Do what you need to do ....but it would be cheaper to dump the fiancee.

 

I agree with Gadgetjq. However what makes you think 2,3,4 won't happen again? LOL

 

If you can afford it and you're not happy with the car, then it probably is a good idea to get something else. Going from a sedan to full-size SUV is a big switch, though. I am in a similar situation but for different reasons. I need a bit more space. Otherwise, I really like my Avy. It's been reliable after 50k miles, quiet, and right now I am averaging 40 mpg (hybrid version). I'm having a hard time letting go...but I do enjoy looking for my next ride. >

 

Go for it. I do not think you will regret it. I have both. Bought the 2014 4Runner first as I needed a good dependable vehicle with towing capability and decent ride. Plus I love the new style of the 4Runners. I guess it would be called a full size SUV but it is not as oversized as the Lincoln or Expedition or Yukon. It easily fits between the lines in most parking areas where the other giant size SUV fit between the lines but are prone to being hit by neighbor car doors due to them taking up so much of the space between the lines.
4Runner rides great, and does have more storage / hauling capacity than the Avalon. Plus you sit up higher. What you'll give up is accelleration. 4Runner is heavier and not near as peppy as the avalon.
I've only had my 2013 Avalon since last October but just this past weekend I was disappointed to find out the rear seats do not fold down for hauling long items. I sure do not need that feature often but due to an unexpected purchase by my wife that fold down option sure would have been nice. My 4Runner rear seats have been folded down for the past couple months as I use it more in that mode than to haul exta people.
Good luck and happy shopping.

 

You say Toyota is giving you the run around so why in the hell consider another Toyota???You think they will have a change in heart because you have a 4 Runner?

 

Maybe you are right? I just like their reliability but perhaps I should consider other brands than Toyota and Land Rover?

Don't forget to add in 25% extra fuel cost. Then hope you don't get a 4runner that develops the dreaded dash rattle.

Good point its 21/31 vs 17/21, so in the city not much difference on the highway a good amount of difference.

I rented a 2016 4Runner and drove it 400 miles over 3 days. Did not like the stiff ride, (although the 2013-15 Avalons ride like trucks too) or the rear axle whine at highway speeds and the sheer bulk of the vehicle. What I like are the 2016-17 Avalons with 17" wheels and tires because they have an absorbent and cushy ride (though not floaty) and the seat comfort, while still not outstanding, seems to be improved over the 2013-2015 models.

I was considering a 4Runner TRD Pro which I have been told has a soft ride -- apparently you can't test drive them. The dealer increased the cost from 40.7k to 48.7k so I am reconsidering...

As an afterthought, have you considered the Highlander? I've owned 2 and regret trading my 2015 for my Avalon.

The highlander does seem nice, however much of the reason for the trade is for tax considerations (MD wants to tax me the value of the car versus the price I paid minus trade in) and the highlander is not section 179 eligible (to my understanding) but the 4Runner would be so that's a fairly big difference in terms of tax implication.

 

Don't forget to add in 25% extra fuel cost. Then hope you don't get a 4runner that develops the dreaded dash rattle.

 

I rented a 2016 4Runner and drove it 400 miles over 3 days. Did not like the stiff ride, (although the 2013-15 Avalons ride like trucks too) or the rear axle whine at highway speeds and the sheer bulk of the vehicle. What I like are the 2016-17 Avalons with 17" wheels and tires because they have an absorbent and cushy ride (though not floaty) and the seat comfort, while still not outstanding, seems to be improved over the 2013-2015 models.

 

As an afterthought, have you considered the Highlander? I've owned 2 and regret trading my 2015 for my Avalon.

 

Do the new Avalons hold their value as well, or as poorly as the rest of the Toyota cars?

 

There are plenty of 2016's with 30-35K that are listed for 21-23K. I wouldn't call it well. As far as I know you can get 5K off on 2017 in stock.

 

Outside of Tacomas/Tundras/4Runners...most Toyotas drop very fast the first 2 years because they're used heavily as rental/fleet vehicles. Corollas, Camrys, Avalons, Siennas in particular are hit hard. However, year 3 and 4 depreciation drastically slows even more so than most other brands so by that point their values have leveled off and are competitive to other brands. For example, if you compare Toyota to Honda, they have very different depreciation curves during the first three years, but by the end of year 3 their overall depreciation is about the same.

 

Any car is worth a lot less now with the way the market is. The 4Runner perennially holds its value well, like most other legacy Toyota off-roaders.