Indy_Commuter

Hey everybody,

It’s my first post here so try to take it easy on me.

My wife and I are looking at used cars. We’ve considered and researched almost all sizes, types, and manufacturers. We’ve settled on a Toyota SUV. I was wondering if anyone could offer some sage advice on motors, drive trains, performance, etc.

We’ve narrowed it down to two models…

Highlander – Amanda like the highlander a lot. My only concern is the cash we would have to shell out.

4 Runner – I liked the 4 runner. It’s a little more truck like, larger, and the used 4 runner’s I’ve found cost as much as a used highlander.

We’re basically looking for a nice vehicle for Amanda. 1999+, 50-60K+/-, gas mileage is not a concern seeing as my wife drives a total of 2 miles a day. Room for future kids is a must. 4x4 would be nice for camping and poor driving conditions. We’re looking for a vehicle that will last a minimum of 10 years. Any more than 10 is a definite plus. So if anyone could offer some advice we would appreciate it.

-- Mike

Scottiac

Welcome Mike!

This is all my opinion, so gather lots of it and mush it all together...

If I recall correctly, the highlander is on a Camry body, so you'll get a nicer ride from that one.

If you want real off-road capability, go with the 4runner.

If you just want to be on dirt roads or snowy conditions, either will do for you.

10+ years should be a piece of cake with either one, especially if you are talking low miles like you indicated. I know the 4runner side will run practically forever. (Mine is 8 years old, and I'm planning on running it for at LEAST 10 more). I don't know the highlander specifically, but the Camry it is based on is rock solid on that score too.

I'd be surprised if you could get a late model 4runner for the same price as a highlander. If you can, I'd say go for it! You'll get a lot more out of it in the long run.

I don't know the highlander engine, so I can't offer anything specific there.

All the engines since '96 or so on the 4runner are more or less bulletproof. The "4th" gen (2003-up) 4runners have much more power, and will give you more room inside to play with. The 3rd gens (96-2002) are going to be a lot cheaper, have a comfortable amount of power and space, and will still give you another 10 years if you find one with reasonable mileage.

your mileage may vary, etc, etc, etc.

fustercluck

"i bought an american truck when i was 19 years old. in hindsight, that was too many"

yotaluver

if the wife is gonna drive it i say let her get the one she likes best but for me it would be a 4-runner

Paul H.

Welcome Mike, since your wife will be driving it I would go with the V6 highlander. Lower stepin height, more comfortable ride and should last forever. Get the 4wheel drive version if you camp. They may be a little harder to find than 4Runners because they are very popular. Good luck with your search.

CoedNaked

If you don't mind me asking, who is paying for this vehicle? You, or her? It almost sounds like she should be paying for it!

2wheelBLACKOUT

i'd say go with the 4runner..you can have all the features of a highlander PLUS much more. you can't go wrong. just my 2cents. good luck on your hunting.

MTL_4runner

Think of the Highlander as a Camry offshoot and the 4runner as a midsize pickup offshoot. They are both very well put together, the drivetrains and suspensions on both are quite capable and well proven yet the highlander will handle slightly more like a car than the 4runner. The offroad capability is far less as well with the Highlander too. My wife drives the 4runner (for now since I am the only one commuting) and she very petite (5'2") but she gets in and out fine. Only other thing I might suggest is to look for the LATCH system (makes it easy to take a baby seat in and out of the car) in both since I had to install it in mine. Rust is really the only enemy of a Toyota since you can hardly put enough miles on them to truly kill the car.

HOJU

either way you can't lose with Toyota, but the 4runner is my pick-

good luck!

lee

the highlander is like a cheaper version of the old rx300... its smooth, capable, pretty quick and roomy. but then, so is the truck-based 4runner.

id pick the 4runner because it really is a go-anywhere vehicle. you wont feel like a schmuck driving it, too

AznSky

are you located in Indiana?

Jason B

4Runner. I think it will age much better than the highlander.

lee

its not just that you think that.. its that this board alone can PROVE it!

Indy_Commuter

My wife and I will pay for the vehicle. We don’t see much of a point in separate finances in marriage, but to each his own.

Indy_Commuter

Indianapolis born, lived here my whole life, less 6 years I spent in Detroit. Soooo glad to be back in Indiana.

Indy_Commuter

I hear you on the commuting. I drive a '03 Mazda Protege... much better milage than the Dodge. Thanks for the tip on the LATCH system.

4Runner4Christ

I would have to agree with Paul's comments. Although the comment someone else made about letting her drive both and see what she prefers makes a lot of sense.