I can't quite decide whether I want to get a 1996-99 4runner or a Ford Explorer from about 1996-2003. I know someone with a 2001 4runner who reports no big problems so far, and my father-in-law says his '02 explorer's transmission failed at 65K but the '03 had big improvements.

4runner pros: well-made, fewer repairs, attractive styling
4runner cons: more expensive to buy, more expensive repairs

explorer pros: cheaper to buy, less expensive repairs than an import, parts more widely available
explorer cons: iffy transmission, seems to be not as well-made as 4runner

Any horror stories about either vehicle? Which one do you think I should go with?

7/28/2009 9:24:53 AM

as long as you take care of your shit and dont beat the shit out of them they are both gonna be good SUvs

7/28/2009 9:28:30 AM

4runner for sure

[Edited on July 28, 2009 at 9:31 AM. Reason : and you'll find "horror stories" on every car ever made]

7/28/2009 9:29:23 AM

i don't think there will be a dime's worth of difference in the cost of repairs.

7/28/2009 9:41:02 AM

If you wanna spend as much time under the hood as behind the wheel go for the exploder.

7/28/2009 9:55:54 AM

4runner. 3rd gens are great vehicles.

7/28/2009 10:23:49 AM

I've got to say 4Runner. After owning one (2000 Limited with 145k now) I see why people are willing to pay a premium for them. I'd take a 4Runner with 150k over a Explorer with 100k for what it's worth.

7/28/2009 10:51:47 AM

I've had 2 Explorers... first one was a 2wd 96. After replacing the transmission once, it went out 3 more times under warranty. I also replaced a water pump, and I think a head gasket at one point.

The second Explorer with a 97 awd limited and I put 30k on it and never had to fix a single thing and I drove the hell out of that thing too.

My brother had a 98 Eddie Bauer and he put well over 80k on it and it was a great car until it was total in a parking lot by a dumbass in a truck.

My dad has had 2 Explorers and I have no idea how they did, It was when I was quiet a bit younger, but I don't remember my dad complaining about them until hurricane Floyd knocked an oak tree down crushing the his last Explorer.

I really thing with Explorers you either have one that sucks really bad, or one that does really well

7/28/2009 11:19:48 AM

momma dukes has a 99 exploder with 185k, 5.0,4x4, and the only thing thats fuck up on it is the rear wiper motor. I put ball joints on the left side about 20k miles ago. best truck ever. oh and it doesnt burn or leak oil like a chevy

7/28/2009 11:12:47 PM

Quote :

"oh and it doesnt burn or leak oil like a chevy"

i wasn't aware that gm makes 4runners

7/29/2009 4:31:49 AM

i was making fun of chevy. im sorry trying to hard to troll me that you couldnt see that. go fuck your sister

7/29/2009 10:23:45 AM

4runner

7/29/2009 10:31:38 AM

4 runner 4 sure

7/29/2009 11:33:33 AM

4runner all day

7/29/2009 9:10:06 PM

none of the above

8/4/2009 11:37:18 AM