As our daughter grows and our family dreams of weekend getaways and cross-state road trips, we realized it was time to rethink our car situation. We were driving a 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line that ran well and gave us no issues, but we started to question its long-term reliability especially when it came to the transmission.
I told my husband I’d only consider switching to something known for dependability. That narrowed our options down to two solid choices: Toyota or Honda.
The Search for a Family-Friendly SUV
After a bit of browsing, my husband came across a 2021 Toyota 4Runner, a model I hadn’t considered before but quickly started noticing everywhere. It’s not always easy to find one with third-row seating, but this one had it, and it looked like the perfect match for our family.
We headed to AutoNation on a Sunday) Memorial Weekend) to check it out and were helped by a salesperson named Tiger. The car was in great condition, super clean inside, and surprisingly spacious even with our daughter’s car seat installed. The test drive was smooth, and I could tell my husband was sold. After asking a few questions and reviewing some loan options, we agreed on terms and came back later that afternoon to sign the paperwork.
A Quick & Easy Financing Process
The finance part was handled by Eric, who was fantastic. He explained everything clearly and even gave our baby something to color with while we worked through the paperwork. The calm music playing in his office was a nice touch, and the overall vibe made the process feel much less stressful. Our daughter even gave him a high-five at the end!)
A Small Hiccup: The Second Key
After the sale, we were told to expect a second key after the holiday. That’s where things got a bit bumpy. Communication around the key was delayed, and after some back-and-forth, we learned the dealership didn’t have one. Eventually, they offered to provide one at no cost, which was appreciated.
My husband brought the car in to get the new key made, but it turned out the key could only unlock the doors and it couldn’t start the engine. Thankfully, they arranged for a locksmith to come to our house the next day, and within 10 minutes, we had a fully functioning spare key. Not ideal timing-wise, but they did make it right.
Would We Recommend the 4Runner?
Absolutely. The 4Runner checks all our boxes: reliable, roomy, safe, and perfect for road trips with a toddler. We’re already planning a few weekend adventures and feel great about our decision.
If you’re in the market for a family-friendly SUV, I’d definitely recommend test-driving a Toyota 4Runner. And if you’re buying from a dealership, double-check that second key before signing anything!