Torn between E36 or 4runner

[mac dre]

Hey all,

just looking for some input from people who only have an SUV/truck and no car. I sold the mercedes in my Avatar, and was gung-ho on getting a mid 90s BMW. Something decently reliable, but still a lot of fun to drive.

Now I'm considering a 4runner. Will I miss being able to cruise through the backroads, carving up the turns etc? Or will I have just as much fun in a Toyota truck.

Thanks

(fyi: not planning on major offroading, maybe some light trail stuff)

P4C

[Benkennedy11]

Depends whether you like to spend your money on gas, or fixing things. You'll spend tons on gas with the 4runner. To call an E36 reliable, is not a true statement, at least in my experience.

That said, when I only had an SUV (Suzuki Sidekick ) I missed the reasonable gas mileage and handling of a normal car.

[mac dre]

Meh, an E36 that has been well maintained shouldn't be too much of a headache. There must be something nice about having a truck or SUV and not cringing when you hit a big pothole.

[Boostedcorrados]

Have had both. my vote is 4runner.

[CreeperSleeper]

I agree. I have gotten to the point that everything I own has a 2-spd transfer case... I don't miss a car at all.

[Boostedcorrados]

I missed a car but honestly had to bail on the VW's and german cars again..I know why i left and dont miss it. I sold all of them and have all Toyotas now. Got a big body lexus for a daily that my GF jacked to drive to work so i drive the FJ cruiser about 3.5 weeks a month. My truck and im looking in to a 4runner caus i know as soon as it snows she wont be wanting to drive the lexus. It may get put off for a dually to tow the truck to far trails.

[zane!]

I did the same thing as you, and now I'm in a 98 4runner.

As for the fuel economy I average 20mpg with a mix of city and highway and can get 24mpg on the highway. Not bad at all.

[pdoel]

I had two 4Runners while also owning a turbo New Beetle. I loved my 99 4Runner (it was one of the last years they offered it in a manual, so that helped).

I hated the '03 4Runner, and dreaded putting the New Beetle away come winter, and being stuck with just the 4Runner. I traded that in on an '07 Audi A3 and have been much happier. It's practical but still fun to drive.

I'm now selling the A3 and getting a Mini Countryman S All4, which seems like a perfect alternative. Fun, manual tranny, yet still practical and AWD.

[AnAgentOrange]

Get the 3.4 and you'll be happy. Get the 3.0 and you might as well be driving a VW with the problems you'll have

[VertigoGTI]

I had a 328. I have a 4Runner.

But then again, I also have a G35 sedan for a commuter, so take that as you will.