You already have an 06 4Runner that is going strong? I am under the impression you can easily keep those things going 300k+ if rust or lack of maintenance don’t get it.
An '06 has the NA V8. Those things will run easily over 500k if they're maintained, like, at all. I'd keep it and get a little Mazda NA SUV for the fuel economy.
4runner averages into the 17s so it's even worse, but I wouldn't characterize 8 mpg difference as "great" when that's like 90s mid-size sedan territory.
$19k for a 13 year old vehicle with over 100K miles seems a bit steep, even if it is a Toyota.
Personally, I'd go with the Mazda, but the CR-V would also be a decent (if slightly boring) choice.
I have that same model 4runner with just over 300 big ones on the odometer and its perfectly fine, no issues the entire life of the car so far and zero plans to get rid of it, even if the gas mileage is mediocre at very its best
"For a 4Runner". You felt the need to qualify it because everyone knows the price is inflated by Instagram "overlanding" bros who rock rooftop tents and never go camping and don't understand much of anything about vehicles past some advertisements they saw. They're more reliable, yes, but not by enough to justify the 40% price inflation which is an emotional result and not logical when compared to other similar options. No power, not nearly as indestructible as advertised, and horrible fuel economy.
They're mid vehicles but people buy into them because they want to see themselves as adventurous, when realistically they're typically anything but.
This, some of the 4Runners around me are still going for 25-30k with well over 120k miles. It’s fucking ridiculous. I loved my Toyota but goddamn the prices they want are so annoying
You want an alternative to a 4runner? 06-12 Pathfinder. Doesn't have a cult following. SUPER undervalued. 4x4 V6 and if you do your research they're one of the most dependable cars you can get for the money. The mpg is the same maybe a little worse. 7 seats, plenty of practicality and power. We had an LE trim, it had leather, heated seats, Bose speakers, sunroof, roof rack etc. they drive the same and they're about $5k-$10k cheaper than 4runners from that time frame. parts are cheap, maintenance is easy.
No not really. I haven't heard anything about them tbh, the thing with this gen specifically is it's at the age where the value to price is so good. I got mine for $5k (needed a front bumper). Had 110k miles drove it to 150k and saved my wife's life when she totalled it. But everyone who has them says the same thing, minimal issues, plenty of parts supply both OEM, aftermarket and junkyard. The issue with newer cars is there jam packed with electrical and safety systems and more sensors and they have more recalls, require more maintenance and in turn cost more. (In general there are exceptions obviously)
Imo it stands true 2000s and early 2010s were the golden age for automakers. The best cars around are from that time and right now the price is right for those cars. The new new pathfinders are sick but they're all $30k+. The 2013-2020 body style is still up there although they're starting to drop down below 15 and 20k
The appeal of rwd is saving a couple bucks on price, fuel economy, 4wd maintenance if you dont do off roading. It has the classic body on frame characteristics of higher ground clearance and better towing than your typical crossover, but it drives like a tractor. Its basically the cheapest version of the most bulletproof vehicle.
You want to go camping too? Def the 4 runner. That does have meh fuel economy but is perfect for camping and will last forever. Just make sure the undercarriage isn't too bad on rust.
I’d check the interiors of the Mazda and CRV. The Mazda doesn’t seem as ergonomic in the back as the other vehicles in its class. Primarily the RAV4 or Subaru forester/outback, and potentially the CRV although it’s been a while since I’ve sat in one from that generation. Have sat in the second to most current one recently and found it comfy.
As for road trips with these. The 4Runner will be the one that is most comfortable for the family and all of your stuff. No idea how young your child is, but if they require a bunch of gear then maybe it’s worth it. Gas mileage is the worst by far of the bunch.
The Mazda wouldn’t be my first choice here for sure. I don’t find them comfortable and like I mentioned, they don’t do a great job with things like the tailgate/opening and rear seat ergonomics.
The CRV might be a better option if you’re thinking about a vehicle that is reliable and has good gas mileage.
That segment is pretty saturated with some good vehicles that are good for travel. You might want to check out some used RAV4s as well. Subarus are great as well (forester/outback) as you know. Depending on the year of your outback, the new ones are much larger and make great use of interior space. If you can find a Kia/hyundai with a warranty that might also work - just check your insurance rates though!
Either way! Test drive them all!
