Looking for a Supercharged low mileage 4runner?

[BELMONT148]

***Toyota 4Runner 20014x4***

Just checked out this nice 4runner this evening. It has a Dealer installed S/C, and a nice kenwood touch screen. It also has a nice ARB bumper, OME heavy lift, and 32" BFG AT's. It has some cosmetic flaws, i.e scratches, missing front flare (he has it), and a couple of dings. The interior is a little dingy, but it drove solid. If anyone is interested, I have his number. He had 2 offers of $8000 this morning, but said he would take $8500. Just pm me if you are interested and I will give you his info. Probably won't be available long, he talked like he would entertain the low ball offer soon.

Also the S/C has a lot of whine. I have never driven one so, I can't compare it to anything. He said it was do for a service though on the S/C. It has also had a timing belt recently.

Jeremy

 

[mooker82]

Ive been eyeballing that one. He has dropped it from around $11k a few weeks ago. It looks really clean and looks to be a good deal. I have always really like that body style 4runner. It is just too close to the same gas mileage as my 80 and its hard to justify another SUV. I hate the thought of needing a car but it cost me close to $200 this weekend to head to the upstate to see my Dad on Fathers Day which actually got me thinking about gas costs.

 

[BELMONT148]

Yep, that's why I drove it. $11,000 to $8500 in 3 weeks. I new something was up. He said he drives his bike to work for the past 8 months. He said with the S/C it gets about 18 on the Hwy.

You wouldn't believe what I have been test driving for 2 weeks. I'l give you a hint, british heritage, BMW owned, and there all over Sullivan's Island and Mt. P. I can't believe they get 42 mpg. With the 500 miles a week I drive, thats a lot of savings.

They are one of the most enjoyable cars I have driven, aside from my dads 07' Corvette he bought last week.

Jeremy

 

[mooker82]

Yep, that's why I drove it. $11,000 to $8500 in 3 weeks. I new something was up. He said he drives his bike to work for the past 8 months. He said with the S/C it gets about 18 on the Hwy.

You wouldn't believe what I have been test driving for 2 weeks. I'l give you a hint, british heritage, BMW owned, and there all over Sullivan's Island and Mt. P. I can't believe they get 42 mpg. With the 500 miles a week I drive, thats a lot of savings.

They are one of the most enjoyable cars I have driven, aside from my dads 07' Corvette he bought last week.

Jeremy

Mini? Those are pretty cool. They have a lot more room than they look like they would. Handling is awesome too.

As soon as I find something to daily drive I think the 80 may get built more. I figure if I dont drive it everyday then I can go Slee 6" lift and maybe 37's.

 

[BELMONT148]

Mini? Those are pretty cool. They have a lot more room than they look like they would. Handling is awesome too. quote]

Yep, test driving an S with a non-turbo Cooper back to back today. Already driven the turbo "S", and it was quick. Gotta see if I can live without the turbo now. It'll just be an interim car till gas gets better or until I can afford a $30K plus car. Which will be about 2 years. They hold there value extremely well too. I really want a new G8 GTP, or a new Cadillac CTS.

Jeremy

 

[89s rule]

Mini? Those are pretty cool. They have a lot more room than they look like they would. Handling is awesome too.

As soon as I find something to daily drive I think the 80 may get built more. I figure if I dont drive it everyday then I can go Slee 6" lift and maybe 37's.

Ask dan, but I am almost certain you dont need 6" to run 37's.

ll dont understand why everyone is running out to buy gas savers that cost so much, you sure can drive alot for the price of most of them. But to each his own, as long as it works for you, go for it!

 

[BELMONT148]

Cost so much? Not me, they only cost around $20K. It's not about the mileage for me. It's about the driving experience. The 42mpg is just a bonus.

Kinda like a Vette, you buy it cause it's a Vette, the 28mpg is a bonus. My car already gets 30mpg. I am just bored with it. Spending 12 hours a week in most cars will bore you. That's what attracted me to the mini. It's hard to be bored driving one.

 

[mooker82]

Ask dan, but I am almost certain you dont need 6" to run 37's.

ll dont understand why everyone is running out to buy gas savers that cost so much, you sure can drive alot for the price of most of them. But to each his own, as long as it works for you, go for it!

I just like cars. Its close to time for a new one. The only difference is now the price of gas has caused me to swith from thinking SUV to a car. I dont drive enough to where I am really hurting from gas prices. I just want something that if I decide to take a weekend trip somewhere it wont cost me $300 in gas.

