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Should I sell my 4runner?

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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
And if I do, what should I replace it with?

Last spring I picked up a 1999 Toyota 4runner SR5 (4x4) with a bunch of mods (lift, wheels, 33" tires, sliders, etc) for a pretty solid deal (needed a bit of work, which I was able to do myself). Since then, I've done some extra stuff (injectors, 1.25" wheel spacers, some tranny/torque converter work, etc).

Said 4runner:


I love my truck and, for the most part, think it's absolutely fantastic. Unfortunately, I've also realized that I live far enough away from civilization that I spend most of my time driving on the highway (2hrs to Calgary, over three to the mountains) instead of actually having fun with it. Having a 18.5g tank and getting 15-16mpg on the highway does not make it particularly economical...

The practical side of me is thinking I'm probably going to try and sell it in the next couple of months and replace it with a car. Should I? If I do, I'm thinking of replacing it with one of these options (depending on availability and price). Ideally it will be a manual, but would make an exception for an Allroad or XC70:

Audi A4
Audi Allroad
BMW 3---
Volvo XC70
Volvo S60
VW Rabbit

Audi/VW is great because my brother is an Audi guy and does his own work and would definitely be a huge asset. I had a Volvo before the 4runner and would definitely get one again. Anyone with BMW experience?

Thoughts? Should I even sell the 4runner? Recommendations? Should I consider something else?
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Feb 22 2015 6:52PM
106 39
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
Feb 22 2015 7:00PM
8 2
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skodeo7
Posts: 14949 - Karma: 9,234
I faced a similar battle with my '09 Tacoma. I put 160k on it and started to run into a few issues. The biggest issue was that I had to travel often for shoots or projects, sometimes 200+ miles a day. I picked up a Subaru Impreza hatch and couldn't be happier. It was seriously depressing selling my Tacoma but I couldn't be happier to be saving such an insane amount of money. I can literally pay my car payment with my gas savings. Shits the best.

Also, Audi's are so fucking expensive to service. DO NOT get an Audi. Seriously. If you're trying to save money you'd be making a huge mistake, as much as the appeal is there.
Feb 22 2015 7:06PM
5 0
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XtRemE11
Posts: 5680 - Karma: 246
E60 535xi in a manual. Allroads are unreliable (unless you're talking newer model?) xc70s have a terrible AWD system. A4s are pretty sweet though.
And don't get a Subaru
Feb 22 2015 7:06PM
6 5
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Spagett+
Posts: 3499 - Karma: 14,884
skodeo7I faced a similar battle with my '09 Tacoma.


You battled it!? was it a transformer?
Feb 22 2015 7:07PM
4 4
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skodeo7
Posts: 14949 - Karma: 9,234
North.WestYou battled it!? was it a transformer?


Driveshaft and major under body rust were the immediate problems. Also, the gas mileage was a big issue for me (not a Tacoma issue but a bigger picture problem). The time had come to sell.
Feb 22 2015 7:24PM
5 0
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dingus
Posts: 1328 - Karma: 7,877
I was looking at getting a Audi Allroad, if I am correct its a 2.7 liter twin-turbo and really fast, you do have to put premium gas in but I think most Audis require that. Not sure how well it does on gas probably not any better than the 4runner.
Feb 22 2015 7:39PM
5 0
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Errl
Posts: 2082 - Karma: 451
Life's too short to drive a boring vehicle. Keep it and buy a beater daily.
Feb 22 2015 7:44PM
2 0
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drangus.
Posts: 64 - Karma: 87
Subaru was the best choice ive made
Feb 22 2015 7:47PM
5 0
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Spagett+
Posts: 3499 - Karma: 14,884
skodeo7Driveshaft and major under body rust were the immediate problems. Also, the gas mileage was a big issue for me (not a Tacoma issue but a bigger picture problem). The time had come to sell.



so yes
Feb 22 2015 7:58PM
1 2
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Titus69
Posts: 9329 - Karma: 17,816
And don't get a Subaru[/QUOTE]


Proud to see an NSer saying this
Feb 22 2015 8:12PM
4 3
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Holzsteezy*
Posts: 584 - Karma: 1,110
subaru would be tight. BMW 325 xi wagon is sick. fast and good milaege
Feb 22 2015 8:26PM
2 0
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PoLaRpEaK
Posts: 439 - Karma: 555
I just bought an 06 A4 without doing enough research. I love the car but they definitely have some reliability problems. Mine doesn't seem to burn oil but I am sure my fuel injectors are covered with carbon build up. If you don't do it yourself expect to spend about $1500-$2000 a year on bills, plus the premium fuel.

They are also expensive as hell to maintain even away from a dealership, but they are really nice and fun as hell to drive with the turbo and AWD.

I do get a ton of compliments on the car though, take it to the mountains all the time.
Feb 22 2015 8:27PM
0 0
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notspoicey
Posts: 1167 - Karma: 1,706
Get rid of the lift and I'll buy it. If u do PM me
Feb 22 2015 8:30PM
1 6
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Yaraelpoof.png
Posts: 1556 - Karma: 6,418
saskskierAnd if I do, what should I replace it with?

