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  #1  
Old 08-20-2004, 02:44 PM
Provo Spain?
 
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Toyota 4runner, or Subaru Wagon 4wd?

My profile = Wife, two kids, two dogs, some snowy mountain conditions and lots of outdoor activities/travel.

I usually ski, hike, travel abroad in the west, often in the snow. I am also starting to "flip" homes and will need something to carry around building supplies.

I am not a fan at all of SUVs. But I have always heard wonderful things about Toyota 4 runners. I have been in a couple and the seemed ok. Reliability is the biggest thing. Subaru seems to do well too, but I don't know anything about them really. I thought about just a toyota 4x4 pickup but that wouldn't cut it when it was time to travel with the kids somewhere.

Any opinions out there on what may be the vehicle for me? What known problems either one of these cars may have? What you liked, didn't like about them?

I'd appreciate them.

Thanks.

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  #2  
Old 08-20-2004, 02:47 PM
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Our Subaru Outback does not have much room - we have 2 kids and one dog and have trouble packing gear for camping even with a carrier on top. I would think the 4-Runner would handle the two dogs much better. One thing I like about the Subaru is 27mpg though.
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  #3  
Old 08-20-2004, 03:43 PM
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I just went through a similar search and ended up with an older Toyota Land Cruiser. Mainly needed to haul the dogs around and get stuff from Home Depot. First choice was a diesel benz wagon but couldn't find one around here. We had a Jeep Cherokee for a bunch of years that was pretty bulletproof but wanted something different. The LC gets lousey gas mileage but holds a bunch of stuff and isn't too big for parking. I looked at a couple of 4runners but didn't fit in them that well. Toyotas run forever and parts are cheap. Downside is they do ride like a truck. They also have a proper fold down tailgate which makes hauling long items much more convenient.

Subaru's were not in the running because a) they are too small and b) around here they are the official car of the granola eating lesbian set and my wife won't drive one
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Old 08-20-2004, 05:17 PM
heckflosse
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  #5  
Old 08-20-2004, 05:27 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2004
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I have a 4Runner (95 Limited) which I drive in the winter. It's a little tight on me (6'3") but really not that bad. Toyota's are known for their reliability and I haven't had a whole lot go wrong with it in 90K miles. It's even got me thinking about a big Lexus sedan the next time the question arises. I have no complaints with the ride, even with knobby tires, and my freinds that own other SUV's have commented on how smooth it is. My biggest beef with the truck is the lousy gas mileage (14 MPG) and small gas tank (@15 gallons) makes for short range compared to my 300SDL.
My only other suggestion is that you buy a utility trailer regardless of which vehicle you ultimately end up with. I am constantly doing DYI projects, like building my son a tree house (actually mini-Taj Mahal) and the trailer is invaluable for hauling plywood, etc. that you wouldn't want scratching up whatever you buy. I even have a trailer hitch on my Mercedes.
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  #6  
Old 08-20-2004, 05:56 PM
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say: Jook-Ur-Pah
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Lake Boon, MA
Posts: 987
This will be unpopular, but if you want a budget option just for the uses you described, don't overlook a volvo 240 wagon. HUGE cargo room- I've moved refrigerators in one. They are also made in sweeden, where they are fairly familiar with snow. My 240 wagon, blizzak equipped, drove past many an Exploder and AWD vehicle on the way to the slopes in Maine. Lots of SUVs get overconfident. Dogs loved the volvo. I loved it so much I got another one, adding a '78 to the '87. same car! I had a 67 as well. None of them ever left me stranded except the 78 when the transmission finally quit working in forward (reverse long since having died... what do you want for a $150 car?!?)
I think the 245 was great in snow, with proper tires and suspension.

Now, I did own a 98 Outback wagon, and it leaked worse than any of my diesels. The engine is interference, so if the timing belt goes... buh bye. It was comfy, a bit plasticy, and did not have the room of the volvo wagon. The cargo area opening was smaller. I could not get the car to skid, slide, anything in even foot-deep snow, despite all attempts to get it to do so. So, it's a winner in that respect. However, the repair bills on this car were annoying considering it was under 100k miles. I ditched it for the '87 volvo, saved $17k in vehicle cost, and only ever had to fix a flame trap, exhaust, and a j-block brake regulator valve.. car had 165k when I sold it... ...and I'd buy it back.

