i think the 4Runner is a very safe and wise choice for a younger driver. i have a 02 limited, and its no speed demon. its built like a tank, runs great and has given me zero problems. i cant account for the spot or sr5 models, but the traction control on my limited is idiot proof. the wheels spin, computer takes over. the vehicle stability controls are great for on-road use as well. i doubt shell be doing any hardcore off-roading to necessitate turining off the controls(you have to unplug some things in the limited to do that). you can get into trouble in almost any car at any point in time. i feel safe inside my runner, and thats the most important thing about it. good call.

 

I agree with the advice to stay away from 4WD and, if possible, pick a low center of gravity sedan rather than a truck-based platform. 4WD is great for giving better traction and letting you accelerate faster. But it doesn't help you stop any faster (all cars are 4WBraking) and encouraging better acceleration in slippery conditions is the last thing most teenage drivers need. The feeling of having some wheel spin when starting on a slippery road with 2WD is good feedback to alert the new driver that conditions aren't good and more caution is needed.

And a lower vehicle has a number of advantages for an inexperienced driver: less subject to rollover; lower seating position puts you closer to the road and gives a better sense of how fast you're going; and studies have shown that drivers of tall vehicles who can see over the car in front have a greater tendency to follow too closely as well as tending to drive faster than when placed in lower vehicles.

 

vyperfixer:

Not trying to flame you or anything, but i have to admit that things are quite different where i come from regarding teenagers driving and responsibility. Your law permits 16 year olds to get the drivers license. Your drivers license training and theory is very different, and not to mention the strong car culture you have. What i reacted to was that you told him why he shouldn't buy a 4Runner, without mentioning any alternatives for him to look for. As for the rest i agree with you, 4wd`s have a greater chance of ending bottom up in a ditch, thus being less forgiving to young unexperienced drivers

 

thank you for the great input

 

If your daughter understands constant 4WD is not a panacea for over coming poor road conditions and drives responsibly then it would be an advantage.

Unfortunately many inexperienced drivers of constant 4WD cars think they can drive faster (often much faster) on hazardous roads. The result is often trouble as they end up driving faster then the road conditions allow.

 

No i'm not like that. I own a 4runner and a tacoma and do not particularly like cars. But cars are safer for a teenager!! Maybe the teenagers where you are from are more responsible. The teenagers here in utah can not drive very well, and they all dart in and out of traffic like they are driving Indy cars. And you see it all the time suvs and trucks sitting in the ditch rolled and mangeled from pure stupidity. So done flame me, the guy was asking an opinion about what would be safer and I gave my opinion.

 

vyperfixer:

*Any* car can be a potential disaster combined with a teenager, it just takes more speed to get there. There are people (like you) who think that a teenager should have a Honda civic until their 30 years old, because it`s "safer". There are no facts to support this opinion, it all cooks down to respect and if you don't have that, *any* car can be dangerous. And lastly if a 4Runner (in your mind) is a car unfit for a teenager, then what is? (you forgot to mention any alternatives)

 

Well a 4runner is not a good choice for a first time buyer. High center of gravity+teenager who is going to be driving to fast=disaster. As for the 4wheel drive question, it does give you added traction for accelerating but other than that your at the mercy of how well the driver can control the vehicle. Common mistake that people seem to make all the time is they think since there in a 4 wheel drive vehicle they can go as fast as they want but it will not help you stop.

 

The 4runner has the ability to run both 4WD and 2WD, the turning circle is somewhat worse and fuel consumption goes up a bit compared to running it in 2WD, but leaving it in 4WD is no problem at all. From a safety standpoint 4WD doesn't give you any more safety on dry paved roads, but on wet/gravel roads and in the winter season 4WD gives you an advantage, you are much less prone getting stuck and traction is much better. Traction control is not really a safety feature, its basically there to prevent wheel spin (thus improving traction) Stability control however is a safety feature which can help you to regain control if you loose control over your car (the 2002 model have this, not sure about 2001).