Hello! Almost one of you - trying to buy a 4Runner, and can't decide.

Hey guys, I'm new here and I'm trying to decide between several 4runners. Could you please help me out? We plan to offroad a lot in it, but we're not interested in challenging the car for no specific reason other than sport, we will just often encounter situations with bad or no pavement because we plan to travel a lot and go to nature. We would love for it to break the least often possible.

Basically, we're picking between:

• 2010 SR5 - $17,000 - 162,000 km
• 2010 SR5 - $17,200 - 185,000 km
• 2013 SR5 - $18,400 - 168,000 km
• 2011 Limited - $19,100 - 140,000 km - had 2 accidents - $2,300 and $3,800

All of them are slightly rusty underneath, some a little more than others.

I haven't seen the 2013 SR5 yet, but out of 2010 SR5, 2011 SR5 and 2011 Limited I like the Limited one the most, just something I loved about handling in the city. However, it had 2 accidents and is the most expensive option.

So, is there much difference between 2010 / 2011 and 2013 models? And which would you say would be the most cost-effective choice? Also, what are your comments on the limited one? Thanks!

 

Looks like the '11 Limited is probably the best deal here. I'd certainly lean toward the least rusty bucket first though.

 

Thank you, so far we're leaning towards the same decision.

 

Just found out that the limited one has two accidents - $2,300 and $3,800 - would that be something important that makes this vehicle undesirable compared to others? thanks

 

Me? Yes, the accidents, would make me look else where. There are runners out there boss, ... just be patient. I would be anyway.

Also, it sounds like your going to take it off highway a good amount, id look at a OR, or ORP, (IMHO, the addition of a rear locking diff, makes it worth it, for off road to me) myself. Again, just me, but, id keep looking mate. Get more input, on here (im sure more will chime in) keep an eye on the interwebz, and all that, ..... and you will find something bro. Either way, give us some pics and such when you get it.

Best of luck man.

 

Thank you. We're not planning to mod what we buy for now though. I wish I had time to slowly choose one, but in our situation, we're buying one today/Monday, so it's pretty much one of these in the list. Your post is helpful to us though. I don't know if the accidents were serious enough to have lasting effect, but the limited just felt much better to drive.

 

A car fax report should give you an idea of how bad the accidents were. I assume those numbers you posted were the costs to repair? Seems minor to me but maybe not? As long as the damage didn’t effect the frame and was fixed by a reputable shop, it wouldn’t deter me.

 

So far, we've put a deposit for the

• 2010 SR5 - $17,000 - 162,000 km

It's got low km, looks like in a good condition. It's a hit/miss with accidents, just haven't felt comfortable getting a vehicle with 2 accidents. Maybe it's nothing serious, but maybe the car got a lot of components violently shaken at the time of impact. Who knows? If the deal falls through, we will get the one with 2 accidents, as I'd prefer the Limited to the SR5, just couldn't wait any longer for the right one.

On the other hand, I would like to eventually lift my SR5 for off-roading, and it looks like everything would be easier to do on the SR5 as opposed to the LTD.

Thanks for your help guys

 

If you are going to off road I would think the SR5 would be the best choice. Better tire choices with the 17" vs. 20". Part time 4wd and easier to lift and I prefer part time 4wd to full time.

 

Awesome! Then looks like we made the right choice. Want to lift & buy all-terrain tires next month.
Why do you prefer part-time 4wd to awd by the way?

 

Not sure I can give you a definitive answer to that. I'm pretty "old school" for the most part, and that's just the way I see things. Why have something going all the time that you don't need all the time.

 

Ok! That makes sense

 

Welcome 'romtim'

Love to see some photos of what you ended up with!