SUV Advice - 4 runner
 

Anyone here have a 4-runner? 2002-3 vintage? I currently have a 2001 pathfinder which is ok, but I'm starting to have transmission issues and I've always hated the color anyway so I'm really using this as an excuse to buy something else. I really don't even want an SUV as a daily driver but we've got a 170lb Saint Bernard that we take with us alot so I have no choice. Any problems with 4-runners? Any other suggestions? Explorer? I have a hard time getting enthused about any of them...

Same advice I gave the daddy. Honda Pilot. I don't have first hand experience, but I think the 4-Runner would be a good choice too.

I have a 2001 4Runner and a 2001 Toyota DoubleCab pickup (the DoubleCab is mechanically identical to the 4Runner). 2002 was the last of this body style. 2003 starts the "new" 4Runners. No problems out of either vehicle. In fact, in a combined total of 130k miles on both of these, the *only* thing that has been required was a new battery in the DoubeCab. Absolutely no other issue - nothing.

When I bought the DoubleCab, it replaced an '87 4Runner. I put 168k miles on that '87 and it was ultra-reliable.

The 4Runner is a great vehicle, really. My wife loves it. She even chose it over a Sequoia.

Mike

We have an '03 4Runner as my wife's car. V6, sport package, 4wd. About 44k on it now, and it's been flawless. The V6 has 240 Hp, I think the 0-60 was about 7, so not bad for an SUV. Highway we get 22-24 MPG, city about 20. The Sport has hydraulic cross linked shocks, like the Audi RS6, so it handles decent for an SUV. Firm but not rough ride, steering is still a bit vague, but far better than any other SUV I've driven. Interior quality is quite good, only the headliner is pretty cheap on ours, and scratches easily. The factory Dunlop tires are crap, replacing those made the ride even better.

That's about all I can say about it, I would highly recomend it. The V8 would be great if you do any towing, or if you just want a V8. The gas mileage hit wasn't worth it to us, plus the V6 actually has more HP, but less torque. 4wd models are ready to rock offroad if that's your thing, I did some light driving on my inlaw's land and it was very capable. Skidplates, locking center diff, downhill descent control, vented diffs, lots of good stuff that my wife sure doesn't need. Good traction and stability control systems too, even my wife can't get it sideways in the snow. I think they added a 3rd row seat to the '04 models. That's about all I can think of to add, if you have any questions about it I'll do my best.

Only other used SUVs in the same range that I would like are the Murano, X5, or maybe a Highlander or Pilot. I'd avoid the Explorer, my inlaws have had a ton of recalls on their Expedition, including one recently for the cruise control box that catches fire, even when the car is off!

Have you looked at the new Xterra? They just redesigned it for 2006 and it is Motor Trends SUV of the year. I test drove one and was very impressed.

Thanks for the advice, I think I'll go drive a couple 4-runners this week....

The dog would probably fit in a Subaru Forester. That's what I bought my daughter after her 1990 4Runner had so many transmission/drivetrain issues that I just left it at the Dealer repair shop and sold it to a mechanic there.