Random ass car whoring thread.

[gargantula99]

So, since my car is almost paid off, about ($1,500 short right now)  my wife and I are contemplating purchasing her a vehicle next year.  I was thinking about the new CR-V, but I'm not a fan of the spare tire being inside of the trunk.  My mom's 03 CR-V had the spare on the rear door and therefore giving us more interior space to use.  Any thoughts on another, smaller SUV / wagon, it has to be economical and AWD or 4WD.  Also, it needs to be under $30K.  The reason why I'm looking for that is because we like to go camping and what not.  When we load up my car with our gear, there is literally barely enough space for the two of us.

[slipkord]

4runner!!!!

[gargantula99]

the trail editions start at $38K, $8K over my budget.  I'm looking at new instead of used because, like you, I'll never be happy with a used car.  If I see a scratch on it, that's all I'll see.  Besides, as much as I would love a 4Runner for myself, my wife will be the primary driver and it's probably too big for her. 

This will be her first car, so used might be the smartest way to go.  I have a year to figure that one out.

[alpha]

the trail editions start at $38K, $8K over my budget.  I'm looking at new instead of used because, like you, I'll never be happy with a used car.  If I see a scratch on it, that's all I'll see.  Besides, as much as I would love a 4Runner for myself, my wife will be the primary driver and it's probably too big for her. 

This will be her first car, so used might be the smartest way to go.  I have a year to figure that one out.

Are you looking for luxury of any kind?

RDX? They start at $33k MSRP, but towards the end of the year, you can get a pretty good deal on them.  Acura tends to have dealer holdbacks towards the end of the year, sometimes during.  and the RDX doesn't sell that well since Acura's biggest sellers are the TSX and the MDX.

used X3?  the new bodystyle though, 2011 and newer.. granted the new ones are pricey but since BMW is a European car, their resale value isn't that great.  you can probably pick up a couple year old one for a decent discount.

[gargantula99]

Never been a fan of beamers.  The used RDX might not be a bad idea either.  She wasn't a fan of the big 4runner.

[CrackerTeg]

Speaking from experience, your wife and yourself will thoroughly enjoy the RDX. Its a great car and my wife likes that she sits higher than others on the road even if it isn't that much taller than our Accords. Mine is also AWD. Completely unnecessary in S. Fl but its a nice feature should we need it.

[gargantula99]

Thank you fellas. I think you guys hit the nail right on the head.  I have a year to look for a nice used white one now.

[slipkord]

http://springhilltoyota.com/preowned-inventory/2007_Toyota_4Runner_Mobile_JTEZU14R778070001.aspx
07 4runner - thoughts?

[accordguy04]

Ooooooooo!

 

[gargantula99]

I like the 4Runner Jer.

Ryan, the fuck is that?

[alpha]

http://springhilltoyota.com/preowned-inventory/2007_Toyota_4Runner_Mobile_JTEZU14R778070001.aspx
07 4runner - thoughts?

I thought car buying was on hold for now?

[slipkord]

I'm a whore, its never on hold >

[alpha]

I'm a whore, its never on hold >

Touché.

Well, I like 4Runners.  It's body on frame, not unibody, so you sit on a truck frame.  If you like that, then its a great vehicle.

I had a 2004, my dad had a 2004, and now we have the 2010.  They are comfortable if you get leather interior.  Toyota cloth is terrible in my opinion.

The 4th gen 4Runner ran from 2003 until 2009.  Some folks reported sunroofs leaking, but if the model you are looking at doesn't have a sunroof then you shouldn't worry.  The V6 is an aluminum block, which I believe was the first time Toyota put an aluminum block in a truck engine (when it was new in 2003).  All of my 4Runners have been 4WD, so gas mileage was always expected to be low.  That being said, for a fairly heavy SUV, it was pretty good.  Given that the one you are looking at is 2WD, you should get a couple mpg more.

The one pictured also has the 17" wheel upgrade, which means it comes with 265/65/17 size tires.  A typical upgrade was to get 265/70/17 size tires for a little added height, but also because the 70 profile tires tended to be a bit cheaper.

The oil filter is on top also, so its really easy to change the oil.  I believe the engine is rated at 240hp/270tq, or something similar to those numbers.  It's a pretty good engine, fairly powerful, and has a rated 5000 lb. towing capacity (I believe the v8 had a 7000 lb. towing capacity).  It's for the most part fairly quick, but it can be a tad slow driving in the mountains.  Not sure if its a feature on the 2WD or not, but the 4Runner also has Downhill Assist Control.

I also don't recall Toyota giving you the option of leather interior on the SR5 model.  That may have been added aftermarket (which is fine, I had Comfort Soft Trim leather added to my 2004 when I bought it, and in my opinion, felt softer than the Toyota leather).

Any specific questions?

[slipkord]

How safe? I think this one only has two air bags

[alpha]

How safe? I think this one only has two air bags

They seem pretty safe, but my recommendation would be to check out the IIHS ratings.  I was never involved in an accident with either 4th gen 4Runner, so I wouldn't know first hand how they hold up.