Tow Rig Shootout - Toyota 4Runner vs Ford Explorer - Should be no-brainer right?
04-14-2005, 08:20 AM
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Tow Rig Shootout - Toyota 4Runner vs Ford Explorer - Should be no-brainer right?
It has become my habit to wildly gyrate my way to major decisions in my life.
My wife laffs at me every time I tell her about a new "decision". She knows that until I actually execute nothing is final.
After deciding to go to the Type-R expo (and I executed on paying the registration so that I could stop wavering), I shopped around for a rental cube van and trailer: Penske mileage plus daily plus gas came to an estimated $2000-2500.
Ok - I can do that. But I didn't reserve it. There's a clue eh?
Now that it's coming down to the wire I've decided to have a clone of my favorite open race car trailer built, and replace my driver with something that can tow 2500 lbs worth of car with a hatch full of tires. The trailer itself is a minimalist single axle unsuspended open type - probably come in between 500 and 800 lbs. The owners of the original say it works very well and has served them for almost 15 years, and towed 911's cross the US tolerably (it's got big soft tires).
To tow this - 4 or 5 times a year - a V6 SUV will be an adequate compromise. I weigh each additional thousand dollars of expenditure against each additional hour of climbing mountains. I want to keep the dollars down.
The latest Toyota V6 looks awfully good. And I have a huge preference for Japanese ventilation controls (independent Recirc / Outside Air). The Explorer's V6 isn't as strong, and it'll need the shorter FD. But I could get the Ford for a few thousand less than the Toyota.
Jennifer - having seen me try to be thrifty and regret it later - advises going with Toyota. I have a tendency to put quality and satisfaction first - but also view things practically, not asking the vehicle to contribute to my general happiness and wellbeing - aside from not demobilizing me unexpectedly.
Also, I wouldn't mind at all buying American...if it didn't suck.
So I was just curious as to any of your direct experiences.
I did a short across-town trip in Victor's Explorer (late IRS model) a couple years ago, and had to brake hard and turn to avoid running into the back of a slowdown I'd failed to see coming, and was actually pretty impressed that it exceeded by so much my generally limited expectations.
I did several years of penalty box duty in a company Ford Taurus which also exceeded my expectations - "Surely this F***ing thing won't survive THIS!" - I couldn't kill it.
I know we've covered some or all of this before, but I'm just wondering what might be said on another lap of the topic.
Scott, who probably ought to make the reservation with Penske just in case....
My wife laffs at me every time I tell her about a new "decision". She knows that until I actually execute nothing is final.
After deciding to go to the Type-R expo (and I executed on paying the registration so that I could stop wavering), I shopped around for a rental cube van and trailer: Penske mileage plus daily plus gas came to an estimated $2000-2500.
Ok - I can do that. But I didn't reserve it. There's a clue eh?
Now that it's coming down to the wire I've decided to have a clone of my favorite open race car trailer built, and replace my driver with something that can tow 2500 lbs worth of car with a hatch full of tires. The trailer itself is a minimalist single axle unsuspended open type - probably come in between 500 and 800 lbs. The owners of the original say it works very well and has served them for almost 15 years, and towed 911's cross the US tolerably (it's got big soft tires).
To tow this - 4 or 5 times a year - a V6 SUV will be an adequate compromise. I weigh each additional thousand dollars of expenditure against each additional hour of climbing mountains. I want to keep the dollars down.
The latest Toyota V6 looks awfully good. And I have a huge preference for Japanese ventilation controls (independent Recirc / Outside Air). The Explorer's V6 isn't as strong, and it'll need the shorter FD. But I could get the Ford for a few thousand less than the Toyota.
Jennifer - having seen me try to be thrifty and regret it later - advises going with Toyota. I have a tendency to put quality and satisfaction first - but also view things practically, not asking the vehicle to contribute to my general happiness and wellbeing - aside from not demobilizing me unexpectedly.
Also, I wouldn't mind at all buying American...if it didn't suck.
So I was just curious as to any of your direct experiences.
