Anyone not like the new 4runners?

[Mr. Lambdebois]

\try keeping an explorer for more than 100K miles, GOOOOD LUCK!

I disagree. I owned a (1st gen) 91 explorer since new and had very few problems with it. It was still on the original drivetrain and running strong at 174,000 miles when I sold it. The only problems I ever had with it were and leaking intake manifold gasket at 150k. And a vacum modulater fail at around 130k. Both were very miner. The 4.0l pushrod is proven even though it only made 150 hp orriginaly. My least favorite thing on the first generation exploreres were the automaticl locking hubs. IMO they were a weak link.

I also owned a 2nd generation explorer. It had the 5.0L V8 pushrod engine. It was my favorite of the explorers. The low end torque and fulltime awd served well in the mountains. It ran perfect with zero problems untill 178k miles at which point the inner tie rod bushing gave way in my rack and pinion. The 4r70w tranny mated to a 5.0l is a geat combo of proven reliability. I still drive it at 180K.

Now IMO the second generation explorers with the 4.0L sohc engine are the least reliable due to their trannies not to mention the engines do on average expeirance more wear compared to the 5.0Ls . simply speaking less torge equated to the v6's reving higher to produce the same go. Also my father owned one and had zero problems with it still ran fine at 105k when he traded it in for a 05 explorer with the 3valve 4.6L engine. The jury is still out on this engine.

When I was looking for a new suv I knew I wanted full time 4x4 with at least a solid rear axle and a V-8. The 4runner fit the bill for what I wanted and the new explorers did not due to it's IRS.

I hope I can get many more than 180,000 miles out of my 4runner. I am very happy with it so far. We will see how it holds up compared to the 05 explorer my father bought around the same time. I am not worried and am looking forward to my experiances with my first toyota.

 

[Falls]

I like the new 4Runners but for off road duty it's easier to deal with a few scratches on my 3rd gen.

Its so nice that you have that option to do that.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Its so nice that you have that option to do that.

Is this a snide comment and what do you mean by that? Did I step on toes or something?

 

[Expat]

Well I'll bite too...

I agree that some of the styling is NOT directed to an offroad truck. The departure and approach angles are not great. I'd like to see more lift in stock form. The swaybars limit wheel travel and there is no way to disconnect these quickly and easily for offroading (unless removing them altogether. There is very minimal space for upgrading wheels and tires - rubbing issues. Tow hooks are very poor if you needed to pull the truck free in a serious offroading situation.

Notwithstanding all that...

90% of people buying the truck will not off-road. In fact the 90% who don't would probably see their 4Runner as a car more than a truck.

The interior design is a personal opinion but for the price, I think it has pretty good amenities. Likewise the electronic features for offroading, safety and general on-road operations are excellent. (the switches for the windows are poorly placed IMO. I also don't like the a/c controls too much).

The exterior design is pretty wind efficient for a Midsized SUV. The visual styling is again a personal opinion.

I guess the issue is whether you can afford a +$25,000 Mid Sized SUV like the 4Runner....................and I guess you can't. I can:tongue: :flipoff:

 

[elemint]

I am not say they are awful, they just look awful IMO. I am sure the new 4R is as strong as ever and better than the competition, but with the RAV4, Highlander, Land Cruiser and the seqoia, why cant Toy have one raw and rugged SUV like they used to? I would love to get a new T4R but It is so off the mark from what a rugged truck it used to be that it is a no deal. Again this is my opinion. It is just a vehicle so no need to take it personal if you like the new style. I was just wondering if I am the only one in this point of view.

I guess you were kind of asking for it elemint, by going on a site that is targeted at 4Runner owners and saying that 4Runners are awful. I think I kinda get where you are coming from though. Last month when my friends XTerra blew up, he decided that he wanted a Titan so I drove him over to the Nissan lot and I drove my 4Runner right onto the lot and parked it right next to the Pathfinders and while he was shopping, I got out, lifted the hatch and opened all the doors and began showing off my 4Runner to Nissan shoppers passing by just for laughs. I've had 3 4Runner's and a variety of foreign and domestic cars and trucks and I honestly have to say that my current 4Runner is hands down the best vehicle I have ever owned. It cost me in the low $30K's and after 8 months, I have to say that it has been worth every penny.

