Retired and Ordering 2023 would like your thoughts - Page 4 - Toyota 4Runner Forum

Charles Bronson · 09-23-2022, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hungryhawk

Yesterday I was shocked to learn my 2017 SR5 with 48,000 miles requires a new torque converter! The drivability problem started 2 weeks ago and became worse each day. Last month the 5 year 60,000 mile powertrain warranty expired. At purchase in 2017 I fortunately got the platinum service agreement which should cover P & L for “new” transmission. My dealer received Toyota approval for repair and will confirm parts and loaner availability in a couple of days.
I had hoped our 4runners would be reliable for the long term, but I am now disenchanted.
You still have the opportunity to purchase the extended service agreement-I am so glad I did!

No vehicle is perfect. There will always be rare instances of major failures amongst even the most reliable makes/brands. You have to remember, that 4Runner you have went into service in 2016. It's closing in on 7 years of service. It's not actually new.

An OEM torque converter is around $800 from Toyota. I think Toyota also has a remanufactured torque converter exchange program too with the reman being around $300. Figure $100 in fluids and shop materials and $800 in labor and the bill will be $1,500-$2,000. You could save a small bundle going to an independent Toyota shop. $1500-2000 lower than what most people purchase extended warrantied for. I'd take my chances NOT buying an extended warranty on a 4Runner. They're way too reliable.

RobS10 · 09-23-2022, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles Bronson

No vehicle is perfect. There will always be rare instances of major failures amongst even the most reliable makes/brands. You have to remember, that 4Runner you have went into service in 2016. It's closing in on 7 years of service. It's not actually new.

An OEM torque converter is around $800 from Toyota. I think Toyota also has a remanufactured torque converter exchange program too with the reman being around $300. Figure $100 in fluids and shop materials and $800 in labor and the bill will be $1,500-$2,000. You could save a small bundle going to an independent Toyota shop. $1500-2000 lower than what most people purchase extended warrantied for. I'd take my chances NOT buying an extended warranty on a 4Runner. They're way too reliable.

That was my thought, actually, that unless you have a complete transmission or engine failure, an extended warranty is probably not cost effective. We wouldn't be buying a 4Runner if there was a good chance of that happening!

BlakeA · 09-23-2022, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hungryhawk

Yesterday I was shocked to learn my 2017 SR5 with 48,000 miles requires a new torque converter! The drivability problem started 2 weeks ago and became worse each day. Last month the 5 year 60,000 mile powertrain warranty expired. At purchase in 2017 I fortunately got the platinum service agreement which should cover P & L for “new” transmission. My dealer received Toyota approval for repair and will confirm parts and loaner availability in a couple of days.
I had hoped our 4runners would be reliable for the long term, but I am now disenchanted.
You still have the opportunity to purchase the extended service agreement-I am so glad I did!

I saved up for awhile in the early 1990’s for a new Toyota pickup. I meticulously maintained it with synthetic oil, etc. However, it still threw a timing chain at 48000 miles, just out of warranty. Kinda soured me on the supposedly “bulletproof” Toyota. Bought a new Honda CRV and had so much trouble with it, I traded it in on a new 2019 4runner. It immediately had a whining differential which Toyota replaced, but it still whines. I’ve given up on trying to find the “perfect” vehicle.
I’d tend to think these are problems occurring at the “tail of the curve”, but 3 in a row is a bit disheartening.
Just remembered…I had a 1997 4runner in between a couple of those cars. Meticulously maintained, but between 120,000 and 200,000 miles, it was a litany of issues. AC compressor, fan motor, master cylinder, rear axle seal, fuel injectors, 3 or 4 dripping oil leaks, starter motor (twice), radiator.
Hoping my 5th gen has fewer issues.

Tryin2decide · 09-23-2022, 07:20 PM

I'm not retired yet, but thinking about getting a 4runner (we have ::snooze:: highlander.)

Is the only exterior styling difference between the SR5 and top TRD PRO, the black wheels?

Thnaks.

RobS10 · 09-23-2022, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tryin2decide

I'm not retired yet, but thinking about getting a 4runner (we have ::snooze:: highlander.)

Is the only exterior styling difference between the SR5 and top TRD PRO, the black wheels?

Thnaks.

The styling differences between the SR5 and Pro are the wheels (you can buy them from Toyota if you like them), but the Pro (and all TRDs) also has the faux hood scoop and the Pro gets the tubular roof rack and the exclusive colors, like Lime Rush for the '22s.
Almost forgot, as jp.vegas mentioned, the black TOYOTA grill is a Pro Only feature, but can be ordered after the fact

.

gomiami · 09-23-2022, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickeyR

Just sold 2014 Tacoma TRD OFF ROAD 4x4 (122k miles). Hope to get new 4Runner on next allocation this Friday. Will buy off allocation so i can control added extras.
I had a LIMITED on order and never set up. I am now happy about this as i really don’t want the big radio system with navigation (do not want nav at all). The X system isn’t important to me as at 74 hope to put 100k on it and normally the X system will not.
I put lots of highway miles between Texas & Florida (I-10) so ride is important.
Never impressed with factory nav and have good gps.
Must have 4x4, don’t use it but always valued it.
Looking between:
SR5 - would add leather&heater to it.
SR5 Premium
TRD OFF-ROAD
XXXXXXXXXTRD SPORT PULLED OFF RUNNING
Any thoughts please.
46 years with Toyota and sold the first 4Runners introduced. But no way would buy ANNIVERSARY model not knowing if strips are removable. Without stripes cool unit.