Last spring I picked up a 1999 Toyota 4runner SR5 (4x4) with a bunch of mods (lift, wheels, 33" tires, sliders, etc) for a pretty solid deal (needed a bit of work, which I was able to do myself). Since then, I've done some extra stuff (injectors, 1.25" wheel spacers, some tranny/torque converter work, etc).

Said 4runner:


I love my truck and, for the most part, think it's absolutely fantastic.


me thinks you answered your own question
Feb 22 2015 8:41PM
2 0
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milk_man
Posts: 5252 - Karma: 5,977
No way man! That thing is sick!!! Keep it, unless you're getting tired of it. Is it a stick shift?
Feb 22 2015 8:47PM
3 3
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
skodeo7Also, Audi's are so fucking expensive to service. DO NOT get an Audi. Seriously. If you're trying to save money you'd be making a huge mistake, as much as the appeal is there.


Because my brother has been doing all his own work on his own car since he got he started driving (2004 A4 for the past 4-5 years or so), I have a pretty good idea of what it takes to own one and it doesn't scare me too much. He would be a huge asset if I went with anything from the VAG (VW Auto Group).

dingusI was looking at getting a Audi Allroad, if I am correct its a 2.7 liter twin-turbo and really fast, you do have to put premium gas in but I think most Audis require that. Not sure how well it does on gas probably not any better than the 4runner.


I think they are pretty much the same engine as the old S6's. Definitely more finicky than a basic A4, but the right one could be okay. If I went with Audi, I would probably lean more towards an A4, but I don't want to rule anything out.
Feb 22 2015 9:33PM
4 0
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rsvp
Posts: 1516 - Karma: 2,611
saskskierVAG


heh
Feb 22 2015 9:37PM
6 0
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
Mr.Saltyme thinks you answered your own question


milk_manNo way man! That thing is sick!!! Keep it, unless you're getting tired of it. Is it a stick shift?


As much as I love it, I'm almost positive I will try selling it. I'm not in any kind of a rush, so I'll probably put it out there and see what happens. I just drive too much longish distance driving, especially if I want to go skiing. A weekend to the mountains means about 600-700kms (total) and 2-3 tanks of gas. Dropping that to one tank with a decent car could add up to more lift tickets, extra days in the mountains or long road trips (which ultimately matters more than what vehicle I'm driving)...
Feb 22 2015 9:41PM
0 0
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Ron_Jeremy
Posts: 63 - Karma: 875
dude nooooo dont sell that. My 4Runner looks almost identical with the same lift mods. Run her as long as she'll go. You wont regret it
Feb 22 2015 10:02PM
2 0
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JahLiam
Posts: 2321 - Karma: 7,828
don't get a Beamer, they're sick cars, but my buddy's dad has one and it's been a money pit as soon as it hit 100k KM, always needing something to be fixed or replaced
Feb 22 2015 10:02PM
1 1
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Casey
Posts: 7829 - Karma: 24,049
My dad had to replace the windshield in his A4 and it was like 900 dollars because it has these special sensors that turn the wipers on automatically when it starts raining. This is the quintessential problem with Audis for me. Everything is like this. Super nice, but over engineered and super pricey. If it were me I would keep the 4runner and try to buy a boring commuter for a couple grand. That's what I am trying to do my Tacoma gets shitty mileage and has a small fuel tank.
Feb 23 2015 12:02AM
0 1
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milk_man
Posts: 5252 - Karma: 5,977
Holzsteezy*subaru would be tight.


Feb 23 2015 9:31AM
11 1
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Huck-e-Cheese
Posts: 303 - Karma: 417
A subie is just a win-win, it is like a tank and a racecar combined
Feb 23 2015 9:38AM
0 0
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KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,629
If you find a solid independent mechanic usually they are pretty reasonable price wise if you get the Audi. Great cars. Though parts can add up the German car replacement parts are noticeably more expensive.

Did you ever think about taking off your lift kit, big wheels, etc on your tacoma? Stuff like that takes your MPG's down a ton. Perhaps just add some engine mods to bring MPG's up? If you put on an intake, tuned the chip, etc and had normal wheels you could probably bring mpg's up at least 6-8 mpgs
Feb 23 2015 10:47AM
2 0
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no_steeze
Posts: 23992 - Karma: 4,272
Yes. I'll buy it
Feb 23 2015 11:27AM
2 0
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hue.
Posts: 1518 - Karma: 220
Keep it, gas is cheap right now, especially in Calgary. If gas starts going up again sell it. I'd recommend a Golf R, a sporty subaru (classic ns) or a 4wd audi would be pretty sick.

I currently drive a tacoma, and there's no way I could ever drive something besides a truck or SUV, they open up so many options when it comes to exploring.
Feb 23 2015 12:26PM
1 0
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japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
Alroads are sick! Just make sure the timing belt is done, or you could probably do it yourself. The hardest part of that is taking the front bumper off and radiator. Make sure the turbos hold boost With a boost leak test, again super easy. If not, talk em down and upgrade to k04s super easily. Airride suspension can be a problem too, easy enough to fix with coilovers or many ppl make new bags with lifetime warranties.

