Highlander or 4-Runner?

[Paul H]

My wife and I plan to trade her 1995 Camry V6 XLE for either a 2004 Highlander or a 2004 4-Runner. I'm looking for the pros and cons of each. After much digging through Consumer Reports, I think the gas milage of the 4-Runner is its only detriment.

Could I get some opinions from all of you?

Thanks!

[dgg2002]

Originally Posted by Paul H

My wife and I plan to trade her 1995 Camry V6 XLE for either a 2004 Highlander or a 2004 4-Runner. I'm looking for the pros and cons of each. After much digging through Consumer Reports, I think the gas milage of the 4-Runner is its only detriment.

Could I get some opinions from all of you?

Thanks!

We just bought the Highlander for my wife. She drove both and liked the ride on the highlander better than the 4-Runnner. She said the 4-Runner drove too much like a truck (an advantage in my eyes).

I liked the 4-Runner better, but it is her vehicle so the Highlander won out.

Recommend you go on nice long test drives in both.

Good Luck.

[carnutz]

My dealer said there was an extended test drive available he called it a "Bale" (sp) where you can take a vehicle for a weekend to really get to know how you like it. I suggest you try this and avoid the headache I have when the wife changed her mind after buying the vehicle.

The price of a 4run is about $4k more than a comparable HL in Limited trim level. Drive them both and see which one you really like.

If you like the HL, PM me and I'll make you a good deal on a 3 week old HL Lmtd with 1300 miles(photos available in My Gallery). Looking to trade it for the 4run the wife really wanted.

[gman]

We just traded in my 4-Runner for a Limited Highlander because my wife really liked the Highlander. Definitely easier to get a car seat in and out, etc... Also, it really is like a Camry on stilts and drives very smooth.

I personally loved the 4Runner and definitely miss it. She is the one driving the car though and she finds it easier.

I love the V8 in the 4Runner, however, the Highlander has decent pep as well.

I like the ideas above about really trying it before you buy it.

Good luck!

[SGull]

We also looked at both the HL and 4-Runner for my wife.
It was very close, the 4 Runner is a little bigger, but rides rougher,
and mileage is worse. She decided on the HL Limited and loves it.

I have one of the first Tundras, and I'm trying to decide whether to stay with a Tundra or get a 4 Runner. I was surprised how well the stock 6 performs in the 4 Runner.
SG