I did a short across-town trip in Victor's Explorer (late IRS model) a couple years ago, and had to brake hard and turn to avoid running into the back of a slowdown I'd failed to see coming, and was actually pretty impressed that it exceeded by so much my generally limited expectations.
I did several years of penalty box duty in a company Ford Taurus which also exceeded my expectations - "Surely this F***ing thing won't survive THIS!" - I couldn't kill it.
I know we've covered some or all of this before, but I'm just wondering what might be said on another lap of the topic.
Scott, who probably ought to make the reservation with Penske just in case....
04-14-2005, 08:41 AM
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Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far
New Toyota V6 requires 91 octane fuel correct? Tundra V8 needs 87. 
I considered buying Fords -- but depreciation, quality, and crash safety
pushed me back to Toyota.
I considered buying Fords -- but depreciation, quality, and crash safety
pushed me back to Toyota.
04-14-2005, 09:07 AM
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Re: Tow Rig Shootout - Toyota 4Runner vs Ford Explorer - Should be no-brainer right? (RR98ITR)
Given the choice between the two I'd get the 4runner. It's a more up to date design - current Explorer's been out a while I think.
That said, I've got nothing but good things to say about my own Ford experience with the Excursion. Granted it is a vastly different - and vast - vehicle, but I have no complaints with regard to quality. Only problem I've had is a flaky in-dash CD changer. I think that's a "too complicated a device in too small a space" thing, not a Ford thing.
That said, I've got nothing but good things to say about my own Ford experience with the Excursion. Granted it is a vastly different - and vast - vehicle, but I have no complaints with regard to quality. Only problem I've had is a flaky in-dash CD changer. I think that's a "too complicated a device in too small a space" thing, not a Ford thing.
04-14-2005, 09:10 AM
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (WWDTrackRacer)
yes I'm biased but go get a nissan
pathfinder's start at 23000 and exterra's start at 20000
both have the 4.0 vQ and although premium is reccomebded for path (thus the extra 6 hp), its not required......
plus if you want a stick you can get a 6-speed in the xterra
pathfinder's start at 23000 and exterra's start at 20000
both have the 4.0 vQ and although premium is reccomebded for path (thus the extra 6 hp), its not required......
plus if you want a stick you can get a 6-speed in the xterra
04-14-2005, 09:18 AM
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (Dented Rx7)
You're asking a Honda board (racers, nonetheless!) whether you should buy an American SUV.
That's like walking into PETA headquarters and asking where the bathroom is so you can wash the blood off your hands.
Also, I'm starting the countdown as to when the first post shows up that states "you'll NEVER be happy without 22:1 compression and 35 psi of boost!!"
That's like walking into PETA headquarters and asking where the bathroom is so you can wash the blood off your hands.
Also, I'm starting the countdown as to when the first post shows up that states "you'll NEVER be happy without 22:1 compression and 35 psi of boost!!"
04-14-2005, 09:20 AM
#6
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (Dented Rx7)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dented Rx7 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">yes I'm biased but go get a nissan
pathfinder's start at 23000 and exterra's start at 20000
both have the 4.0 vQ and although premium is reccomebded for path (thus the extra 6 hp), its not required......
plus if you want a stick you can get a 6-speed in the xterra</TD></TR></TABLE>
A stick shift to tow with on a vehicle that size? No thanks.
I'm not sure on the towing capabilities of the Xterra, but I have been less than impressed with Nissan's fit and finish on their latest truck/SUV lineup.
The 4Runner will be fine for towing and Toyota has always made solid trucks/SUVs.
You can probably get a better deal on the Ford, but you pay for that in resale and recalls. Remember: Quality is job one--and recall is job two.
pathfinder's start at 23000 and exterra's start at 20000
both have the 4.0 vQ and although premium is reccomebded for path (thus the extra 6 hp), its not required......
plus if you want a stick you can get a 6-speed in the xterra</TD></TR></TABLE>
A stick shift to tow with on a vehicle that size? No thanks.
I'm not sure on the towing capabilities of the Xterra, but I have been less than impressed with Nissan's fit and finish on their latest truck/SUV lineup.
The 4Runner will be fine for towing and Toyota has always made solid trucks/SUVs.
