5th Gen Experience...Are they still tanks?

[MyFirstRunner]

Hi, current 3rd Gen owner and thread member but probably selling my 3rd Gen soon and upgrading to a 5th Gen. Question is, depending on where our budget nets out we'll be looking for anything from 2011-2014, most likely a Limited.

I've browsed the 5th Gen thread and it's probably too soon to really tell if there are any standard issues with these trucks but just wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions/watchouts etc.

Any concerns with specific years/mileage/etc.? I keep telling my wife that 4Runners are invincible and 100K miles is just breaking it in but want to make sure I'm not blinded by my 3rd Gen beast.

Thanks! And yes, I wish I could keep my 3rd Gen and get a 5th but sadly it's unlikely.

 

[Tisoy281]

Yes, they are tanks. I have a 3rd gen that I gave to my parents, and I have a 2011 right now. I've put 60k miles on it in about 2 and a half years. No issues with it whatsoever.

 

[MyFirstRunner]

Thoughts on the difference in years?

2011 vs 2012 vs 2013? So, is a 2013 with 60K miles much better than a 2011 with 100K miles?

 

[Tisoy281]

Thoughts on the difference in years?

2011 vs 2012 vs 2013? So, is a 2013 with 60K miles much better than a 2011 with 100K miles?

Yes. Go with the one with lower mileage. I got mine with 55k miles on it. Is it certified pre-owned as well? See if you can get it certified, as well as getting them to throw in an extended 60k mile warranty. Really no difference between those 2 years at all.

 

[SlickTRD]

Thoughts on the difference in years?

2011 vs 2012 vs 2013? So, is a 2013 with 60K miles much better than a 2011 with 100K miles?

2011-2013 are pretty much the same. The 2014 models received projector headlamps, led tail lamps and slightly better interior. If you can, try and swing for a 2014.

 

[derryck]

2011-2013 are pretty much the same. The 2014 models received projector headlamps, led tail lamps and slightly better interior. If you can, try and swing for a 2014.

If OP is getting a Limited then the 14's+ also come with ventilated seats!

 

[MyFirstRunner]

Still just looking around trying to figure out the variables at this point. My point with that 2011 vs 2013 example is, if the 2013 is $4000 more, is it worth it to get the 2013? Is 40K miles worth $4000?

 

[neatoneto]

Purchased a 2011 Trail Edition with 72k a few months ago. Currently sitting on 82k and so far no problems (fingers crossed). If you research the engine used on 5th gens - 1GR-FE you will see that they are used on a lot of Toyota and Lexus vehicles so I would say the reliability is there. Only thing I am keeping an eye out for is my transmission since this is my first automatic. So far so good though. Very impressed with the 5th Gen platform and if were to do it again I would potentially get a brand new 5th gen.

 

[MyFirstRunner]

When were back-up cameras introduced?

 

[zcruiser]

Dunno, but my 2012 LE has it.

 

[zcruiser]

Lots of info here:
www.top4runners.com/runhist

 

[MyFirstRunner]

Lots of info here:
Toyota 4Runner History

That's an awesome link, thank you! I remember seeing this years ago and finding out overlooked features in my '99 SR5.

 

[zcruiser]

Also a good bit of information here:
Import Archive - 5th gen 4Runner

 

[Tisoy281]

Still just looking around trying to figure out the variables at this point. My point with that 2011 vs 2013 example is, if the 2013 is $4000 more, is it worth it to get the 2013? Is 40K miles worth $4000?

I'd pay the extra and get the one with 40k less miles. At 100k, you'll need to do the 100k maintenance, or make sure that it has already been done. It ISN'T cheap.

 

[MossJenks]

I'd pay the extra and get the one with 40k less miles. At 100k, you'll need to do the 100k maintenance, or make sure that it has already been done. It ISN'T cheap.

100k miles is is just some inspections, engine oil change, coolant flush, tire rotations and prop shaft lubrication. Rear diff fluid under heavy use. Clean the cabin air filter. And of course don't forget to inspect the floor mat!

I'm sure if you take it to a dealership (why?!?) they'd charge at least $600 for the "package deal" and $500 if you made them break everything out but we're only talking a couple hundred bucks at an independent. I always do a full fluids change on any used vehicle I buy so it makes no difference to me. I just bought my 2011 at 105k miles.

I'm counting on this one being just as durable as my previous Runners. Here in Colorado these things REALLY hold their value so getting one with 60k on the clock would have cost me probably around $10k more. Since I plan to push this out past 250k miles I certainly wasn't going to pay 50% more.

