Winter Beater

[Smitsyoda]

Finally got snow here today, im in need of another 4runner. Last year sold my 04 SR5 4x4 did great in snow and getting up my big hill.


I want to save money b/c i don't drive offroad much. I was wondering of getting a 2000 4x4 4runner or a 2006 4runner 4x4. Of course there will be a price difference. As far as snow goes, which 4runner will do best the older one with the rear locker or the 06 with the center diff. I'm just asking you guys because you know best. Let me add i live on a big hill that get's covered in snow and is a ***** to shovel so i don't want to deal with it and just get a 4x4. Any advice would help

 

[ebg18t]

4WD + locked center diff + good tires will get you thru most snowy driveways/roads. Limitations will be traction and clearance.

compacting your snow on the driveway is not always the best answer. Plowing or snow-blowing the driveway is the proper solution. Compacting the driveway just creates ruts and more issues as future snow storms accumulate.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

its probably going to end of falling on the tires more than the vehicle. a good set of snows on a $500 craigslist subaru and you could be in business. if all you want is a vehicle for your big hill, why not spend as little as need be? especially if you want a beater, as you say

 

[ebg18t]

or just leave the car at the bottom and get a snow-mobile to commute up your driveway.

 

[Smitsyoda]

or just leave the car at the bottom and get a snow-mobile to commute up your driveway.

I never thought about that, i thought about a 4 wheeler but snowmobile would be a good idea if i could find one cheap enough but i doubt they are cheap. I like having a 4wd to pull and haul stuff just not much off roading like my younger days. Subie's i hear are great in snow but ground clearance is nice so you don't hit those big chunk of snow

 

[wnelax04sr5]

I never thought about that, i thought about a 4 wheeler but snowmobile would be a good idea if i could find one cheap enough but i doubt they are cheap. I like having a 4wd to pull and haul stuff just not much off roading like my younger days. Subie's i hear are great in snow but ground clearance is nice so you don't hit those big chunk of snow

up around me, you can get a running, decent snowmobile for under $1,000 7 days a week. if this is really all you're gonna need it for, snowmobile or a quad all the way

 

[Smitsyoda]

I think i really need a 4x4 vehicle because i have to drive in the weather. I need it long term so i think a vehicle would serve a long term use. How good are the 2000 4runners compared to the 2006?

 

[wnelax04sr5]

[MENTION=89557]Smitsyoda[/MENTION] depends on what you mean by good. all gens of 4runners (except maybe second gen) are solid reliable vehicles, that can certainly hold their own off road and in poor driving conditions. if its a winter beater you're after thats also got some towing capability and comfort, with 4x4, i think a 3rd gen is a better bet solely from a cost standpoint

 

[awdjunkies]

All valid points in this thread, especially about a beater subie with winter tires... BUT... If you still want to buy a 4runner, check out the 99-00 Limited 4Runner 4x4 as they have the Multi-Mode 4WD/AWD(Center Diff lock) feature and some even come with the RR Diff/rear diff E-locker, in addition to the Multi-Mode..

All personal preference though.. Good Luck in your quest.. :yo:

 

[JBecker]

I owned a 2000 limited previously, my girlfriend has a 97 SR5, and I have a 05 SR5. I think the 4th gen is the best for a daily driver snow/crappy weather vehicle because of the amenities. Having said that, a good 3rd gen is a fantastic vehicle.

Today I drove around in 4H in my truck as it went back and forth between snowy and slush, and it never missed a beat. The vehicle stability control worked very well at keeping the truck tracking straight.

Having said all that, I wouldn't hesitate to take a SR5 3rd gen on a long trip down a snowy road, I've done it many times. So if you find a nice truck in your budget, go that route.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Both my 03 Sport and my 08 SR5 are my daily driver/winter beater, and work just fine for me. I rarely even go down to 4Lo, usually keep in in 4Hi and do just fine :fro: