4Runner vs Land Cruiser

[Laxaholic]

a Subaru is definitely a good idea, although not the coolest car. I think I'd go with a 4runner before that...
I'd rather go 4runner and keep the truck-y feel or go full car, just my preference.

 

[wonderfulremark]

subaru is great but not true 4wd and no low range.

 

[Martinjmpr]

subaru is great but not true 4wd and no low range.

Well the OP wrote:

I'm not much of an offroader anymore, although I love a good road trip (my 100 keeps me close to home because of dismal economy) and would like to keep 4x4 for snowboarding.

For snowboarding low range isn't neccessary. Something like a Forester or Outback would work fine if that was all he needed a vehicle for.

a Subaru is definitely a good idea, although not the coolest car.

A Subaru would be cheaper to buy, cheaper to insure and cheaper to fuel up than a 4runner, and if you don't actually go off road and only need 4wd to get to ski areas, a Subaru would work just fine. My brother has a 2010 Outback Wagon (which seems huge to me since my last Subaru was a 99 Outback.) His Subaru has a more powerful engine than my '99 did and even though it's bigger than the 99, he can easily get 30 - 35 MPG with the CVT model (the best I could do with my auto-equiped '99 was maybe 26 - 28.)

Less money to aqcuire + less money in the tank = more money in your pocket = more travel.

Ultimately I guess it comes down to how much you're willing to pay for "cool."

 

[stonepa]

I currently own a 2001 100 series and am looking to downsize, because of horrible fuel mileage and a lack in the need for that much space. I am not married, college student, and would love something that is better on fuel. Not really interested in the 4runners with the 4.7, although it's a great engine...been there, done that. Interested in the 4.0 for power/fuel mileage, in the 4runner and the 2.7L in the Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab. How you would all compare the build quality/drivability of the two? I feel like the 4runner is almost class-less, whether dressed in a t-shirt and ballcap and going kayaking or on the way to a white collar job. It looks great and is fairly comfortable and powerful. How does the build quality differ, if they do? Where are they built? Is 20mpg possible in the 4runner 4x4 4.0? I've seen reports of 24mpg possible in the Tacoma 4x4 2.7, but if the 4.0 could do 20....that'd be something to think about. Is it really worth giving up my 100? I'm not much of an offroader anymore, although I love a good road trip (my 100 keeps me close to home because of dismal economy) and would like to keep 4x4 for snowboarding.

Hate to say it, but if all you need the car for is snowboarding I would dump the idea of a 4x4 all together and get a older Volvo XC70 or Subaru Outback. Just sayin - the LC, 4Runner, or Tacoma is more vehicle than you need for that requirement.

 

[stonepa]

Bad thing about the F150 - unless you live in the desert, that thing will rust like crazy, even if only a year old. My LC 100 has survived 15 years of salt from Minnesota, Alaska, and Ohio. No rust.

 

[Laxaholic]

I just don't know if I could drive Subaru, I really like the LC...but the fuel mileage is no longer worth it. Also not sure that a Subaru could handle towing some of the sailboats and ocean gear. Vehicle wouldn't be for just snowboarding. Have really thought about getting the 2nd gen Tacoma with the 2.7 or a 4.0 4runner. Is the Tacoma worth the higher price versus the 4runner? They really bring a premium in my area.

 

[p nut]

I just don't know if I could drive Subaru, I really like the LC...but the fuel mileage is no longer worth it. Also not sure that a Subaru could handle towing some of the sailboats and ocean gear. Vehicle wouldn't be for just snowboarding. Have really thought about getting the 2nd gen Tacoma with the 2.7 or a 4.0 4runner. Is the Tacoma worth the higher price versus the 4runner? They really bring a premium in my area.

If you don't need a truck bed, then get the 4Runner. They can be had cheaper. Maybe a 3rd gen 2.7 5-speed.

 

[krnnerdboy]

All quoted mpg was when they were stock before lifting or even oversized tires were installed

98 Tacoma access can v6 5spd 4x4 17mpg

05 Tacoma trd prerunner auto access cab 18 mpg

05 xterra 4x2 auto 19 mpg

07 fjc auto 4x4 18 mpg

01 lc100 14 mpg

07 Titan crew cab 4x4 13 mpg

10 tundra access cab 5.7l 4x4 15 mpg

 

[t4rman]

I have seen 20 +mpg highway with my non vvti 4.7 4wd 4Runner. The castor issues can be corrected with a set of upper control arms. More than 2.5 inches of suspension lift will decrease the axle life. I have yet to see a situation where any more lift would be needed.

I would stay away from the 80 series. We have one in the family and while the solid axles are nice, the engine and fuel economy are lacking.

My vote would be for an 05+ 4Runner with either engine. The post facelift trucks have most of the engine and transmission kinks worked out. Plus the styling looks better!

 

[28.]

I've got an 04 V8 SE 4runner which comes with full time 4wd and on the highway cruising at 75 I get around 21 mpg. I also have an 05 LX470 which gets about 17/18 mpg on highway. On my 2012 Tacoma 2.7 4x4 I was getting 23 but the power was bismal. Seriously,I hated the lack of power though a lot of folks will say its plenty its not enough considering the mpg you get. I could only live with it for 1 year and that was it. You'd be surprised at how close mpg is between a well running 4.7 v8 is compared to the 2.7 4 cyl.. as long as your cruising its great but the v8 gives you the extra power to pass and to tow when needed..

sent from your moms Iphone using tapatalk

 

[4x4tripping]

I would also suggest to take the subaru (or something similar) - when you have limited money for the next time.

With either a 4Runner or a Land Cruiser: when they are modded (tyres, Armor, Frontbar, Winch) - they drink more than we discuss here.

Better to make many trips with a subaru, than limited trips with a bigger car. You also save money, because you cant mod that way you can do it with a 4Runner or Land Cruiser.

You will mostly remember the trips - not the vehicle you have used.

 

[Laxaholic]

I now have a 2006 Subaru Impreza wagon w/ 5spd. Decent little car, but thinking about a 4th gen. 4runner. Good run, decent economy, still pull my sailboats and gear.
The Subaru just doesn't feel as tight as my old land cruiser....Subaru @ 90k vs TLC at 170K. The mileage really isn't that amazing and it already has developed an oil leak.

I like the 4.0litre 4runners vs the 4.7, just don't need the v8. Probably would keep it pretty much stock, maybe a roof rack.

I dont' see how close the 4.7 Full time 4x4 could be to the 4.0 that has the option for 2, although still a 4x4. The 4.7's do seem cheaper in the used market. Sure, within 2 or 3 mpg is close..but that extra couple is what I need over the power.

Does over 400 miles cruising range seem about accurate?

 

[Ryanmb21]

I dont' see how close the 4.7 Full time 4x4 could be to the 4.0 that has the option for 2, although still a 4x4. The 4.7's do seem cheaper in the used market. Sure, within 2 or 3 mpg is close..but that extra couple is what I need over the power.

Does over 400 miles cruising range seem about accurate?

Stock and with P rated 265/70/17 and 255/70/17 400 mile range on highway runs happen. With my LT BFG 265/70/17 I usually see about 380 when the light goes on.

 

[Laxaholic]

Why no manual trans for the newer 4runners? Just seems like a good idea, maybe not enough people would buy. (4th-present) They're still actually built in Japan as well, correct?

Do all the 4runners come with the roll down back window? Love that.

 

[deadbeat son]

They're still actually built in Japan as well, correct?

Correct.