We will be trading/selling our BMW X5 off and are looking to the Toyota 4Runner or Highlander as our family SUV. We tow light loads from time-to-time. We don't commute much.
What year(s) are the most optimal (dependability/maintenance costs) to purchase? Thank you for all your help.
4Runner! Anything from ‘10 to ‘20. Just find one in best condition you can! Have it confirmed, independently. Few minor problems: front crankshaft seal, … not difficult to replace; front wheel bearings, … on going problems and difficult to diagnose - but these don’t make noise when you drive, yet are bad - again, no big deal, DIY job; frame rust, … big, BIG problem, make sure it is not rusted, walk if it is; lousy brakes, … by design, that’s 4Runner’s feature; back gate, … rust, not working right, window not working, wiper not working, walk if all these is not in order. Finally, part time 4WD, … make sure it works, expensive to fix, … but if it’s working, make sure you engage it for a bit once a month so it does not get stuck by not use! Otherwise, bullet proof, … but only if it is serviced properly right through its life!
… that’s it! Get one if you can, … it’s pretty well a very last SUV of the olden breed!
F.S.
Those are both great choices! Will you be planning to be doing any off-roading? CarComplaints.com will tell you which years were the best to buy them. I think if you don't do any off-roading the highlander will be your best choice. They are both great SUV's though.
I did a ton of research and settled on 4Runner. I set an alert on Carfax.com to notify me when one came available with less than 80k miles. Got an email. Called dealership and made deposit. Flew from KC to Houston and drive it home on Christmas Eve. 2011 Limited (full time 4wd) with 44k miles for 23k. I’m very happy with it. Zero rust. Toyota maintained and garage kept.
For mostly off roading then the 4runner could be a better choise and for a family a to b SUV the Highlander should be on your radar. You can not go wrong with either though. Use this website called carcomplaints to narrow down the years. Like I know for a fact that you should avoid both the 2015 Highlander and 4runner. Look at these links to find common issues and best/worst years with the models.
Toyota Highlander issues by year
Just checked up on all your responses. Thank you all!