Toyota is simply an icon in automotive manufacturing. Toyota has its fingers in very many pies and we are all better for it.
Toyota as a brand has created some of the most iconic cars in a variety of categories; be it the Supra in the sports car category or the Land Cruiser in the hardcore 4WD category. One of the reasons why Toyota is so prominently featured in our society is its unbeatable reliability. What's more, is that this reliability comes in at an affordable price, further promoting value for money. While we would all love to drive V8 monsters, the fact is financial constraints are a very big and very real factor that most people have to consider.
Here is where Toyota has a clear advantage, the reliability of their cars makes buying a used vehicle relatively safe, in comparison to other brands. For those looking to buy a used SUV, a Toyota 4Runner might be the perfect blend of suburban suave and off-road capability.
Let's look at how much a 2009 Toyota 4Runner costs today and see why it might be the best cheap used SUV to buy today.
Solid Setup From Factory Promotes Reliability
The 2009 Toyota 4Runner came pretty well-equipped from the factory, in all of its variants.
As already alluded to, the 2009 4Runner came in three basic trims; SR5, Sport and Limited, with each of the different trims hosting a variety of different features and equipment. The majority of the additional features that came in the Sport and Limited trims were added to the SR5 trim at an extra cost.
In terms of the powertrain, the choice was between the base 4.0-Liter V6 and an optional 4.7-liter V8, both of which were offered in either RWD or 4WD configurations. The V6 produces 236 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, while the V8 produces 260 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque. Both engine choices came with a 5-speed automatic transmission and the towing capacity ranged between 5,000 lbs and 7,300 lbs, depending on engine and drivetrain choice. Fuel consumption estimates indicate that the V6 RWD 4Runner gets 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway with an 18 mpg combined, whereas the V8 RWD gets a decrease to 15 MPG cite/19 MPG highway and 17 MPG combined. Luckily, the 4WD configurations only experience a slight decrease in MPG figures, about 1 MPG across the board.
Furthermore, the 2009 4Runners features 2 rows of seating with the option for 3, providing seating for up to 7 passengers. Having said that, the third row is pretty cramped due to the overall size of the vehicle, but it is enough for small children. In terms of safety, the 2009 4Runner fares really well with a variety of airbags and intelligent safety systems such as brake assist and stability control.
Aftermarket Upgrades To Modernize A Dated Car
Due to the overall reliability of the 4Runner and the powerful engines, be it the V6 or the V8, the 4Runner is an impressive vehicle on and off the road.
Since both of the engines are plenty powerful, these cars are also popular as the starting platform to build custom off-road monsters. Opting for the 4WD configuration allows for the power to be well utilized on a variety of off-road tracks. The 4WD option allows all four wheels to be receiving power, meaning that the 4Runner will be able to propel itself forward even if the surface is not fully even.
Furthermore, since Toyota sold over 19,000 4Runners in 2009, it is by no means a rare car, meaning there are a variety of parts available, both genuine Toyota and aftermarket upgrades. These upgrades can make the 4Runner even better suited to its owner, whether they want to implement upgraded Toyota parts or use aftermarket parts to make the vehicle even more apt for off-roading. A couple of basic upgrades such as a lift-kit, mud tires, underbody protection, and bullbar, and you have yourself a very competent 4WD that won't let you down. Additionally, if it's the dated Sat-Nav and music player that bothers you, there are a variety of aftermarket upgrades that can provide more technologically advanced infotainment systems.
Pricing, Availability, And Things To Consider
So with all of these things that the 2009 Toyota 4Runner has to offer, how much does one cost today?
With any used car, the price is heavily dependent on condition, mileage, feature set (be it factory or aftermarket) and the seller's understanding of a good price. However, a quick browse through online used car retailers shows that the prices range between $10,000 for a 2009 Toyota 4Runner with around 200,000 miles on the odometer to around $22,000 for one with the Sport or Limited trim and below 100,000 miles on the odometer. Admittedly, the majority of these cars are below $15,000 but do have a lot of miles in them.
All in all, the 2009 Toyota 4Runner can be a very good option for those looking for an affordable SUV or for those looking for a cheap but reliable platform to build a 4WD-ing beast.
Sources: HotCars, KelleyBlueBook, CarsUSNews, Cars.com, Edmunds and GoodCarBadCar