I'm looking to probably buying my last new vehicle, at 78 and only driving some 3000/6000 miles per year I think this is what I want for myself. I drove one yesterday at the dealership and it was the TRD Off Road model and equipped with the option with the more off road tires and wheels and other options, not sure what that option is called, but I do want it on any 4-Runner I would buy. See I'm still young at heart and have pretty much had 4-wheel drive vehicles all my life, Jeep Wranglers, Ram 4x4's, etc. Now I will say I probably won't be doing any 4-wheeling with this vehicle, but I do like the look of the TRD models, over the SR5, Sport, and Limited models, you know looks are 99% of happiness. My thinking on this for the TRD Off Road model is, the way it is equipped for 4 wheel drive use is that it would be worth more on down the line, like a Jeep Rubicon, or a 4 wheel drive pickup. Now my last question is, I think the 2024 model will probably be a better choice over the 2025 new model with a 4 cylinder and Turbo engine and not have to deal with more expensive repairs in years on down line as the conventional 4.0 engine has proven itself for sure. So am I thinking right on this, or is there something I'm missing, Thanks for your responses, this is my first post.

If you want guaranteed reliability and do not care about acceleration or having the newest electronic gadgets, then go with the 2024. You will, likely, never have a problem with it.

Now, two caveats. I dont know you, so please dont take offense.
4 Runners are higher off the ground than a lot of cars so make sure you can get in and out ok.
They are not the best riding vehicles out there and can prove more difficult to drive (source: my 76 year old mother driving my former 4R all the time).

I also think the ABS system is very poorly implemented on the verge of being dangerous.

Thanks for the reply, yes I can handle the height of the vehicle, remember I do own a Jeep Wrangler and a Ram 1500 4x4. I did test drive one yesterday and I thought the ride was fine. plus being 6'1" I thought the seat comfort was ok and the leg room was way more then I needed. At 78 I don't need anymore electronics then AppleCarPlay which handles all my needs. I was actually more pleased then I thought I would be, even the wife liked it and
she drives a Lexus RX350. Thanks again.

Between my wife and I we've had several Wranglers. We have also had several 4Runners. My wife and I prefer the 4Runner. I'm 77.
Go for it!

I'm 77 myself and got my first 4Runner recently.

I also think you need to get the 2024 model...you don't want to be a beta-tester for a new engine/drivetrain. Yes, Toyotas are known for their reliability but after reading about all the problems with the new Tundra (which just came out with a turbocharged engine) - stay with what's tried and true.

You said you won't be using the 4Runner off-road but you want to get a TRD Off-road model. Just be aware that you need to "exercise" the 4wd parts occasionally or they may not work when you really need them. Go off on a dirt road somewhere and pull the lever into 4wd to engage the front axle disconnect. Put it in 4wd low range and engage the rear axle locker (it won't work in 4wd hi range). Do that every month or so to keep everything freed up.

I would go for it. You only live...............Twice? However, I would look at a GX instead. It's a LOT MORE CAR for what you intend. It's more comfy, more luxurious, better ride, better seating position and so much more. It's just uglier. The operating economics are about the same as well.

Can you go into more detail about your experiences with Jeeps vs 4Runners? I almost bought a 2022 Rubicon because of its front locker and solid axle. I LOVE my 4Runner, but dang do I wish it had a D44 up front.

We had a couple of Wrangler Sports. The Wife had a 2 door Rubi. It was amazing at crawling around. Better approach, departure and breakover as well. Great maneuverability. Not a fair comparison to a T4R stock for stock.

However, based on a couple of TLCA Cruise Moabs, the Toyotas are really good too. Great instructors helped us to realize our vehicles capabilities were a lot better than our level of skill. IOW, don’t blame the tool for my lack of expertise in reading terrain and execution.

We test drove new 2022 and 2023 Wranglers. To us, our old, quite capable, 4R Off Road model, was still much more comfortable and livable. Getting to a playground a day’s drive away and getting back, as well as use as a daily driver, in comfort is important to us seniors.

If you actually play in very difficult terrain where you need a front locker on a regular basis, I’d get the Heep and ENJOY!

I by this you mean it's resale value down the line, then I believe all 4WD models tend to have higher resale value.

Yes, turbo engines tend to have more problems down the line then their conventional counterparts.

