A dinosaur still roams the Earth.

[Quentin]

You are missing the point or just ignoring my other statements on purpose. Subaru had the genius idea of having a universal platform...The Impreza is the first to use this platform, again this is to save cost. Similar to engine and AWD..this is what Subaru is known for. They dont have the diversity of lineup like Toyota and their motors are tried and true which is why they have in total about 3 different engines across all models. Again you are comparing 2 completely different models that you are unfamiliar with and while they may be "similar" to you they are different vehicles. If they were that similar why would Subaru sell them? My comment on the 4runner to highlander comparison was again a generality well because they are both SUVs



But if you want to futher deter this original post than by all means...

The Impreza and Crosstrek are the same car trimmed out for different target markets... much like a 4Runner Limited and a 4Runner TRD Pro. Urbanite versus Adventurer if you will.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[engineeer]

Nope. I realize it's not a popular opinion, as evidenced by the fact that most new cars come with all the power features, automatic trans, etc.

I'm usually driving by myself so the things you mentioned aren't really an issue. I just prefer my vehicles as simple as possible. The only things I'd say are must-haves are fuel injection, air conditioning and a stereo.

I'd prefer a manual transmission as well, but despite driving alone 95% of the time, I don't think I could give up power windows and door locks.

I am trying to figure out how to retrofit the cooled seats from the Limited into my TRDPO though

 

[aelarson]

I am trying to figure out how to retrofit the cooled seats from the Limited into my TRDPO though

Make sure you do a write up if you get that to work:hungry:

 

[Throwback]

This thread....


I bought my 4Runner *because* it wasn't innovative. The manual transfer-case shifter, tall/inefficient stance and ground clearance, outdated reliable drive-train, etc. If there had been an option for no touch screen/NAV I would've gone that route as well.

 

[Matteblack]

As long as Toyota keeps making them and that they remain Body on frame, I will keep buying them. I intend to keep mine a long time, so I am relieved each year they make them because I will have to buy another at some point.

 

[sn_85]

My point is that you are getting $20k of stuff that actually moves the car and the stuff in it from A to B and $10k of niceties (comparing base price to loaded price). I'd guess that people buying 4Runners are more for spending their money on stuff that adds capability than stuff that makes their bottom less likely to sweat. It is just a function of the priorities of the buyers.

Now, as to whether or not Toyota should offer all those things, more than likely their market research says that not enough people are willing to pay for it or those that will just jump to a GX460 instead. Without knowing what the production capacity is and how the 4Runner is produced from a development and manufacturing side, it is hard to say if the numbers flesh out that they should or should not add these features. That ultimately will only be known by the product planners at TMC. Development and manufacturing is such a complex web that the craziest little things can cause something to be offered or not offered. Sometimes it is the dealer groups screaming for it, sometimes it is a supplier that can only build X number of a certain part before they have to invest in additional capacity that blows that trim or feature out of the water from a unit cost perspective. Sometimes a car or trim is offered because there is a political incentive to do so (Mirai for example).

Having been in the automotive industry for 11 years now, most decisions aren't made because the planners are idiots. They do the best with the data and cost available to them to make a product that meets the market demand while still being profitable. Honestly speaking, I don't think TMC sees a future for the 4Runner. Regulation and buyer desires are increasingly at odds with what a body on frame, real 4WD SUV does well. Hence, we will likely see one last refresh of the 5th gen before the 4Runner goes away. They can build Highlanders and RX350s on Camry platforms to share cost. They can build Rav4s and CH-Rs on the Corolla platform. The basic structure of the car is the same and that gives those vehicles a huge leg up on having a solid business case. Ford has the production capacity to build 600k F series trucks a year, so they almost need everything from a regular cab short bed F150 to a Raptor and everything in between to fully utilize their factories.

What they do with the 4Runner will be interesting. If they completely ax it, switch to unibody, or keep it old school who knows. Although I'm sure they are aware of just how popular the vehicle has become after 2014 for a couple of reasons. Sales have increased since the face-lift, the discontinuation of the FJ cruiser, decrease in gas prices, and overall better economy. So I'm hopeful this keeps a BOF 4R around.

However being outdated is not just a 4Runner thing. It's across their entire SUV and truck lineup. The 1/2 truck market is hot and right now the Tundra is the most outdated across the board. It has the worst MPG, oldest engine/transmission, poor interior quality compared to everyone else, least amount of features. The Sequoia as well is about as old as it gets. Going on 10 years now without an update. Easily outclassed by the Expedition, Tahoe, and Armada. The Land Cruiser is nice but you're also talking about an $85k SUV. I wouldn't even consider a Tundra or Sequoia at this point. IMO this is not just a 4Runner thing, it's a Toyota thing in general. Feels like they're okay with having just their dedicated fan base and relying on the reputation of quality and reliability.

 

[CO-Cygnus]

CPO is the way to go with the extended warranty. On my recent search in looking into 5th gen 4runners I am seeing that 2-3 year old models are just a hair less than a brand new one. Wondering if its worth it since they have the extended warranty.

Honestly? Buy new and get an extended warranty. 4Runners and Subarus are in the same boat. Not worth saving a mere $2000 on a car with 40,000 miles.

 

[wadle5]

Honestly? Buy new and get an extended warranty. 4Runners and Subarus are in the same boat. Not worth saving a mere $2000 on a car with 40,000 miles.

I wasn't aware you could get the warranty up that far on a new one?

 

[Throwback]

Yeah they are actually innovating the heck out of the small cheap cars. The RAV4 is very well outfitted and has a hybrid option. The Corolla is awesome for a brand new $18k 40mpg car. They have the new Corolla iM hatch back and that new weird CHR cross over hatch back too.

The trucks are absolutely dinosaurs across the board.

