your advice on 2008 urban or wait for new 2010?

[ougrad1]

Hey guys,

I'm debating on whether to wait for a new 2010 4runner or buy a used 2008 urban runner that I found for only $25k with sunroof and only 7100 miles. Carfax was clean and it was only owned by one owner. The car is at a ford dealership since the owner traded it in for a fusion.

I made the mistake of buying a '08 highlander and really miss my '04 runner. So this movement back to the 4runner will be my last for a while. My debate is if I wait until the new one comes out, I would wait until december to buy since there may be incentives and dealers are generally motivated to sell. But I will definitely pay more than $25k for it and who knows if I will even like the new one.

That said, if I get this one, I could save a few thousand dollars for a vehicle that I love already and know pretty well.

Any thoughts our opinions would be appreciated...thanks guys.

 

[JAC]

I'll wait to see the 2010...to see if it's better or if it's gonna have new features that you may like?...
if not ?...then get the 2008...if you wanna save a few thousands $$

 

[Euphor501]

Shoot, I'de be pretty tempted with that 08 deal. You know you will like it. the 2010 has a lot of people guessing and even if you do wait it will be a first year model, which some people prefer to stay away from. I'de think it over real good, but if it were me I would be pretty tempted to get the urban.

 

[JAC]

I rather wait cuz even if people are guessing..hey ...it's still gonna be a Toyota..and that means quality....Now..you don't wanna regret after you buy the 2008...Oh shoots I sould've waited a few months and buy the 2010..just like you regretting now for buying the Highlander....It's only a matter of a few months...now...after all..you always always can find a good deal on a used vehicle..

 

[ougrad1]

Shoot, I'de be pretty tempted with that 08 deal. You know you will like it. the 2010 has a lot of people guessing and even if you do wait it will be a first year model, which some people prefer to stay away from. I'de think it over real good, but if it were me I would be pretty tempted to get the urban.

I'm pretty tempted too. My wife is graciously allowing me to trade a pretty new '08 highlander in if say, for a 2010 knowing that I would basically increase my car note and payments. I feel a little responsible to consider the "cheaper" route for this urban since it would only increase my current loan by about 1-2k, where as a new one will be more...that's a big dilemma for me.

What I would be looking for in December if I don't like the new 2010 is exactly this urban runner, thus the added temptation to get exactly one of the options for a cheaper price with really low miles now.

Decisions decisions...

 

[SLED]

No way the 2010 will look better than the 4th gen. Expect it to look more mainstream-sculpted-by-the-wind-soccer-mom-SUV looking - so they can sell more. (Just look at what they've done to the Land Cruiser). Oh, and it will cost a lot more due to the addition of more electronics and technology and other stuff you really weren't asking for but will pay for anyway. Also by then, maybe only a hybrid 4Runner will be available - smaller gas engine with a big ass battery / CV transmission. That, and the addition of another 18 mini airbags and 'further improved structural rigidity" should bring the overall weight past 4000 lbs - wouldn't that be nice.
OK, that was my devil's advocate rant for the day!

 

[G.I.G.]

I would be tempted to go with the Urban Runner. That sounds like a great deal. Since no one has really seen the 5th gen (other than a few spy shots with camo on it) or knows much about it, there remains a lot to be seen. I tend to stay away from first year model runs as well.

If it were me, I would probably go with the Urban Runner. If the 5th gens turn out to be sweet and I HAD to have one, I would probably wait until the 2011 or 2012 model year so you could get a few years out of the UR and trade it for a 5th gen down the road a bit. If the 5th gen doesn't wet your whistle, then you know your '08 UR will last long enough to wait until the 6th gens are released.

 

[eskimochaos]

I agree on getting the 08. You have no idea what type of components/drivetrain its going to have and you are a beta tester being its a first year production car.

 

[JAC]

Does any one have an idea when they suppose to come up with the next gen?.....I'm very curious about it...I see a lot of 4Gen 4runner in my area..and I mean a Lot...so their sales are good..why they didn't make a 2009 model?

 

[G.I.G.]

I was also curious what part of the country you live in. I know here in Colorado, SUV sales usually increase during fall/early winter when gas prices start sneaking down and the snow starts to fly. Even though dealers are trying to clear out their inventory late in the year to make way for the next model year vehicles, SUV bargains can sometimes be harder to come by around here and the model, color, options, etc. you want might not be available.

