Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

If you are interested in a current year vehicle that is durable and simple, I recommend looking into the current generation Toyota 4Runner:

* body-on-frame construction

* reliable and proven engine platform (naturally aspirated v6)

* 5 speed auto transmission (modern trannys have like 10 gears bc of emissions)

* no fancy hybrid / turbo drivetrain that will start breaking after 3 years

* big after market so you can customize to your liking (got a bunch of off road toys on mine)

Cons:

* expensive (though you will save on maintenance and repair costs in the long run)

* there is a big demand for these trucks so you might need to stomach a $5K dealer mark up

* gas hog

* drives like farm equipment compared to a tesla, not refined at all

* infotainment is about as modern as the rest of the car

Next generation, it will probably go the hybrid / turbo route like the tundra.




I had one of these (well, I had a 2010), and sold it in 2016 (it could not accommodate 3 across car seats). While everything you say is true, I suggest those attributes only carry overweight value for people who are inclined to 1) do their own wrenching, or 2) spend a lot of time off road. For normal city use, 4Runners are a really poor option, given how "truck-like" they are, how inefficient their use of interior space is, and how poor their gas mileage is. I would much rather have something like a Forester or even CR-V, or Explorer or Highlander or any of the other unibody AWD car-like options. Even my actual truck (2017 F150, which I bought to replace the 4R) is FAR more pleasant to drive, more useful, and gets better mileage.


At least in my region (Southern California), the 4x2 4Runners are going for $3-4k below MSRP. IMO, the biggest drawback is that all of your savings from maintenance will go towards paying for gas.


A 4x2 4Runner is an absolute waste of parts. If you aren't going to take it somewhere that you at least sometimes need 4x4, why on Earth are you buying a 4Runner at all? (I know, because it's a status symbol, but that's not what this thread is about.)


They get better gas mileage, and the reality is most SUVs never get properly utilized anyhow.

I'm with you though, 2x4 is a gross frankencar combo.


I'd recommend a mildly-used GX instead. More luxurious + a V8 + same off-road chops for the same price.


Fun fact -- GX is the US version of the international Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. [1]

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Land_Cruiser_Prado




Join us for AI Startup School this June 16-17 in San Francisco!

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: