I'm 78 and shopping for a 2024 4-Runner
 

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.

I'm 76 with a 4th gen 4Runner, go for it, 2024 4Runner, or Lexus GX!

This thread makes me feel great! At 63, I'm the kid in this group. I just bought a 2019 TRD Off-Road w/10.5K miles 1 year ago. I hope for it to be my last vehicle. I think you are spot on with the off-road. I also lusted after the GX for a bit but they require premium fuel and get lesser mpg and I thought I would get tired of that. But those V8's are really nice. Bonus on the 2019 I also didn't get the safety stuff which is not my cup of tea.

Thanks again for the replies, I think I'm thinking just like you and my reasons for a new 4 Runner are the same. The dealers around me are discounting the new 4 Runners around $2500 to $3100 off the list price, which I think is pretty good from what it has been. Most of the Toyota dealers here in Ft. Worth, Texas have around 20 on their lots for sale and I would say there are not selling too well at this time. My biggest problem is it's just too cold to look around at vehicles, it's 22 degrees this morning at the top today will be 37 degrees, too cold for this old guy to be outside when I don't have to be. Thanks again.

I have an off road premium with KDSS. It makes a big difference with on-road handling. I recommend that option.

I purchase a new Toyota 4-Runner TRD Off Road Premium yesterday. Something to add to my Bucket List, now on to the next item on the list.

Very cool!

Enjoy!
I recently retired so I'm bucket iisting too. Right now it's mostly physical things. While I still can. Ha!

Congratz! One item checked off and onto the next one...

I'm 79 and have a 2020 TRD Off Road Premium that I bought new in 2020. Like you, this will probably be my last vehicle purchase unless an accident happens.

I'd go for it.