Would you still buy a 4Runner if you plan to never offroad?

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BHH

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The title should read "Would you still buy a 4Runner if you plan to NEVER offroad?" sorry for the mistake.

Just trying to do some comparisons here. I love the 4Runner reputation but the more I read the more discouraged I get. I hear lots of complaints about the metal used. I have never heard of any other cars hood flexing under normal highway driving. Are the breaks really as bad as some people say?

I want the most durable SUV in the price range (Limited). I originally thought that the 4Runner held this spot but get concerned reading reviews of people who owned the previous models and say this feels like a downgrade.

For the same price I can get a Mercedes GLK fully loaded, a Jeep GC Overland, and several other luxury SUVs that I had assumed would not be as reliable and built as well as the 4Runner but now I am starting to question if that is really factual.

So basically I guess what I am asking is if you never plan on taking it off the beaten path is it really an advantage to own cost wise over similarly priced SUVs with much more bells and whistles?
 
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BHH said:
The title should read "Would you still buy a 4Runner if you plan to NEVER offroad?" sorry for the mistake.

Just trying to do some comparisons here. I love the 4Runner reputation but the more I read the more discouraged I get. I hear lots of complaints about the metal used. I have never heard of any other cars hood flexing under normal highway driving. Are the breaks really as bad as some people say?

I want the most durable SUV in the price range (Limited). I originally thought that the 4Runner held this spot but get concerned reading reviews of people who owned the previous models and say this feels like a downgrade.

For the same price I can get a Mercedes GLK fully loaded, a Jeep GC Overland, and several other luxury SUVs that I had assumed would not be as reliable and built as well as the 4Runner but now I am starting to question if that is really factual.

So basically I guess what I am asking is if you never plan on taking it off the beaten path is it really an advantage to own cost wise over similarly priced SUVs with much more bells and whistles?
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--Jeep will never last as long without problems IMHO.
--Mercedes will cost three times as much to fix when it breaks and service it.
--4runners are way cooler than those other cars!
--Do you have a dog? If so, ask him if he would like hanging his head out the back window...we all know what the answer is! That feature is probably one of my favorites!
--4runner could have some issues, like the hood, but mine doesn't do that...so I would look into these things further. Remember that if you go to any of these forums, you will always find complaints about "issues", so I would suggest visiting the other forums too and see what issues had come up after the generation changes on those vehicles to give you some perspective.
--I came from owning a very nice loaded Audi to this truck, and I am really not missing the little things the Audi had (that the T4R does not). Things like seat memory buttons, power telescoping steering wheel, better trip computer, Xenon HID headlights, etc. I just don't think that stuff matters as much as feeling proud of your ride and knowing that it is affordable to own and will last a long time! These trucks are practical AND cool!

Good luck! Hope you jump on the T4R train!
 
Thanks for your input Snooperstyle. I too am moving from an Audi, the A4. The one thing I will miss is the Xenon lights that is for sure. I have been poking around other forums and edmunds for my research. My A4 is a '03 and at this point car payments will be cheaper than keeping it on the road, ,I don't want another "investment" that will go down that same road.

It is funny you mention the rear window, that is a huge draw for me, and I am sure my dog would love it too.

I am only 30 but I still remember when cars were mostly metal haha. I wish that quality and build took more presidence than style and whistles.
 
BHH said:
Thanks for your input Snooperstyle. I too am moving from an Audi, the A4. The one thing I will miss is the Xenon lights that is for sure. I have been poking around other forums and edmunds for my research. My A4 is a '03 and at this point car payments will be cheaper than keeping it on the road, ,I don't want another "investment" that will go down that same road.

It is funny you mention the rear window, that is a huge draw for me, and I am sure my dog would love it too.

I am only 30 but I still remember when cars were mostly metal haha. I wish that quality and build took more presidence than style and whistles.
Click to expand...

Yeah...they just don't make 'em like they used to! I am just glad I have tons of cup holders now!
 
Well, it depends...I've owned a myriad of SUVs and trucks because of my hobbies (boating, fishing, camping, etc.). But, most of my use is on the road for work (to and from the office, taking clients out, etc.).

It really depends on what you want. This is my first 4runner. After about 3 weeks, I can say this is the best vehicle I've owned from a quality standpoint. It is tight as a vault.

My Dad just took delivery of a fully loaded BMW X5 Diesel. It's about the same size. But, I think mine has more room. But, his is a way better road machine. Also...it is incredibly refined. But, he paid more than double what i paid for mine.

The T4R is a very capable daily road vehicle. But, it is not a crossover, car based platform. If you want car like handling, look elsewhere. For me, the T4R the perfect blend of road, off road and utility.
 
I won't do alot of off-roading in my 4Runner (when I get it). I'm an outdoors guys so biking, kayaking, light trails, camping, exploring etc. I am buying it for the functionality, dependability that Toyota is known for and relatively cheap maintenance/repair costs. It may not have all the bells and whistles like the new Explorer, JGC etc. but that keeps the cost down as well. I want a vehicle that will fill all my needs and last 10+ years, I think the 4Runner fits the bill perfectly.
 
