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4runner dreamer

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by AndrewSmith, Sep 21, 2020.

  1. Sep 21, 2020 at 6:30 PM
    #1
    AndrewSmith

    AndrewSmith [OP] New Member

    Joined:
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    Hi everyone

    I've been dreaming about a 4runner for years. Every time I go on a serious camping trip - there are always 4runners parked in the bush of canadian crown land.

    And just to rub it in there are a couple of 4runners parked outside on my street, I see them several times a day.

    I really want one. I'm an outdoors type of guy, I tow tonne-loads of agregates and such, I've been on a couple of cross-country trailer trips, and I have 3 kids.

    The problem is: my 10 year old civic has 130000km on it and the way I take care of it - it will last another 10 years.

    So I'm in this situation where I want something which I honestly don't need. But I want it. But I can do without. But I want it. But it's so much money. But I want it... you know :)

    I'll probably end up buying a new one, since I intend to drive it forever. Maybe the 6th generation will be worth waiting for. Or maybe I'd be better off with an older model without all the "safety" and "convenience" computer stuff.

    Since I can't go to the dealer to look at cars these days, perhaps people here can help me learn more about what would make a good decision for me.

    For example: I'm tall (200cm) and will use the 3rd row often (wife + 3 kids). I've read in a couple of places that tall people will not be comfortable in a 4runner. Is that true? Do the 3rd row seats really not have LATCH connectors for child seats?

    Those are two of dozens of questions I have... :)

    Cheers,

    Andrew
     
  2. Sep 21, 2020 at 8:51 PM
    #2
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2018
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    7,542
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    First Name:
    John
    Ramona Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2017 4-Runner SR-5 P. Kings, Built Right uca’s, Durabumps, RSG sliders
    Welcome, you can gain about 2”s if you don’t get a sunroof.
     
    Bob likes this.
  3. Sep 21, 2020 at 10:06 PM
    #3
    Mtbpsych

    Mtbpsych New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2018
    Member:
    #7922
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    1,887
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    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5
    I’m about 185cm, and I have PLENTY of head space. The seat is adjustable up and down, and if I set it down all the way I look like a small grandma and have tons of headspace. Also, plenty of leg room. My advice, get the current 5th gen, or you’ll want to wait 1-2 years after the 6th gen releases. Power train is really just speculation at this point, but the two main ones that seem will be in it is either the 3.5l power train from the Tacoma (not the greatest) or some kind of forced induction engine or a hybrid or a combo of the both. The current 4.0l is proven and reliable, gas hog but reliable at the end of the day.
     
    mrmike7189 likes this.
  4. Sep 22, 2020 at 6:50 AM
    #4
    canadian.bacon

    canadian.bacon H9 halogen is the best led bulb

    Joined:
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    #15450
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    Snowland
    Vehicle:
    ‘22 Tesla Model Y
    In Canada, the SR5 comes with 4x4, sunroof, Toyota Safety Sense and 7 seats. That's right, the base model in Canada is a 7 seater, I had to go to the next one, TRD OffRoad to get the 5 seater. They all come with the Softex, synthetic leather - seems to be better than natural leather, no wrinkles, no dog scratches, probably better with the kids too.
    The SR5 has only a regular 4x4 and not the locker, Crawl control, etc. I think the regular 4x4 is more than sufficient for where you will go as long as you buy good AT tires. Nice to have the extra stuff? Sure, but you also want to keep the costs down. An SR5 is easier to find than a TRDoffroad. You can still get a few good grands for that Civic, the 2nd hand car market is booming since not a lot of people can afford the extra burden now.
    I made a point to get it now given the current situation: very slow sales, historically low mortgage rates and I am not getting any younger. We plan for tomorrow, for retirement, and we forget another important thing: we have to live today as well. This is my 16th vehicle and it is the best so far, better than my trucks, better than my convertibles, I should've gotten this years and years ago. It is expensive, but I lied to myself trying to get around camping in a Murano, Equinox, ready to buy a used Traverse, 3 Ram 1500s......no; this one is THE one.
    It seems you can afford it, just don't have the guts (yet) to pull the trigger. I checked autotrader for you, for your mileage and if in good shape, you can easily get $7500 for it. A 2020 will likely get discounts as the 2021s are hitting the lots soon. You can probably get 2500 off at first call so already down from 48000 to 45500, mins your trade-in, you are looking at ~38k. You pay that for any other SUV decently loaded and only the 4R has the resale value.
    If you are in the KW area or willing to drive, I can recommend you to a dealer here that doesn't deal with dealer fees, insurance fees, undercoating crap, or any of the shenanigans.
     
    Last edited: Sep 22, 2020
    Oldtoyotaguy likes this.
  5. Sep 22, 2020 at 7:06 AM
    #5
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

    Joined:
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    #7224
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    1,599
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    Vehicle:
    2018 Toyota 4 Runner Offroad
    Welcome from Fergus, Ontario, AndrewSmith! A 4 Runner is a great choice for an active lifestyle, especially if you like roads less travelled. I’ve owned a lot of Toyota 4x4’s over the years and they’ve all been great, and my Gen 5 Off Road is the best of them. I wouldn’t hesitate buying a used one with low mileage. People buying an expensive car tend to get it serviced when new, and a low mileage 4 Runner would be as good as new. Warning: they have a high resale value, so it might seem expensive compared to ordinary used cars.
    A lot of safety features are lane warning systems, braking etc., which are in the new ones, but a 2018 is an incredibly safe vehicle with 8 air bags.
    I’m 185 Cm and have a sun roof on my ORP and I have lots of head room. Ok, maybe not enough to wear a Stetson when I drive, but plenty of room for a Toque.
    Good luck!
     
  6. Sep 22, 2020 at 8:35 AM
    #6
    AndrewSmith

    AndrewSmith [OP] New Member

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    Really? That would be doubly cool, since I don't like sunroofs. How come I can't choose whether I want a sunroof or not on toyota.ca? Is that something a dealer can help with in person? Or is that an american-only option?

    Thanks for the insight!

    Yep. Is that the situation with 4runners? I was expecting a slowdown in sales but as far as I can tell - sales on vehicles generally seem to be going up. I asked my motorcycle dealer when I went to get some parts - and he said that in may when everything was closed they sold more bikes than they normally do. I guess I should just go and talk to a dealer to see what the real situation is.

    The TRD looks really cool, but it just won't fit all my family in. I need a third row of seats. From the feature list - it looks like I would prefer a Limited. Looks like they're a lot less common and more expensive.

    Thank you everyone. Lots of good info.
     

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