Thinking about switching to an SUV, who regrets it?

I agree with getting a fiberglass top. Can probably get a used one if you search around.

I personally would not let a dog in any of my vehicles. I work too hard for them to begin with and then work really hard keeping them nice. I almost feel the same way with kids lol. I would rather have the dogs in the truck bed with a cap on. Sounds like that's your only reason for getting an SUV. It's cheaper to just get a cap.

I would also shit can the Prius. The gas, maintinence, and insurance is likely costing you more than the extra gas on the Taco.

So my suggestion makes you money.

 

just throw a camper shell on the back and you'll have a poor man's 4-Runner

 

Highlander is a cross-over.

 

midsize crossover SUV

 

So OP you want a 4Runner for your goldens? I have two goldens and a 4Runner in addition to the Tacoma and I'd rather have them ride in the bed of the Tacoma (capped)

I'd sell the GTI, buy a cap and save the rest

 

Technically, only BOF vehicles are SUVs. Anything with a unibody is not an SUV.

 

I drive a 13 Tacoma 4x4 OR, wife drives a 15 4Runner trail premium. Both lifted with some nice mods. We have one daughter and 3 dogs. We couldn't be happier and prouder of our vehicles. But neither of us has to drive far, unless we are on a camping/wheeling trip. Check sig for build threads on both.

 

Then I blame "car and driver" for using wrong description. In any case the Highlander drives like a Camry. Very nice ride.

 

Somewhat off topic... Sorry... But I owned two 1st Gen Durango's and they were good up to about 60k miles, then down the tubes with tons of problems. I truly hope yours doesn't become a terrorist force like mine did. It sure is an attractive truck. I've had a minivan too, and some small econo-cars. Turns out I'm just happiest in my truck. I think that's where the decision lies: what can you afford that will make you happy. I like SUVs.... I love my truck.

 

2013 4Runner. 2017 Tacoma. Wanted a used 2015 but in Colorado they were asking 33-35k and a new on was 37...so I went new. I dig it. But if a V8, diesel, or 4.0 rears its head in the next year or two, I may swap out..not a fan of losing my ass but I've experienced some early family deaths and realize..fuck it. Be happy and if it's more money, I ain't takin it with me when I go (Haha, I have kids so I'm not a total frivolous spender)

 

Didn't read anything put your first post...

I love my T4Rs & I've owned several Tacos over the years (love them too). My pups are 1 Golden (Bailey) 24" @ 75lbs & 1 Redbone (Bo) 27" @ 135lbs. I did NOT get the 3rd row seat because head room for the pups. But, they fit fine. Tho I'm not sure the pups like the JBL sub as much as I do.

 

I currently own two Taco's and a 5th gen 4Runner and while I love the runner the Tacoma's are just more practical for me. That being said the 4Runner has a nicer interior and a bit better seating than the 2nd Gen Tacomas. But if I had to choose between both I would take my Baja over my 4Runner every time. I say just buy the camper and use the extra coin you saved on the Baja! Just my .02 for what it's worth...

 

24mpg??? You're shitting me?? I bought a pos Honda Civic a while back thinking I was going to save gas money driving a tin can and I could barely get that mpg out of its gutless ass.

 

...and it didn't look nearly as sexy as that.

 

well i live in southern california where there is a stop light every 100 feet. By the time i accelerate up to 30 or 45 mph, its time to hit the brakes. In almost any vehicle, you will get terrible mileage doing this. In our 2014 ford fusion 4 cylinder, we were getting 16.8 mpg city and this was with my wife driving and she is very light on the pedal.

Fast forward to the Durango. 5.7 hemi and a lot of weight its pulling around. In the city its not very good. right now its at 12.5 mpg. Now, When i drive it, its in sport mode, cylinder deactivation is off, and traction control is off. I like to have fun with it and that hemi really barks when your on it. We also have a house in Lake Havasu. Exactly 315 miles away. Last trip we got 23.8 mpg on the way there and back. we went a solid 500 miles on one tank of gas and i filled it back up before the light came on. 8 speed is a dream on the highway and if you have never had adaptive cruise control, you are really missing out!

I dont have one complaint about the Durango. We test drove about every suv out there or atleast sat in them. My one regret is not trying out the 4runner trd pro as they are about the same price. I love the look of the 4 runners

 

Funny how it's a small world. I thought those pictures looked familiar. I used to live right around the corner on Sunny Ridge haha. In fact, we talked about buying that house back around 2009 I believe. It was in foreclosure and it looked like they trashed the place when they left. I know most of your neighbors

 

we bought it two years ago. It was in decent shape when we got it, been adding to it since. Neighbors are all very nice so far. We got it at a pretty good price considering it has a pool. The prices are really starting to go up now!

 

Sorry you were complaining of the seat so made me think it was just a regular cab.

 

Mitsu Pajero

 

Keeping my DCLB for work since it's paid off. The soon to be bought 4Runner Offroad Premium will be used for the trails and camping

As much as I like the Highlander and Acura MDX with SH-AWD both lack the off road capabilities.