 

[mooker82]

Mini? Those are pretty cool. They have a lot more room than they look like they would. Handling is awesome too. quote]

Yep, test driving an S with a non-turbo Cooper back to back today. Already driven the turbo "S", and it was quick. Gotta see if I can live without the turbo now. It'll just be an interim car till gas gets better or until I can afford a $30K plus car. Which will be about 2 years. They hold there value extremely well too. I really want a new G8 GTP, or a new Cadillac CTS.

Jeremy

You should have never driven the turbo car. If you get the non-turbo you will know what you are missing. The small volvo (C30 I think) is also pretty cool but you either love the styling or hate it. I am looking at a Mazda 3 wagon. Handles good, reasonably quick (could be that I am used to driving slow trucks), has room for 4 people and luggage, room for my dogs, and you can pick one up for around $16K new.

 

[BELMONT148]

Yeh, I just drove both and the turbo is the way to go. Couldn't see myself owning it with a non-turbo. That care is wicked around turns, and the turbo gets you out of them quick.

I thought about the 3, but was considering the Mazdaspeed. In the words of Ricky Bobby, "I wanna go fast!"

 

[Carp]

I am looking at a Mazda 3 wagon. Handles good, reasonably quick (could be that I am used to driving slow trucks), has room for 4 people and luggage, room for my dogs, and you can pick one up for around $16K new.

We've got the Mazda3 5door as the family car and it is great. It gets 30-34mpg, depending on conditions (my wife does do a good job of keeping the rpms and speed down. It's a 5 speed too), and has plenty of pep. Had a miata before the Cruiser, and there was little drop off in handling between the Miata and the 3, mostly due to difference in RWD and FWD. Sister in law has 2.0 Mazda3 (4door) and it's OK, not as much fun as our 5door, but liveable. We've got 50k on ours now, and the only problem was a fuel pump/valve issue replaced under warranty.

 

[mooker82]

We've got the Mazda3 5door as the family car and it is great. It gets 30-34mpg, depending on conditions (my wife does do a good job of keeping the rpms and speed down. It's a 5 speed too), and has plenty of pep. Had a miata before the Cruiser, and there was little drop off in handling between the Miata and the 3, mostly due to difference in RWD and FWD. Sister in law has 2.0 Mazda3 (4door) and it's OK, not as much fun as our 5door, but liveable. We've got 50k on ours now, and the only problem was a fuel pump/valve issue replaced under warranty.

Thats pretty much the car I am looking at. I like the styling of the 5 door better than the other. A girl I know has a Mazda 5 and it has around 100K rough miles with minimal maintanance and she has not had any major work done.

 

[BELMONT148]

What about the new Matrix/Vibe? The 4 banger in that is the same in my Camry. Never put in the shop once. I've got 105,000 miles on it and i've only done maintenance on it. Like tranny flush, radiator flush, and oil changes.

I drove it, but it just wasn't near as fun as the mini.

You can't beat the new GM models that are coming out of Europe now either. The new Malibu, Aura, CTS, and Acadia are some sweet rides. Saturn has that new hatchback that would be a good choice as well. I think it's an Astra? GM's got there s*** together lately.

Jeremy

 

[mooker82]

What about the new Matrix/Vibe? The 4 banger in that is the same in my Camry. Never put in the shop once. I've got 105,000 miles on it and i've only done maintenance on it. Like tranny flush, radiator flush, and oil changes.

I drove it, but it just wasn't near as fun as the mini.

You can't beat the new GM models that are coming out of Europe now either. The new Malibu, Aura, CTS, and Acadia are some sweet rides. Saturn has that new hatchback that would be a good choice as well. I think it's an Astra? GM's got there s*** together lately.

Jeremy

The Vibe styling never appealed to me. I like the Scion car but the gas mileage is not that great and it doesnt have a ton of room. The CTS is badass and the new Malibu looks good (as much as I hate to admit it). The Audi A3 is sweet but Audi usually has bad resale value and some reliability issues. The Certified BMW's are good deals when you consider the warranty they give you if you are looking for a "nicer" car. I really like the Acura TSX a lot too. I would love to have a new Z coupe. Too many choices and all of them more than I want or have to spend.

 

[BELMONT148]

It seems you and I are in the same boat. My eyes are way bigger than my wallet. I was kinda disappointed that the non-turbo Cooper wouldn't suffice. The extra bills for the S may keep me from getting it. I am going to drive a Civic Si Sedan tomorrow. That may be what I need. Right between the performance of the 2 Coopers, 4 doors, but priced like the standard Cooper. I've heard these are really nice, and they still get 32 mpg.

20K, 30+ mpg, and a blast to drive are my priorities. 0-60 below 8 sec. is a minimum.

