Looking for an SUV for my daughter

[brices123]

Hello fellow CSC members.

I am looking for a Highland, or RAV 4, or a V6 4Runner as my daughters first car. She turns 16 this summer. I am sure this is like trying to find a leprechaun riding a unicorn and the bottom of a rainbow with a pot o' gold.

I am looking to spend less than $15,000. Looking for mechanically sound but body can have some wear.

Let me know if you have my winning lottery ticket in your garage, or side yard!

Thank you.

 

[jclarke450]

might want to consider the lexus rx330 also. Just make sure its made in japan and not Canada.

 

[splitshot]

3rd gen 4 Runner (what is it? '98 to 2002)?
There are a bunch of gently used/well maintained/clean units out there for under $6k. We recently went through the same with our daughter.

 

[boofaz]

I agree with the 3rd gen 4Runner! Plenty of gently used ones available with a large aftermarket and fairly large following for access to write ups on maintenance and upgrades. Try to find one with te e-locker if she's going to wheel it.

 

[Funner]

Hello fellow CSC members.

I am looking for a Highland, or RAV 4, or a V6 4Runner as my daughters first car. She turns 16 this summer. I am sure this is like trying to find a leprechaun riding a unicorn and the bottom of a rainbow with a pot o' gold.

I am looking to spend less than $15,000. Looking for mechanically sound but body can have some wear.

Let me know if you have my winning lottery ticket in your garage, or side yard!

Thank you.

With that budget you will have no problem finding a great rig. I struggled with what to buy my son when he turned 16 and decided he would get one car to get through college in rather than a clunker first. I went with an older 100 series and feel good about the choice. The 3rd gen 4runners are great but a good one could be had for well under 1/2 your budget, so 4th gen is probably a better fit. They're all good choices.

 

[Living in the Past]

Own both 3rd and 4th gen. 4Runners. I like the 3rd gen. but the 4th gen. is completely different vehicle. I have V8 but think the 4.0 is a better engine then the 3.4 which is a upgrade from the 3.0 in the 2nd gen. The auto is also a five speed. The 4.0 also had the VVTI sooner than the 4.7. With your price range the GX470 would also be a option but think being a Lexus the cost to maintain it would be higher then the 4Runner which was sold in much larger numbers.

 

[murf]

keep her safe and put her into a Rusky SUV

 

[GOLDY]

Man, get a load of those ballooooooons!

 

[TexAZ]

I can't believe @jclarke450 didn't recommend the lexus GX470. You can find 03-05's under 15k. Uber nice, comfy, safe!!! easy to drive.
My parents had a 2014 rav4 and traded it in on an 05 GX after riding in my wife's car an 03 model.
hard to beat for the money! and plenty of support around here.

 

[jclarke450]

I will say that the lexus in gx or rx form is hard to beat for safety. I didn't say gx earlier only because I figured you had it on your list already. It's true that many can be had for under 15k as you already know! GX and 4runner share so much but the lexus built like a tank. I haven't been impressed with the feel of the 4runners for the price. Certainly capable and reliable, but the gx is a step above in solid feel and quiet ride. Not to mention the gx gets you the LC 4.7 instead of the is based 4.7. Basically just forged rods instead of cast, but some say built better. And the GX gets you LC lineage instead of US lineage.

 

[Straycatn8]

Im actually driving my wives old RX330 while the LC build is finishing up. We had another kid in December so we bought a minivan. Ill be putting the RX up for sale in the nextcouple of weeks when my red bumper build is complete. I'd be willing to give a Mudd price if interested. hit me up on a PM if you want more info.

 

[re_guderian]

I put my oldest in a 2003 2WD V6 4Runner. Great car for her. Sold it a few weeks ago and replaced it with an '05 RX 330 for the two 16 year olds, mostly for improved safety features. Both were purchased with ~145K and 9 years old for under $8K. I replaced rear springs/shocks, front struts and an alternator on the 4Runner. Only done tires on the RX so far...