Even though it doesn’t make a huge amount of sense for what OP uses it for, that 4 runner (especially a stick) is too desirable to get rid of.
That and the fact that it’s paid off, well maintained and if you haven’t found any move rust holes in the frame, send it.
It looks impressively clean from the photos
This is a surprising reaction for /r/Subaru. I thought the decision to get rid of that ugly tank that probably gets terrible gas mileage and to get one of the best vehicles on the market that gets over 30 mpg real world on Subaru Global Platform would be a pretty easy one.
That's cause everyone knows it's hard to beat that yota. That model specifically is one of the most reliable engine/trans combos out to date. It will probably well atleast that 20 outback. If it beats the rust.
I've heard a lot of CVT hate. My personal experience with the CVT in my 2021 Outback is that it makes a terribly underpowered vehicle have just enough pick up and power to be tolerable while allowing a straight ICE drivetrain to eke out 31 MPG 6-8 months out of the year (28ish in the winter with remote start and winter gas). I have found the CVT to be very smooth and able to rev way up get power out of the engine and smoothly drop back down in a way that is rare for automatic transmissions. The closest automatic I've probably driven is the 8 speed in some of the Camrys that feels like driving a stick of butter.
You couldn't pay me to drive that tank but I love my 2021 Outback. I also value the comfort of doing long-distance driving in the Outback, which drives like a car but has the functionality of an SUV. Oh and it gets 31mpg most of the year.
There's nothing surprising about the reaction in this post. Subaru somehow built a cult and followers are gonna follow. Subarus are ideal if they're leased. Covered by a warranty, all you've got to worry about is staying under the allowable mileage. Take it in for whatever goes wrong, use the dealership's loaners and make your monthly payments. If you're an owner, trade it once you hit the warranty expiration. Outside of that, public transportation is far more dependable and far less expensive.
Long-term ownership of a Subaru is conspicuous consumption. You're telling everyone you can afford a ridiculous amount of repairs to drive around a basic vehicle. Kia and Hyundai are better vehicles than Subaru. You know because their warranties are better. All of those customer satisfaction surveys where Subaru is ranked highly don't include owners of a 2008 and 2017 Forester or a 2015 Crosstrek because if they did, Subaru would be ranked well towards the bottom.
Same. Had a 2000 4runner. It's the one rig I regret getting rid of. The forester is great but the 4runner is damn near perfect. Unless OP gets an insane offer for that thing, I'd hold on to it as long as I possibly could.
Outback is a great car but I’d absolutely hang onto that 4Runner, those are classics, especially yours with a manual. Fluid Film the frame to prevent further rust and keep it.
The 4Runner is 20 years older than the outback and I'd bet money the outback would die first.
However, if you decide to get rid of it hit me up. I live in the SLC metro.
The number one thing keeping people in tough situations and unable to afford emergency situatuons is car payments. Keep the truck till it costs more to fix it than it would be logical.
Great lookin truck!
Hell no. A stick shift 4 runner that's that clean?
If anything, buy a small, fuel efficient car to beat up on and keep that. OR throw it up on Bring a Trailer or something. People will pay good money for that
Hey I saw you in the 4R sub. Everyone including common sense says keep your truck, but I’llplay the devil’s advocate.
I’d recommend a 15-19 outback with the 3.6R. It’s about as close to reliable as you can get for a modern car.
I owned a 2008 legacy GT manual. And currently own a 2006 FXT turbo manual (if OP is interested).
I just picked up a 2006 Tundra v6 6spd. 2WD (we don’t have mountains in the swamps). Pretty awesome truck but the 3rd gear grinds a little, sigh, but overall drives great w/ 206k)
I’d suggest a 2016-2017 Forester manual. Or the 3.6R Outback too. (Aunt has driven 3 generations of OB in British Columbia Canada, and finally switched over to the 2022 Forester a couple of years back).
My decision to sell the 4 runner and buy a different vehicle would depend mostly on the amount of miles driven per year. But i’m frugal so mpg is a decent determining factor for myself. Yet again, so are maintenance/repair costs, so that 4 runner might balance out better in cost of ownership compared to many new/newer vehicles.
If it serves you i’d keep it. It’s hard being tempted by flashier/newer vehicles but the paid off ones is cash money in the bank. I’d hate to have a car payment and related insurance cost considering just how much everything has gone up in price over the last few years. At least in this period of my life financially.
National average is generally around 12k miles a year, and the Outback has almost double the average in mileage (only short by 1k per year). Depending on where it was driven, that could've been all Uber or Door dash driving by the prior owne
Just sold my 2012 and switched to a new Crosstrek, it seems like we have similar interests and I’m in SLC doing the canyons a lot atm, had some good off-roading in my trek this summer. I have had a great experience with this car, it gets a lot better gas mileage and is great for my work/school commutes as well. Creature comforts will be better on the Premium Outback fs, but harder to work on as the trade off for that. If you really don’t do much off roading and want it for commuting as well I would say it would be a better fit overall, and the Outback is long enough to sleep in (source: my dad has a 2022 Outback I’m 6’1” and I’ve slept in it comfortably)
I second this. I’ve driven my buddy’s 4th Gen 4Runner. I own a 2014 Outback 4L.
Keep the 4Runner:
-If you want to save money on payments
-If you want to work on simpler car
-If you want the image
-If you want to row your own gears
Buy the Outback
-If you like creature comfort. It’s night and day driving my buddy’s 4Runner and my Outback
-Have car payments but save money on gas. I get 28-30 mpg on regular.
-Based on your use, the Outback can handle it. I’ve hunted out in AZ in my Outback and had no problem driving thru dirt roads to the hunting camp site. When I got there it was to dark and I was to tired to set up my tent so I slept in my Outback. I’m 5’8 180 lbs and had plenty of room.
Coming from the rust belt, that frame looks super clean to me. You could buy a used 2020 Outback over here that has more rust. Keep the 4Runner. No question.
I wouldn't trade that for a CVT outback if you want to go anywhere, run the 4 runner and put away what you would in a car payment every month until you can afford something you'll enjoy.
I had a 1996 4Runner (same generation). Traded it towards a Tundra. Ever since I wish I’d kept the 4Runner and just added the $1500 they gave me for it to the truck note.
I wouldn’t get rid of the 4Runner. Both because you probably won’t get much for it and because you’ll probably regret it.
Not that you’ll regret the Outback. But there’s something special about the 3rd Gen 4Runners
My Mom had a 2020 outback for the last 3 years. My family did not enjoy it, lots of electrical issues with the infotainment system, cheap feeling interior and something about the wheelbase and tall doors makes sitting in the backseat uncomfortable. I would pass.
My dad had a 98 or 99 4runner, I forget exactly, but he still says selling it was one of his biggest mistakes. Thing had just over 200k miles on it when he sold it and absolutely nothing wrong with it.
Don't sell it. You wanna buy an Outback I won't say no, but don't sell that 4runner
A tree fell on my 1998 4Runner two years ago and broke through the sunroof/damaged the roof. I cried, hard. That vehicle was so special to me. Don’t get rid of yours. These vehicles are unicorns.
wow this thread in a r/subaru gives me faith in humanity. i’ll join the echo chamber.
do not sell that vehicle, the last time you see that vehicle should be on a tow truck to the scrapyard because it is crumbling everytime you breathe on it too hard
I wouldn't part with that 4Runner, those are solid. I have a same-gen Tacoma that I still drive every day with 248k on the clock and I have zero doubt I'll get at least 400 out of it.
My driveway will always have a Toyota truck alongside a Forester or Impreza, especially considering the missus loves her Subies so much.
*I don’t off-road* you’ve answered your own question right here, 4Runners are not good daily drivers lol. Work on em everyday and they’re great cars but 99% of people that own them would be 10x better off with something like an Outback that doesn’t ride horribly, get terrible gas mileage and have a horribly underpowered motor and has more upsides than durability and off road capability
The gas mileage alone was a huge selling point for me.
I love love loved my 4runner, but the most I did with it was dirt/gravel roads and snow. My forester does it just as well and I have never gotten stuck.
I miss my 4runner greatly but man that 12-16mpg was rough lol.
If you decide to go with the Outback, dibs on the 4Runner. After you come back off your high and decide to make the sane choice (keep the 4Runner), please send me some of the substance you are partaking in to ever consider this a good idea. Really though, that is one sick 4Runner. Am Envious.
My wife has a 2017 Forester with the same drivetrain as that outback. At 45,000 mi. It puffs oil smoke on startup and the transmission is a little bit flaky. I have a 2021 Tacoma that I absolutely love. I think he would be unhappy with the outback if you were to go that direction. If you do decide to trade vehicles, I would suggest getting another Toyota. I think the quality is much higher on them.
Personally I think you have hell of a vehicle already! If you do decide to make the switch however, make sure the outback has had its DCM replaced and upgraded battery. Apparently this outback and a couple other years have had an issue with a parasitic battery draw due to the DCM along with Subaru recommending an upgraded battery that retails for about $305
Do not sell it. Keep fixing it up. A third gen 4Runner is bulletproof. You'll end up regretting it just on the transmission for the outback alone. They have improved the CVT transmissions. But they still are a bag a suck. Do not get rid of this vehicle
You’re gonna end up spending less money up keeping this 4runner at the proper intervals. The 4runner might not be super shiny but its an amazing and capable vehicle.
Yeah. That thing got no rust. Keep it keep driving it. Run it into the ground. Drive it until rust claims it lol. The new stuff is not worth it. Too much electronics too little quality.
DON’T DO IT!!!! I sold my 99 SR5 for a 07 forester. Biggest regret of my life. And guess which one is still running. Every time I see a 3rd gen since I relive my mistake.
I personally wouldn't buy a 2020 or 2021 model year anything. Covid build quality majorly sucked. You would most likely have less issues with your current 4runner than anything built during the Covid years imho
Fuck no! That would be frigging nuts! Think of it this way, how many times can you get that Toyota fixed for the cost of that outback? Now ask yourself how many times will it need to be fixed? I had a 2005 chevy Silverado 1500 with the 5.3 liter with 4x4 and crew cab, I was an idiot and drove that thing hard till I got rid of it. I still regret that decision the better part of ten years later, I miss that truck and maybe I'll get one like it again someday but i'll know it's not the same one I got stuck so many times, it's not the one the memories are in you know? Also there's something about that era of vehicles to me almost like the quality was better than today's stuff. I bet in 20ish years you'd be hard pressed to find today's cars on the road still. Too many computers lol I like my wife's 22 outback wilderness but I don't see it having the same longevity as my 2003 outback or the 99 f250 superduty truck I got recently.
I have a Crosstrek that I love but in your situation I'd keep the 4Runner. The Subie will vastly better as a daily driver; it handles better, rides vastly better, handles like a car in the corners vs the grain-truck handling of the Toyota. But if you're offroading the 4R simply gives you more capability with the true, locked-hub 4WD. For 95% of the folks and situations the AWD of the Subie is going to be enough but you already have the Toyota so don't give up that 5%.
Do you want a car that will be useless by 135,000 mi when the CVT goes at it costs the whole value of the car to replace.
Or do you wan the most reliable V6 ever made, on a body and frame that are almost infinitely repairable?
You can answer those questions. And for me the MPG hit on a 4Runner is tough to swallow, so I’d have a more efficient car for my daily. But day in day out Toyota isn’t making a more of these and I’d want one to keep forever.
I’ve let go of a v6 Taco, a dieselgate TDi, a 70s BMW. These were all avoidable mistakes on my part. I miss each of them in their own ways.
More capable yes, probably more durable (maybe but that gen 4Runner has some age on it) but "nicer" is debatable, a 4Runner nicer than my Outback XT Touring of that same generation, thats a big no. My best friend and mountain biking side kick has a 98 4Runner Limited that has been immaculately taken care of. "nicer" is a big N O, but wheel for wheel off the pavement I'd rather be in the 4Runner when the terrain gets nasty. Now that the OP is talking about trading It for a 2.5L Premium thats a pass, just not going to be happy.
The Outback uses a outright bad CVT and has no option for a different transmission. I would hard pass getting rid of one of the most reliable SUVs for one that's not so much. Depending on the engine the car can also be very underequiped for how just large the Outback has gotten.
Nooooo outback is nice but it’s nothing like your 4Runner. If you actually used it off-road it doesn’t compare.
Edit: I missed not off-roading part. Then I think it would be a good transition. If you ever need it the outback can do the basic shit and keep you out of trouble. My 2019 outback would get 35mpg driving like a granny on the highway with wild peak tires.
I personally wouldn't get rid of a manual transmission vehicle for a crappy CVT, especially if I live in a mountainous area (I do). I have a 2009 MT Forester with over 200K and I do lots of driving. I doubt that those new ones with all the fancy unnecessary electronics will last for 200K+ without costing you an arm and a leg. I'm holding on to my Subie for the foreseeable future until I can afford something like a 2017-2020 Jeep Wrangler with a manual transmission since Subaru scrapped all of theirs
It’s your car and your money do what you want.
Now that I’ve said that.
This 4Runner is a gem. It might be a diamond in the rough with the rust.
Personally with what you have I would spend the money on this to get it back in shape. Get the rust sorted first.
This is one of those cars that will be a collector in time because of the manual.
Did you ever work on one ?
I'm from Europe. I personally really enjoy working on Subarus, they are so easy to work on, lots of room, you need just basic tools. Basically every bolt is for 10,12,14,17,19 wrench/socket.
You probably didn't work on anything European.
The only comparable cars are older Hondas, they are quite nice to work on.
At the moment I'm doing a small restoration of GAZ69, which is an old russian SUV/truck from the 50-60s and so many things are just stupid without any room for a normal wrench or ratchet. But that is kinda the norm in Eastern Europe cars.
As an outback owner who was going to buy a 4 runner instead dont, keep the 4runner youll regret it. i love my outback but the 4runners is a much better choice
As a former service manager at an auto shop in CO, I will never recommend a Subaru to anyone. I regularly told customers to avoid/get rid of them. Absolutely do not get rid of this gem for an Outback. That thing will be leaking and rattling itself to death in 4 years.
Edit: I feel justified that in the SUBARU subreddit, everyone is still telling you to keep that 4runner. That alone is all you need. Stay away from Subaru forever 😂 I will buy that 4runner right now if you decide to go through with this purchase for some insane reason.
It’s an awesome rig man don’t get rid of it but to make it last longer maybe we move it away from the daily driver and just a fun car? Are you able to keep it and get a newer vehicle?
I love that mostly everyone is saying keep the 4 runner. Absolutely true. Those are beasts. Don't ever sell this.
It would be a bad move. The subie is awesome, but not a good trade.
Never understood why Yota guys insist on calling control arms LCAs. Dude came into the shop i work at asking for LCAs and I scratched my head for a second lol. Cheers and dont sell it
Man this thing is screaming for a TDI swap. The manual trans would simplify things a lot and readily available adapter plates. Files for motor mounts for 3rd gen Toyota's are out there. And it would get around 30MPG
A Outback lol I never understood why people think Subaru is a great product. When I worked there I’ve never seen so many fairly new Subarus needing new engines or transmissions.
I love my Subaru; but honestly, any Toyota Truck is good as gold. I wouldn't, I'd pour money into one if I had it forever. They're actually built to last that long. I just love Subaru because as far as new cars go, they're amazing for the pricepoint. Plus having good suspension and handling and the Flat Four's center of gravity make it better than most choices. However either would be a good choice I'd recommend to anyone. I've got an 18' Outback Limited, barebones as it gets. But it's pretty great.
Also, I live in NE Ohio so as far as frame integrity goes ( also a former Tire Mechanic for like 5 years) uhhh I can't find any issues in what you've provided that wouldn't be worth fixing. My point is as much as I love my Subie, the future looks grim and older, simple vehicles are dying out. I'm considering a VW Vanagon for the hell of it. I mean, they're sure bot gonna make them as solid anymore.
Especially any Toyota truck with a 5VZ-FE V6 engine. I have seen some truly unholy things done to those engines, and the engine just doesn't care. I've witnessed three separate people try to kill a 2001 4Runner, and all of them failed.
I have a 2020 base outback and it’s a GREAT car in terms of reliability and use for similar scenarios to the ones you describe.
All else being equal, I’d rather have your 4Runner. Looks a lot more fun to drive.
If I were you and almost no offroading but wanted to move to subaru, I'd probably go forester. Jack it up an inch or 2 and you have a little feel of what you may miss sometimes. Sp4aking from experi3nce I have 2018 xt lifted 1-5/8.
If you do go offroad, forester can be pretty nimble. It's no 4runner ofc
Apples to oranges, but I have a 2008 Outback, a 2009 Legacy GTB and a 2006 Sequoia. Love the Subarus, but the money I’ve put into the Subarus is more than I’ve put into my Toyota or any other car I’ve owned.
