Which would you buy?

[Kanab]

Got the go ahead from the wife to either buy a new 2005 4runner V8 SE or a used Landcruiser that has just been traded into the local Lexus dealership. The Landcruiser is a 2003 with 60K miles and I can get it for $34K (I would require that the dealer perform the 60K mile service and cover the drivetrain with a 100K mile warranty). It will be used for driving to the mall and driving on some unimproved roads. The 4runner seems to be the smart decision and the LC is more of an emotional decision. What would you guys do? I will be trading the 350Z so I will still have the 2004 SE and either a 2005 SE or 2003 LC. Not bad either way I go.

 

[centex]

New and put your own 60K on there

 

[JB.]

Unless you need A. The cargo room, or B. The extra offroad capability, it would be a no brainer for me. Go 4runner and enjoy your decision every time you carve a corner.

 

[Cthusker]

Go New Young Man.. Go New!!

No matter how clean the used truck is.... it's still USED! I would only buy used if it was something I just had to have and they didn't make new anymore! As someone said.. put your own 60k miles on it... worry free! There is nothing like a brand new vehicle.

Long term you're better off with a new 4Runner than a used 2 year old land crusier. This of course is IMHO.

I have a new 05 V8 and can tell you it's one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. It's a hoot to drive.......... Good luck and you can't go to wrong with any Toyota product.

 

[rdist]

go new.

 

[Kanab]

Tundra Solutions has a internet sales request set-up that allowed me to send requests for deal quotes to the internet sales groups at 12 Toyota dealerships all at one time. It will be interesting to see how close they come or even who wants to play. I showed my trade-in and the value it should bring (using Edmunds) and I also indicated what I should have to pay for their vehicle (using Edmunds), this way I will cut out the BS players. Edmunds shows that the 4runner I want 2005 4runner V8 SE AWD equiped with options should list for $35,480 and I should be able to buy it with the rebate for $31,312 and my trade-in a 2003 Nissan 350Z Touring with 16K miles should be worth $24,369. I would be happy to do a deal for around $7,000 difference. I guess I will see who has a white one and who wants to deal.

 

[Mark86]

I would go with the new 4Runner. You really don't know who was driving that vehicle and how they drove it. It all comes down to: do you need the extra features that the LC offers and do you need such a big vehicle to get to the mall? I think the 4Runner should be more than enough to fulfill your needs. I hate to be nosey, but why are you getting rid of the 350Z? Did it give you a lot of problems?

 

[Kanab]

I hate to be nosey, but why are you getting rid of the 350Z? Did it give you a lot of problems?

Were moving to SW Utah by hopefully the end of the year and need too have two AWD SUV's. The Z just would not work since we will be driving on unimproved roads just about everyday. Also I figure it would be best to trade the Z the end of June or first of July when sports cars sell and dealers want them, also a good time to buy an SUV since gas is high and no one needs AWD in the summer. The Z has been great no problems and fun to drive, I would recommend one to anyone looking for a sports car. I will be living 60 miles from Moab but won't be taking any of my 4x4's up into the rocks to beat them up

 

[jharris2]

Were moving to SW Utah by hopefully the end of the year and need too have two AWD SUV's. The Z just would not work since we will be driving on unimproved roads just about everyday. Also I figure it would be best to trade the Z the end of June or first of July when sports cars sell and dealers want them, also a good time to buy an SUV since gas is high and no one needs AWD in the summer. The Z has been great no problems and fun to drive, I would recommend one to anyone looking for a sports car. I will be living 60 miles from Moab but won't be taking any of my 4x4's up into the rocks to beat them up

Sounds like you have it figured out pretty well. Personally, I'd go with the new 4Runner unless you need the room of the Land Cruiser.

 

[Thai]

Like i said before...would you buy a used mattress??

A person can flog the shit out of a vehicle during break-in period...you won't notice the damage until your vehicle ages...engine/transmission problems usually do not show up within the first 100K miles, esp. a Toyota. So, if the previous owner abused it, then you will likely pay for it after 100K, which is beyond your extended warranty. A losing situation for you.

I would buy the new 4runner. Or consider other SUVs out there just to change up the garage a little bit. If it's for your wife, then consider the Lexus RX330 AWD (or Highlander), Infiniti FX35 AWD, or one of the AWD cars (Infiniti G35 AWD, Subarus). New Lexus GS300 also comes in AWD and that's a nice car. Get her something luxurious and from a high-end name. 4runner is a little too masculine for an average lady IMO.

Or if you want something cheaper, then consider the Honda CRV (great crash testing, extremely practical, leather in Limited Edition, good standard stereo, AWD, and all the safety nannies you want). AWD system is decent and frugal (good in this day and age). RAV4 is also a decent buy too...same goodies as CRV but smaller.

 

[Kanab]

Sounds like you have it figured out pretty well. Personally, I'd go with the new 4Runner unless you need the room of the Land Cruiser.