 

[Tisoy281]

100k miles is is just some inspections, engine oil change, coolant flush, tire rotations and prop shaft lubrication. Rear diff fluid under heavy use. Clean the cabin air filter. And of course don't forget to inspect the floor mat!

I'm sure if you take it to a dealership (why?!?) they'd charge at least $600 for the "package deal" and $500 if you made them break everything out but we're only talking a couple hundred bucks at an independent. I always do a full fluids change on any used vehicle I buy so it makes no difference to me. I just bought my 2011 at 105k miles.

I'm counting on this one being just as durable as my previous Runners. Here in Colorado these things REALLY hold their value so getting one with 60k on the clock would have cost me probably around $10k more. Since I plan to push this out past 250k miles I certainly wasn't going to pay 50% more.

Front and rear diff, brake fluid flush, steering fluid flush, trans fluid flush, etc.

 

[MossJenks]

Front and rear diff, brake fluid flush, steering fluid flush, trans fluid flush, etc.

I wonder if they changed that on newer models. My schedule doesn't have all of that on it (again I plan to do it anyway). I did leave out the front diff under heavy use. I was looking at the 4-cylinder section of my manual - I didn't realize a 4 cylinder was still offered!

Heck, maybe my maintenance manual is wrong? I can't find the interval for the tranny in it at all. Oh wait, there it is. 120k miles under heavy use conditions.

 

[Toyojay]

Purchased a 2011 Trail Edition with 72k a few months ago. Currently sitting on 82k and so far no problems (fingers crossed). If you research the engine used on 5th gens - 1GR-FE you will see that they are used on a lot of Toyota and Lexus vehicles so I would say the reliability is there. Only thing I am keeping an eye out for is my transmission since this is my first automatic. So far so good though. Very impressed with the 5th Gen platform and if were to do it again I would potentially get a brand new 5th gen.

The automatics are great, they are the Toyota A750E (2wd) and A750F (4x4). They are 5 speeds, and they've been in use since about 2005. They have a great track record. Made by the Aisin company, same guys who made the bulletproof AW4/A340 behind the 4.0 Jeep motor and in the 3rd gen behind the 5VZ.

The 1GR is a great motor too, OP you've got nothing to worry about. PLUS the 5th gen T4R version has the updated heads, adding dual VVTI for us. The older 1GR's only had VVTI on the intake, so its a boost in power over the older ones.

I got my 2010 4x4 with 80k in January, coming up on 90k now. They are solid trucks, with proper care it should last several hundred thousand. There's a thread in here somewhere about highest mileage 5th gens, and there were a couple over 250k.

 

[Tisoy281]

I wonder if they changed that on newer models. My schedule doesn't have all of that on it (again I plan to do it anyway). I did leave out the front diff under heavy use. I was looking at the 4-cylinder section of my manual - I didn't realize a 4 cylinder was still offered!

Heck, maybe my maintenance manual is wrong? I can't find the interval for the tranny in it at all. Oh wait, there it is. 120k miles under heavy use conditions.

When I went to the dealership, they quoted me somewhere around 1200 for everything. I tried to get them to do it for free, due to me having a rental because of the stupid airbag recall, and they wouldn't budge. I called around and got quotes, and couldn't get it anywhere under 800.

If I remember correctly, it was change engine oil, coolant, front and rear diff, transmission, flush brakes and power steering, and I know I'm forgetting a few other items. Luckily I have a bud who works at Toyota, and he was able to take it in and do it for a SUBSTANTIAL discount, as well as changing out my serpentine belt. (I was getting some squealing on acceleration, which I still get with the belt changed). He also threw in a balance, rotation and alignment.

 

[philsey]

I've browsed the 5th Gen thread and it's probably too soon to really tell if there are any standard issues with these trucks but just wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions/watchouts etc.

Too soon to tell? It's about to become 8 model-years old. And aside from superficial stuff has changed very little. I'd say, oh, easily 95% of the issues discussed here are a result of screwing with the stock vehicle.

No, no "standard issues". Aside from Bilsteins and Michelins, mine's stock, and has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

Any concerns with specific years/mileage/etc.? I keep telling my wife that 4Runners are invincible and 100K miles is just breaking it in but want to make sure I'm not blinded by my 3rd Gen beast.

My wife was encouraging me to get a new one. So I went and drove an SR5/P ... and it was nice ... afterwards I sat in it and realized it was just cleaner, shinier, smelled nicer, but that's it. Mine is still tight, no rattles, squeaks, 100% reliable, so I've decided to keep it - had the coolant flushed, brake fluid changed, calipers cleaned/lubed - GTG @ 83K.