StreetCreeper
New member
In terms of reliability, ease of working on and relative inexpensiveness of parts — what car do you think is the closest equivalent of the 3rd gen 4Runner? And why?
What Is The Car Equivalent Of The 3rd Gen 4Runner?
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volkinator
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My family has had amazing luck with the Camry. Ours is a 2005, and it's got about 260K miles on it. Only thing that happened was a rear strut cracked, but it was a pretty easy fix. Other than that, it's been oil changes, greasing whatever needs it, and we just did outer tie rods. Seriously, that car is as easy as it gets. My parents actually just got a brand new Camry to replace it, but still drive the old one just as much. The new ones are nice, but the old ones are just machines!
My fiance and I are looking at getting a manual Corolla for the same reason. Just a simple car that gets good gas mileage. After having my 4Runner for a bit now, I'm convinced to stick with Toyota, and we've had excellent luck. My dad and I have always been GM guys, but I traded my silverado for my 4Runner, and my dad is looking to upgrade his truck, I'm pushing the Tundra on him, for obvious reasons!
My fiance and I are looking at getting a manual Corolla for the same reason. Just a simple car that gets good gas mileage. After having my 4Runner for a bit now, I'm convinced to stick with Toyota, and we've had excellent luck. My dad and I have always been GM guys, but I traded my silverado for my 4Runner, and my dad is looking to upgrade his truck, I'm pushing the Tundra on him, for obvious reasons!
I never understood people who buy American vehicles. It only makes sense to me for the categories of vehicles not available on a Toyota. I.e. a v8 mustang, a camaro, a vette, etc.
I guess if you don't drive much, you don't notice the crappy quality? I imagine daily driver American cars would be in the shop all the time.
Maybe I just have a anti US car thing after always having the reliability of Asian vehicles, minus one stint I had with a range rover... beautiful truck but a nightmare mechanically.
I heard Ford's are pretty decent nowadays.
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LittleCaesar
New member
The first three generations of Miatas. My aunt has had four. Simple design, bullet proof motor (first timing belt I ever did) and parts, even OEM, were relatively cheap. Lots of aftermarket add ons to make them go fast. Fun to drive on smooth roads and a track.
St Runner
Member
From what I have read the Corolla is the most cost effective car to drive, but lord is that car brown paper bag. I bought my son a 2007 standard Honda civic for his graduation which has good reviews but also is the most stolen car in America. The problem with comparing anything to a 3rd gen 4runner is that it would have a good looking car as well as reliable and cost efficient. The Camry,Civic, and Miata are all decent looking, but the Corolla..... only if you drive it at night, with no streetlights
SilverRidgeRunner1
Member
I love a nice Corolla. They are just tanks. Camry are nice to but I love corolla so much more
BrianSD_42
New member
volkinator
New member
First vehicle was a 97 silverado, and second was an 04. I really loved it and it served it's purpose well. Yes, a tundra would have worked too, but I really liked the silverados. The 97 went to 250K without a problem, but the 04 nickle and dimed me all the way to 170. Also hated how everything was considered a 'wear item'. Then I said no more. Found my Runner, and never looked back. Now I'm all Toyota! that's why we're looking for the Corolla. And will probably get myself a Tundra in the future.
Sorry to change topics y'all! Just happy I found my way to Toyota, and am very happy to continue supporting them.
Also, another vote for the Honda. Things are absolute tanks. I had a coworker with an 04 coupe, standard trans. He passed 320K miles in it while I was in the car. All he did was regular maintenance (oil, spark plugs, etc.) and the thing would consistently get 42mpg... unbelievable car
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StreetCreeper
New member
I see a lot of Corrola and Camry votes, what years and engines/transmissions to look for and avoid? Same question for the Volvos!
As for the Miatas....I don't think I would even fit into one.
As for the Miatas....I don't think I would even fit into one.
MONTYMTB
New member
Natey
Member
Some people are old enough to remember WW2 and still hate on Japanese and European (german) cars. Other people are patriotic enough to BUY AMERICAN no matter what. We don't see it much where I live in Cali, but take a trip to middle America and that's pretty much the rule of thumb.
That's where all those Chevy Malibus are going. lol
...and OP, I think the closest-related car to a 2008 4runner is probably a 2008 Camry.
SilverRidgeRunner1
Member
1993 Toyota Corolla How can u say "NO" its the perfect run around town car
Given the new 2015 models are good looking.
Given the new 2015 models are good looking.
St Runner
Member
My father was born before ww2 and he still has a dislike for japan vehicles. (japcrap) Having said that he has owned a few motorcycles from japan and still has a Nissan Frontier. The best quality for toyota was pretty much the range of the 3rd generation and a few years earlier. Op, remember these are commuter cars so once you know what you want its all about milage, location and accidents