Edit:
9/22 Allocation hit and i now have a White (w/Sand) SR5 Premium 4x4 with a Sunroof & Safe due to arrive 9/19.
All weather mats, rear mat and roof cross bars added at dealership.
Thank all of you for the advice.
Sold my 2014 TRD OFF-ROAD 4x4 Tacoma that gave 122k very carefree miles.

Question: is it best to add to a thread like this the outcome by edit in the top or add it to the bottom of the thread?

I would probably add it where you did, on the original post. Congrats on your new ride. I was away on vacation and was not able to post prior to your decision but I would have voted SR5 Premium.

I went ORP because I do intend to take it off road on occasion.

I think passing on the Limited was a wise choice...not from a mechanical perspective but from a price point.

jp.vegas · 09-24-2022, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tryin2decide

I'm not retired yet, but thinking about getting a 4runner (we have ::snooze:: highlander.)

Is the only exterior styling difference between the SR5 and top TRD PRO, the black wheels?

Thnaks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobS10

The styling differences between the SR5 and Pro are the wheels (you can buy them from Toyota if you like them), but the Pro (and all TRDs) also has the faux hood scoop and the Pro gets the tubular roof rack and the exclusive colors, like Lime Rush for the '22s.

And the heritage grill.

DAW89446 · 09-24-2022, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedro367

People actually use their factory nav?

Yes. On trips to the city or out of state I use the guidance. Otherwise, where I live things don’t change as far as routes. It also shows a surprisingly large amount of local maintained and often unmaintained dirt roads and trails that network the region if I zoom in a level or two. I’ve used it in navigation mode to give me an idea of what time I will reach a location a long ways away if I’m meeting friends at some restaurant in another part of the state or a state away. It don’t look as nice as the aftermarket Garmin in my Subaru Outback, but they do the same job. About the only thing I don’t like about it is that it shows about half screen in home screen mode and with it being that small it’s basically useless. However, full screen is only a tap away.

IslandJim · 09-25-2022, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tryin2decide

I'm not retired yet, but thinking about getting a 4runner (we have ::snooze:: highlander.)

Is the only exterior styling difference between the SR5 and top TRD PRO, the black wheels?

Thnaks.

From whats been stated there are a few differences, the heritage grill, the wheels, and there is also about a 1.5" lift if recalled correctly.(been drinking so thats up for debate). Also KDSS is not available on the Pro. It does have a lot of the same upgrades as the Off Road, such as locking rear differential.

The Pro is nice to have and if you have unlimited funds, or a big down payment or trade -in. The trail wheels are more practical if you are rock crawlin more. Thanks to Dr. KDSS there are some nice modifications to be had if you get the Off Road and then do a suspension lift (2" or abouts).

May be a bit bias but like the Off Road version more. Congratz on the Off Road Premium purchase OP, am sure you will be happy with it.

joshelliot · 09-26-2022, 12:55 AM

I have 27k miles on my 2022 Trail Edition (aka blacked out SR5) ... I love the way it drives on the highway, it's stock and I took the rack off, so I'm sure it's different than a lifted and loaded mega overlander, but I don't understand all the posts complaining about the highway. I drive a new Range Rover at work and it's much more jarring, I think it's the huge wheels and small tires that make it feel like garbage, but it's floaty when cornering on the highway and jarring when hitting small bumps and cracks in the road in town... I think the 4runners are great!

Pedro367 · 09-26-2022, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAW89446

Yes. On trips to the city or out of state I use the guidance. Otherwise, where I live things don’t change as far as routes. It also shows a surprisingly large amount of local maintained and often unmaintained dirt roads and trails that network the region if I zoom in a level or two. I’ve used it in navigation mode to give me an idea of what time I will reach a location a long ways away if I’m meeting friends at some restaurant in another part of the state or a state away. It don’t look as nice as the aftermarket Garmin in my Subaru Outback, but they do the same job. About the only thing I don’t like about it is that it shows about half screen in home screen mode and with it being that small it’s basically useless. However, full screen is only a tap away.

Interesting. I figured everybody just used their phone/Google Maps/Carplay at this point.

DAW89446 · 09-26-2022, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedro367

Interesting. I figured everybody just used their phone/Google Maps/Carplay at this point.

Where I live traveling in any direction there is only intermittent to no phone service.

Lexington · 10-03-2022, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1jzgte

if you dont like the way the sienna looks then the 4runner will make you look pretty silly on an incline and your 5 speed roars to 3rd just to stay at 65mph... now thats embarassing

But I will still look macho! Male vanity at its best!😁

BearBio · 10-03-2022, 12:40 PM

When I retired, I bought a '68 FJ40 TLC to restore. Got it 1/2 done and realized I couldn't drive it because of some recent injuries to upper arm and 2x broken kneecap. Had bought my wife a '19 SR5 Premium=she gave that to me, and I bought her a '14 RAV4. Both were very low mileage and we paid cash for both, so as to not have car payments. Best move (re: cars!) we've ever done!

Our 4Runner does NOT have sunroof but has navigation. Never thought I'd use it but after roaming around the seedier parts of Victorville, CA at night for a couple of hours trying to find my brother's house in Apple Valley, I decided to learn how to use it. Now, I'm still learning but I LOVE it!