Audi's are awesome cars, VWs too. They have more maintaineissues bc they are a more complex car. You seem to know what you're doing around cars and your brother can help. vAG love!

PS I'll buy your 4runner!
Feb 23 2015 2:29PM
2 0
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
Ugh. I'm pretty much over the 4runner. I had to replace the transmission last week. I mean it's still pretty awesome, but it's time for something newer and (hopefully) more reliable. I know Runner's (can) last forever, but it's getting up to that age where more and more stuff needs to be replaced.

I think Audi and BMW are out because of potential reliability issues.

Next step. Sell the truck.
Mar 15 2015 1:49AM
0 0
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KrazyistKarl
Posts: 1725 - Karma: 599
Replace it with a Delica /thread
Mar 15 2015 2:23AM
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Nikolaus
Posts: 863 - Karma: 995
get something more environmentally friendly
Mar 15 2015 2:23AM
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-WZ-
Posts: 3600 - Karma: 6,582
my 01 outback died (rip) so I just got an 04 jetta wagon TDI and i couldnt be happier. 50+mpg highway is certainly nice
Mar 15 2015 11:36PM
1 0
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
I find it hilarious that subies are so polarizing.

OMG THEY'RE AMAZING

They're basic as shit. Don't be a stereotype.

In the end its not about what's cool, it's about what's smart. Something economical, 4wd or awd, and needs few repairs(and the few it needs will be cheap.)

When you boil that down you get Subaru and Toyota. Go find one that fits the bill.
Mar 15 2015 11:48PM
2 0
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BROSEIDON
Posts: 3702 - Karma: 1,495
I have a 2007 328xi 6speed coming from a tacoma, such better gas mileage, super fun to drive, absolute tank in the snow (once I got snow tires) put in new plugs when I bought it and haven't had a problem yet in 6,000 miles but it's still new to me
summer mode
\
winter mode
Mar 16 2015 11:08AM
1 0
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ianrich511
Posts: 511 - Karma: 723
Holzsteezy*subaru would be tight. BMW 325 xi wagon is sick. fast and good milaege


Get the 3 series, you will love it. Throw a rack or tote on top. looks steezy.
Mar 16 2015 11:20AM
1 0
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gotti
Posts: 4269 - Karma: 4,550
BROSEIDONI have a 2007 328xi 6speed coming from a tacoma, such better gas mileage, super fun to drive, absolute tank in the snow (once I got snow tires) put in new plugs when I bought it and haven't had a problem yet in 6,000 miles but it's still new to me
summer mode
\
winter mode


this car is actually so fun to drive (no cupholders) and gets good mileage. i dont think the one i drive has had much problem with about 50000 miles on it
Mar 16 2015 11:21AM
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BROSEIDON
Posts: 3702 - Karma: 1,495
PULLthis car is actually so fun to drive (no cupholders) and gets good mileage. i dont think the one i drive has had much problem with about 50000 miles on it


I actually have cup holders, two that pop out of the passenger side dash, the placement is terrible and they are super shallow so it usually results in spilt drinks so I don't use them very often. It is a blast though especially when you turn off dtc and dsc
Mar 16 2015 12:34PM
1 0
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raymondcabral
Posts: 747 - Karma: 1,094
Definitely get a jeep, dead reliable and the maintenance is super cheap. wicked easy to work on too.
Mar 18 2015 12:31PM
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onLINE
Posts: 1013 - Karma: 423
Keep it for the winter. Get an e30 for the summer. Profit.
Mar 18 2015 12:35PM
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stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293
raymondcabralDefinitely get a jeep, dead reliable and the maintenance is super cheap. wicked easy to work on too.


He said he wants better gas mileage, not 12mpg.
Mar 18 2015 12:46PM
2 0
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
raymondcabralDefinitely get a jeep, dead reliable and the maintenance is super cheap. wicked easy to work on too.


If these were the parameters I was looking for, I'd probably keep the 4runner. Everything you said is true of 4runner too. I've just had a few bigger maintenance issues in the past year. It'll probably be good for a while again now.

stupendous-manHe said he wants better gas mileage, not 12mpg.


Pretty much this. I do a ton of highway driving and would do more if I had a vehicle with better mpg.
Mar 18 2015 12:53PM
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mike759
Posts: 873 - Karma: 1,951
What about subaru sti hatchback
Mar 18 2015 5:32PM
2 0
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Kooky_Lukey
Posts: 1002 - Karma: 1,966
Get a Subaru STI. You will not regret it one bit and will never look back. I know you're thinking how fun can a 4 cylinder boxer engine be? Just at least give one a test drive and let it go a little bit. There are tons of things you can mod on it and they're not hard to work on. Subaru is also one of the only car makers sticking with the manual trans, with a 2015 STI that's all you can get. No vagina mobile automatics.

I'll leave this here.

http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/131189-subaru-wrx-sti-first-drive-more-fun-than-you-can-shake-a-gearstick-at
Mar 19 2015 9:22PM
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