Inman Power Wheels: Discover the Ultimate Real Estate Ride

Welcome to the Inman Power Wheels bracket, where your votes decide which car reigns supreme for real estate agents on the go. In weekly rounds, we'll pit top vehicles against each other in a head-to-head battle, with the winners zooming forward until we crown the ultimate ride for real estate pros in September. From luxe to value models, SUVs to Sunbelt-market convertibles, vote for your favorites.

Elevate Your Real Estate Journey with the Perfect Ride

Toyota 4Runner: Rugged Reliability for the Adventurous Agent

The Toyota 4Runner is the ultimate blend of rugged performance and everyday comfort, making it an exceptional choice for real estate professionals. With a range of trims tailored to diverse needs, from basic off-road capability to luxury-driven features, the 4Runner delivers reliable power, enhanced safety, and advanced technology. Whether navigating rough terrains or cruising through the city, this SUV ensures a smooth and confident ride.The 4Runner's recent facelift has brought it even closer to its Tacoma pickup truck sibling, sharing the same platform and much of the styling. This makes it an ideal vehicle for farm and land agents, or anyone working in mountainous areas or markets where all-terrain driving is a common occurrence. The enhanced safety and convenience of an SUV like the 4Runner are invaluable in these scenarios.With ample cargo space, the 4Runner is perfect for agents who live out of their cars and need to haul staging items and signage at a moment's notice. The optional third-row seating also allows you to transport a crowd to showings or broker caravans. Connectivity features, such as the Toyota digital key system and wireless smartphone charging, further enhance the 4Runner's appeal for on-the-go professionals.Crystal Archer of Nebraska Realty is a loyal 4Runner owner, currently on her second model and the fourth Toyota in her family. She praises the 4Runner's tougher SUV look compared to other similar-sized vehicles, as well as its overall cost-effectiveness when purchasing new. Dependability and low cost of ownership are the key factors that keep her committed to the Toyota brand.The 4Runner has consistently dominated its brackets throughout the Inman Power Wheels competition, showcasing its ability to handle any job you can throw at it. With its blend of Japanese reliability, size, and toughness, the 4Runner stands out as a formidable contender for the ultimate real estate ride.

BMW 5-Series: Luxury, Performance, and Practicality for the Discerning Agent

The BMW 5-Series is a remarkable blend of speed, fuel efficiency, and luxury, making it an ideal choice for agents who seek performance without sacrificing comfort. Available in three core trims – the 530i, 530i xDrive, and 540i xDrive – the 5-Series offers a range of performance options, each delivering impressive acceleration, cutting-edge technology, and a host of luxury features designed to elevate the driving experience.Inside the 5-Series, you'll find sophisticated styling, featuring perforated Veganza upholstery or vegan leather, dark oak trim, a two-way power moonroof, heated front seats, ambient lighting, and, in the top-of-the-line 540i xDrive, enhanced seat comfort with upgraded leather and ventilated seats.According to Willie Matthewson of Casey BMW in Newport News, Virginia, the 5-Series' hands-free liftgate adds practicality for real estate professionals who need convenience on the go. "If you have a bunch of your real estate signs in your hand and you want to put them in the truck, just wave and the trunk opens," he said. Matthewson also highlighted the BMW's heated seats and onboard navigation system as desirable features for agents.Safety is a crucial consideration for real estate professionals, and the 5-Series delivers on that front as well. "They come with all-wheel drive as well," Matthewson noted. "If the weather's a little rough, or you have to go out in the snow, you have a car that can still get you where you need to go, no matter what the elements are. It even has all the top safety features, so you can rest assured that you are in safe hands."However, the luxury look of the BMW 5-Series comes with a luxury price tag. Southern California agent Garry Eberhardt of Oxnard Harbor Homes shared his experience, stating, "The car itself looks nice, but after owning this car, I would never purchase another BMW. I would only consider leasing a BMW because of how expensive maintenance is at around the 50,000- to 60,000-mile mark. [Based on] the true cost of maintenance, you would think that you own a Lambo."Eberhardt's final verdict? "Nobody really cares what car you drive in real estate, so buy a Camry and put that maintenance money that you save into your marketing."As we've narrowed down the Inman Power Wheels bracket to the final two contenders, it's time to decide which of these vehicles will reign supreme as the ultimate ride for real estate professionals.