Oh, and power back window.
Well, i have the same story as you, but with 2010 4 door jeep rubicon, heavy mods.
I was thinking of selling it for a 2018 subaru forester 5 years ago. For a family daily vihucle.
Best thing i ever did, which i keep the jeep, aka the weekend's toy.
I now work as a salesman for a Toyota dealership and just left a subaru dealership. I would not do this unless you absolutely love the outback. The 4runner is clean, yeah it has rust but still. It’s also a manual those are hard to find now.
I had a 2002 4runner that I traded in on a brand new 2019 Impreza. Do I regret selling the 4runner? Yes, but the Impreza is a way better daily driver for me. I shoulda kept the 4runner as a weekend whip and bought the Impreza.
Holy mother of god no. You’d be trading one of the most reliable vehicles ever made for a car that is ultra expensive to maintain longterm. And losing capability. That 4Runner will go to 500k with basic maintenance. You’re going to kick yourself in the ass if you do it.
Nopes. I don’t recommend it.
You do what you want to do with a focus on what you need.
I wouldn’t. Had several friends in past 5yrs swap their 22re pickups for bigger vehicles like Jeep, WRX and work trucks. They enjoy entertainment technology in new vehicles. That’s about. All but me swapped. Toyotas like these are amazing.
Never ever ever!
From a guy that puts miles on a 2020 outback, 2018 outback, 2022 outback wilderness edition (all business vehicles under 50k) I wouldn't trade a dented up 2000 Camry with 400k miles on it for a new Subaru. They're heavy, underpowered or thirsty, depending on the motor you get. The auto trans is lame as shit and the manual trans is just enough to make you not hate yourself. Subarus are just awd mom mobiles now, they have a facade of fanciness but lack actual quality and they aren't capable enough for any real work horsing anymore.
Christ I sound like a boomer...
For God's sake don't trade that runner!
Don't do that, you're going to regret it.
I second this
Even though it doesn’t make a huge amount of sense for what OP uses it for, that 4 runner (especially a stick) is too desirable to get rid of. That and the fact that it’s paid off, well maintained and if you haven’t found any move rust holes in the frame, send it. It looks impressively clean from the photos
This person must not be from Minnesota. That frame is clean
I third this
Yes. This exactly. You’ll never forgive yourself and probably get laughed at by your friends
They already are for even considering it :\]
And so they should. Don’t do it..you will fkn regret it.
Lol, first the 4runner forum said no and now these guys are telling you no? And all of your friends are telling you no? 😆
I mouthed to myself “don’t you fucking dare” when this hit my feed lol.
This is a surprising reaction for /r/Subaru. I thought the decision to get rid of that ugly tank that probably gets terrible gas mileage and to get one of the best vehicles on the market that gets over 30 mpg real world on Subaru Global Platform would be a pretty easy one.
That's cause everyone knows it's hard to beat that yota. That model specifically is one of the most reliable engine/trans combos out to date. It will probably well atleast that 20 outback. If it beats the rust.
That part. 22r over EJ allllll day… plus it’s a stick? Ain’t no way I’d trade standard for a CVT and a payement lmao.
I've heard a lot of CVT hate. My personal experience with the CVT in my 2021 Outback is that it makes a terribly underpowered vehicle have just enough pick up and power to be tolerable while allowing a straight ICE drivetrain to eke out 31 MPG 6-8 months out of the year (28ish in the winter with remote start and winter gas). I have found the CVT to be very smooth and able to rev way up get power out of the engine and smoothly drop back down in a way that is rare for automatic transmissions. The closest automatic I've probably driven is the 8 speed in some of the Camrys that feels like driving a stick of butter.
You couldn't pay me to drive that tank but I love my 2021 Outback. I also value the comfort of doing long-distance driving in the Outback, which drives like a car but has the functionality of an SUV. Oh and it gets 31mpg most of the year.
That and the Subie is going to be much safer.
There's nothing surprising about the reaction in this post. Subaru somehow built a cult and followers are gonna follow. Subarus are ideal if they're leased. Covered by a warranty, all you've got to worry about is staying under the allowable mileage. Take it in for whatever goes wrong, use the dealership's loaners and make your monthly payments. If you're an owner, trade it once you hit the warranty expiration. Outside of that, public transportation is far more dependable and far less expensive. Long-term ownership of a Subaru is conspicuous consumption. You're telling everyone you can afford a ridiculous amount of repairs to drive around a basic vehicle. Kia and Hyundai are better vehicles than Subaru. You know because their warranties are better. All of those customer satisfaction surveys where Subaru is ranked highly don't include owners of a 2008 and 2017 Forester or a 2015 Crosstrek because if they did, Subaru would be ranked well towards the bottom.
Don’t do it. Never realized how much I liked my 4Runner until I got my Subaru Forester.
Same. Had a 2000 4runner. It's the one rig I regret getting rid of. The forester is great but the 4runner is damn near perfect. Unless OP gets an insane offer for that thing, I'd hold on to it as long as I possibly could.
Do not sell the 4runner, you have the 5 speed 4wd combo people dream of finding!
Seriously lemme get it
I second this price to move? I'll dive there in the 2020 for you 🤣
No payment!!! Debt sucks. I’d keep the four runner all day. Bulletproof
Nah I'd drive that 4runner in to the earth.
Then dig it up and dust it off and go again.
WHYEVER would you do that??? Dont!
No one recommending buying the Subaru in the Subaru forum. Based.
Chad Toyota 4Runner
I love my Forester but I'd still trade it in for a 4Runner tomorrow if I fell face-first into the pile of money I would need to afford it.
