.

Anyway, I come here for advice on replacement options. I can technically afford just about any T4R but I never thought I'd buy a 50K vehicle, my 2016 was 37ish.

If you guys were in my shoes, what would you get? I've been out of the car/4runner shopping game a long time.

I kind of do what to get something nice like a LE.

Are people really paying high forties for a SR5 Premium and >50K for a LE. If they are, does it make sense to buy used?

Any suggestions is appreciated. Oh its use will be DD, road trips and driving on the beach occasionally.

So this may not make you feel better, but if you inflation adjust $37K from 2016 to 2023, you get just over $47K. So as crazy as it seems the last 5 to 7 years, cars have only gone up nominally maybe more than inflation.

Personally I don't think 4Runners are worth it in the used the market since the discount to new is not that great and if you want to purchase to own longer term, new is the way to go to maximize the trouble free miles you'll get out of the vehicle. Assuming you'll need to finance a bit beyond the $30K you get from the insurance claim, you'd also pay a higher interest rate on a used car loan versus new.

If you can snag a 2023 that you like in the next month or two, you may be able to get a deal on one as they definitely are starting to be found for less than MSRP in certain markets.

I also think 2024 demand may drop some with the Land Cruiser coming out and a 6th generation likely appearing for 2025. Of course if you need a car right now, you cannot really wait much longer...

 

[thatoneguy]

In your situation, I would reboot the 5th gen experience and try to snag a new 2023. Like others have said, lightly used doesn't really provide a discount. If you've liked the car, you can have a new version of the same thing, with some of the modern conveniences that the 2020+ update provided. Could go with a different trim level too; perhaps Offroad Premium? If you find yourself wishing you had full-time 4WD, perhaps the Limited?

You tend to get the short end of the stick in some fashion when a vehicle is stolen--it forces a change, and a decision. You could think of it as fate forcing you to upgrade.

 

[RAVL 2016]

For what you are using it for, you might also check out a Subaru, perhaps a Forester, if the budget is tight. I wouldn’t choose a Forester over my 4Runner generally but my wife has an Outback and it is a nice car. Plus the Subaru will be cheaper to run, fuel economy wise, and less money to buy. If the money is not an issue, buy another 4runner (new is the way to go, as others have mentioned). Another thing is if there is a way to swing it and money is OK, get something relatively inexpensive as a gap filler and check out the new landcruiser when it arrives. That is probably not feasible but they look really cool and my understanding is they will still be made at Tahara. Good luck and sorry to hear the truck was stolen. That is always unsettling.

 

[Tonka23]

Limited & never look back!

 

[Humble Leader]

My beloved 2016 SR5 premium was stolen in the alley behind my girlfriends townhouse exactly one month ago. Apparently insurance companies wait 21 days to start the claim because 70% of stolen vehicles are recovered. 30 days later and I haven't gotten paid yet, hopefully this week. The adjuster is giving me roughly $30K.

Anyway, I come here for advice on replacement options. I can technically afford just about any T4R but I never thought I'd buy a 50K vehicle, my 2016 was 37ish.

If you guys were in my shoes, what would you get? I've been out of the car/4runner shopping game a long time.

I kind of do what to get something nice like a LE.

Are people really paying high forties for a SR5 Premium and >50K for a LE. If they are, does it make sense to buy used?

Any suggestions is appreciated. Oh its use will be DD, road trips and driving on the beach occasionally.

the best vehicle to buy is the one that has zero monthly payments. whether that's a honda or a toyota, it doesn't matter. see what you can get for 20k and then 30k and go from there

 

[AggieOE]

the best vehicle to buy is the one that has zero monthly payments. whether that's a honda or a toyota, it doesn't matter. see what you can get for 20k and then 30k and go from there

Although I tend to agree with this, I wouldn't replace my 2016 4Runner with a 2016 4Runner even though I'd break even. Hopefully, you have some bit of a rainy day fund. If not though, If interest rates aren't the worst, I'd probably still opt for a new 4Runner withOUT markup. If the 4Runner isn't what you're looking for, then maybe $30k could get you into something else that's still newer.

 

[spartacus]

A used 2016+ 4runner.

 

[thatoneguy]

I did not notice that OP's use cases are on-road and the beach. In that case, if you're not particularly obsessed with having 4Runners, I would suggest a Subaru.

We have a 2023 4Runner ORP and a 2023 Subaru Outback Premium. The Subaru is better at everything except hardcore offroading. I would absolutely recommend them to others. $32-33k puts you in a brand new Outback Premium, which is pretty well equipped. They are much cheaper than 4Runners to buy, and they use far less fuel. If you feel like splurging and want some pep, the turbocharged models can still be had under $40k new and are pretty quick.

Also, other Subaru models. The Crosstrek and Forester are also good, similar vehicles if they're more your style. Subarus have a much better true AWD system than the front-wheel-drive-based on-demand nonsense systems so many automakers slap in their crossovers.

 

[AZ Craig]

What about a RAV4 adventure trim? Starts right around $35K and well equipped at $39K or so (with the only major options package including the upgraded stereo).

If OP wants to stick with Toyota but could benefit from lower initial cost and cost to own that come with the RAV4.

Personally I think Subaru has been down hill since they stopped offering a WRX wagon in the US .

 

[hokie123]

Really appreciate the replies. USAA is STILL slow walking the process hoping this thing turns up, needless to say I’m done with them.

Definitely getting a 4Runner regardless if I get paid or it turns up and have to trade it in after all the repairs. I’m sure the Subarus are nice but they really aren’t my thing.

I’d really like to get a LE, only live once i guess

 

[Humble Leader]

Really appreciate the replies. USAA is STILL slow walking the process hoping this thing turns up, needless to say I’m done with them.

Definitely getting a 4Runner regardless if I get paid or it turns up and have to trade it in after all the repairs. I’m sure the Subarus are nice but they really aren’t my thing.

I’d really like to get a LE, only live once i guess

If it was me, I would hope they don't find the vehicle. stolen vehicles are never returned in the condition they were taken. it's much less hassle to take the $ and start again vs. chasing electrical gremlins for years from GPS and any other electrical systems/wiring the dirtbags rip out. also biohazard risk

 

[hokie123]

If it was me, I would hope they don't find the vehicle. stolen vehicles are never returned in the condition they were taken. it's much less hassle to take the $ and start again vs. chasing electrical gremlins for years from GPS and any other electrical systems/wiring the dirtbags rip out. also biohazard risk

Exactly and it’s been missing a month, can’t imagine the shape it’s in

 

[hokie123]

My question for you hour is what 4r for 40-43k?

Keep saving ?

 

[hokie123]

My question for you Guys is given my use of DD, beach, and mild OR use, what year(s) and trim are good options in the 40-43k range ?

I could save more but would rather just get one with that.

?

 

[AZ Craig]

SR5 Premium starts right around $43K. I imagine you may be able to track one down at your price point.

Honestly though, if you want a limited for the extra $6K, I'd just keep saving or borrow a bit of dough with something like a 36 month loan to keep the APR as low as possible and just try to pay it off as fast as possible then.

 

[fkheath]

Exactly and it’s been missing a month, can’t imagine the shape it’s in

Most likely it is in Africa by now.

 

[Humble Leader]

Most likely it is in Africa by now.

found it

 

[Lexington]

If you were to buy used I would get one that has lived west of the Mississippi. Anything east you’re looking at rust issues.

Also, if you buy new don’t be afraid to shop around the whole US. Some dealers in more rural locations may give such a good price it may be cheaper to fly out and get it there than buy locally.