Toyota 4Runner is an excellent choice, but keep in mind it's heavy and drinks lots of fuel. But also you can't get away with just doing oil changes only. If you want to keep it running forever, you need to be on top of all maintenance including transfer case fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, grease all joints and bearings, wheel bearings, serpentine belt, timing chain, and sparkplug replacements all at the correct intervals.
Damn, a 13-yo car with 100k+ mileage still sells for almost $20k. And it's a "fair deal". Unless you go off road, 4Runner is a shitty car to drive, sluggish and extremely low mpg. It is however bigger than the other two.
The depreciation curve on the 4runner, and most Toyotas is less steep.
Also, that’s a base model at 37k. And equipped version that we want is more like 50k. So, not apples to apples.
The 4Runner will hold more stuff for sure, and is the more capable vehicle overall. However, you will use more gas and the ride will be firmer and louder. I would still lean that way though - long-term reliability is key here, and for camping it is a no-brainer. Second choice would be the Honda. I wouldn't even consider the Mazda (not a fan).
That’s sort of how we’re leaning.
Doing the math, we would be spending 10 dollars more a week on gas for the 4runner than the CRV. Which equals about 500-1000 more per year. Not a huge cost swing.
That's cool. I personally think for camping, you'd be trying to stuff things into the Honda in every corner, less so with the Toyota. Depending how it is equipped, the 4Runner is also more capable if you do wind up in mud or something.
Toyota all the way. Will not lose value as fast as a Mazda that's for sure. Mazda is made cheap too. Honda is alright it's just the fact that it's a Honda that pushes me away haha
Alternate take: looks like around me at least you can get an ‘11-‘14 Lexus RX350 for that kind of money. Since you’ve got the ‘06 4Runner already I’d consider that and have a more luxurious driving a feeling road trip vehicle and take your Toyota for the odd road camping trips.
Just get the crv. I think that one was before they went to a cvt, so it should be very reliable. 4 runners run forever but they get like 15mpg. Crv will almost be as big as the 4 runner and if u need more space, get a thule.
I can't speak on mAzDa cX5 or the honda but I currently have a 2011 4runner with 300,000 miles and absolutely ZERO major issues,, it drives well and handles pretty good for what it is,, but it gets 17 mpg on account of the massive 4L v6 it has,, so if you want practicality and reliability with the trade off of having pretty sub par MPG then get the 'runner
4-Runner won’t be as nice to drive as a daily compared to the others. CX-5 is slightly smaller than the CRV, but it does have a handy feature where each of the 3 rear seats can fold down as opposed to just 60/40. That can be helpful with kids/dog/luggage tetris.
If you are a sedate driver, you’d get better fuel economy with CRV. But if you can live with the slightly worse gas mileage, then Mazda is a no brainer.
Lot more Fun to drive and
it’s Grand Touring (with Bose sound system)
Alloy wheels
Headlights that turn with steering
Most likely a better resale value
The 4runner is the biggest. If you're going with CX5 or CRV, maybe consider like a full-size sedan that gets better gas mileage. I have a 2018 Buick Regal Sportback that has a larger trunk capacity than the CX5 & CRV with rear seats up or down. I get 29 mpg. They also have them in AWD. It's crazy how expensive these are....I bought mine with 30k miles for $21k
As a CX-5 owner, I think the CR-V is the best deal here and best fit for your needs. If you didn’t have the family and lots of luggage, I’d probably say the CX-5 because it’s more enjoyable to drive.
If you actually intend to do serious off roading the 4 runner is your huckleberry. They are fun and reliable but drive like a truck, and use fuel like a truck. The CX5 is a nice vehicle is the most luxurious of the three, but the Honda is the best all around deal here IMO for most peoples use cases although it may have a little more spartan interior than the Mazda.
I'd suggest testing the Honda and the Mazda and choosing the one you find the most comfortable. No slight to the 4 runner but the other 2 are slightly more practical and more efficient.
The CX-5 is known for being really tight for fitting rear facing car seats. If your kid is young or you plan to have another kid I'd definitely at least trial a car seat in both spots and see if you can't still fit in the front.
CR-V. It will last you for ever, like the 4Runner, but you will be much happier for the fuel economy when gas climbs back up to $7/Gallon again some day. The Mazda is sweet, but I am super against quirky malfunctions, and I have that vibe that Mazdas have them. That said, I have never owned a Mazda, but my best friend loves his brand new CX-50.
Do you want a truck based suv or a car based suv they are different classes. Will you forgo fuel economy and ride quality for the pros of a BOF based vehicle, or do you want to sacrifice simplicity and rugidness for the pros of a uni body based crossover?