 

[Atomic 4Runner]

Thanks to Elemint

As the future owner of a 06 4Runner V-8 Limited Titanium (its been on order since Dec. 20th), the responses from all of you T4R owners is music to my ears. I couldn't have asked for better confirmation that I made the right decision than reading all of your posts. I especially loved Mixed4U's comment "I drove my 4Runner right onto the lot and parked it right next to the Pathfinders and while he was shopping, I got out, lifted the hatch and opened all the doors and began showing off my 4Runner to Nissan shoppers". Mixed4U, you got some brass ones!

This new 4R will be my first, and I'm buying it for two reasons. #1, I love the looks of the 4Runner, inside and out. #2, Every family member, friend and co-worker that I know that owns a Toyota (of any make) has never had anything but great reports on their vehicles. I don't know of one instance that someone has had a serious mechanical problem with their Toyota, and most of them put over 150K or more on 'em before they sell them. Read unbiased evaluations like Consumer Reports and you'll see the very same glowing reports.

Elemint, thanks for trying to stir up the hive. All you succeeded in doing was making the honey flow!

 

[Gromulus]

I I was just wondering if I am the only one in this point of view.

Yes.

 

[Thai]

I am not say they are awful, they just look awful IMO. I am sure the new 4R is as strong as ever and better than the competition, but with the RAV4, Highlander, Land Cruiser and the seqoia, why cant Toy have one raw and rugged SUV like they used to? I would love to get a new T4R but It is so off the mark from what a rugged truck it used to be that it is a no deal. Again this is my opinion. It is just a vehicle so no need to take it personal if you like the new style. I was just wondering if I am the only one in this point of view.

Well, to tell you the truth, IF you are really what you claim to be, then i would rush to your local Jeep dealership and get yourself the last 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. It is reliable, fairly durable, extremely capable, and has only the raw basics. No luxury. No power windows. No power moonroof. Raw.

Otherwise, the 4runner is in the upper class of midsize SUV because it does so many things better than competition, including all-road performance, ride comfort, off-road ability, luxury, and reliability/durability...all in one package. This is what the market (thus, average consumers) is looking for...and this is why the 4runner has been so successful throughout the years. It is hard (impossible?) to find another SUV in it's class that has just some of these attributes, nevermind all of them!

Be honest with yourself...you know that you want a 4th gen...come on...jump on the bandwagon!

 

[Atomic 4Runner]

It is hard (impossible?) to find another SUV in it's class that has just some of these attributes, nevermind all of them!

Be honest with yourself...you know that you want a 4th gen...come on...jump on the bandwagon!

Careful Thai, your fiancee will get jealous the way you're talking about the 4Runner! It sounds you've got a Mistress in the making.:

 

[Fourty-four]

Troll!

Koz

Jeeez, anyone with a different point of view than you is quickly labeled a troll.

Sure, he may be trying to stir the pot a bit, but who cares? In all honesty, I don't think the 4th generation 4Runners are the best looking SUV on the roads. They're not ugly though either. I doubt many of us chose the 4Runner just because of the way it looks.

Most of us couldn't resist the total package it offers: A reasonably attractive vehicle with bulletproof reliability, a capable 4wd system, and a reasonable price. The options (engines, XREAS etc...) certainly don't hurt either.

If I were buying an SUV just for the way it looks, I'd probably buy a Range Rover Sport or a BMW X5. In my opinion, those are the two best looking SUVs available today.

 

[Falls]

Is this a snide comment and what do you mean by that? Did I step on toes or something?

Heck no !! I think it would be cool to have one to play with off road and not be so worried about it.

 

[>MR2turbo4evr<]

Re: Thanks to Elemint

As the future owner of a 06 4Runner V-8 Limited Titanium (its been on order since Dec. 20th), the responses from all of you T4R owners is music to my ears. I couldn't have asked for better confirmation that I made the right decision than reading all of your posts. I especially loved Mixed4U's comment "I drove my 4Runner right onto the lot and parked it right next to the Pathfinders and while he was shopping, I got out, lifted the hatch and opened all the doors and began showing off my 4Runner to Nissan shoppers". Mixed4U, you got some brass ones!