After running the numbers the LC just does not make sense. It is only 15 cubic ft. bigger and weighs 800 lbs more. So I would be paying (I feel) more for the name and the luxury which I don't need and can't afford or I guess don't want to afford. The 4runner requires less maintance has more power same engine/transmission and traction controls. The LC is a 1998 design that has been tweaked over the years, where the 4th generation 4runner is a 2003 design that has been tweaked in 2005. Five years of automotive design is a lifetime in this day and age. Hard to pay a premium for such a old design. I'm sure in a couple of years the value of the 1998-2005 LC will take a big nose dive and the guys that want a good off-road vehicle will pick up LC's with 100K plus miles on them for the low teens which will be a good vehicle for off roading.

 

[Thai]

Five years of automotive design is a lifetime in this day and age. Hard to pay a premium for such a old design.

Well, i would hate to hear what you have to say about my G500...a 25 year old design!!

 

[Kanab]

Well, i would hate to hear what you have to say about my G500...a 25 year old design!!

To far out of my price range even used I will get a off road vehicle after I get to SW Utah if I decide that is something I want to do but I think I would reather go with a good solid off road bike. Towed to the area I want to ride in with one of my 4runners

 

[Good Times]

did the 03 lc's come w/ the same 5a/t? if so, i'd take the LC over the 4r. Hands down. but that's just me... lc's are just on another level of refinement that you just can't compare to the 4r. even if it's a sweet 4r it's a 4r. a LC will always be a LC.

if you're concerned w/ the mileage, don't worry as they'll last way more miles than the average joe will put on.

good luck

 

[Kanab]

did the 03 lc's come w/ the same 5a/t? if so, i'd take the LC over the 4r. Hands down. but that's just me... lc's are just on another level of refinement that you just can't compare to the 4r. even if it's a sweet 4r it's a 4r. a LC will always be a LC.

if you're concerned w/ the mileage, don't worry as they'll last way more miles than the average joe will put on.

good luck

One is a 2003 with the 5 speed like our 4runners, it has 39K miles and is the silver mist color. One thing I did like about it was it did not have a trailer hitch on it and not a mark on it so it was not abused. Positive for the LC, it's an LC. Negatives it needs more maintance, gets worse mpg, cost a little more and it is used. Since I won't be using it for anything more then gravel roads it does not have an advantage over the 4runner. Yes I still love the LC more, but I'm trying to have you guys help me get over it. Good Times your not helping me here :

 

[Cthusker]

The Best...

It's really a nice problem to have when you think about it... deciding between a runner and a LC! Times are tough out there.. lol.. I don't believe you can go wrong with either one! If you must have more size then it's an easy choice.. if not then NEW is almost always better than old. Frankly my brother in law has an 04 LC and I don't like it any better than my 05 runner. I really don't like the way it handles compared to my runner, but that's just me. I love the nimble quick feel of the new runners.. the best driving SUV Toyota has produced. I'm waiting to see if Toyota approves a SC for my V8.. 50% more HP and it would all but fly.

Whatever you finally chose you can't make a big mistake IMHO.. Good luck in the boonies of Utah....

 

[bulldog-yota]

60 miles from moab!!!!!

We will defintely need to come visit you then

There are lots of easier trails at Moab, so you dont have to beat up anything.

The 4R is probably the most logical choice for your needs, but let me throw a curve ball at you :

You already have a vehicle of type A, why not get a vehicle of type B with different charactiristics. SO when you go on a trip or need a vehicle you have a choice. If you only have one, you have to live with its weaknesses and strengths. If you have 2 types you always have the choice in terms of which vehicle would be best for the trip.

That is one of the reasons why I didn't get another 4RUnner.

 

[Kanab]

60 miles from moab!!!!!

We will defintely need to come visit you then

There are lots of easier trails at Moab, so you dont have to beat up anything.

The 4R is probably the most logical choice for your needs, but let me throw a curve ball at you :

You already have a vehicle of type A, why not get a vehicle of type B with different charactiristics. SO when you go on a trip or need a vehicle you have a choice. If you only have one, you have to live with its weaknesses and strengths. If you have 2 types you always have the choice in terms of which vehicle would be best for the trip.

That is one of the reasons why I didn't get another 4RUnner.

I hear you but I guess I look at the 4runner as the ideal vehicle. If I got a volkswagon diesel bug it might get great mpg but who would want to drive it If I got a big 3500 Dodge CTD truck it would get good mpg for a big truck but it would cost more to drive then the 4runner. Give me some ideas on what would be a good vehicle that you would want to drive on unimproved roads that would carry stuff and also be safe if you were in a wreak? I looked at the LC today and they wanted $17K difference. I had my 4runner parked next to it and not much difference in the size.

 

[Good Times]

ok to throw a curve ball... how about the gx?

i'd still say LC man cuz it's a LC and will always be a LC yay for the lone guy! good luck.

 

[Mark86]

The first vehicles that came to my other than the 4Runner or LC were the RX330 or FX. They will get you through the unpaved roads and give you some luxury as well. If you want to go pre-owned, maybe look into something like the X5. The X5 would be perfect for what you need it for (get you through the unpaved roads and hills with enough power and give you some fun on the road as well), but they have serious reliability issues. It is a hit or miss type of thing. These are some other ideas I thought would be of interest to you. I am not saying that I would take these vehicles over a 4Runner! :