considering a 4Runner

Path is an older design.

Pilot is car-like (non-truck handling//riding) box.

4R is truck-based, but very refined even so.

We bot an '03 4R SE V-6. Why?

Didn't want the Honda with their gouging dealers and on-average lousy customer treatment. Didn't like the massive-plastic-look interior of the Pilot. Didn't like it's pig-faced visage. Can't get sunroof. Looks like a cargo van from other angles. Needs more pep. Plain-jane.

Didn't want the older design Path. Didn't want to deal with the relatively lousy Nissan customer service (we can't duplicate the problem-go home). Didn't want the even more rapid depreciation of the Path. Path is too common now, and is due for re-make.

Impressed by the 4R (we are not Toyota devotees). It is just great build-wise. We're getting 19 1/2 mpg on highway using 89 octane (timing retards a bit on 87). Ours manufactured in Japan. Tight after 12,000 miles. Get one while you can. I hear eventually they will be made here. Ouch.

If you want more car-like, look at Pilot or Highlander. New 3.3 liter in Highlander. You must decide what you prefer. Think how you will be treated after the sale also. Read up on all vehicles you are considering. Google for problems. Check out the TSB's.

AFAICT, Nissan is now the Jap. version of Chrysler. QC just isn't there. And cheapish interiors on some models inexcusable.

Honda is zooming in on Ford quality. Google. (GM sucks bad also; I won't bore you with tales of woe on Trailblazer we dumped for the 4Runner).

Toyotas mostly are no-brainers. Seem to be least-worst of the bunch. Pick your dealership carefully however whichever badge you buy/lease.

Good luck.

Thanks a lot for the advice. I love the "Nissan is the the japanese version of Chrysler". Chrysler is synonomous with garbage. I will stay away from Nissan...also GM, Ford. I love the aggressive design of the 4Runner. Honda's are so blah!

I bought a 2003 4 Runner V8 Limited. I have about 3500 miles on it and all I can say is that it feels like I'm driving a car. I got virtually every extra (not the dvd player. that's stupid in a car). It is not the cheapest option, I could have got an Explorer with every single option available for about $6,000 less, but I plan on keeping the 4R for 10 years and I figure I have a better chance of that with the 4R. Toyota isn't offering too many incentives either, so plan on working the dealer hard. I got them to come off by about

15% from sticker.

Consumer Reports loves the 4R, they reviewed it within the last 2-3 months. They like the Acura MDX and the Lexus RX better but those are car based and do not have nearly the power or tow capacity. 4R is 4wd and they are awd. The 4R is full-time 4wd which I thought would be a drawback, but I can't say I have any problems there either.

The one thing I would call a must have option is the XREAS suspension. I drove one without it and I have it, the difference is huge. That's what makes it drive like a car. With the V8, I can punch it even at 65 mph and it feels like I kicked in a turbocharger.

You won't find a 4Runner for anything less than about $28,000....

--Dan

Bullshit

If you're smart & patient you can get a minimally equipped 2004 4R for $25,000

Murph, that is exactly what I want. How do I get one for $25,000?

Is that a one-time pay or are you financing? If you just want to spend

25K on a new Runner, I don't think you will find too many around. And why would you want a stripped 2WD 4Runner anyway? For 25K, I'd get a fairly used one, unless you got to have the a new one.

"Nicolaas" wrote in news:HoGGb.11881$WQ3.7182@lakeread05:

Buy a used one. :)

My '91 is still running strong (I take it offroading and use it as a daily driver) and I expect it will last another 10 years or so. Paid $3 grand for it last year. Got 170K on the odo now.

I'm sure you can find a 3rd generation 4Runner (say, 1998-2002) for $25 large. With the 'yota longevity, it'll barely be broken in.

Rich wrote in news:Xns945D843EC5191rah1420yahoocom@207.69.154.205:

Got a '90 used by older teenager that is all but bomb proof.

Used? There is a tremedous difference between the new '03 up 4Rnr and the older models. All are super dependable but the new ones have more power (245 hp 4L V6 or 235 hp 5.7L V8), get better mileage, and ride much smoother and safer than old models. Look up invoice prices on

or -- If you aren't picky about color and options you should be able to get for $500 over invoice (avoid dealer add ons!) $25k for 4x4 would be low - $27 or mid $26k more like it. Might still be some 03 left overs out there. I just saw a used 03 V8 4x4 in FL for $25888 (written on window).

Oh no! :-0 Now you've g Kid's gonna go out and drive it into a big tree or downshift from fourth to first on the freeway (Zing!) just to prove they can indeed break it... ;-)

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Now, hold on there, pardner, he may be referring to himself. A lot of guys I know, who go four-wheeling, are just middle-aged teenagers who have a job and can afford to buy their own toys... :>))

Tom - Vista, CA

My wife and I just purchased '04 4Runner Sport Edition V6 4WD. This our 3rd 4Runner. The prior 2000 4Runner had one problem in 4 years: cassette deck hissed every once in a while.

We also owned '89 Pathfinder (great car!) and then purchased 1997

4Runner when Pathfinder was redesigned (weak engine and no frame/unit body construction).

Pricing can vary from region to region. For example, in Atlanta 4WD

4Runners are quite rare. Washington, DC area dealers are very aggressive right now and you can purchase one for a little over invoice (less if you begin the process early and are willing to drive a few hours to get the vehicle you want).

Good luck!

And your point is...? :-P

We're talking transportation, not Monster Garage playtoys here - those are made for that kind of "build it, break it, fix it, break it again" treatment. If you have the time and money to do that, more power to you - but please wear seatbelts and a helmet, and go look how big that drop-off is at the crest of the hill before you drive over it blind at full throttle...

Wa-ha-ha-hooooooiiiiieeee!!! (SPLAT) Ow.

I have an FJ-62 Cruiser and FL350 Odyssey and I go out and play in the dirt a little too, but I'm also careful about tempting fate. And since I have to pay for the bodywork if I break my toys (I don't think

21st Century is going to cover deliberate off-road mishaps), a little more selective about the route I take.

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