My mom just sold her 04' BMW 330 coupe for $22,000, so used BMW's are a little out of reach. Maybe a 325 would be closer, but I am not sure about there performance, plus a base engine BMW is kinda gay.

Jeremy

 

[mooker82]

It seems you and I are in the same boat. My eyes are way bigger than my wallet. I was kinda disappointed that the non-turbo Cooper wouldn't suffice. The extra bills for the S may keep me from getting it. I am going to drive a Civic Si Sedan tomorrow. That may be what I need. Right between the performance of the 2 Coopers, 4 doors, but priced like the standard Cooper. I've heard these are really nice, and they still get 32 mpg.

20K, 30+ mpg, and a blast to drive are my priorities. 0-60 below 8 sec. is a minimum.

My mom just sold her 04' BMW 330 coupe for $22,000, so used BMW's are a little out of reach. Maybe a 325 would be closer, but I am not sure about there performance, plus a base engine BMW is kinda gay.

Jeremy

Lol. Yeah I always end up over budget when I am car shopping. I have the "for just a little bit more I could get..." mentality. I would rather get a nicer 2 year old car than a mediocre new car though. A used G35 seems to be reasonable as the 4 door cars loose a lot of their value in the first few years but then stay fairly steady. If you have time to shop around you may can find a Volvo S60R in that price range. Those things are fast and total sleepers. I think MtPCruiser has one. I am lucky though since I am in no rush and can look around for a good deal. It looks like the new car bug has hitten you harder than me.

 

[BELMONT148]

Not so much the bug, but I drive 500 miles a week and my car is getting boring with 105,000 miles on it. With the mileage reimbursement from my company, the Mini would be free. The only thing that would come out of my pocket will be taxes and insurance. At the current mileage rate, if I get reimbursed for 230 miles a week, and I drive 500 I can pay for all the gas and the car payment, The maintenance is covered, so the only expense is taxes and insurance.

The bug hits me every 3 months, and I usually fight through it and keep my car. But this Mini has gotten something on me.

I am going to check out that red Mazdaspeed 3 @ Mazda on hwy 17. The mileage on it sucks, but it is the same price as the Mini. If the interior quality and comfort meet or exceeds the Mini, I might overlook the mileage and consider it. Plus it is the same price as the Mini S.

The Civic, Sentra, Subaru, and VW GTI are all out. As is the Matrix/Vibe. All just seem to be missing something. The Volvo C30 looks weird. But the Audi A3 is badass, but out of my price range.

Jeremy

PS- I might drive the 2.3 Hatch as well. Sometimes road noise, and comfort can outweigh the extra ponies. I drive a lot to have to drive a "race" car everywhere.

 

[BELMONT148]

Carp, and Mooker82, I appreciate the mention of the Mazda. I just drove both the Mazdaspeed and 2.3 5 door manual. The Speed was fast, liked it alot. But, the non-turbo drove much better on the interstate and still had a lot of get up.

The turbo had a stiff clutch, gears, and suspension. 0-60 was white knuckle, and 60-80+ was a blast. But realisticaly all that matters is getting to 60 or 70, which is a blast in the 2.3. I think the Speed would wear you out if you drove it like it was meant to much. But it did put the Mini to shame for the same money. Goodbye Mini, hello hatchback.

I think I will save the money on the Speed and get the Grand Touring. I am glad to here you get 30-34mpg. I thought 29 was kinda conservative. I don't know if you have driven one of these yet Steven, but you need to. It is a nice car, and the interior is very nice.

Jeremy

 

[Carp]

Glad that the Mazda swayed you and that we could help. Just I think the worst mileage we've gotten in our car is 28, but that probably with me driving like a fool for awhile. If you're on the highway a good bit, and don't stoplight drag the 2.3, you should be getting 30's, but with the Touring, you might get a little less. Ours is the base (no side curtain airbags, no subwoofer, no sunroof, etc.) but it shouldn't cost you more than 1-2 mpg.

I say get it and enjoy it!

 

[89s rule]

Wow glad to spark some conversation. You guys are talking more $ than I have spent on a car (Spent $18K on a 2K Accord coupe new and vowed to never buy a new car again). Sounds like with the company reimbursement you could be pocketing some serious cash or getting a little nice vehicle out of the deal.

I agree with the comfort when you have to drive alot. Maybe its b/c of family and kids, but I would much rather have a comfortable car thats reasonably quick than a screamer that is overall not nearly as comfortable and that you always have to watch out for something. Thats one reason I am considering other options for us as a family specifically myself and having a little more dependable vehicle.