You can probably get a better deal on the Ford, but you pay for that in resale and recalls. Remember: Quality is job one--and recall is job two.
04-14-2005, 09:25 AM
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (maxQ)
Joo know....if somebody made a Station Wagon kinda like a mid-sixties Ford Fairlane...with a diesel, some big brakes, and a decent tow rating....I'd do it.
What I'd really like though is a classic piggyback truck/transporter and a GSR for a driver. But that's just a dream that won't come troo anytime soon.
Scott, who needs to wash some grease off his hands over the next two nights if he's going racing this weekend....
What I'd really like though is a classic piggyback truck/transporter and a GSR for a driver. But that's just a dream that won't come troo anytime soon.
Scott, who needs to wash some grease off his hands over the next two nights if he's going racing this weekend....
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04-14-2005, 09:37 AM
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (RR98ITR)
4Runner has a 5 speed auto, correct?
Personally Id do the 4Runner. It was on my list of potential tow vehicles until I saw the pricetag.
Personally Id do the 4Runner. It was on my list of potential tow vehicles until I saw the pricetag.
04-14-2005, 10:31 AM
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (elgorey)
Having recently purchased a Toyota 4Runner I can vouch for it's quality feel and good ride/handling (for an SUV). My wife uses it as a DD to and from work (45 miles round trip with about 10 miles of it bumper to bumper crawl) and manages to average just over 20 mpg... let me also add that this is with a lead foot and the AC on 
Anyway, it's got a nice smooth powerband, good engine sound, won't kill you at the pump and should have great resale. Add to that a very nice interior and well placed controls and it gets a big 
from me.
As I haven't gotten the racecar or trailer yet, I can't speak for it's ability to tow but it's rated at 7500#'s and seems like it should be able to handle fine.
The only downside that I've found is that at 6'2" headroom is a little tight for me but it isn't a super big issue.
Christian, who'll be looking for a race kaa and trailer at the end of this season
Anyway, it's got a nice smooth powerband, good engine sound, won't kill you at the pump and should have great resale. Add to that a very nice interior and well placed controls and it gets a big from me.As I haven't gotten the racecar or trailer yet, I can't speak for it's ability to tow but it's rated at 7500#'s and seems like it should be able to handle fine.
The only downside that I've found is that at 6'2" headroom is a little tight for me but it isn't a super big issue.
Christian, who'll be looking for a race kaa and trailer at the end of this season
04-14-2005, 11:01 AM
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (Xian)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Xian »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The only downside that I've found is that at 6'2" headroom is a little tight for me...</TD></TR></TABLE>
Scott's nowhere near 6'2". In fact, he's a midget.. or what do they prefer to be called, "little person". Scott, listen to Jennifer - git the 4runner.
Disclaimer:
The above post is not intended to offend "little persons", "midgets", "shrimps" or "smurfs". If you are a "little person", "midget", "shrimp" or "smurf", please do not write me nasty PM's. It's all in good fun, and I'm feeling a little frisky. In reality, I happen to like "little people", "midgets", "shrimps" and "smurfs".
Scott's nowhere near 6'2". In fact, he's a midget.. or what do they prefer to be called, "little person". Scott, listen to Jennifer - git the 4runner.
Disclaimer:
The above post is not intended to offend "little persons", "midgets", "shrimps" or "smurfs". If you are a "little person", "midget", "shrimp" or "smurf", please do not write me nasty PM's. It's all in good fun, and I'm feeling a little frisky. In reality, I happen to like "little people", "midgets", "shrimps" and "smurfs".
04-14-2005, 11:04 AM
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (johng)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by johng »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Disclaimer:
The above post is not intended to offend "little persons", "midgets", "shrimps" or "smurfs". If you are a "little person", "midget", "shrimp" or "smurf", please do not write me nasty PM's. It's all in good fun, and I'm feeling a little frisky. In reality, I happen to like "little people", "midgets", "shrimps" and "smurfs".
</TD></TR></TABLE>
what about dwarfs? huh? how do you feel about dwarfs?
