My 4runner is dying - time to buy a new SUV - What kind of SUV would you buy?

Chayenne? RR? X5? ML? LandCruiser? What else is worth looking at?

From what Ive heard Chayenne is WAY overpriced.

I really like the RR but hear reliability is REALLY BAD.

 

If you are used to the Toyota's reliability, you might want to checkout the Lexus GX470 (in US). It won't win other cars in numbers, but will be highly trouble-free and the Lexus dealer service is excellent.

Indeed, the Lexus dealer service might be the biggest plus to buy a Lexus. Many people keep buying Lexus not because of the cars, but the excellent dealer experience.

 

Chayenne? lol

Honestly, when I replace my Jeep XJ, I will be considering a few different vehicles:

Porsche Cayenne S
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Land Rover Disco 2

The Mercedes is too minivan-ish for my liking. And I hated the ride. Plus, there's no hope of it ever performing off road.

The Lexus feels like a Toyota. No personality, cheap plastic interiors, fake looking wood (barf), not one positive comment for this thing.

Acura and Infiniti, see the Lexus comments.

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by tgh001:
<strong>I really like the RR but hear reliability is REALLY BAD.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Historically, that may be true, and the jury's still out on the '03 RR. However, it's an entirely new vehicle, with a large percentage of parts from BMW. Our example has been flawless in the first 5,000 miles except for a steering wheel tilt mechanism that seemed a bit reluctant during the first week. Apparently fixed itself.

 

My '03 RR has been trouble free except for an intermittent door lock problem on the passenger side (sticky actuator). Should get it replaced in a week or so.

 

I am extremely pleased with my BMW X5. This my second. Can't say enough good things about. With the 3.0l I have averaged 19.9 mpg over 11,000 miles. (It replaced a Land Cruiser.)

 

Bought a new Durango 5.9 R/T two nights ago.

It will be a tow car-- 7200 lbs capacity -- snow blaster, family truck, Gameday tailgate support vehicle, and car to pull Laurence's X-5 out of the mud when we are in Wyoming <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> .

Loved our old Grand Cherokee (115,000 mi), but the tow capacity is an issue.
Wanted to love the Cayenne, but the tow capacity is an issue.

Like the looks. Like the warranty.

Did the math:

Cayenne = $65,000.

New Durango + New Trailer + Old water pumper P-car racer = $65,000.

Mopar rules.

Hell, I might even start watching Nascar.

 

I own a '01 Landcruiser and a '99 4Runner.

The Landcruiser is extremely well built. The extra room and fold down third row seats are nice. A very luxurious, quiet ride. Harder to park due to its size, however.

The 4Runner with its manual transmission is much more fun to drive. Lighter, it just feels more like a truck rather than a luxury vehicle, which I enjoy. This truck replaced a '90 4Runner which itself replaced a '77 4Runner. So you can see that I am sold on these trucks. Great both off road and on. An excellent value and very reliable IMO.

However, I will definitely consider a Cayenne the next time I am in the market.

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Mike in Chi:
<strong>Mopar rules...Hell, I might even start watching Nascar.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Best racing a'round

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"> Best racing a'round <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">and around, and around, and around....

 

Take a look at the new 4Runner. Completely different. Lots of interesting technology. X-REAS suspension,uphill assist, downhill assist, tons of other stuff. Interior use's high quality materials. It does not drive like a truck. Very similiar to an RX300 but with full time 4 wheel drive. If you lease very high residuals against any vehicles mentioned so far. And last but not least, Toyota quality, again higher than any of the vehicles mentioned.

 

Mike-
It is a deal. I will rely on you to pull me out of the mud if I get stuck. In return, you can rely on me to bring you gas if your gas guzzler runs out! <img border="0" alt="[ouch]" title="" src="graemlins/c.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[hiha]" title="" src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" />

 

Not to mention the new 4 runner has an available V8 if I remember correctly. I like the Sequoia as well. Good build quality and plenty of power and size.
-Ethan

 

Laurence



Touche, or is it Touchee in WY?

(Uh-oh... How much is premium out there?)

 

Laurence

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"> In return, you can rely on me to bring you gas if your gas guzzler runs out! </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Durango 5.9: 12 mpg city
Cayenne TT: 8 mpg city

Gas guzzler? Why it's 50% more responsible than a Pepper!!!!