Unlike magazines where cars are purchased or provided for the staff, our staff saves up money, shops carefully, and makes decisions that we're invested in - just like you do. When someone at Alot buys a new car, we check in with them about how it's going, what drove their decisions, and how happy they are with their purchase. Then we keep checking in, over time, to see how well the car has aged for them.
The Car
2015 Toyota 4Runner
The Reviewer
Jeri Carter, Campaign Manager
Why did you buy the car?
I wanted to upgrade from my compact car, a Toyota Corolla, to an SUV so I would have more space and be able to carry more.
What did you pay?
MSRP $34,800 Purchase price $31,200
Any major options or upgrades?
I chose the two wheel drive model with standard options. The 4 wheel drive model was more expensive, got worse gas mileage, and living in the South, it was not needed. I added the remote start and a 10 year extended warranty since I intend to keep the car for 10 years like my last one.
Current Miles Driven/Time Owned?
12,650 miles / 24 months
What gas mileage are you getting?
EPA Estimate: City 20 MPG/ Hwy 27 MPG
Actual Mileage: 16.9 combined
How Do You Use the Car?
For everything. Commuting, moving furniture, shopping and pretty much anything I can think of. I haven't used the hitch yet but I am sure I will come up with a reason soon.
Any problems so far?
During the first road trip there was a crackle in the radio anytime we tried to listen to music. I took it in to the dealership. It took a couple of tries to duplicate it, but once we did, they were able to replace the entire sound system under warranty.
What do you like about the car?
I love that I sit up so much higher than I did in the Corolla. There is so much space, it feels like I can fit almost anything in it.
What don’t you like?
Since the vehicle sits up high, you can feel the high winds on the interstate. It is also a little more difficult to park. Gas mileage is not great.
If you could go back and do it over knowing what you know now, how likely would you be to buy the car again?
When I purchased the vehicle, I lived only a short distance from work, since then, the company has moved and I have a 75 mile round trip. While I love my 4Runner, I would have probably waited to buy the 4Runner and driven the Corolla longer. The commute can get pretty costly when you have to get gas two or three times a week. Luckily I carpool most of the time, so it helps considerably with keeping down the mileage and cost.