Disclaimer:
The above post is not intended to offend "little persons", "midgets", "shrimps" or "smurfs". If you are a "little person", "midget", "shrimp" or "smurf", please do not write me nasty PM's. It's all in good fun, and I'm feeling a little frisky. In reality, I happen to like "little people", "midgets", "shrimps" and "smurfs".
</TD></TR></TABLE>
what about dwarfs? huh? how do you feel about dwarfs?
04-14-2005, 11:33 AM
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (SJR)
John overlooked Dwarfs.
Scott, who knows that's bad...I always know when I'm being bad, I just can't help it...I like being bad....bad is good...
Scott, who knows that's bad...I always know when I'm being bad, I just can't help it...I like being bad....bad is good...
04-14-2005, 12:06 PM
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (RR98ITR)
i say toyota
jimmy- who hasn't been around here that long but long enough, so that when saw this post made by scott i was almost floored that he would be doing an event, all be it not a race it is an event.
jimmy- who hasn't been around here that long but long enough, so that when saw this post made by scott i was almost floored that he would be doing an event, all be it not a race it is an event.
04-14-2005, 12:11 PM
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (RR98ITR)
I thought I was going to buy a tow vehicle and was looking. My daily civic started screwing up and I ended up with a new TSX last week which with a 6speed is a very nice car.
I was racking my brains trying to find cheap but heavy duty tow vehicle. Have you thought about a van? They are ugly and have a sucky resale because they are not "sexy" like pickups or SUVs. Therefore they depreciate very sharply. You can get them a lot cheaper than the PUs or SUVs with the same towing power and capability. I talked to someone with a Ford E350 van and he loves his. Got it super cheap. Tons of space to put your stuff out of the elements and to store if you have an open trailer and he says it tows awesome. Just a thought. (Hoping to gather enough marbles this fall to get the tow vehicle.).
Barry H.
I was racking my brains trying to find cheap but heavy duty tow vehicle. Have you thought about a van? They are ugly and have a sucky resale because they are not "sexy" like pickups or SUVs. Therefore they depreciate very sharply. You can get them a lot cheaper than the PUs or SUVs with the same towing power and capability. I talked to someone with a Ford E350 van and he loves his. Got it super cheap. Tons of space to put your stuff out of the elements and to store if you have an open trailer and he says it tows awesome. Just a thought. (Hoping to gather enough marbles this fall to get the tow vehicle.).
Barry H.
04-14-2005, 12:28 PM
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (apexinghonda)
I tow the CRX w/ my '99 4Runner V6. I really have no complaints. It is a great compromise between a daily driver and a tow rig. One thing you have to think about with the 4Runner is tongue weight, since it can only house a class 3 hitch (the new ones may actually be better at this, I'm not sure). My trailer is 16' and it's just about right for getting the car back far enough to only have a couple hundred lbs tongue weight. My friend who tows with a Tundra has a 14' trailer and his setup would not work for me. I would caution you though that with that much weight, trailer brakes should not be considered optional. I towed once without them and it was SCARY when you need to brake with any kind of force. I usually get around 15 - 16 mpg while towing and 22-23 mpg on my commute on 87 octane.
HTH,
Scott
HTH,
Scott
04-14-2005, 12:43 PM
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (elgorey)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by elgorey »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">4Runner has a 5 speed auto, correct?
