2012 4Runner Ltd 4WD - Should I get it ?

[rpuranik]

I agree with your points on performance and cornering etc. With that said I have owned Mercedes for last 9 yrs - honestly too many issues mainly electrical or sensor related. PLus the brake dust and noise is unbearable for me. I even switched to Euro Ceramic pads and Brembo rotors - same crap after a few 100 miles. My friend has a X5 and he too keeps complaining about non stop maintenence issues. Its not so much the money spent on repairs but the time wasted at dealership and trying to convince the SA that the issue really exists !! For every issue the Mercedes SA keeps saying - the car is performing as par specs !!

My Avalon, Sienna and RX never had these annoying issues - only did recommended maintenance and they kept running. Hoping the same from the 2012 4Runner.

 

[rpuranik]

The brake noise and dust can be remedied by changing out the AMG pads for non-hi performance pads or a different brand. AMG pad's compound grips the rotor better, but do create a lot of dust. They also "require" a spirited drive every once in a while to heat up the pads. Once they heat up, they clean spent pad dust and other particles from the pad surface. This will end the noise.

Go somewhere devoid of cops and other motorists, then accelerate to 60 or 70mpg. Then, stand on the brakes. Do that a couple times, and your break noise should be gone...for a little while. That is the downside of high performance breaks.

That being said, the 4Runner is a great vehicle. If you like a little more luxury, have you considered a MB G-Wagen?

I did that a couple of times but same issue crops up after a while. Replaced all 4 rotors and pads for $1500 - but same crap after 300 or so miles. Also, had to replace the AMG wheels and tires (1200 a pop for the wheels and 350 a pop for tires.) - still after 5-6k miles the tires start cupping and wheels got dented.

I think I'm ready for a 4Runner - rugged, reliable and long lasting.

 

[NYRunner]

I came from BMW M3 (2 of them) world and I can tell you that I will be going back to the BMW world just as soon as new one hits the show room floor in 2013. With that said, Toyota's are easy to maintain (no worry about the SA taking your merc out and destroying the rims) brake dust is minimum, almost zero brake noise.

The biggest draw back on this vehicle, is performance, audio system, headlights, lighting, lack of cornering without fealing as though you will tip over, and dipping in the front as you step on the brakes. You coming from the Merc side and me coming from the BMW side, it lacks the performance that both of those vehicles gave. If I had to do it all again, I would have test driven the BMW X5 or the BMW X5M version and then made a choice.

kiloil, by your comments I'm guessing you're driving an SR5? I came from a Maxima SE and drove that thing like the rocketship that it was, fast as hell and it handled even better than you might imagine. I say that as a preface to saying that after 35000 miles I still have to remind myself I'm in a damned full size BOF truck! When people ask the best way I can describe driving my Limited is that would be like driving my Maxima while sitting up on the roof. I get *none* of the brake dive or rocking when I stop, regardless of how hard, and the handling is surprisingly (dare I say) nimble and surprisingly responsive.

rpuranik, go for it- you'll love it!

 

[jca21]

i suggest getting bilstein 5100s all around and michelin ltx ms2's right off the batt.


try to get your dealer to swap the tires out for you and include the labor cost of swapping the shocks plus alignment.

i think you will be much happier overall if you do this from the get go.

 

[TOPDECK]

I came from BMW M3 (2 of them) world and I can tell you that I will be going back to the BMW world just as soon as new one hits the show room floor in 2013. With that said, Toyota's are easy to maintain (no worry about the SA taking your merc out and destroying the rims) brake dust is minimum, almost zero brake noise.

The biggest draw back on this vehicle, is performance, audio system, headlights, lighting, lack of cornering without fealing as though you will tip over, and dipping in the front as you step on the brakes. You coming from the Merc side and me coming from the BMW side, it lacks the performance that both of those vehicles gave. If I had to do it all again, I would have test driven the BMW X5 or the BMW X5M version and then made a choice.

This is not even close to being an apples to apples comparison. The BMW offerings are not off road vehicles. They are lifted hatchbacks. They drive like cars because they are cars. Not trucks.

The 4Runner is a Body On Frame truck. Does KDSS help? Yes, but it is still a truck.

There is nothing wrong with wanting a SUV for around town and getting groceries, but I do not think the 4Runner would be the best choice for that. Most of us around here like getting our vehicles out in the dirt, and that is why we own 4Runners.

Perhaps the best of both worlds would be a Range Rover, but you will be again plagued with maintenance issues. Or perhaps a 200 Series LC.

 

[Socalrugger]

Go for a GX, or LX instead.

Not being a Pennis but you're here because.......?

For the OP--- I had a 450hp 2011 Audi S4.... Absolutely love the 4R .... For the lil kiddies....Black limited FTW 4x4....

 

[Socalrugger]

Actually, I just like making fun of the dumb people on this forum. I'm making nearly 6 figures out of college as an undergraduate.

Umad?

Ouch.... 6 figures huh? Wow... Golf clap?

 

[kiloil]

kiloil, by your comments I'm guessing you're driving an SR5? I came from a Maxima SE and drove that thing like the rocketship that it was, fast as hell and it handled even better than you might imagine. I say that as a preface to saying that after 35000 miles I still have to remind myself I'm in a damned full size BOF truck! When people ask the best way I can describe driving my Limited is that would be like driving my Maxima while sitting up on the roof. I get *none* of the brake dive or rocking when I stop, regardless of how hard, and the handling is surprisingly (dare I say) nimble and surprisingly responsive.

rpuranik, go for it- you'll love it!

I have (2) 4Runners, 3rd generation SR5 and a 2012 Limited.

 

[jspagna1]

rpuranik, you sound like a practical person. The 4Runner I think is a good choice on your part. It sounds like you want cargo/interior space and that is what you'll get with the 4Runner as well as the reliability.
I shopped other SUV's and to be honest trucks like the BMW X5 or the MB SUV just does not give you the space especially behind the 3rd row seat. And you also won't get the reliability either.
I like you am a truck guy. If I want to drive something with a more luxury and take a fast ride, I'll take my wife's 2010 Acura TL. Otherwise I like driving my truck and I like the room it provides as well as the reliability I've had with it. As a matter of fact I still have my 97 4Runner with 166,000 miles and it still runs great. That's also what convinced me to buy another 4Runner.

 

[Curt Sauve]

If you are looking for a midsize V6 BOF SUV that will go mild off road and do light towing, you won't find a better one than a T4R LTD. It's awsome right out of the box unless you are going rock crawling. I know, i've looked at all the competition. And don't even consider an SR5 unless you plan a suspension and tire upgrade, you won't be happy.

 

[clin9383]

I agree with your points on performance and cornering etc. With that said I have owned Mercedes for last 9 yrs - honestly too many issues mainly electrical or sensor related. PLus the brake dust and noise is unbearable for me. I even switched to Euro Ceramic pads and Brembo rotors - same crap after a few 100 miles. My friend has a X5 and he too keeps complaining about non stop maintenence issues. Its not so much the money spent on repairs but the time wasted at dealership and trying to convince the SA that the issue really exists !! For every issue the Mercedes SA keeps saying - the car is performing as par specs !!

My Avalon, Sienna and RX never had these annoying issues - only did recommended maintenance and they kept running. Hoping the same from the 2012 4Runner.

Pull the trigger and join the club already!

 

[rpuranik]

Pull the trigger and join the club already!

Allright - pulled the trigger and picked up a 2012 4Runner Limited 4WD with Silver Ext & Black Int. The 4R is awesome. Wife and kids love it. Glad to be back in a true SUV.

 

[nashman69g]

Congrats...PICS please!