04 X w/v8 or 4Runner w/v8?

[CHuntMD]

Have a 97 SOHC w/112k miles and I'm getting the itch for a newer rig for trips and occasional tow duty.

Both v8s are rated at 7000pounds and my new 18' car hauler comes in at 2100#s. My folks just traded in their 99 X Limited for a 04 4Runner Limited and it is sweet. I rented a 03 XLT basic last summer and it rides/handles much better than my 97 which was much better than my 92 X.

Here in the Wash DC area there are deals on Fords except the new F-150

Anyone look at the 4Runner and chose the X?

Any recommended "Car pricing/buying" services?

Chris

 

[Hokie]

How long do you plan on keeping it. The 'Yota will probably pull a higher premium up front, and it will keep its value longer than the X will. And the 'Yota will probably be more reliable. Dad and I both went with X's b/c we bought used and the 4Runners were just bringing too much money for the late model rigs.

 

[Alec]

If you plan on offroading get the 4Runner.

 

[MONMIX]

I was shoping for a 4-Runner when I bought my Ex.
It came down to cost. I could not find a 4-R with low enough milage at a price I was willing to spend.

They both have good points and bad points. I am very happy with my Ex. I currently would not trade it for a 4-Runner, but when I do " get done " with my Ex I will look again at the 4-Runner ( in addition to another Ex )

 

[JDraper]

If you can afford the 4Runner, gt it. I have been seriously considering replacing my X with one. IMHO, it's a much better built vehicle. I just have had too many little things go wrong with mine.....

 

[CHuntMD]

Positively 100% no off-road for either the X or 4-R. I've got this to beat the rocks with.

http://tinyurl.com/uud0

Big difference in depreciation between the two.

I need to find a Ford and Toyota dealer in close proximity and do some test driving.

Chris

 

[Alec]

If that's the case get the X. Driven both and I like the X better. Better dealer deals, too.

 

[rocket 5979]

I would get the V-8 new gen explorer over the new gen V-8 4 runner. I think the new body style runners look like crap too. Overpriced in my eyes. The new gen exlorer is a different breed than the older gens. So though alot of people seem to think they will have the same problems that ford had with the earlier explorers. The main thing the new gens share with the old gens is the name. Just look around and see for yourself. the new gen explorer has a 350% torsionally stiffer frame chassis!!! I mean come on that is a huge difference! Let alone others.

 

[Dre]

Explorer in my opinion... although I have heard great things about the yota.....

I think that for 2004 Explorer there is an off-road package available...... although I have no idea what FORD means by these words.... (off-road)

 

[Premier]

Its called the NBX I believe... I would also get the V8 Explorer.

 

[dloc420]

what about the 4runner with the turbo in them get one of those

 

[RPheezy]

Get a runner. If the year was currently 95-2001, I would say get an X because you can mod it up for pretty cheap and make a nice trail rig. But it sounds like you'll be using this new SUV for family trips and occasional utility. I would go with the runner. Toyota is always one of the top companies in terms of quality and reliability.

In 1998, I bought an X sport and my buddy bought a runner. I have had to take my car in for at least 5 recalls, have had several quality issues with it, and can't get very much aftermarket support. My buddy has never had a problem with his X and has not even had to change his brakes (5 years old, over 100k miles, 20% brake pad left...I changed my brakes after just 2.5 years).

Also, I was reading a business article that said that for the first time ever, Toyota outsold Ford over the past 6 months. Quite an accomplishment.

Don't get me wrong, I love my rig (now with a 2" SL, 3" BL, and 33s), but if I had to do it all over again, I might consider getting a different vehicle.

Bottom line...buy the runner.

 

[jasonb]

i'd have to agree with the above. i didn't buy a 4runner back then because of price. yotas are reliable. bottom line. their is offroad support for them and they are built with that still in mind to some degree. although, i don't particularly like the looks of the new 4runners. i don't really love the new explorers either though.

 

[Tom G]

X vs 4R

I bought a '94 new, then a '99 new (160K miles between them). Over that time, my wife has had a Camry wagon and now a Sienna (305K miles between them).

When it comes time, I'm gonna look real hard at the 4Runner to see if it has enough grunt to tow my boat. I don't care if it costs more. If it can do the job, the reliability is worth it to me. (the X's have been an occasional pain to have to get fixed, the 'yotas have been near perfect)

 

[espnfreak]

Nothing but american for me, they may have their problems, but i support em

 

[RPheezy]

What do you mean by "American"? A lot of the "foreign" cars sold in the US are manufactured in the US if not North America. The Nummi plant in Fremont, CA makes both Toyota and GM vehicles. Also, there are numerous plants in the US that build Hondas, Toyotas, etc.

American cars have a lot of their parts made in foreign countries, but assembled in the US. Most major manufacturers use cheap labor in other countries.

People who buy Toyotas are supporting America too.

 

[DaHeinah]

People who buy Toyotas are supporting America too

Oh no, not this argument again..

I'd go with the V8 X. I really do think that a vehicle will operate only as long as it is taken care of. I never floor my car off the line (just when testing mods) and I always take it easy. I have seen many Runner owners beat their cars up too and end up with a bundle of problems. I had a bad experience with a Runner, but it wasn't in tip-top shape when I bought it either and who knows what the previous owner did. I still don't know why everyone says the X is unreliable though. My dad 99 V8 has 160K miles and it has never been in the shop. My bro's 97 V8 X has 130K miles and has never seen a shop and my 92 has 126K (yeah, least miles ) and has never needed a repair with the exception of those damn auto hubs. I love my X and, if given 40Gs I could play with, would buy a new X over a new Runner.

 

[96_explorer.com]

Bang for the buK ... get the "X"

Yotas are over priced. Way over priced

 

[CHuntMD]

Thanks for all the input. I'm hoping the SO will like the new F-150 SuperCrew Lariat better than the X. But the deals are much better on the X.

V8 will be 100% must have along with leather seats. I've always had XLTs (92OHV, 94RangerOHV, 97SOHC) There is a point where all the extra bells & wistles just mean more to break.

Saw a Ford Ad during the Ohio State games yesterday.
0% for 6 years for 03 or $4000 rebate +another grand if you have a 97+ loyality and even $750 military appreciation.

Chris