Personally Id do the 4Runner. It was on my list of potential tow vehicles until I saw the pricetag.</TD></TR></TABLE>
that's why i said the pathfinder
and personally my last tow vehicle was 1996 pathfinder w/a 5-speed which tow great up to 140,000 miles when i sold it to buy my current tow vehicle
Personally Id do the 4Runner. It was on my list of potential tow vehicles until I saw the pricetag.</TD></TR></TABLE>
that's why i said the pathfinder
and personally my last tow vehicle was 1996 pathfinder w/a 5-speed which tow great up to 140,000 miles when i sold it to buy my current tow vehicle
04-14-2005, 01:35 PM
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Re: Tow Rig Shootout - Toyota 4Runner vs Ford Explorer - Should be no-brainer right? (Big Phat R)
...as for suspensionless car carriers , no worries. I towed one for 8 years and it was fine. The tire sidewalls and the car's suspension soak up the big jolts. However, it was a bouncy basket case when towed empty
, no worries. I towed one for 8 years and it was fine. The tire sidewalls and the car's suspension soak up the big jolts. However, it was a bouncy basket case when towed empty
04-14-2005, 01:55 PM
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (FlyZlow)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by FlyZlow »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I tow the CRX w/ my '99 4Runner V6. I really have no complaints. It is a great compromise between a daily driver and a tow rig. One thing you have to think about with the 4Runner is tongue weight, since it can only house a class 3 hitch (the new ones may actually be better at this, I'm not sure). My trailer is 16' and it's just about right for getting the car back far enough to only have a couple hundred lbs tongue weight. My friend who tows with a Tundra has a 14' trailer and his setup would not work for me. I would caution you though that with that much weight, trailer brakes should not be considered optional. I towed once without them and it was SCARY when you need to brake with any kind of force. I usually get around 15 - 16 mpg while towing and 22-23 mpg on my commute on 87 octane.
HTH,
Scott</TD></TR></TABLE>
The V6's still come standard with a Class 3 hitch but I think there's an optional tranny cooler and Class 4 hitch available for them. The V8's on the other hand come with the Class 4hitch and tranny cooler standard.
The current V8 was only like $1k more than the V6 and gets comparable gas mileage...
Christian
HTH,
Scott</TD></TR></TABLE>
The V6's still come standard with a Class 3 hitch but I think there's an optional tranny cooler and Class 4 hitch available for them. The V8's on the other hand come with the Class 4hitch and tranny cooler standard.
The current V8 was only like $1k more than the V6 and gets comparable gas mileage...
Christian
04-14-2005, 02:07 PM
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (Xian)
4Runner....
I tow with a V8 limited.
My advise is to go w/ the V8 for these reasons:
* V8 > V6
* 87 octane @ 19MPG avg driving
* mid greade @ 12-14MPG towing
* V8 has the better rated hitch and is pre-wired for barkes
* 5 speed box + tranny cooler
And Expolder vs Toyota. Is there even a contest!??!?!??!
I tow with a V8 limited.
My advise is to go w/ the V8 for these reasons:
* V8 > V6
* 87 octane @ 19MPG avg driving
* mid greade @ 12-14MPG towing
* V8 has the better rated hitch and is pre-wired for barkes
* 5 speed box + tranny cooler
And Expolder vs Toyota. Is there even a contest!??!?!??!
04-14-2005, 03:34 PM
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Re: Loving my 05 DC Tundra V8 so far (SPiFF)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SPiFF »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">4Runner....
I tow with a V8 limited.
My advise is to go w/ the V8 for these reasons:
* V8 > V6
* 87 octane @ 19MPG avg driving
* mid greade @ 12-14MPG towing
* V8 has the better rated hitch and is pre-wired for barkes
* 5 speed box + tranny cooler
And Expolder vs Toyota. Is there even a contest!??!?!??!</TD></TR></TABLE>
4runner
I tow with a V8 limited.
My advise is to go w/ the V8 for these reasons:
* V8 > V6
* 87 octane @ 19MPG avg driving
* mid greade @ 12-14MPG towing
* V8 has the better rated hitch and is pre-wired for barkes
* 5 speed box + tranny cooler
And Expolder vs Toyota. Is there even a contest!??!?!??!</TD></TR></TABLE>
4runner
04-14-2005, 04:24 PM
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Re: Tow Rig Shootout - Toyota 4Runner vs Ford Explorer - Should be no-brainer right? (RR98ITR)
Scott,
My first tow vehicle was a Ford Crown Vic Police car with a 351W and a set of air shocks in the rear. Did fines for 60k miles.
Wht's the difference in the wheelbase between the two vehicles? Longer wheelbase vehicles are much better in the stability department when towing.
My first tow vehicle was a Ford Crown Vic Police car with a 351W and a set of air shocks in the rear. Did fines for 60k miles.
Wht's the difference in the wheelbase between the two vehicles? Longer wheelbase vehicles are much better in the stability department when towing.
