Not my Buick, my Lexus GS 350 AWD. I've normally had trucks most of my life as at least a 2nd vehicle if not my daily driver. I've had this 2013 Lexus for 5 years and I'm tired of bumming trucks from friends and family. I'm thinking either a 2021 Honda Passport (better MPG, unibody) or a 2021 Toyota 4Runner (better towing capacity, truck-ish sturdy). I don't haul a lot but when I needed a new fridge, I had no way to bring it home. When I needed lumber to rebuild my deck, I had to borrow my dad's truck. Also, I want Carplay/Android Auto as well as something a little more dog friendly. We've owned a Pilot, CR-Vs and my wife currently has an HR-V. I've owned a Tundra before so I'm good with either brand. I suspect either will serve me well for much longer than I might be willing to own them. Anyone have anything to sway me one way or the other?
If you go for the 4runner my experience is get a Pedal Commander for it. The Tacoma I had desperately needed it and when I bought my 2023 4runner I ordered one the day I drove it home. It drives like a normal car now and it's adjustable on your phone. Pretty happy with it otherwise.
If you go SUV, pick one up with a factory tow hitch. That is what I did, it is very handy to tow my 4x8 HD landscape trailer that is rated at 3,500 lbs gross.
When I need a truck several times a year I rent one. Got a Lariet with 600 miles for 100 a day last time. Plus, just like you borrowing people's pick ups: They will be borrowing yours. Other than car play and android auto, I would sway myself to keeping the car payment I have now. Sounds like in your case it's a zero car payment (the best kind). Car prices are high right now with minimal incentives. Loan rates are mediocre at best. Just some thoughts.
I think you can’t go wrong with Toyota products. Honda disappointed me with the oil consumption problems our van has.
4Runner for the win! We have had 2 and they were great vehicles. Both had over 250k miles on them when we got rid of them. The latest had 275k on it. They can be expensive up front but they hold there value. Good luck. Don W
"Honda Passport or a Toyota 4Runner" neither are trucks and they can't haul a fridge. If you want/need a truck - get a truck. Otherwise you will still be borrowing dad's pickup.
I hate to recommend a late model GM, but if you live in a salt free zone, a Silverado or similar GMC are pretty decent from the drivetrain standpoint, but they rust horribly in salty climates.
I had a nice station wagon with a roof rack that worked very well for me for about 10 years. It ended up totaled by my 17YO daughter a couple of years ago. Still miss it. I put all kinds of stuff in it and on it. Kind of awesome really.
It will be my daily driver, replacing the Lexus. We also have a small 5x10 trailer that I could haul with either of them. That's fine during normal situations but my ice cream and frozen meat was thawing out in my failed fridge. Got the 5x10 trailer. I used it to move houses back in 2006 without incident when I had the Tundra. I could get an engine block in either if I had help. Only heads and a crank would fit in the Lexus. Not enough opening for a block.
I had an ‘87 Pontiac Safari roof rack, wood grain, sweet car! Southern rust free, even had wire wheel covers, smooth gutless 307 too
I've contemplated selling my old F-250 & renting when needed. It's hard to imagine not having a pickup but I barely use it anymore. Had an opportunity to rent one earlier this year (I wasn't paying for it) for a week - $100/day, $500/week incl. 100 mi. day. New Lariat/Cummins.
I found a 2 year old Ram Laramie with a some miles on it, but looked and drove like new. Got it for less than half price as new. Gas mileage is terrible, but I don't drive much anymore. I have always had a truck as my primary vehicle for over 30 years. This one is my favorite. It's a 2017 and after 4 years, I have had zero issues. This was my first used truck of the bunch. Just a thought if the new ones give you sticker shock like they do me.
I needed truck and after a six month search bought a ‘97 Silverado. One owner, extended cab with the standard bed (middle length of the three beds available), low miles, optioned just the way I wanted one. I have usually had a truck but had been without one for about five or more years. I got tired of renting trucks, and when no trucks were available for rent, renting trailers to drag around with the wife’s SUV. I have not regretted buying the truck for a second. The problem I have is people trying to buy it from me! They can’t believe it has the original paint and interior, and is not restored. All I have done to it since buying it about 15 months ago is new tires and a brake job. It only gets about 14-15 mpg in the city and 17-18 mpg on the highway but apparently the newer trucks aren’t really much better so I guess that isn’t a problem. It is paid for and parts are cheap and available.
Yep, that’s about average mpg. But I look at it as you can do much more with that than a Camry, so that mpg I consider AWESOME!
I brought it home today. My Lexus is gone and they didn't reduce the doc fee per se but I got it $900 cheaper than the first deal they shot me. Not my favorite color but plenty of room. My wife called the Lexus a tank. I wonder what she'll say about this when she gets behind the wheel? It gets about the same MPG as the Lexus but runs on regular instead of premium so that saves at least $0.70/gallon.
