Purchase help/ advice

I need a new vehicle.. thought about a Highlander but am shifting toward the 4Runner now. Which of the following would you buy and why.

1. 2013 sr5 at dealer with 85k miles.. great service records asking $24,899 but will probably go to 24…

2. 2014 sr5 .. pristine condition at another local dealer. Decent service history asking $25,695 and probably not moving much more. 87k miles

3. 2010 sr5 76k miles from a private party. Great shape seems pretty particular about maintenance..New apple car play, backup camera, all fluids just done at dealer, New brighter headlights.. great shape. Price to $20,500 not moving anymore.

Any help would be huge!!

thanks

 

Personally would go with the 2014. I prefer the late 5th Gen refresh compared to the early 5th Gen models (2010-2013). I would guess that the 2014 would also retain a higher resale value as well. If money is an issue then the 2010 doesn’t seem like a horrible deal considering this market.

 

I thought that, till I read that the 13 was the only one of the bunch that received a top safety pick from iihs .. 14 was the worst

 

I don't think anyone here would be able to tell you which one of those to pick.


All I could advice you is Test drive on highway. Extremely important..!! Test Drive on highway. See if you are ok with slow acceleration and poor mpg. 4Runner is by far slower than newer Highlander gas models and not easy on handling.


I personally don't buy anything used because I don't trust anyone's maintenance. I want to buy new and take absolute best care even to the smallest detail what gas I use.

 

Yes .. much different handling than a Highlander. Highway driving seemed to be ok on all .. I can't afford a new one right now.

 

They all look same to me..
Vs Highlander have much better safety rating.

 

That's odd, because other than some aesthetic differences, 2010 to 2022 are all exactly the same vehicle.

I would definitely look further into that, the only difference between a 2013 and a 2014 is that the plastic bumper fascia is different, and the interior (mainly dashboard) looks slightly different.

Also, nothing wrong with buying used. This is why we buy Toyotas, correct? This supposed to run forever with minimal maintenance. I bought my 2013 two and a half years ago with 79k, other than having to have the AC recharged last summer and one recall, I'm now at 121k with no issues. I bought this fully expecting to take this to 300K easy.

That said, if you don't have any need to tow or do any off-roading, the Highlander is a better all-around choice. You could most likely get one a few years newer than the 4runners you're looking at for less money.

 

Check with credit unions. DCU.org for example. They have really good interest rates. I have 1 auto loan with them. Check with other credit unions as well.With the high demand and less vehicle availability I won't be surprised even ToyotaFinancial match the interest rates.

 

Thanks… yeah I thought it was odd that the 13 was a top safety pick but not the others, like you said they are the same. We have 2019 Honda Pilot which was a top safety pick, yet the 2021 is not. Exact same vehicle

 

As my post above even though it says Top Safety Pick in 2013 if you look at individual items its the exact same rating till 2021.

 

The 14

the 14-21 were poor structure and safety cage…13 was good

 

That is small overlap rating right? Which is a new test for 2014 and up?

Are you comparing 2014+ small overlap rating vs 2013 moderate overlap rating?

 

You didn't say how many miles on the 2014. Make damn sure you look under the vehicle for excessive rust. If the 14 is close or more mileage than the 2013 then I would get the 13 and offer $23k.

 

ooops the 2014 has 87k miles. My bad

 

Nice catch kmeeg, it is the small overlap..Is that something to be concerned about