04-14-2005, 05:12 PM
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Re: Tow Rig Shootout - Toyota 4Runner vs Ford Explorer - Should be no-brainer right? (SMSP)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SMSP »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Scott,
My first tow vehicle was a Ford Crown Vic Police car with a 351W and a set of air shocks in the rear. Did fines for 60k miles.
Wht's the difference in the wheelbase between the two vehicles? Longer wheelbase vehicles are much better in the stability department when towing.</TD></TR></TABLE>
True, actually one thing I forgot to mention was that my 4Runner (with it's relatively short wheelbase) had a tendancy to sway at speeds over 65 until I added a sway control. Now it tracks perfectly, even in heavy winds. Again, maybe it's something they fixed with the newer model since it's on a slightly larger chasis. If you wanted to save a few bucks over new though, I think the gen of 4Runner I have is great and I've had people tell me they've had them for 200k miles with nothing more than routine maintenance. Ours has almost 100k now (we've had it since 75k) and we haven't had any trouble with it.
My first tow vehicle was a Ford Crown Vic Police car with a 351W and a set of air shocks in the rear. Did fines for 60k miles.
Wht's the difference in the wheelbase between the two vehicles? Longer wheelbase vehicles are much better in the stability department when towing.</TD></TR></TABLE>
True, actually one thing I forgot to mention was that my 4Runner (with it's relatively short wheelbase) had a tendancy to sway at speeds over 65 until I added a sway control. Now it tracks perfectly, even in heavy winds. Again, maybe it's something they fixed with the newer model since it's on a slightly larger chasis. If you wanted to save a few bucks over new though, I think the gen of 4Runner I have is great and I've had people tell me they've had them for 200k miles with nothing more than routine maintenance. Ours has almost 100k now (we've had it since 75k) and we haven't had any trouble with it.
04-14-2005, 05:28 PM
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Re: Tow Rig Shootout - Toyota 4Runner vs Ford Explorer - Should be no-brainer right? (SMSP)
Looks like a 4 Runner love fest so I'll jump in on the other side.
I have a 2002 Explorer Limited with the 4.6 V8, IRS and 7,000 tow rating. We regularly talk about how much we really do like it more than we thought we ever would. I think the IRS suspension really makes a big difference in overall ride and handling plus the tow capacity. We've had it about 14 months and 20K miles of highway and city, winter and towing use. Our has a multi-function on-board computer with a gas mileage calculator that you can use to monitor your mileage and train your foot to get an acceptable mileage. Family loaded but not towing we get 18-19 mpg interstate, and 14-15mpg for all around city/freeway use. Of course you can tromp on it and go down quite a bit but your learn the efficinet way to drive or can ignore it if you want. Towing the race CRX on the big steel, tandem trailer with toolbox (wind brake) I got 11-12 at highway pace. You can also drive yourself nuts obsessing with it too. It runs regular grade gas as well and does quite nicely.
My suggestion is that you drive one or two samples of each kind of SUV and see what meets your interest and price range. When we were shopping for an SUV, we expected to get a Tahoe/Yukon for sure but HATED them when we drove them. Expeditions seemed to big to haul around for our limited big vehicle needs. We looked really hard at the newer Jeeps as well (made an offer on one). At first we had not even considered the Explorer as the many years of earlier ones weren't too inspiring. However we really liked the new body ans suspension and the price was a hell of a value. We were looking for 2-3 year used lease returns so someone else could take the initial price depreciation hit but still have plenty of warranty left to cover any prospective troubles. We considered the 4 Runner for about 10 minutes but the entry price of $5-6K more in the used range stopped us flat plus the Explorer just fit our interests. Finding the right used vehicle with the right story/history and price can be almost as important as what model as the individual vehicle may have had an easy or rough life and generate issues downstream. We bought our on Ebay from a couple who was buying a new one of the same model and color as their old one. They liked the first so much they got a new one. We paid $21K for it with 25K miles and two years old full dresser Limited.
