I don't think any newer cars are really well made anymore. that includes toyota. the older f150s v8 were indestructible. with turbos, cylinder management, and plastic crap parts all to meet environmental standards / earn grant money (it's really sad to see the 4runner go the same route after going strong so long as body on frame, NA v6, built in Japan) that is going to be the result. what's worse is prices keep going up. I'm all for conserving the planet and cleaner technology but in reality the consumers bear a significant brunt of all the costs (higher gas prices and more expensive vehicles, electric vehicles still aren't affordable and not enough charging locations).

I have a 2012 4runner with 165k miles and a 2010 rx350 with only 115k miles. the rx is a garage queen, in near perfect condition and doesn't really get driven at all. I won't sell it. it's been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned with not a single non-wear and tear maintenance item in over 14 years (of being in the canada winter/road salt climate). the 4runner is not far behind but there has been the odd repair here and there, but nothing significant -granted it does have more miles (and some trail / battle scars) on it

Plan C isn't too bad. I'd maybe suggest looking at TRD ORP's rather than PRO's, used PROs hold value much more stubbornly than ORPs, and don't have much extra to show for it. Far more ORPs are built as well, lots of selection.

The new 6th gen 4Runner is still body on frame (and likely more resistant to rotting out this time...), and still built in Japan. The only one of those three points that seems to be correct is the N/A V6 bit. If you can't trust a well-designed 4 cylinder engine, there's nothing wrong with that, but others can, and you will be restricted to the Nissan Frontier, or the used market.

I'm pretty sure the sky isn't falling. I don't think we're entering a new age of Tacomas and 4Runners being unreliable. I bet a lot of people saw the more modern 4th gen 4Runner, with all its extra complication, and thought "oh man the 3rd gen will be the last reliable 4Runner".... and then the 4th gen proved as or MORE reliable, with significantly less problem points and costly maintenance.

Full disclosure, id opt for a full TRD Pro to basically go FULL TILT Upgrade at that point. Ive got nothing against an OR...i would just want every ounce of upgrade i could get at that point, including the upgraded or overhyped suspension as well. Not to mention the cosmetics of getting a PRO as well.

but again, ALL of this dreaming is predicated on my brilliant high schooler earning some sort of scholarship as to keep me from shelling out monthly allotments of tuition payments the way his older sister had me perform...

and if i have to pay for him too...then my current 4Runner might still be my chariot of choice.

Plan B looks wonderful if you can find a pristine 200-series.