I have been interested in 4Runners, recently started looking at highlanders. I'd like to have a land cruiser but it won't fit in my budget. Looking to spend 30k or less. I'm thinking a 4 runner or similar reliable vehicle would leave me plenty of life if less than 100k miles. I like the look of the Explorer, but not sure about reliability.

Needs:
Reliable
Less than 100k miles
Less than $30k
DIY repair friendly

Wants:
4wd
Leather seats
Seat HVAC

Any other suggestions on vehicles or dealers?

Sequoia 4wd, 2014 or earlier should be under 30. Will last forevs

2016 ish Lexus GX 460. At around 80-100k miles, should be around your budget.

The Lexus would be a good choice for higher mileage reliability in something a bit larger.

Thought on this? Don't know much about TrueCar but says it's in CS?

https://www.truecar.com/dealership/vroom-214232/profile/?listingUrl=%2Fused-cars-for-sale%2Flisting%2FJTJBM7FX8D5060141%2F2013-lexus-gx%2F%3FbuyOnline%3Dfalse&stockNumber=060141

Toyota Sienna AWD

BattleGrackle said:

---

Wants:
4wd
Leather seats
Seat HVAC

---

You're going to have to go pretty up market for the seats. Probably one of the German manufacturers or at least figure out what the high end trim packages are on the 4Runner, etc.

I'm guessing you'll be looking at 10 year old vehicles or a 15 year old Denali.

Don't know where you are located, but this checks all your boxes. Shows one owner as well on vehicle history per their listing.

2014 Lexus GX 460

JSKolache said:

---

Sequoia 4wd, 2014 or earlier should be under 30. Will last forevs

---

Just bought a 2012 Sequoia 4WD, lowest trim, for $13K - pristine even at 188K miles. Literally driven by a little (somewhat) old lady on a daily 80 mile round trip commute.

Replaced my 2006 Land Cruiser as the family beater (and road trip since my wife got out of the minivan game) vehicle. Have to say goodbye to the Land Cruiser thread after 8 years of owning an 80 series and then the 100 series.

Anyone questioning moving from a Land Cruiser to a Sequoia, just see username.

Back to OP: Not so sure what is still DIY repair friendly, but it looks like Ford Explorers, Jeep Grand Cherokees, and Lexus GX 460 (be willing to go up to 150K on odometer for these) could meet your other requirements.

By DIY friendly I mean that in order to change the oil I don't have to take the tires off, or remove a fender to change the headlight bulb.

The vehicle I'm trying to replace is a 2010 Ram, I changed the water pump this week due to a seal leak. I had it changed in a few hours including driving to town for parts. I'd like to be able to do light maintenance myself.

We bought a gently used 4Runner this year and have been exceedingly pleased thus far. Should last us ages.

BattleGrackle said:

---

By DIY friendly I mean that in order to change the oil I don't have to take the tires off, or remove a fender to change the headlight bulb.

The vehicle I'm trying to replace is a 2010 Ram, I changed the water pump this week due to a seal leak. I had it changed in a few hours including driving to town for parts. I'd like to be able to do light maintenance myself.

---

I knew what you meant, I just don't know how many vehicles made in last 10 years qualify. I know posters here will be able to weigh in on that though - good luck in your search.

A 4Runner was the only rental car that I've returned mid-rental to exchange it for something else. They're remarkably unremarkable.

Ok, I see I misread your comment. I'm not too worried about mechanical repairs, it's the electrical stuff I'm worried about.

I'm in BCS. Looks like the closest Lexus at a dealership is in Conroe. Thinking about going to Northside Lexus in spring Tomorrow, looks like they have several to choose from and a 4Runner I can compare it to.

Lexus LX470 03-07
Forget the AC seats stop being a sissy

Well it is a want not a need

Definitely sounds like a Sequoia would meet your needs.

What is the advantage of the Sequoia over the GX460? It seems like the GX selection is higher than the sequoia for some reason.

A Sequoia is huge, probably would feel twice as big as the GX 460 behind the wheel - not pleasant for daily driving. If you need massive interior space a Sequoia would fit the bill.

GX 460 has solid rear axle while the Sequoia has independent rear suspension.

Sequoia could tow more.

GX 460 more solid and plush, more capable off road.

BattleGrackle said:

---

What is the advantage of the Sequoia over the GX460? It seems like the GX selection is higher than the sequoia for some reason.

---

GX is a Lexus, higher end components across the board. GX is based on the 4Runner platform, Sequoia the Tundra.
Sequoia takes regular gas, not sure about resale I'm
sure it's ok
GX takes premium, resale is superb

I'd put a box for the roof if you needed more storage on the Land Cruiser or LX don't let the age scare you "IF" you can get one with super detailed maintenance history that is rust free. The 03 LX I just bought had 75 records on Carfax. I bought it from Florida and had it shipped, never drove it, didn't need to. I ONLY buy from Franchise dealers doing this.

I'd put your parameter under 150k for the LC/LX if you go that route

I don't like the 200 models 08-2015, just because they look like jumbo Highlanders and drive like a boat, they do look cool all tricked out but that's $ $ $

Quote:

---

GX is based on the 4Runner platform

---

I thought the GX was the LandCruiser Prado

Guitarsoup said:

---

Quote:

---

GX is based on the 4Runner platform

---

I thought the GX was the LandCruiser Prado

---

ya that's right

Not sure the GX is big enough for the OP

Fat joke? JK

I am 6'2" 270, so I may be too fat for it. I remember sitting in a 4Runner and being close to hitting my head on the liner in the driver side because it could adjust, the passenger side was too short for me if I remember correctly.

I don't need room for kids or strollers or anything so two rows is plenty in this station of life.

Guitarsoup said:

---

Quote:

---

GX is based on the 4Runner platform

---

I thought the GX was the LandCruiser Prado

---

Both! The 4Runner, Prado, and GX are all very similar. 4Runner even had a V8 option in the early 2000's.

The GX will Have more power, ride better, and have better amenities, while not being much more than a 4Runner in the used market.

I didn't think I was crazy, if the GX is large enough that is the answer for the OP.
My brother has (2) of them

So went and drove a 4runner and a GX yesterday. I think the GX is the way to go. Felt tight in the 4Runner, felt like I had a lot more room in the GX. The GX ride was better, stronger engine, all around higher quality.

I only got to ride in the base trim, the premium they had was apparently a recent trade in and was being detailed. After speaking with the salesman I don't think I would want to go up to the luxury trim, but the premium trim seems to be a sweet spot for my needs. It would include the heated/vented seats, but doesn't add in some of the electronic extras and no air ride which I'm ok with.

I'm not in a big rush, but I think I'll start shopping around some of the 16' or 17' premiums trims. Anyone have any idea If there is any negotiation going on in the used market right now. Seems like thing are slowing down a bit.

Things have slowed but they were in demand before all this craziness. Find one you like at a price you can live with and go for it. The best deals seem to be at non Lexus luxury franchise dealerships. Like at an Acura, Cadillac, BMW etc dealer


Dealer service history really helps with resale later if you find one serviced at Lexus dealers from the beginning.

A new one at MSRP is probably a better value for your money.
There are several new Lexus contacts on here, I have one in DFW