Asking here because I respect the opinions of 993 owners.
05-19-2023, 11:38 PM
#46
Instructor
BTW, I'm also in Pleasanton...
05-20-2023, 12:11 AM
#47
Addicted Specialist
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Counterintuitively, some Lexus models may actually be cheaper than their comparable Toyota-badged siblings. We found it damn near impossible to find a reasonably priced RAV4 on the used market, whereas the Lexus NX was actually cheaper. OP already made the very valid point that the same may be the case with the 4Runner vs. Lexus GX. People really seem to be paying a premium these days for reliable, no-frills vehicles.
Like always but more so now, cash is king and be ready to pounce for the best deal possible.
We still have an 04 XC90 ...just a standout reliable car that my son only recently now owns. Super easy to work on, rock-solid reliable for all these miles. But alas now at 190k miles is starting to show signs of costliness (radiator and hoses at $1500, yeah, you read that right...car needs to freakin be up in the air or I'd have done it!). I haven't a clue as to what the current-gen XC90 (or XC60 which is a great size) look like as far as reliability, though.
Edward
Last edited by Edward; 05-20-2023 at 12:17 AM.
05-20-2023, 09:31 AM
#48
I've got a 2021 V60 cross country wagon. Rock solid reliable and fun to drive. There are not many wagons around here, all SUVs, and I love that. Try driving one. You may like it but it's above the $30k range.
05-21-2023, 08:50 AM
#49
Racer
This thread has messed me up by the way. Need to get something that I can drive for 3 years and then give to our son, was dead set on a 2019 3.6r subie...and then you went and crushed it.
search now is sub $35k, sub 30k miles, want a naturally aspirated 6 cyl (absolutely hate any 4 cyl turbo), wagon or small-ish SUV...these are all pretty comparable in price:
Toyota Highlander: 2020 295hp / 263lbs / 6.4 0-60
Lexus: 2019 RX 350 295hp / 267lbs / 7.7
Acura: 2020 MDX 290hp / 267lbs / 6.3
Subaru: Outback 3.6r 256hp/ 247lbs 7.1
Got until November to make a decision cause PA doesn't allow kids to drive on their own for 6 months.
05-21-2023, 10:20 AM
#50
Lol. Bound to happen on a car forum. 
Of the 4 you have listed, I'd do the RX, hands down. Gas and oil changes are all you'll ever need. Those things are as reliable as the sunrise.
As much as I love Toyotas, they're not without fault. The 5.7 on my Land Cruiser decided to start leaking coolant at the heat exchanger plate. I'm learning it's a common failure on many 5.7s.
Of the 4 you have listed, I'd do the RX, hands down. Gas and oil changes are all you'll ever need. Those things are as reliable as the sunrise.
As much as I love Toyotas, they're not without fault. The 5.7 on my Land Cruiser decided to start leaking coolant at the heat exchanger plate. I'm learning it's a common failure on many 5.7s.
05-21-2023, 11:21 AM
#51
Racer
Lol. Bound to happen on a car forum.
Of the 4 you have listed, I'd do the RX, hands down. Gas and oil changes are all you'll ever need. Those things are as reliable as the sunrise.
As much as I love Toyotas, they're not without fault. The 5.7 on my Land Cruiser decided to start leaking coolant at the heat exchanger plate. I'm learning it's a common failure on many 5.7s.
Of the 4 you have listed, I'd do the RX, hands down. Gas and oil changes are all you'll ever need. Those things are as reliable as the sunrise.
As much as I love Toyotas, they're not without fault. The 5.7 on my Land Cruiser decided to start leaking coolant at the heat exchanger plate. I'm learning it's a common failure on many 5.7s.
I need to find a local RX and test drive. Still comparing everything to the Outback since it's only "fair" they both get one...and I should qualify that the 2017 has a lifetime powertrain through the dealership as long as I service it there. Neither kid wants the mom-mobile.
05-22-2023, 02:37 AM
#52
Rennlist Member
My wife has had an ‘09 Highlander Hybrid since new, the thing is bulletproof and at well over 100k is barely broken in. My daily is an ‘18 SQ5 that’s been great too.
05-22-2023, 12:02 PM
#53
Oh man!
I need to find a local RX and test drive. Still comparing everything to the Outback since it's only "fair" they both get one...and I should qualify that the 2017 has a lifetime powertrain through the dealership as long as I service it there. Neither kid wants the mom-mobile.
I need to find a local RX and test drive. Still comparing everything to the Outback since it's only "fair" they both get one...and I should qualify that the 2017 has a lifetime powertrain through the dealership as long as I service it there. Neither kid wants the mom-mobile.
05-22-2023, 04:21 PM
#54
I have a 2010 GX that is my daily and tow vehicle (miatas, pulled my 993 and now my 996 gt3 on an 17.5' Featherlite). As far as towing goes its no f150, but it does the job and on the daily drive or parking in the city its so much easier than an f150. Of course she is thirsty. When towing keep the transmission in S5 and its pretty happy. Make sure you get one with the rear air suspension for load leveling and the integrated tow hitch for maximum capacity. I am now at 155k miles, more than half of those miles are under my ownership and probably 1/3 of my miles pulling a trailer. Knock on wood it has been extremely reliable. The only non routine maintenance item was a slow leak from the radiator, cost a few hundred bucks to replace. My wife and I use it as the road trip vehicle because its comfortable and dependable. At times I wish I had ponied up for the LX when I bought mine, but it is hard to justify almost 2x the price because it is not 2x the truck IMO. That said, if I had to replace it I would be looking hard at an LX vs. a newer GX.
My wife has a 2015 X5 x drive with the N55. She prefers driving that around town. The X5 definitely has more zip and the brakes are more responsive. We have had our fair share of issues with that car though. Sunroof wouldn't close, a fuel injector got stuck wide open leaving us stranded, and the latest is a leaky oil pan gasket for which we were quoted over $3k lol. Not to mention the interior is starting to fall apart. The car has ~105k on the clock. Modern BMWs are made to be leased, not own long term.
My wife has a 2015 X5 x drive with the N55. She prefers driving that around town. The X5 definitely has more zip and the brakes are more responsive. We have had our fair share of issues with that car though. Sunroof wouldn't close, a fuel injector got stuck wide open leaving us stranded, and the latest is a leaky oil pan gasket for which we were quoted over $3k lol. Not to mention the interior is starting to fall apart. The car has ~105k on the clock. Modern BMWs are made to be leased, not own long term.
05-22-2023, 05:47 PM
#56
Nice! These can't tow much, so won't work for OP. That said, my wife and I rented one in Hawaii a few weeks ago. Base, steelies, manual transmission. I don't think it had any options. It was so much fun, enjoyed it far more than I expected to.