progress4m
Member
Agreed.
Toyota made the 4th gen an amazing value by putting it at close parity to the GX. That may be viewed as a mistake they don't wish to repeat.
100% agree!
Agreed.
Toyota made the 4th gen an amazing value by putting it at close parity to the GX. That may be viewed as a mistake they don't wish to repeat.
Not now! There is a HUGE difference after the 2010 re-design. There is also a HUGE difference between the GX470 and GX460 (including the price). The features in the GX460 are amazing. Just take the outside mirrors. They are heated, auto dimming, have turn signals, auto folding, they tilt down when in reverse; they link with the memory system and automatically adjust to each driver before getting into the car (along with the seats and steering wheel). I will be getting the wide-view monitor system that includes a camera in the side mirror (optional). They may have puddle lights, which light the outside of the vehicle as you approach the vehicle (or the running board lights may do that).
Koz
Any reason you specifically mentioned the Limited? You do realize that all 4th gen 4Runners are basically the same level of fit and finish, right? I mean, maybe you get leather seating surfaces in the Limited, but for the most part it's the same as the other two models. Still though, I wouldn't call ANY 4Runner luxurious, Limited or not. And I certainly don't think any 4Runner even approaches the GX in terms of luxury and/or material quality.
I mentioned the Limited mostly because that and the GX are the only two 120 platforms that I have driven for any significant amount of time. In my opinion the added features of the GX were not worth the extra money. In fact even if their prices were equal I might still choose the T4R simply because I prefer the looks and absolutely despise the wooden inlaid steering wheels.
That is what I was trying to say. The new generation T4R and GX are far better differentiated the their respective 4th gen models.
I would do exactly as Koz did.
I got the 4th gen over the GX470, because I hate the barn door.
But if I was replacing the 4Runner today, I would get the GX460 and live with the barn door.
I was going to make a separate thread but I figure I wouldn't bombard the forum. I have both a 4th and 5th gen and my old man has a gx470 and rx300.
Comparison: 4th Limited vs. 5th Limited vs. GX470
4th Gen
Pros:
-V8 (good for hauling and sounds great)
-great visibility when you look around
-no problems after close to 200k (other than rear air suspension)
-easy to use climate control and such (nothing fancy)
Cons:
-less features compared to 5th gen (keyless ignition, exterior lights, buttons for back window on the exterior of tailgate, keyless entry, reverse camera)
-rear leveling air suspension (I hated it)
5th Gen
Pros:
-comfy and more family oriented (3rd row seating)
-smoother drive and a bit more tame
-luxury features such as keyless entry, back up camera, and so on
-limited road noise (more quiet than 4th gen)
Cons:
-V6 is gutless (probably won't be using it to haul)
-visibility (maybe it is just me, but it seems like the 4th gen has much better visibility)
-could be a pro or con, but it seems like the exterior of the body is bigger
-20 inch rims (big rims don't really do it for me, I would rather have more tire)
GX470
Pros:
-Lexus finish and features (win)
-4.7L V8 is great (haven't hauled anything but I'm sure it will be fine)
-A LOT more sound proof (road noise can't be heard)
-suspension seems to be very cushy for a soft ride
-3rd row seating
Cons:
-Touch screen GPS/Radio/Climate control is not user friendly for my old man (I think it is fine, but I prefer buttons)
-servicing is more expensive
In conclusion, I like my 4th gen because it is well broken in and is more of my get'r'done car to get things done and the car is messy and dirty. My 5th gen is perfect when out with the family. For the average 4Runner user, chances are if they liked their 4th gen they will like their 5th gen. My only beef is that the 5th is only available with a V6. It makes noise but doesn't have the pick up like my 4th. If you have the budget go with a GX, you'll love the subtle luxury features. The 4Runner are just a conservative version of it.
my 2 cents.
Just curious, why don't you like the air suspension on the 4th Gen? I have it on mine, and it works pretty nice. I like it when I put the dirt bike on the back, I can lower the rear end down a few more inches and makes it easier to get the bike up.
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The only thing I hate about my 4th gen is how the HVAC actually works. I love the way the buttons are laid out. But the system itself, just sucks. It seems I have to spend more time, adjusting it because the cabin is fogging up, or it's too hot, or too cold etc.
I also love the V8, that engine is just excellent. it's so smooth, and just fits the truck nicely. I have almost 100k on mine, it's never been back to the shop since the day I bought it new. Will be taking it for the 100k maintenance soon though. ugh, don't want to take it in. I'm afraid they'll mess something up, and break my toy. haha.
while i let some of you worry about hair splitting (love that i sparked some of it )hahaha i'm done with the 4R as lovely as it is. it's full size suv time. landbruiser. the new one.
Well it's a bigger SUV, but yes, the ultimate SUV for me would be the LX570.
I thought you're getting a G55.