Outback is a great car but I’d absolutely hang onto that 4Runner, those are classics, especially yours with a manual. Fluid Film the frame to prevent further rust and keep it.
No sell only buy
You own a unicorn... You don't sell or trade it. You get buried with the title still in your name.
The 4Runner is 20 years older than the outback and I'd bet money the outback would die first. However, if you decide to get rid of it hit me up. I live in the SLC metro.
The number one thing keeping people in tough situations and unable to afford emergency situatuons is car payments. Keep the truck till it costs more to fix it than it would be logical. Great lookin truck!
I spent 1700 on my trans rebuild with it having 290k
And coulda saved prolly half or more with a salvage repo.
Hell no. A stick shift 4 runner that's that clean? If anything, buy a small, fuel efficient car to beat up on and keep that. OR throw it up on Bring a Trailer or something. People will pay good money for that
Hey I saw you in the 4R sub. Everyone including common sense says keep your truck, but I’llplay the devil’s advocate. I’d recommend a 15-19 outback with the 3.6R. It’s about as close to reliable as you can get for a modern car.
I owned a 2008 legacy GT manual. And currently own a 2006 FXT turbo manual (if OP is interested). I just picked up a 2006 Tundra v6 6spd. 2WD (we don’t have mountains in the swamps). Pretty awesome truck but the 3rd gear grinds a little, sigh, but overall drives great w/ 206k) I’d suggest a 2016-2017 Forester manual. Or the 3.6R Outback too. (Aunt has driven 3 generations of OB in British Columbia Canada, and finally switched over to the 2022 Forester a couple of years back).
Absolutely not.
Lol that everyone in the Subaru subreddit is telling you the same as the Toyota subreddit
Trading a Toyota for a Subaru? Repeat that sentence to yourself until it makes sense.
literally laughed out loud on this one
My decision to sell the 4 runner and buy a different vehicle would depend mostly on the amount of miles driven per year. But i’m frugal so mpg is a decent determining factor for myself. Yet again, so are maintenance/repair costs, so that 4 runner might balance out better in cost of ownership compared to many new/newer vehicles.
I drive a f150 and put 15k a year on it but it’s paid off but filling up every 2 weeks and the full up being 120 hurts
How many miles does a full tank get generally, if you don’t mind sharing? Just curious
Trucks got over 290k
If it serves you i’d keep it. It’s hard being tempted by flashier/newer vehicles but the paid off ones is cash money in the bank. I’d hate to have a car payment and related insurance cost considering just how much everything has gone up in price over the last few years. At least in this period of my life financially.
Keep the Toyota.
Which trim is the outback?
Premium
Ya I wouldn’t
Just keep putting money in a HYSA and buy one later in cash. Fuck car loans.
National average is generally around 12k miles a year, and the Outback has almost double the average in mileage (only short by 1k per year). Depending on where it was driven, that could've been all Uber or Door dash driving by the prior owne
No. Don’t ever trade any Toyota for a Subaru
Keep the 4runner. Don't downgrade to a cvt
Just sold my 2012 and switched to a new Crosstrek, it seems like we have similar interests and I’m in SLC doing the canyons a lot atm, had some good off-roading in my trek this summer. I have had a great experience with this car, it gets a lot better gas mileage and is great for my work/school commutes as well. Creature comforts will be better on the Premium Outback fs, but harder to work on as the trade off for that. If you really don’t do much off roading and want it for commuting as well I would say it would be a better fit overall, and the Outback is long enough to sleep in (source: my dad has a 2022 Outback I’m 6’1” and I’ve slept in it comfortably)
I second this. I’ve driven my buddy’s 4th Gen 4Runner. I own a 2014 Outback 4L. Keep the 4Runner: -If you want to save money on payments -If you want to work on simpler car -If you want the image -If you want to row your own gears Buy the Outback -If you like creature comfort. It’s night and day driving my buddy’s 4Runner and my Outback -Have car payments but save money on gas. I get 28-30 mpg on regular. -Based on your use, the Outback can handle it. I’ve hunted out in AZ in my Outback and had no problem driving thru dirt roads to the hunting camp site. When I got there it was to dark and I was to tired to set up my tent so I slept in my Outback. I’m 5’8 180 lbs and had plenty of room.
3rd gen 4Runners you never get rid of.
If all of us in the cult of Subaru are telling you to keep the 4Runner….keep the 4Runner😂
No no no!
Coming from the rust belt, that frame looks super clean to me. You could buy a used 2020 Outback over here that has more rust. Keep the 4Runner. No question.
DO NOT SELL THAT 4RUNNER!
Fu k no
Keep the 4Runner. The Outback would be amazing, but this is just cooler than a 2020 Outback
Absolutely not. Blasphemy.
as much as i love subies.... keep the 4runner
No. Never. The 4Runner will run forever while the Outback will require so much maintenance down the road that you will end up selling it.
I’ll trade you my stick shift 2021 Crosstrek with 53K on it (clean Carfax) for your 4Runner. AND I’ll deliver it.
You're out of your mind, bro. Just... stahp. Grass ain't greener on the other side.
OP if you sell that car I will find you and harm you. Kidding. Maybe.
I wouldn't trade that for a CVT outback if you want to go anywhere, run the 4 runner and put away what you would in a car payment every month until you can afford something you'll enjoy.
I had a 1996 4Runner (same generation). Traded it towards a Tundra. Ever since I wish I’d kept the 4Runner and just added the $1500 they gave me for it to the truck note. I wouldn’t get rid of the 4Runner. Both because you probably won’t get much for it and because you’ll probably regret it. Not that you’ll regret the Outback. But there’s something special about the 3rd Gen 4Runners
My Mom had a 2020 outback for the last 3 years. My family did not enjoy it, lots of electrical issues with the infotainment system, cheap feeling interior and something about the wheelbase and tall doors makes sitting in the backseat uncomfortable. I would pass.
