07 LC vs '14 4Runner Trail

[Salvo]

I know opinions here might be a little biased, but I'd like to hear them anyway. I currently own a 2014 4Runner Trail base with 11k miles. I'm considering trading it for an 07 Landcruiser with 117k miles for around $23k. I haven't driven the LC yet, but I will soon. It looks to be in pretty good condition. Am I completely insane or would others make the jump to an older LC from a pretty decent rig? All opinions welcome.

 

[Stylo07]

What are your objectives?

 

[Catskills]

I just did it; maybe you saw my thread over on t4R.

I love mine and am glad I didn't wait to do it. But I think you should be prepared to shell out some money for the maintenance the PO didn't do to get a good baseline. Mine was really well cared for but there was still the muffler and tires to reckon with. And I dropped 3k on my husband's 2002 just to get it up to par.

You are lucky to be in LA; options in the northeast always involve rust.

 

[Salvo]

What are your objectives?

It's going to be a daily driver. I just want a solid 4wd that can carry my people and my gear. I don't do much wheeling since I left Arizona, so it will probably stay mostly stock. I take a few long road trips each year and I want something comfortable, reliable, and capable for the occasional mild off-road excursion. Also, I have a good bit of equity in the 4Runner, so I would be financing much less with the LC.

I guess my biggest concern is going from a new vehicle with a warranty, to a 9 year old LC with no warranty. My ability to repair the truck on my own is pretty limited. I'm not sure my rambling answered your question, but yeah. Mostly road trips and a little over landing.

 

[Salvo]

I just did it; maybe you saw my thread over on t4R.

I love mine and am glad I didn't wait to do it. But I think you should be prepared to shell out some money for the maintenance the PO didn't do to get a good baseline. Mine was really well cared for but there was still the muffler and tires to reckon with. And I dropped 3k on my husband's 2002 just to get it up to par.

You are lucky to be in LA; options in the northeast always involve rust.

What are your impressions as far as ride quality of the 100 vs a 5th gen?

 

[Junglejack]

I would not limit myself to a 2007. I would look for a post 2003 with perhaps a few lower miles (I know 117,000 is nothing for these trucks, but for what 2007's sell for I would rather have say an 05 with 70,000 miles and be thousands cheaper)

As for ride quality, if including LX's, the ride quality should be a major upgrade. Many 2007 LC's have AHC as well. LC's with the standard suspension really ride great as well, but AHC is pretty awesome.

Considering just how absurdly reliable 100 Series are, provided you purchase a well sorted example, I would not be too worried about the warranty. While s***e can happen, it is exceedingly rare.

As befitting the massive difference in price, 100 Series are truly in another league. Also, tailgates rule.

 

[Nick T]

Stick with the 4runner, If you don't plan to repair/maintain the LC yourself you won't be saving any money. LC requires higher maintenance schedule, part of the reason it lasts so long. If however you can wrench it yourself and enjoy the LC ride, there are plenty of people here that can help you out with maintenance procedures etc etc.

 

[Catskills]

If you didn't have kdss on your trail, you will find the 100 a much nicer ride. Someone over on t4r called the 4r a more nimble drive, and I think that's a really good way to describe it. However, while the 100 is decidely more truck like in its steering and handling AND I just put e-rated tires on it, I am still in love.

I use it. I put my usual 300 lbs. of grain in the back of the LC this week and didn't even notice a difference in handling, while with the 4r, even with the airbags, I noticed the sag and compromised handling.

There is a huge difference between our 2002 and the 2007. I peeled out of the parking lot on my test drive with the 2007 by accident. It has a lot of power. I was planning on driving the 4R to Montana this summer, towing our 2k raft trailer, and am thrilled to have gotten this LC instead. I couldn't use my cruise control while towing with the 4r. That transmission never what to do.

There are significant differences in the quality of the 2 trucks, although I should say that I think the refreshed 5th gen was an improvement over the 10-13s (i had a 10). Everything about the LC reminds you that you are driving Toyota's best vehicle. The cabin ride is quieter, you don't have cheap plastics eveywhere, and there are some things about it that I can't even put my finger on.

Realize that if you love your audio Bluetooth, you'll need the Vais $300 addition to your own stereo because even the 2007 will only have Bluetooth for your phone calls.

 

[Salvo]

Thanks, all. I'm going to drive this thing and see what happens. If it's anything like my old 80, I'll fall in love immediately.

 

[Manhattan]

Salvo, my wife and I are in the same boat - we're trying to find a decent replacement for her MDX. We've looked at all the typical candidates, e.g. Lexus RX, Audi, etc. and my wife likes the 4Runner the most (damn, I love her!). But we're now wrestling with the 4Runner vs. 100 (or even 200) thing... new vs. old, warranty vs. no warranty, maintenance vs. "free" or minimal...

One big (!) factor in favor of the used 100 or 200 is depreciation. Most of the hit has been taken on the 100s. The 2016 4Runner's "value" is going to tumble for first couple years. Sure, the resale is better than most new cars, but... it's still a new, soon-to-be-used car.

 

[Jay470]

Having looked at used four runners recently for my son the resale value on average seems to weaken significantly vs. LC or even the trucks. You could often find comps (year / mileage) and the four runner would always be cheaper sometimes by thousands of dollars.

 

[RND1]

Also, I have a good bit of equity in the 4Runner, so I would be financing much less with the LC.

Maybe this is more of a "Is it worth it" kind of question? If it's simply about your concern with going from a nearly new vehicle to an '07 LC from a reliability stand point, just do it.

 

[RyanStl]

I sold a '14 Subaru XV , which I really liked for an '02 Hundy. Yes, having a warranty was very nice, but I needed a vehicle with a third row. I am not worried about the maintenance because I will do PM myself and not having a car payment helps with an occasional big ticket repair. When I talk about the new truck I don't volunteer the year because some of my family may think the move wasn't smart. If you didn't know the year you would never know it is a 14 year old vehicle.