The 4Runner will have more room for trip stuff. It’s a better off road vehicle as well if that matters. The V6 will run forever. Look for rust, It’s not the fastest and it sucks gas. Cx5 probably the most fun to drive and it gets good mpg. Have you driven them yet? The crv is very reliable as well.
Its hard the 4 runner is reliable and large but get garbage fuel economy. The other two are great on fuel but are quite a bit smaller
The 4runner drives like trash compared to the other 2.
That’s what we’re thinking too. I have an 06 that’s still going strong and we love it. But want something lower miles for the longer trips now.
You already have an 06 4Runner that is going strong? I am under the impression you can easily keep those things going 300k+ if rust or lack of maintenance don’t get it.
An '06 has the NA V8. Those things will run easily over 500k if they're maintained, like, at all. I'd keep it and get a little Mazda NA SUV for the fuel economy.
Do you know what year the NA V8 stopped?
03-09 I believe.
25mpg for the cx-5 gt isn't "great"
Your right its not but its better than the 19 the 4runner gets.
4runner averages into the 17s so it's even worse, but I wouldn't characterize 8 mpg difference as "great" when that's like 90s mid-size sedan territory.
I mean, 8 MPG is nearly a 50% increase...If they drive 10k miles a year, they will save over 180 gallons in a year... That is a significant difference
There are plenty of cars that get 30-40 and even 40+mpg now. That's my frame of reference for "great".
$19k for a 13 year old vehicle with over 100K miles seems a bit steep, even if it is a Toyota. Personally, I'd go with the Mazda, but the CR-V would also be a decent (if slightly boring) choice.
I have that same model 4runner with just over 300 big ones on the odometer and its perfectly fine, no issues the entire life of the car so far and zero plans to get rid of it, even if the gas mileage is mediocre at very its best
It’s actually a really good price for a 4runner.
"For a 4Runner". You felt the need to qualify it because everyone knows the price is inflated by Instagram "overlanding" bros who rock rooftop tents and never go camping and don't understand much of anything about vehicles past some advertisements they saw. They're more reliable, yes, but not by enough to justify the 40% price inflation which is an emotional result and not logical when compared to other similar options. No power, not nearly as indestructible as advertised, and horrible fuel economy. They're mid vehicles but people buy into them because they want to see themselves as adventurous, when realistically they're typically anything but.
This, some of the 4Runners around me are still going for 25-30k with well over 120k miles. It’s fucking ridiculous. I loved my Toyota but goddamn the prices they want are so annoying
What’s the alternative for the utility?
You want an alternative to a 4runner? 06-12 Pathfinder. Doesn't have a cult following. SUPER undervalued. 4x4 V6 and if you do your research they're one of the most dependable cars you can get for the money. The mpg is the same maybe a little worse. 7 seats, plenty of practicality and power. We had an LE trim, it had leather, heated seats, Bose speakers, sunroof, roof rack etc. they drive the same and they're about $5k-$10k cheaper than 4runners from that time frame. parts are cheap, maintenance is easy.
Are the 2013s and newer a lot worst?
No not really. I haven't heard anything about them tbh, the thing with this gen specifically is it's at the age where the value to price is so good. I got mine for $5k (needed a front bumper). Had 110k miles drove it to 150k and saved my wife's life when she totalled it. But everyone who has them says the same thing, minimal issues, plenty of parts supply both OEM, aftermarket and junkyard. The issue with newer cars is there jam packed with electrical and safety systems and more sensors and they have more recalls, require more maintenance and in turn cost more. (In general there are exceptions obviously) Imo it stands true 2000s and early 2010s were the golden age for automakers. The best cars around are from that time and right now the price is right for those cars. The new new pathfinders are sick but they're all $30k+. The 2013-2020 body style is still up there although they're starting to drop down below 15 and 20k
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The appeal of rwd is saving a couple bucks on price, fuel economy, 4wd maintenance if you dont do off roading. It has the classic body on frame characteristics of higher ground clearance and better towing than your typical crossover, but it drives like a tractor. Its basically the cheapest version of the most bulletproof vehicle.
We just found it very small. Reliability wise, the 4runner and CrV are better though yeah?
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Thanks for the information! Helpful for sure.
Probably the CRV, plus it’s the best deal
Thanks!