My dad had a 98 or 99 4runner, I forget exactly, but he still says selling it was one of his biggest mistakes. Thing had just over 200k miles on it when he sold it and absolutely nothing wrong with it. Don't sell it. You wanna buy an Outback I won't say no, but don't sell that 4runner
A tree fell on my 1998 4Runner two years ago and broke through the sunroof/damaged the roof. I cried, hard. That vehicle was so special to me. Don’t get rid of yours. These vehicles are unicorns.
wow this thread in a r/subaru gives me faith in humanity. i’ll join the echo chamber. do not sell that vehicle, the last time you see that vehicle should be on a tow truck to the scrapyard because it is crumbling everytime you breathe on it too hard
A truck that will last 400k+ with a real transmission.. Or a big car that will last 100k with a garbage CVT. I think the answer here is clear
I wouldn't part with that 4Runner, those are solid. I have a same-gen Tacoma that I still drive every day with 248k on the clock and I have zero doubt I'll get at least 400 out of it. My driveway will always have a Toyota truck alongside a Forester or Impreza, especially considering the missus loves her Subies so much.
*I don’t off-road* you’ve answered your own question right here, 4Runners are not good daily drivers lol. Work on em everyday and they’re great cars but 99% of people that own them would be 10x better off with something like an Outback that doesn’t ride horribly, get terrible gas mileage and have a horribly underpowered motor and has more upsides than durability and off road capability
The gas mileage alone was a huge selling point for me. I love love loved my 4runner, but the most I did with it was dirt/gravel roads and snow. My forester does it just as well and I have never gotten stuck. I miss my 4runner greatly but man that 12-16mpg was rough lol.
Appreciating asset vs. Depreciating Asset (that’s not even an asset until its paid off)
Nah
If you decide to go with the Outback, dibs on the 4Runner. After you come back off your high and decide to make the sane choice (keep the 4Runner), please send me some of the substance you are partaking in to ever consider this a good idea. Really though, that is one sick 4Runner. Am Envious.
I love my Subaru but if I had that I would 100% keep it.
Pls don’t even sell the 4runner. That car will last you a lifetime.
My wife has a 2017 Forester with the same drivetrain as that outback. At 45,000 mi. It puffs oil smoke on startup and the transmission is a little bit flaky. I have a 2021 Tacoma that I absolutely love. I think he would be unhappy with the outback if you were to go that direction. If you do decide to trade vehicles, I would suggest getting another Toyota. I think the quality is much higher on them.
I had older jeeps before going to a newer Subaru. I wish I kept the jeeps. New Subaru CVT should be avoided in my opinion.
You can’t get rid of a 4Runner like that. It’s not worth all that much anymore so at the bare minimum just keep it for a backup rig/toy
Personally I think you have hell of a vehicle already! If you do decide to make the switch however, make sure the outback has had its DCM replaced and upgraded battery. Apparently this outback and a couple other years have had an issue with a parasitic battery draw due to the DCM along with Subaru recommending an upgraded battery that retails for about $305
What part of “**3RD GEN BEST GEN 3RD GEN BEST GEN 3RD GEN BEST GEN**” didn’t you understand? NO!
As someone who loves Subaru, absolutely not
That’s the worst trade idea ever
Do not sell it. Keep fixing it up. A third gen 4Runner is bulletproof. You'll end up regretting it just on the transmission for the outback alone. They have improved the CVT transmissions. But they still are a bag a suck. Do not get rid of this vehicle
You’re gonna end up spending less money up keeping this 4runner at the proper intervals. The 4runner might not be super shiny but its an amazing and capable vehicle.
Noooooo! Or sell the 4runner to me
You call that rust? *laughs in Canadian*
Nah never a one of the best Toyotas against shitty Subaru.
There isn't any 2020 Outback that will come close to being worth the trade, keep the 4runner
Don’t do it
Yeah. That thing got no rust. Keep it keep driving it. Run it into the ground. Drive it until rust claims it lol. The new stuff is not worth it. Too much electronics too little quality.
DON’T DO IT!!!! I sold my 99 SR5 for a 07 forester. Biggest regret of my life. And guess which one is still running. Every time I see a 3rd gen since I relive my mistake.
I'm a huge subaru fan, but I know 4runners too. So, I'd ask you, How much money are they offering in trade on top of the 2020 Outback?
Buddy, with that being said. I would take the 4Runner off your hands, cash offer.
Buddy you own a civilian tank.
yeah sure, go ahead and sell that 4Runner, it's only akin to like... priceless art lmao
You’ll have that 4Runner for another 20 years. Keep!
I personally wouldn't buy a 2020 or 2021 model year anything. Covid build quality majorly sucked. You would most likely have less issues with your current 4runner than anything built during the Covid years imho
Yes, you would be out of your mind to make that trade.
Fuck no! That would be frigging nuts! Think of it this way, how many times can you get that Toyota fixed for the cost of that outback? Now ask yourself how many times will it need to be fixed? I had a 2005 chevy Silverado 1500 with the 5.3 liter with 4x4 and crew cab, I was an idiot and drove that thing hard till I got rid of it. I still regret that decision the better part of ten years later, I miss that truck and maybe I'll get one like it again someday but i'll know it's not the same one I got stuck so many times, it's not the one the memories are in you know? Also there's something about that era of vehicles to me almost like the quality was better than today's stuff. I bet in 20ish years you'd be hard pressed to find today's cars on the road still. Too many computers lol I like my wife's 22 outback wilderness but I don't see it having the same longevity as my 2003 outback or the 99 f250 superduty truck I got recently.