This new 4R will be my first, and I'm buying it for two reasons. #1, I love the looks of the 4Runner, inside and out. #2, Every family member, friend and co-worker that I know that owns a Toyota (of any make) has never had anything but great reports on their vehicles. I don't know of one instance that someone has had a serious mechanical problem with their Toyota, and most of them put over 150K or more on 'em before they sell them. Read unbiased evaluations like Consumer Reports and you'll see the very same glowing reports.

Elemint, thanks for trying to stir up the hive. All you succeeded in doing was making the honey flow!

You'll be very happy with your new 4Runner. You made a very good choice by choosing the V8. Its soooo powerfull, quiet and smooth.......plus its being used by Lexus, which is something to be proud of in my opinion. We've had our 4Runner for over a year now and it still puts a smile on my face every single time I drive it. For me personally, nothing comes close to Toyota. Good luck with your new truck.

 

[Jacobzky]

if you think its too much for the money, then get what you think is best value for your money. its your money.

omg redunduncy.

 

[OffRDR]

I just wish the 4th gen 4runner came with a manual transmission.

How sweet would it be to get a 4runner with a manual 6 speed?

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Heck no !! I think it would be cool to have one to play with off road and not be so worried about it.

Ok,sorry for my misjudgement.

I'd like a brand new 4th gen but I'd have a hard time dealing with the first real scratch I'd put in it since I still like my daily driver to look good when it's on the pavement. I bought my 3rd gen used so it already had it's imperfections so I can deal with a few new imperfections that I might add but I still keep mine in nice street condition also.

 

[Colemanfu]

Very happy with my 04 - yet to get it stuck and have lived up to price tag. Looked at a $35,000 FJ yesterday - do I need a smaller rig that's a little better off road that has plastic not carpet? For that $ I want to be able to take my flip flops off and rub my toes in the plushness. And I only use FWD about 6X a year - loved the idea but after seeing one it would not fit my needs. At a point in life where I want somehting a bit nicer and can afford it. If I wheeled a bunch I would have a dedicated trail rig (Jeep) and tow it with my runner.

 

[Falls]

Ok,sorry for my misjudgement.

I'd like a brand new 4th gen but I'd have a hard time dealing with the first real scratch I'd put in it since I still like my daily driver to look good when it's on the pavement. I bought my 3rd gen used so it already had it's imperfections so I can deal with a few new imperfections that I might add but I still keep mine in nice street condition also.

I guess I misunderstood, I thought I had both a 3rd & 4th Gen. I totally agree getting that first scratch or chip can be a killer. That's why I took mine off road right away to get it over with, with some dirt & mud. BTW 3rd gen's. are my favorite the way they sit up and have a good stance IMO. I too keep mine in prime looking street condition, I love keeping it detailed, that has been a little side business and passion of mine since I was a young'n.

 

[elemint]

$35K? They start at $21k so I think that deal was scaming you....

Very happy with my 04 - yet to get it stuck and have lived up to price tag. Looked at a $35,000 FJ yesterday - do I need a smaller rig that's a little better off road that has plastic not carpet? For that $ I want to be able to take my flip flops off and rub my toes in the plushness. And I only use FWD about 6X a year - loved the idea but after seeing one it would not fit my needs. At a point in life where I want somehting a bit nicer and can afford it. If I wheeled a bunch I would have a dedicated trail rig (Jeep) and tow it with my runner.

 

[LSUMBA]

$35K? They start at $21k so I think that deal was scaming you....

You may be surprised by what some dealers will tack on & call a "Market Adjustment" on new & hard to find vehicles.

Only a couple weeks ago, when the incentive on a 4WD V8 T4R was $2000, one delaer here in Atlanta was slapping a $5000 "Market Adjustment" on those exact vehicles effectively eliminating the incentive...and then some.

 

[Falls]

You may be surprised by what some dealers will tack on & call a "Market Adjustment" on new & hard to find vehicles.

Only a couple weeks ago, when the incentive on a 4WD V8 T4R was $2000, one delaer here in Atlanta was slapping a $5000 "Market Adjustment" on those exact vehicles effectively eliminating the incentive...and then some.

Thats why they call them STEALERS......lol