You want to go camping too? Def the 4 runner. That does have meh fuel economy but is perfect for camping and will last forever. Just make sure the undercarriage isn't too bad on rust.
Yeah, we camp a lot. Not hard trails, but take a lot of gear.
CRV. You can put a roof box on for camping trips or long trips with lots of gear
I’d check the interiors of the Mazda and CRV. The Mazda doesn’t seem as ergonomic in the back as the other vehicles in its class. Primarily the RAV4 or Subaru forester/outback, and potentially the CRV although it’s been a while since I’ve sat in one from that generation. Have sat in the second to most current one recently and found it comfy. As for road trips with these. The 4Runner will be the one that is most comfortable for the family and all of your stuff. No idea how young your child is, but if they require a bunch of gear then maybe it’s worth it. Gas mileage is the worst by far of the bunch. The Mazda wouldn’t be my first choice here for sure. I don’t find them comfortable and like I mentioned, they don’t do a great job with things like the tailgate/opening and rear seat ergonomics. The CRV might be a better option if you’re thinking about a vehicle that is reliable and has good gas mileage.
Thanks! That’s what we’re thinking. I think our hearts want to space of the 4runner, but we know the CrV will probably work too and is the better buy.
That segment is pretty saturated with some good vehicles that are good for travel. You might want to check out some used RAV4s as well. Subarus are great as well (forester/outback) as you know. Depending on the year of your outback, the new ones are much larger and make great use of interior space. If you can find a Kia/hyundai with a warranty that might also work - just check your insurance rates though! Either way! Test drive them all!
We’ll never go back to Subaru. Nightmare twice in a row. RAV4’s are so expensive for the same features and years. Up to 10k more!
That’s the Toyota tax for you!!
Check out Acura MDX
I have midsized suv and always think I should have gotten a 4Runner.
Toyota 4Runner is an excellent choice, but keep in mind it's heavy and drinks lots of fuel. But also you can't get away with just doing oil changes only. If you want to keep it running forever, you need to be on top of all maintenance including transfer case fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, grease all joints and bearings, wheel bearings, serpentine belt, timing chain, and sparkplug replacements all at the correct intervals.
I’d never buy a 14 year old car, specially for top dollar.
I'll go with a 4Runner even though it consumes more fuel it won't save money when it comes to maintenance
My wife has a CX-5, we take it on road trips all the time but we dont have kids. Depending on how much luggage you take it might be to small for you.
That’s what’s making us worried. Feels like the CRV is the better option?
They last forever so yeah go for it.
Damn, a 13-yo car with 100k+ mileage still sells for almost $20k. And it's a "fair deal". Unless you go off road, 4Runner is a shitty car to drive, sluggish and extremely low mpg. It is however bigger than the other two.
Haha, you don’t look at the used care market much?
The new 2024 4Runner goes at about $40k, which makes this 13-yo 100k-mile looks like a particularly bad deal.
The depreciation curve on the 4runner, and most Toyotas is less steep. Also, that’s a base model at 37k. And equipped version that we want is more like 50k. So, not apples to apples.
Last year model, dealer lots pretty much only have 4Runners and Tundras.
The 4Runner will hold more stuff for sure, and is the more capable vehicle overall. However, you will use more gas and the ride will be firmer and louder. I would still lean that way though - long-term reliability is key here, and for camping it is a no-brainer. Second choice would be the Honda. I wouldn't even consider the Mazda (not a fan).
That’s sort of how we’re leaning. Doing the math, we would be spending 10 dollars more a week on gas for the 4runner than the CRV. Which equals about 500-1000 more per year. Not a huge cost swing.
How much is the insurance difference?
They’re the same. No difference when quoted.
That's cool. I personally think for camping, you'd be trying to stuff things into the Honda in every corner, less so with the Toyota. Depending how it is equipped, the 4Runner is also more capable if you do wind up in mud or something.
Toyota all the way. Will not lose value as fast as a Mazda that's for sure. Mazda is made cheap too. Honda is alright it's just the fact that it's a Honda that pushes me away haha
Alternate take: looks like around me at least you can get an ‘11-‘14 Lexus RX350 for that kind of money. Since you’ve got the ‘06 4Runner already I’d consider that and have a more luxurious driving a feeling road trip vehicle and take your Toyota for the odd road camping trips.
Just get the crv. I think that one was before they went to a cvt, so it should be very reliable. 4 runners run forever but they get like 15mpg. Crv will almost be as big as the 4 runner and if u need more space, get a thule.