Since the IRS uses stiffer rear springs than a live axle SUV does, it really does not bow over backward under a trailer tongue load like most live axle ones do in a effort to spring soft enough to maintain an acceptable ride quality when not towing. To me, the 4 Runner is the poster child for the soft spring rate/long bump rubber systems that are popular and this usually means that sit really butt down with a load. A friend of mine towed an ITS RX7 on a sizeable steel open trailer with a 4Runner and he fixed this issue with an aftermarket air spring bladder system. He liked his 4Runner pretty well too.
I think there are a number of vehicles that likely will give you good enough service so do yourself a favor and drive as many as you can and simply see what fits you best and gets the best value for you. We are happy Explorer owners here after driving lots of things.
I have a 2002 Explorer Limited with the 4.6 V8, IRS and 7,000 tow rating. We regularly talk about how much we really do like it more than we thought we ever would. I think the IRS suspension really makes a big difference in overall ride and handling plus the tow capacity. We've had it about 14 months and 20K miles of highway and city, winter and towing use. Our has a multi-function on-board computer with a gas mileage calculator that you can use to monitor your mileage and train your foot to get an acceptable mileage. Family loaded but not towing we get 18-19 mpg interstate, and 14-15mpg for all around city/freeway use. Of course you can tromp on it and go down quite a bit but your learn the efficinet way to drive or can ignore it if you want. Towing the race CRX on the big steel, tandem trailer with toolbox (wind brake) I got 11-12 at highway pace. You can also drive yourself nuts obsessing with it too. It runs regular grade gas as well and does quite nicely.
My suggestion is that you drive one or two samples of each kind of SUV and see what meets your interest and price range. When we were shopping for an SUV, we expected to get a Tahoe/Yukon for sure but HATED them when we drove them. Expeditions seemed to big to haul around for our limited big vehicle needs. We looked really hard at the newer Jeeps as well (made an offer on one). At first we had not even considered the Explorer as the many years of earlier ones weren't too inspiring. However we really liked the new body ans suspension and the price was a hell of a value. We were looking for 2-3 year used lease returns so someone else could take the initial price depreciation hit but still have plenty of warranty left to cover any prospective troubles. We considered the 4 Runner for about 10 minutes but the entry price of $5-6K more in the used range stopped us flat plus the Explorer just fit our interests. Finding the right used vehicle with the right story/history and price can be almost as important as what model as the individual vehicle may have had an easy or rough life and generate issues downstream. We bought our on Ebay from a couple who was buying a new one of the same model and color as their old one. They liked the first so much they got a new one. We paid $21K for it with 25K miles and two years old full dresser Limited.
Since the IRS uses stiffer rear springs than a live axle SUV does, it really does not bow over backward under a trailer tongue load like most live axle ones do in a effort to spring soft enough to maintain an acceptable ride quality when not towing. To me, the 4 Runner is the poster child for the soft spring rate/long bump rubber systems that are popular and this usually means that sit really butt down with a load. A friend of mine towed an ITS RX7 on a sizeable steel open trailer with a 4Runner and he fixed this issue with an aftermarket air spring bladder system. He liked his 4Runner pretty well too.
I think there are a number of vehicles that likely will give you good enough service so do yourself a favor and drive as many as you can and simply see what fits you best and gets the best value for you. We are happy Explorer owners here after driving lots of things.
04-14-2005, 05:46 PM
#25
Senior Member
Re: Tow Rig Shootout - Toyota 4Runner vs Ford Explorer - Should be no-brainer right? (CRX Lee)
Have you considered a Subaru Outback (3.0L)? 3000 lb tow rating in the US, but the same car in Australia is rated at 4000 lbs (well, 1800 kilograms).
Or a Hyundai Elantra which tows 3086 lbs (1400 kg)
Or a Chrysler Pacifica, tows 3500 lbs.
Or ****, put some tags on the ITR and drive that.
-Chris, leading the anti-truck brigade, wherever practical.
Or a Hyundai Elantra which tows 3086 lbs (1400 kg)
Or a Chrysler Pacifica, tows 3500 lbs.
Or ****, put some tags on the ITR and drive that.
-Chris, leading the anti-truck brigade, wherever practical.