I've narrowed my choices down to these two vehicles, and wanted to see what you guys thought.

Outback 3.6r limited ~ about 33k msrp
4runner SR5 with premium pack about 34k msrp

Outback drives like a car, has a smother ride, rated at 26mpg highway. 4Runner is bigger in the front and cargo area, gets worse mpg.

Anyone have experience with either of these cars?

That's not the point.

If it's down to those two, and only those two, personally I would take the Suburu. I am not a big fan of the 4 runners.

Like others have said....two totally different vehicles, when used to their potential.

What are you looking for?

Seriously, these are two very different vehicles here.

Is that 4-Runner 4wd? I would have expected the price to be higher if it is.

4runner wouldn't be 4wd. I want somthing with room enough to haul around two kids. Also needs to be good with cycling gear and any kind of honey-do stuff that needs to be done. The outback is the only 'crossover' that's appealing to me that has enough back seat room to accommidate a rear facing car seat. The interior is very nice and there is alot of value there for the money. Plus it gets pretty good mpg. I like the 4runner becuause of the added cargo room and ruggedness. I also like the looks. As far as truck based SUVs go, the pathfinder has a small back seat, as does the explorer. Toyota obviously tows more which will be nice when if we decide to buy a boat, but that won't happen for a while. I can probably get a better deal on the Subie, but availability of the 3.6r limited is extremely poor in texas.

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4runner wouldn't be 4wd.

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Then get the Subaru.

Get the Toyota and work a better deal.

I'd get the Subaru. 95%+ time, you'll be on city streets - you'll appreciate the better mileage and ride of the Subaru. And if you need to haul stuff, get some bad weather, or go off-road, the Subaru can handle it just fine.

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I want somthing with room enough to haul around two kids

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piece of cake.

oh and i would get the subaru

I had a 2000 Subaru Outback and absolutely loved it. Not a big-honking SUV but not a tiny car, either. Lots of space for stuff... made several trips to and from college. It had 160,000 miles on it when I sold it and was still running good.

The one drawback was that when I had to replace one tire (drove over a nail), the tire folks almost wanted to put four new tires on it because of circumference differences. I mean... they were brand new tires without much mileage on them, and just one had the nail. So it could get expensive if something happens to just one tire. But chances of that are low, I would think.

If you decide on the 4runner I can get you one for $400 over invoice with minimal GS add ons in the color you want username@yahoo

aggiepaintrain, I sent you an email.

If you want the subaru, I work for austin subaru and can help you out. Email is in profile.

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minimal GS add ons

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god, i despise gulf states toyota