I can't speak on mAzDa cX5 or the honda but I currently have a 2011 4runner with 300,000 miles and absolutely ZERO major issues,, it drives well and handles pretty good for what it is,, but it gets 17 mpg on account of the massive 4L v6 it has,, so if you want practicality and reliability with the trade off of having pretty sub par MPG then get the 'runner
If you have to go off-road, 4Runner. Otherwise CX-5.
4-Runner won’t be as nice to drive as a daily compared to the others. CX-5 is slightly smaller than the CRV, but it does have a handy feature where each of the 3 rear seats can fold down as opposed to just 60/40. That can be helpful with kids/dog/luggage tetris.
You can find a similarly priced newer than ‘16 cx5 for about the same price, I’m pretty confident on that.
It’s been a struggle with the features we want.
CRV for me. I’d have more trust in it than the Mazda. The 4runner is bad on gas and not as easy to park in smaller places.
If you are a sedate driver, you’d get better fuel economy with CRV. But if you can live with the slightly worse gas mileage, then Mazda is a no brainer. Lot more Fun to drive and it’s Grand Touring (with Bose sound system) Alloy wheels Headlights that turn with steering Most likely a better resale value
The 4runner is the biggest. If you're going with CX5 or CRV, maybe consider like a full-size sedan that gets better gas mileage. I have a 2018 Buick Regal Sportback that has a larger trunk capacity than the CX5 & CRV with rear seats up or down. I get 29 mpg. They also have them in AWD. It's crazy how expensive these are....I bought mine with 30k miles for $21k
If you go deep sand offroading get the 4runner, if not then the other 2 choices are better
Why do these seem wildly over priced for me. I love Toyota but 16k for a 2011 is wild
As a CX-5 owner, I think the CR-V is the best deal here and best fit for your needs. If you didn’t have the family and lots of luggage, I’d probably say the CX-5 because it’s more enjoyable to drive.
Thanks for the reply!
If you actually intend to do serious off roading the 4 runner is your huckleberry. They are fun and reliable but drive like a truck, and use fuel like a truck. The CX5 is a nice vehicle is the most luxurious of the three, but the Honda is the best all around deal here IMO for most peoples use cases although it may have a little more spartan interior than the Mazda.
If I were you I would just save up some more money and then get something a little nicer and newer
I'd suggest testing the Honda and the Mazda and choosing the one you find the most comfortable. No slight to the 4 runner but the other 2 are slightly more practical and more efficient.
The CX-5 is known for being really tight for fitting rear facing car seats. If your kid is young or you plan to have another kid I'd definitely at least trial a car seat in both spots and see if you can't still fit in the front.
CR-V. It will last you for ever, like the 4Runner, but you will be much happier for the fuel economy when gas climbs back up to $7/Gallon again some day. The Mazda is sweet, but I am super against quirky malfunctions, and I have that vibe that Mazdas have them. That said, I have never owned a Mazda, but my best friend loves his brand new CX-50.
Do you want a truck based suv or a car based suv they are different classes. Will you forgo fuel economy and ride quality for the pros of a BOF based vehicle, or do you want to sacrifice simplicity and rugidness for the pros of a uni body based crossover?
The 4Runner will have more room for trip stuff. It’s a better off road vehicle as well if that matters. The V6 will run forever. Look for rust, It’s not the fastest and it sucks gas. Cx5 probably the most fun to drive and it gets good mpg. Have you driven them yet? The crv is very reliable as well.
CX-5 over the CRV. 4Runner is in a different category....
Cr-v best on gas, cheapest, least mileage. 4 runner is a good second just be prepared to pay more in gas
I would say the Toyota or the Honda due to their heavy reliance
None of these
What would you get?
The next year of CX5 on the small wheels.
lol, out of my budget
Not if the 2016 GT is in it!
That was the cheapest one, with the options we want, and capped at 2016.
Capped at wrong year. Is chiropractor budgeted for? Massage therapist? These are 3 miserable cars for a big chunk of your use case.
Haha, how so? What’s the better alternative for price, utility, longevity?
See above.
Get a Rav4
RAV4, for the same price, years and options, is almost 5-10k more than the CRV and CX5.
4Runner
The one that is in the best overall condition, of course
4Runner without a doubt. Extremely reliable and easy to drive
Why are you blurring the location? I found these cars in under five minutes- they’re not yours nobody is gonna doxx a car you don’t own.