Dispense said:
I won't do alot of off-roading in my 4Runner (when I get it). I'm an outdoors guys so biking, kayaking, light trails, camping, exploring etc. I am buying it for the functionality, dependability that Toyota is known for and relatively cheap maintenance/repair costs. It may not have all the bells and whistles like the new Explorer, JGC etc. but that keeps the cost down as well. I want a vehicle that will fill all my needs and last 10+ years, I think the 4Runner fits the bill perfectly.
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Ditto, That sounds like a plan my friend.
 
I've had my Runner doing decent off-road already (no rock climbing) and everything it can do shows me that this is the truck I want to trust my safety to in a Canadian winter.


snooperstyle said:
I just don't think that stuff matters as much as feeling proud of your ride and knowing that it is affordable to own and will last a long time! These trucks are practical AND cool!
Click to expand...

Agree 100%. I still can't pinpoint it, but I glow when I ride around in my baby. The dude in a BMW crossover may feel he's riding like king ****, but I know I'm king ****! LOL. I just hope maintaining the 4Runner doesn't cost me too much more than my CR-V.
 
My opinion

Toyota makes the best SUV's. I had been driving American since I started, so about 4 years. My newly aquired 2000 4Runner is THE SH!T. And it's only a 2x4, whereas my Bronco II and Silverado were both 4x4. I'd still take the 4runner over either of those vehicles.

I had so much confidence in the Yota that I traded my 2002 Silverado 4x4 (110,000 miles) for a 2x4 4runner (170,000 miles)

You can tell it's a quality vehicle as soon as you hop in.
 
BHH said:
So basically I guess what I am asking is if you never plan on taking it off the beaten path is it really an advantage to own cost wise over similarly priced SUVs with much more bells and whistles?
Click to expand...
If I was NEVER going to take it offroad? I would probably not buy any SUV, much less a 4Runner. There are just too many other options that perform better, are better appointed, and get better mileage than a big SUV.

Unless you absolutely need 3rd row seating, crossovers like the Ford Edge w/AWD are a better choice.
 
Nope. I also agree that there are too many other options for on pavement. I bought my 4runner because I wanted to get out on trails and into the outdoors again. If I didn't go off road the 4runner would be gone quick. That being said I have 15K on my 4runner and it has been a great vehicle for it's intended purpose.
 
BHH said:
The title should read "Would you still buy a 4Runner if you plan to NEVER offroad?"

.
Click to expand...

Yes. I never offroad, but I like driving an SUV. I like the space, I like the driving position, I like the look, I want 4WD, I want a frame, I want to able to tow s h i t e if I wanna. I'd buy this truck again in a minute.

I wish I NEEDED a Sequoia!
 
BHH said:
The title should read "Would you still buy a 4Runner if you plan to NEVER offroad?" sorry for the mistake.
Click to expand...
No. My '03 4Runner rides pretty well, for a truck. It handles pretty well, for a truck. It stops pretty well, for a truck. But I'll never mistake it for anything other than a body-on-frame, solid rear axle truck.

If you don't need an SUV, consider a cross-over or, better yet, a station wagon. A station wagon will ride better, handle better, stop better, and get better mileage.
 
I think it's better to clarify off the beaten path. I wouldn't take anything over a 4Runner for the roads we have in Nova Scotia. Some people enjoy their cars, but my Runner takes potholes like a champ. Plus, given the right winter weather everything is off-road up here.
 
Maritimer said:
I think it's better to clarify off the beaten path. I wouldn't take anything over a 4Runner for the roads we have in Nova Scotia. Some people enjoy their cars, but my Runner takes potholes like a champ. Plus, given the right winter weather everything is off-road up here.
Click to expand...

You know any trails around HRM?
 
BHH said:
You know any trails around HRM?
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Not really. I just beat up the gravel roads out in the country up in northern Nova Scotia.

Two places worth going to that you can't take a car to, though, are way out on the Minudie marshes up near Joggins and down to Fort Folly Point near Memramcook. I just love going a little farther than the normal person usually goes, and my Runner takes me there. I don't rock crawl, but I bet there must be some in HRM, what with all the rock down that way.
 
I would never drive any off road capable vehicle if it was solely for the street since there's too many other choices that are better just for street use but my wife on the other hand has been eyeing later 4th gens to replace her focus but she also drove a new Ford Edge which definetly was more suited just for the street so right now it's up in the air. If she gets the edge than maybe next year we can look at a 5th gen TE that will most definetly see off road action.
 
BHH said:
The title should read "Would you still buy a 4Runner if you plan to NEVER offroad?" sorry for the mistake.
Click to expand...

Yes I would. To be honest I didn't look at 4Runner seriously at first, but when I test drove T4R (just in case, since I was in dealership anyway) completely taken by feeling I got driving 4Runner. Can't really describe it but 4Runner comparing to other vehicles I tried felt very solid and powerful but at the same time real easy to handle.
 
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