My husband and I are both 63, and last year we had the exact same thoughts as you. Fearing the new generation would come out for 2024, we purchased the 2023 model Off Road Premium at a time when dealer lots were still empty here in Hawaii. We had to purchase from another island and have it shipped to our island just to get one.

Because of the limited inventory, we took the options they had available.

KDSS (not popular here because it is more complicated to lift, but we weren't planning to lift it). People said we'd like the KDSS ride and we do.

Moonroof, which I've never owned and didn't want the possible problem that might be associated with a moonroof. I have since found out that it is a feature I love! It makes the interior of the car brighter and more cheerful with a push of a button or just sliding back the sunshade. And when it rains it is just as easy to close. Another unanticipated moonroof perk is that it makes wildlife photography easier, because it is easy to park and take a photo without getting out of the car. Animals don't seem to mind cars, but will run when you get out of the vehicle.

I like the additional cameras that the Off Road Premium package added, like 360-degree overhead view, and curb view.

Running boards: At 5'3" and with guests and grandchildren occasionally riding with me, I love the running boards.

I really love all the safety features that come with a Toyota.

Coming from an xTerra Pro (which we loved and would still be driving if someone hadn't turned in front of us on the highway and totaled the xTerra), we wanted the 4-wheel drive and the electronic rear lockers on the 4Runner Off Road Premium. We wanted a vehicle that could take us anywhere we wanted to go on the island and the Toyota 4Runner Off Road was the most like our Nissan xTerra Pro in that respect. Plus it had additional bells and whistles and safety features that weren't available when we bought our xTerra.

Our 4Runner has ended up a luxurious pavement princess though. If we're going OFF ROAD, we take my husband's Ford Bronco, because it has 11.5 inches of clearance, even though it means I need a stepstool to get into the Bronco without throwing out my shoulder; even though the Bronco is noisier than the 4Runner; even though the Bronco’s ride isn't as comfortable as the 4Runner, even though the Bronco is windshield rock magnet, and even though the Bronco is always dirtier.

I think you'll love the Toyota 4Runner Premium. I do. Since you don't drive that many miles per year, you won't mind that the gas mileage isn't great.

I agree with the person who said, if you don't plan to use the 4-wheel drive features, make sure you use them occasionally to keep them working properly.

Hope that helps.

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I only ever buy used vehicles, so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but I'd go for the 2024 over the 2025. With how many things are usually changed with new generations, who knows what problems could arise. I have a 4th gen and there's differences in the problems between the 03-05 models versus the later 06-09 models because Toyota was able to go in and refine those issues.

Purchased a 2024 TRD Off Road Premium in December, my 4th 4Runner and second 5th gen. I'd like to think at 77 years old this will be my last purchase, but who knows. I also own a 2022 GX460 with 3,400 miles on it. Looking to the future I might keep one or the other, or both, or new Land Cruiser or GX550. I hear people are easily living into their 90's these days. I say buy that new 4Runner but don't rule out upgrading in the future. I hear 77 is the new 55.

I've been seriously thinking about trading in both my cars for the new GX550

As others in this thread have already mentioned, we only go around once. Enjoy life every day and don’t look back.

I’m also recently retired, and one of my bucket lists items was to purchase a BIFL vehicle. The decision was an easy one given that I’ve been lurking in this forum for many, many years thinking about and learning about the 4Runner from all of the great people on this forum.

Thank you for helping me purchase my 2024 4Runner Limited.

Now, if someone could recommend a good Toyota service department in the upstate New York region, I’d really appreciate it. I’ve got an oil change due soon. ;-)

I just turned 70 this year and there are a lot of things I used to do that I can't do any longer but one thing I can still do is drive. I've ended up being the taxi driver for my slightly older girl friend, which I don't really mine because it's quality time we spend together. We are both too independent minded to live together. Anyway, last weekend after a lot of research and looking I bought my first 4 Runner, a 2018 SR5 with 109,000 miles. It looks and drives like a new one. I know it's not one of the fancy ones but for now it suits me. I traded in my Camry for it and will sell my 2008 Tundra with 95k miles and pay off the balance. I think if I really get to liking 4 Runner life I may trade it in later on a newer fancy model. I only plan to do highway and around town driving with it so maybe it will ok for what I want. I can't hunt any longer so I really have no reason to drive in the woods. I am planning my first road trip in a couple of weeks, Sparta, Georgia to Tulsa, Ok to go to the big gun show.

And I'm new here, this is my first post.