Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Hello, looking to buy a Toyota SUV in the 10-11 grand price range. Is one model more reliable than the other ?
I'm a man so frankly I like the looks or the 4 Runner better but it seems like in the price range I'm looking at that I get much lower miles on the Rav's
Hello, looking to buy a Toyota SUV in the 10-11 grand price range. Is one model more reliable than the other ?
I'm a man so frankly I like the looks or the 4 Runner better but it seems like in the price range I'm looking at that I get much lower miles on the Rav's
Most definitely the 4Runner. In that price range though, you're looking at much higher miles and about 10 years old though.
I'm a man and I'd probably take the RAV4 instead in that price range. More likely have been driving by a woman who didn't take it off-road.
Gender stuff aside: RAV4 IMO built a bit weaker (struts, lower duty parts) but more were built and parts are cheaper. And just because it's built to a lesser off-road standard doesn't mean it's going to wear out faster, not if used only on road. If anything I'd rather have the RAV4 for better road mpg.
But I guess it comes down to what you want the vehicle for. On road only, mixed driving, hardcore off road. Or image. If it's what you want, then it's what you want. Your money your choice.
Moving on...
I'd skip any RAV4 with the 2.4L I4. Too many issues, and the 2.5L is just a better motor. It's saddled with the 4 speed in gen 4 but got a better six speed in 2014. But either trans is good, it's just that 4 speed is antiquated today. The 2.5L seems a good motor. The 3.5L V6 got dropped in 2014 which many lament but IMO it was always too much stuff under the hood. But a 3.5L with tow package was rated for 3,500lb towing, and many liked the instant power it had. All 3.5's had the 5 speed automatic, but early years could have a transmission whine. Which didn't seem to impact durability but is annoying. Lastly, I have heard of some complaints about the rear differential (on the AWD models), and water pumps on the V6 are real pain to replace and aren't unheard of going.
4Runner, hmm.... 3.4L V6's are very good but timing belt, and got dropped years ago and should be below your price range. The 4.7L V8 was the beast to get, it's timing belt but... very good. I have heard that the active dampening suspension can be expensive to repair, so I'd read up (and if it was me I'd avoid, but I'm a cheapskate). The 4.0L V6 is pretty good but seems to have had some issues with headgaskets--probably low rate but still.
+1 on RAV4 with that budget. V6 if you can find one and 2009+ to avoid most of the problems. Wife has one, will put many sporty cars to shame in terms of acceleration heh.
My wife has the 4 cylinder. I'm not a fan. It's a beautiful looking SUV though, well, I guess it's more like a CUV. But, if I had the choice, I would get an older V8 4-Runner. Why, oh, why do these automobile makers shy away from the V8?
Location: San Ramon, Seattle, Anchorage, Reykjavik
2,254 posts, read 2,734,754 times
Reputation: 3203
What are you going to use it for? Commuting or life? If just commuting you could get a Rav4 or any other generic Toyota.
Lifestyle - big difference from commuting. From the experience of several friends with the same choice, I would go with the 4Runner or even an early 2000's Land Cruiser. As long as there is no rust, they are bulletproof reliability wise and will hold their value over the long term. You can drive them anywhere and they won't let you down.
The Rav4, while a very good vehicle, isn't in the same league.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