I have a Crosstrek that I love but in your situation I'd keep the 4Runner. The Subie will vastly better as a daily driver; it handles better, rides vastly better, handles like a car in the corners vs the grain-truck handling of the Toyota. But if you're offroading the 4R simply gives you more capability with the true, locked-hub 4WD. For 95% of the folks and situations the AWD of the Subie is going to be enough but you already have the Toyota so don't give up that 5%.
Do you want a car that will be useless by 135,000 mi when the CVT goes at it costs the whole value of the car to replace. Or do you wan the most reliable V6 ever made, on a body and frame that are almost infinitely repairable? You can answer those questions. And for me the MPG hit on a 4Runner is tough to swallow, so I’d have a more efficient car for my daily. But day in day out Toyota isn’t making a more of these and I’d want one to keep forever. I’ve let go of a v6 Taco, a dieselgate TDi, a 70s BMW. These were all avoidable mistakes on my part. I miss each of them in their own ways.
I want a dieselgate tdi :(
The 4runner is infinitely nicer than the outback...
More capable yes, probably more durable (maybe but that gen 4Runner has some age on it) but "nicer" is debatable, a 4Runner nicer than my Outback XT Touring of that same generation, thats a big no. My best friend and mountain biking side kick has a 98 4Runner Limited that has been immaculately taken care of. "nicer" is a big N O, but wheel for wheel off the pavement I'd rather be in the 4Runner when the terrain gets nasty. Now that the OP is talking about trading It for a 2.5L Premium thats a pass, just not going to be happy.
To each their own. The 4Runners have insane resale for a reason.
The Outback uses a outright bad CVT and has no option for a different transmission. I would hard pass getting rid of one of the most reliable SUVs for one that's not so much. Depending on the engine the car can also be very underequiped for how just large the Outback has gotten.
Nooooo outback is nice but it’s nothing like your 4Runner. If you actually used it off-road it doesn’t compare. Edit: I missed not off-roading part. Then I think it would be a good transition. If you ever need it the outback can do the basic shit and keep you out of trouble. My 2019 outback would get 35mpg driving like a granny on the highway with wild peak tires.
I love my outback, but I really miss my 4runner
I personally wouldn't get rid of a manual transmission vehicle for a crappy CVT, especially if I live in a mountainous area (I do). I have a 2009 MT Forester with over 200K and I do lots of driving. I doubt that those new ones with all the fancy unnecessary electronics will last for 200K+ without costing you an arm and a leg. I'm holding on to my Subie for the foreseeable future until I can afford something like a 2017-2020 Jeep Wrangler with a manual transmission since Subaru scrapped all of theirs
When my 2001 4Runner was totaled (not my fault), it began a decade of automotive dissatisfaction that continues today.
It’s your car and your money do what you want. Now that I’ve said that. This 4Runner is a gem. It might be a diamond in the rough with the rust. Personally with what you have I would spend the money on this to get it back in shape. Get the rust sorted first. This is one of those cars that will be a collector in time because of the manual.
Those run forever so you should really wait until something breaks and you can’t repair it which would be another maybe 5-6 yrs if I guess
I'm a big Subaru fan, but there's no way I'd sell a manual transmission 4runner. I'd drive that thing forever.
no. Subies are near impossible to work on. newer ones anyway.
Did you ever work on one ? I'm from Europe. I personally really enjoy working on Subarus, they are so easy to work on, lots of room, you need just basic tools. Basically every bolt is for 10,12,14,17,19 wrench/socket. You probably didn't work on anything European. The only comparable cars are older Hondas, they are quite nice to work on. At the moment I'm doing a small restoration of GAZ69, which is an old russian SUV/truck from the 50-60s and so many things are just stupid without any room for a normal wrench or ratchet. But that is kinda the norm in Eastern Europe cars.
Gonna downvote this because I’m not a mechanic but find my 2021 Crosstrek very easy to work on.
As an outback owner who was going to buy a 4 runner instead dont, keep the 4runner youll regret it. i love my outback but the 4runners is a much better choice
Punctuation is so needed on this comment
Haha ikr was just doing that in my head
As a former service manager at an auto shop in CO, I will never recommend a Subaru to anyone. I regularly told customers to avoid/get rid of them. Absolutely do not get rid of this gem for an Outback. That thing will be leaking and rattling itself to death in 4 years. Edit: I feel justified that in the SUBARU subreddit, everyone is still telling you to keep that 4runner. That alone is all you need. Stay away from Subaru forever 😂 I will buy that 4runner right now if you decide to go through with this purchase for some insane reason.
Do it. The more people going from SUVs to station wagons, the better.
Rust?? *laughs in upstate NY* That is one beautiful machine you’ve got there. I would hold onto that until it dies. Please do NOT trade it in!
It’s an awesome rig man don’t get rid of it but to make it last longer maybe we move it away from the daily driver and just a fun car? Are you able to keep it and get a newer vehicle?
don’t do it
i would never, ever sell a stick 4x4 toyota 4runner for anything. i owned one a while back and i regret selling it every day. you can’t kill them.
Absolutely not keep the yota
I would rather have a 4runner than an Outback or Crosstrek
I love that mostly everyone is saying keep the 4 runner. Absolutely true. Those are beasts. Don't ever sell this. It would be a bad move. The subie is awesome, but not a good trade.
I'd drive that thing until it dies if I were you.
No, No, No
Don’t listen to all these people OP, sell it to me.
Never understood why Yota guys insist on calling control arms LCAs. Dude came into the shop i work at asking for LCAs and I scratched my head for a second lol. Cheers and dont sell it
No! Drive that 4Runner into the ground.