I've recently considered 4runners/Land Cruisers as well- 80's versions... but I am going to stick with diesel, so I found a 300TD. Not quite as big as the volvo, but it's PERFECT for what I need. Might pick up a volvo for the wife though!

cheers!
Kevin
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  #7  
Old 08-20-2004, 06:14 PM
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I'd go with the yota. Reliable and pretty tough. I grew up with the old, old LC and they were just great. As long you do the maintenance they'll run forever. If I didn't own a Nissan Pathfinder I'd probably get a yota tk myself. Roomyness can be an issue though.

Learn how to drive a 4x4 well, get at least some good ATs (all terrains,) good battery and you'll never get stuck out there. Shovel, jack, and recovery eq. are pretty much mandatory in the winter. Even if you don't need it, you may be able to help some poor soul... believe me.
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  #8  
Old 08-21-2004, 02:57 PM
Provo Spain?
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
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Thanks for the replies.

The 4 runner is at the top of my list because I own a Camry and the thing runs great: 110k miles and nothing but regular service on it. I feel that I could run that thing across country tomorrow without worrying one bit.

The Volvo option sounds like something up my alley too actually. I like those old wagons but don't really know much about them.

I do like the subaru MPG though.

The 4-runner is 6 banger right?

I appreciate the comments.
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  #9  
Old 08-21-2004, 03:01 PM
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say: Jook-Ur-Pah
 
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Location: Lake Boon, MA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Beal
The Volvo option sounds like something up my alley too actually. I like those old wagons but don't really know much about them.

I do like the subaru MPG though.

The 4-runner is 6 banger right?
if you are interested in the volvos at all... go read the brickboard... sorta like this, only for volvos. www.brickboard.com

I never got great mileage from the subaru- not as good as the volvo..

and, 4 runners did come with a 4 cyl as well. depends on the year you're interested in. some have a top you can remove!

k
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  #10  
Old 08-21-2004, 07:04 PM
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The general public seems to think the 4-Runner has a large cargo carrying capabililty, but most compact station wagons have larger cargo carrying volumes.

The Toyota Corolla, Subara Forrester and Subaru Outbacks are all larger inside than the 4-runner.
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  #11  
Old 08-22-2004, 12:22 AM
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My choice would be the Subaru for its more car-like ride, handling and superior gas mileage, especially if I could get a 5 speed.

Both Subaru and Toyota have (generally) excellent repair records.

Early 4-runners were availible with 4 cylinders. Mid-'90s versions with automatics are more luxurious but sluggish, thirsty and not as roomy inside as you'd think. (I'd prefer the 5-speed in one of these too) Older V6 had headgasket troubles. V6 also has a timing belt and, I'm told, it's also an interference engine. Automatics improved in '96 and latest 4-runners are bigger, roomier but V8 powered and more thirsty. 4-runners have typical trucklike handling but if you really need the off-road capablity it might be the better choice.

Happy Motoring, Mark
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Last edited by Mark DiSilvestro; 08-22-2004 at 12:31 AM.
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  #12  
Old 08-22-2004, 09:39 AM
benz-vettes
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Just go for the 98 Landcruiser. Its the first year of the V8 and many improvements over the older FJ80's. You will get pooor gas mileage but in turn u get a smooth ride, alot of room and alot of lux features, and 7 passenger seating

The subaru is worth every cent u pay for it but its small in cargo and is low to the ground
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  #13  
Old 08-22-2004, 10:25 AM
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Here in Cebtral America, the Toyota 4-Runner is available in diesel. I am not sure about the states - worth checjing it out.

Iggy
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  #14  
Old 08-22-2004, 08:49 PM
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Unfortunately, here most people want to be able to go 120 MPH in their SUV and the EPA says "Diesels bad!" so we only get the gas-guzzler versions.

Happy Motoring, Mark
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  #15  
Old 08-23-2004, 12:15 AM
Provo Spain?
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by euronatura
Here in Cebtral America, the Toyota 4-Runner is available in diesel. I am not sure about the states - worth checjing it out.

Iggy
If we had it here in a diesel I wouldn't have two think twice about what I'd get.

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