Newbie needs help from the experts

I need input from people that know what they are talking about. I’ve never owned a 4Runner but am looking to buy a 5th Gen soon.


I’m looking at two different SR5 Premium models with 4WD. Both have 3rd row. I like the SR5 premium. Seems to provide good bang for the buck.

One is a 2016 and one is a 2022. Both have 90k miles.

The 2016 is $24k.

The 2022 is $33k.

2022 has Apple car play and all the new stuff the 2024s have on them I think.

The 2016 I would have to replace stereo, wheels and a few other small things to get it where I want it to be. Would only cost about $2k to get it where I want it starting out.

I was originally shopping best deals at around $25k.

Only considering the 2022 because it’s in immaculate condition. Looks like all highway miles and has almost perfect service history.

The 2016 is in good shape but has normal wear and tear but nothing a little TLC can’t fix. Has good service records but not perfect.

However I wanted the 4 runner because I want a car I don’t care if it gets scratched or whatever. Might use it off road some. Things like that.


I’m torn if I should buy newer one or the older one? I can afford both I’m just frugal.

Should I keep looking for one with lower miles?

I plan to keep it 7-8 years and give to my son when he turns 16.

 

My vote, go for the 2022. That way you get the latest tech (which for Toyota is still 8yrs behind), and you get the latest safety features. Most people hate 'em, but when you pass this down to your son it will give you peace of mind.

The price difference may be $9k, and that's a lot of money to most people, but you get a newer, nicer vehicle with better tech. 90K miles does seem a bit high for a 3yr old vehicle though. Maybe the previous owner was some kind of traveling salesman. Which could be a good thing, it'll have LOTS of maintenance records.

Oh, one last thing, the SR5 in "Stock" form is a highly capable and dependable vehicle off road. Before you decide to do any mods to the wheels/tires/suspension, take it off road with stock tires & wheels on it. It may surprise you what it can do with out altering it.


P.S. I'm no expect, I'm just an idiot on the internet.

 

I have a 2022 SR5P 4WD I purchased in Oct 2021 no 3rd row. I paid about 48k delivered which was suggested retail plus taxes, fees and a Toyota 10yr/100k mile no deductible warranty. At that time most dealers were asking 3K-6k over retail as they were in very short supply and seldom budging on price. BTW this is my 4th SR5 4WD. So I would say 33k for the 2022 is reasonable but at 90k miles I would at least try to negotiate on the price. I would go for the 2022.

I agree with Loco on stock off road in general. I have used my 4 stock T4Rs off road in deep soft sand on the Outer Banks of NC extensively and never been stuck. Temporarily detained, but never stuck.LOL. A foxhole shovel and floor mats are your best friends there. ha ha

 

Go with the 2016.

$9k is too much money for what you're getting in return with the 2022.

 

i tend to disagree but that is just me. He says the 2022 is immaculate with a nearly perfect maintenance record and would spend 2k upgrading stuff on 2016. So you are down to 7k, maybe even less for what he wants to do. To me it’s not about the few added bells and whistles. The nearly 6 years more of age on things other than engine and drive train like cv boots, ball joint, belts, hoses, shocks, A/C, etc etc would give me pause. JMHO

 

Welcome

 

Do I have this right? In 2033 you’re going to give your son a 17-year-old vehicle?

 

I'd go for the 2016 and use extra cash for mods

I would try to search for lower miles if possible

90k is kinda high mileage almost.. gonna be due for lots of service (depending on how anal you are about maintenance)

 

Yes. I drive a 12 year old vehicle right now. Just sold a 17 year old motorcycle.

 

Maybe you’re right. My comment was based on giving an inexperienced driver an (ahem) very experienced vehicle. But I had daughters. And the idea of giving them an old vehicle with potential reliability issues was a non-starter. If I had sons I might have thought differently.

That sounds very sexist now that I proofread it. And inaccurate. Both of my girls can change a flat tire, and do an oil change as well.

 

It’s a freaking 4 runner. It will be fine then. Lots of life left.

 

That's a stereo type a lot of people, even if they don't admit it or realize it. Sadly, most kids and young adults (men and women) don't know the very basics about car maintenance.

 

Welcome

 

$7k(essentially) more for a 6yr newer vehicle for me would be obvious. The high miles in the 2022 indicates freeway miles which are pretty much the easiest on a vehicle. The hoses/rubber parts/doors/moonroof seals….etc are 6yrs newer….

 

My 1st car @16 was a $600 1969 rusted-out LeMans that lost a few pounds every time I crossed RR tracks. I drove that car from NY to CA for a job opportunity when I was 21yrs old. It ran perfect because I maintained it, but I was sick and tired of it from going across the country and sold it and only rode street bikes 24/7 for a number of years until I grew up…..lol

 

My first was a ‘67 Cougar. $700. After I got it home my Dad took it away from me and put on new tires and had the brake system replaced soup to nuts.