FWIW, my fiancee drives a Highlander and she's already eye'n up my 4R as her next car when I'm done with it. The Highlander is a great car but I can't blame her for wanting my 4R.

 

[peter78]

Originally posted by SLED No way the 2010 will look better than the 4th gen.

I could say the same thing about the 3rd generation model. To me the 3rd generation just looks better, but after awhile they grow on you. So now the 4th generation looks pretty good, still not as good as the 3rd though.

The bad part of this deal is that you have a 2008 Highlander, you are going to take a bit of a hit on trading it in.

My guess is, the new one will have the new 4.6 V8 or the 4.0 V6 and the looks will be toned down a bit, it might even look like your 2008 Highlander........

I guess I would be tempted to get the Urban 4Runner or wait and get a 2011 4Runner, or maybe 2013. So with that said, my vote goes for the 2008 Urban 4Runner.:biggrin2:

 

[ougrad1]

You guys are awesome.

I appreciate this site more and more every day:beer:

I was thinking many of the same thoughts all of you have posted. That if I ended up liking the new 4runner, I can wait till say, 2013 to get one and by then they may have a hybrid option.

Thanks guys as I'm now leaning on getting the urban...will let you all know.

 

[SLED]

Does any one have an idea when they suppose to come up with the next gen?.....I'm very curious about it...I see a lot of 4Gen 4runner in my area..and I mean a Lot...so their sales are good..why they didn't make a 2009 model?

Between 2003 and 2008, Toyota sold about 100,000 4Runners per year, give or take, in North America - and those are NOT good sales numbers (the 4Runner was quite pricey) compared to almost all other AWD SUV individual models' sales numbers. That's why I say Toyota will likely style the 5th gen to look more "soccer mom SUV-like" (less truck-like and blander). But hey, I could be wrong - and I hope I will be.

Either way, I agree with Peter78 - just get the 2008 4Runner and be very happy with it - then wait and see what comes out.

 

[G.I.G.]

My guess is, the new one will have the new 4.6 V8 or the 4.0 V6 and the looks will be toned down a bit, it might even look like your 2008 Highlander........

I agree and I've stated this before in other threads regarding what the 5th gen 4R might look like. The new Sequoia, Highlander, and Land Cruiser ALL look the same now, just different sizes. Very androgynous and boring in my opinion. I was sitting right in front of a brand new LC in the dealer showroom while my 4R was having some TSB work done on it a couple months ago. I thought it was a highlander until I glanced over at it for the 10th time. I got up and walked around it only to find that it was the new LC. It's amazing how much the two look alike. On a side note, my jaw hit the floor when I saw the price tag on the LC.....$74,000 :awais:

 

[flnycus]

I would jump on the 08 urban, it has a track record etc, the new one, we arent even sure how it looks and ive heard that it will be more "soccer mum friendly" - that i dont want!! get the 08 while the 4runner is still a proper "truck"! Thats my 2 cent.

 

[leftyguns21]

I could say the same thing about the 3rd generation model. To me the 3rd generation just looks better, but after awhile they grow on you. So now the 4th generation looks pretty good, still not as good as the 3rd though.

i agree with this. the 3rd gen is the best looking. my new one is growing on me and i do love it but i liked the look of the 3rd a lot more. inside and out.


and my vote is the 08'

 

[Euphor501]

Plus, you get a great deal on this urban, couple years from now you decide to sell and upgrade to new generation, you hardly looking at any loss for what y'oull be able to list it for.

 

[SpaceNeedle]

i'd personally buy a car without a loan. i don't know whether if it's just the american way or what going from a loan to a bigger loan or any loan at all just isn't a good way to manage money esp on a depreciating rock that is the automobile.

good luck with your decision. so i guess my advice is wait it out and think it over some more. they'll have plenty of 4runners to sell heretofore. the higherlander is a very nice car. heck, why not an '03 4runner if that gets rid of payments all together?

this sounds like it's more based on emotional need than anything else. it's a tough battle, but my wallet speaks louder most times.

 

[Euphor501]

If you have the cash for it then sure, but for the avg american who now has a negetive rate of savings, it is dumb to deplete your cash reserves which you need to have now more than ever. pay off your credict cards, crap loans etc, and take out a small car loan with a great rate which you can get these days. again this vary's from person to person.

 

[G.I.G.]

Just to keep things on track, I believe the OP was looking for advice on whether to buy the '08 UR or wait for a 2010 4R. I didn't see the part about them wanting free credit advice or financial planning assistance. :