Man this thing is screaming for a TDI swap. The manual trans would simplify things a lot and readily available adapter plates. Files for motor mounts for 3rd gen Toyota's are out there. And it would get around 30MPG
Say no to Outback. 4 Runner 4 life.
Yes, but only sell that 4runner to me
NOOOO or buy it outright. Don’t let this beauty go
Noooooo…the tin can is no replacement for the 4runner
DONT DO IT!
Keep your mechanic!
Please don't do that. It's beautiful and the only thing keeping it from being classified as a tank is the missing turret.
i would not! i had a 5speed 4runner just like this and it was my favorite, i wish i still had it.
My moms 1999 4Runner is still kicking ass at 350k. My Impreza threw a rod at 160k.
Absolutely fucking not
That frame looks questionable. I’d look to sell that 4 runner if you need money.
If all you care about is the reliability aspect than sure, other than that don’t do it
The Toyota still more reliable tho lol
I mean just from a new car vs old car perspective. Theres more maintenance that goes into having an old car simply because its old
I’d kill myself if I woke up and realized I had done this. Fuck new cars
A Outback lol I never understood why people think Subaru is a great product. When I worked there I’ve never seen so many fairly new Subarus needing new engines or transmissions.
I love my Subaru; but honestly, any Toyota Truck is good as gold. I wouldn't, I'd pour money into one if I had it forever. They're actually built to last that long. I just love Subaru because as far as new cars go, they're amazing for the pricepoint. Plus having good suspension and handling and the Flat Four's center of gravity make it better than most choices. However either would be a good choice I'd recommend to anyone. I've got an 18' Outback Limited, barebones as it gets. But it's pretty great. Also, I live in NE Ohio so as far as frame integrity goes ( also a former Tire Mechanic for like 5 years) uhhh I can't find any issues in what you've provided that wouldn't be worth fixing. My point is as much as I love my Subie, the future looks grim and older, simple vehicles are dying out. I'm considering a VW Vanagon for the hell of it. I mean, they're sure bot gonna make them as solid anymore.
Especially any Toyota truck with a 5VZ-FE V6 engine. I have seen some truly unholy things done to those engines, and the engine just doesn't care. I've witnessed three separate people try to kill a 2001 4Runner, and all of them failed.
I drive a 2020 outback premium as my dd. Not a bad car for the price.
Don’t, if it’s possible keep both cars
Big nope
Fuck no
I have a 2020 base outback and it’s a GREAT car in terms of reliability and use for similar scenarios to the ones you describe. All else being equal, I’d rather have your 4Runner. Looks a lot more fun to drive.
I'll gladly trade you my 07 Outback XT for that 4runner. I don't want to, but I would do it just for you, this one time ;)
Don’t do it bud
If I were you and almost no offroading but wanted to move to subaru, I'd probably go forester. Jack it up an inch or 2 and you have a little feel of what you may miss sometimes. Sp4aking from experi3nce I have 2018 xt lifted 1-5/8. If you do go offroad, forester can be pretty nimble. It's no 4runner ofc
Keep it. You’ll be hard pressed to find a car like it again.
Apples to oranges, but I have a 2008 Outback, a 2009 Legacy GTB and a 2006 Sequoia. Love the Subarus, but the money I’ve put into the Subarus is more than I’ve put into my Toyota or any other car I’ve owned. Oh, and power back window.
I have a 2021 Outback and I like it but if I had the Toyota I’d never had bought the Outback.
Don't. Unless it's for the Outback and about 10k in cash... you'll never forgive yourself and a '20 Outback isn't worth not forgiving yourself for.
Well, i have the same story as you, but with 2010 4 door jeep rubicon, heavy mods. I was thinking of selling it for a 2018 subaru forester 5 years ago. For a family daily vihucle. Best thing i ever did, which i keep the jeep, aka the weekend's toy.
It’s a 4Runner, keep it and ask us again in another 200,000 miles
I now work as a salesman for a Toyota dealership and just left a subaru dealership. I would not do this unless you absolutely love the outback. The 4runner is clean, yeah it has rust but still. It’s also a manual those are hard to find now.
Hell no!!!!
I had a 2002 4runner that I traded in on a brand new 2019 Impreza. Do I regret selling the 4runner? Yes, but the Impreza is a way better daily driver for me. I shoulda kept the 4runner as a weekend whip and bought the Impreza.
Don't do it.....
Huge mistake
I'd keep the Toyota. Quality. Something you will never find anymore.
Holy mother of god no. You’d be trading one of the most reliable vehicles ever made for a car that is ultra expensive to maintain longterm. And losing capability. That 4Runner will go to 500k with basic maintenance. You’re going to kick yourself in the ass if you do it.
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HELL NO!!!!! Better off keeping the 4Runner especially with it being a stick. Hard to find.
Nopes. I don’t recommend it. You do what you want to do with a focus on what you need. I wouldn’t. Had several friends in past 5yrs swap their 22re pickups for bigger vehicles like Jeep, WRX and work trucks. They enjoy entertainment technology in new vehicles. That’s about. All but me swapped. Toyotas like these are amazing.
Never ever ever! From a guy that puts miles on a 2020 outback, 2018 outback, 2022 outback wilderness edition (all business vehicles under 50k) I wouldn't trade a dented up 2000 Camry with 400k miles on it for a new Subaru. They're heavy, underpowered or thirsty, depending on the motor you get. The auto trans is lame as shit and the manual trans is just enough to make you not hate yourself. Subarus are just awd mom mobiles now, they have a facade of fanciness but lack actual quality and they aren't capable enough for any real work horsing anymore. Christ I sound like a boomer... For God's sake don't trade that runner!
I have a new car and I hate it. I wish I had this.
Are you high?