 

[wadle5]

Yeah they are actually innovating the heck out of the small cheap cars. The RAV4 is very well outfitted and has a hybrid option. The Corolla is awesome for a brand new $18k 40mpg car. They have the new Corolla iM hatch back and that new weird CHR cross over hatch back too.

The trucks are absolutely dinosaurs across the board.

That is the crazy part though...Rav4's are now loaded costing nearly 40k!

 

[TacoRunn0517]

I'm glad I get to drive a 2016 Dinosaur TE. And NO vehicle will get you everything you want. If there is, please let me know.

 

[CO-Cygnus]

I wasn't aware you could get the warranty up that far on a new one?

New car you get up to 8 years / 125K miles.

 

[RUNTHAT]

This thread....


I bought my 4Runner *because* it wasn't innovative. The manual transfer-case shifter, tall/inefficient stance and ground clearance, outdated reliable drive-train, etc. If there had been an option for no touch screen/NAV I would've gone that route as well.

I've been thinking this since page 1. The confirmation bias is so amusing. At least you know we're part of a passionate community.

 

[Roccoeight]

Just Perfect! Last week returned from an 8000 mile trip from CT to WA and beyond. Including plenty of backcountry exploring. I lived in it, (camped in it) the entire time! Ready to do it again..YEP it's perfect.
Very Happy with my 2016 Trail!

 

[AZ Craig]

I wanted to offer my .02.

I just bought my TRD Pro on Monday and I am pretty happy with the features. I came from a 2015 BMW M235i and my new 4Runner is significantly nicer in terms of features. Entune is not as user friendly as iDrive, but there are more features and options.

The interior quality on the 4Runner is also nicer. Everyone keeps talking about how much plastic is in the 4Runner, which is true. But look at BMW...they're all plastic as well. Not to mention, the plastic in the 4Runner is sturdier and more solid than my BMW ever was. One huge reason I sold the BMW was because the interior was literally falling apart (door panels falling off, trim pieces falling off, popping/cracking sounds).

I know that isn't comparing apples to apples, but at the end of the day, most BMW's are very similar in terns of interior layout and materials.

Keep in mind the 2 series is the "budget" BMW for most of the world. That being said, I cross shopped "premium" compact SUVs when I finally decided to buy my Golf R instead (AWD hatch = able to do about 98% of what a premium compact SUV could do in a pinch). I was amazed at how low rent the interior was in the base X1 which was coming in right around $40K depending on how they were optioned up. The M-sport interior was a bit better, but you were generally pushing towards $50K at that point.

I see why everyone ends up leasing those cars to be honest though...

 

[jbrockiii]

About every 2 years I get the itch for something new. But this time I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger on anything that makes any sense over my '16 T4R Limited. And believe me, I've been trying to convince myself... Range Rover Sport, GX 460, Mercedes GL (w/ off-road package- yes it exists), Land Cruiser 200.

The RRS has the DIESEL, which would be a HUGE step forward for the entire Toyota Truck lineup- much better MPG and increased tow ratings, it seems like an absolute no brainer (are you listening Toyota)! The RRS also has all the tech trickery some have discussed. And it drives great. But having owned several- I know all these technical features will have issues sooner than later.

The GX is rather silly- talk about a dated interior and poor MPG.

The Mercedes is expensive to maintain and doesn't hold it's value well without the diesel offering - not to mention it is about as exciting to drive as an old Oldsmobile station wagon.

The LC 200 is cool and highly capable but the MPG is pitiful and the price is asstronomical!

I know in my heart of hearts I'm good in my dinosaur...for now.

 

[SwayzeExpress]

Review is so dead on

My 2016 reminds me of my 91 bronco everytime I get in except no check engine light. This is the ideal vehicle in my opinion and I find it odd that this seems like such a foreign idea to most of the people out there

 

[calcrc]

The Yarris has the temperature sensor and my brother in law has a 2014 Tacoma and he has 2 sunglass holders instead lol...... which is more prone to go in the wild hmmmmm

I hope some decision making high ranking Jap. rep. is directed to this forum ........

Toyota needs to step up in the SUV/Truck market because they will get burnt or make only Corrola's and small crap vehicles, Not that there's anything wrong with that.

My 3 cents

 

[camerasncoffee]

Review is so dead on

My 2016 reminds me of my 91 bronco everytime I get in except no check engine light. This is the ideal vehicle in my opinion and I find it odd that this seems like such a foreign idea to most of the people out there

That's exactly how I describe mine. Except my Bronco was an 88 :cheers:

 

[MossJenks]

LOL - all this talk about extended warranties and buying low mileage vehicles and trading 2016s is weirding me out. I'm used to 2nd and 3rd gen forums! "Oh yeah, I bought my truck from a junkyard with only 250k miles on it. Now I have 350k on it and want to get at least another 150 out of it."

At 100k miles my 2011 I just bought is EASILY the newest Toyota I've ever bought. I bought my '88 with 220k on the clock and got another 50k out of it and sold it for almost what I bought it for. I bought my '92 with 145k and put another 120k on it and now my buddy has it with over 300k on it. Nothing ever went wrong with these trucks really. The rear window was an achilles heal for both the 1st gen and the 2nd gen. I lost a master cylinder on the 2nd gen when bleeding after replacing a rear brake cylinder - I bet if I'd used a PowerBleeder it would have been fine. I had to put a clutch in the 3rd gen but nothing else went wrong with it - I got rid of it because it had some sort of bad ju-ju that was giving me an uneasy feeling.

I'm a bit of a proponent of low-tech too, but ATRAC is AWESOME! I haven't gotten my 2011 into anything REALLY nasty yet but it's breezed through some stuff where my older trucks would have been spinning wheels. Angles are an issue compared to my old trucks, but I'm working on that!