Audi to 4Runner

[TravisS4]

Just want to stop by and say hello. I'm currently in the market for a 3rd Gen 4Runner. I looked through the Buyers Guide and it's very informative. My main question is how reliable are 4Ruuners? My friends have Celicas, Corollas etc and they are super reliable and and easy to fix. Are 4Runners the same? I have an Audi S4 but maintenance and cost of ownership are starting to add up. Plus every day it seems like something breaks or needs to be fixed and honestly it gets old after awhile. I just want something I can get in and drive and not worry about breaking something. Anyways I hope to be in 4Runner in the next couple months.

 

[96743runner]

They are very reliable. In the 14 years that my family has owned the 4Runner, it has given us absolutely zero problems. Just regular oil changes and periodic maintenance (spark plugs, etc.)

The only two major weaknesses of the 3rd gen 4Runners that immediately come to mind are the lower ball joints and the factory automatic transmission fluid cooler. The failure of LBJ's usually happen after the owner installs a lift, when the geometry of the suspension is altered. However, changing the LBJ's for a new OEM set will solve the problem and take care of you for about 100k miles.

There have been quite a few cases of the transmission fluid cooler in the radiator failing and causing the coolant and ATF to mix, creating a "strawberry milkshake". This can be prevented by either installing a new radiator or by installing an external transmission cooler, bypassing the radiator's ATF cooler.

 

[rebelbowtie]

Hard to tell on my phone but is that an imola yellow b5s4? I made the same switch but from a b7 but not for reliability. I switched because I needed a vehicle with more interior space and still had decent fuel economy. Having a body on frame 4x4 that can tow and adventure off the beaten bath was just a bonus.

The first few weeks were really rough making the transition and going on 3 months now I still miss my Audi dearly but I love my 4Runner in its own unique way.

 

[TravisS4]

Hard to tell on my phone but is that an imola yellow b5s4? I made the same switch but from a b7 but not for reliability. I switched because I needed a vehicle with more interior space and still had decent fuel economy. Having a body on frame 4x4 that can tow and adventure off the beaten bath was just a bonus.

The first few weeks were really rough making the transition and going on 3 months now I still miss my Audi dearly but I love my 4Runner in its own unique way.

Yes, it is a B5 Imola Yellow S4. I love this car and searched all over for an Imola Yellow but after replacing turbos, timing belt, water pump, and some other pieces gets frustrating over time. What type of Audi did you have? I couldn't imagine going from a B7 as those are nice!

Thanks for the advice 96743runnner.

 

[thebrandon]

I just sold my turbo charged awd monster last week. Mine was a Suabru WRX though. I got tired of the maintenance and punishment the motor and drivetrain go through being boosted. So I got a 4runner last week. My friend is a Toyota technician. He told me Toyotas 3.4 V6 is bullet proof as long as you keep up with the regular maintenance, and after seeing some of the miles people have on their runners, I believe it!!

 

[rebelbowtie]

Yes, it is a B5 Imola Yellow S4. I love this car and searched all over for an Imola Yellow but after replacing turbos, timing belt, water pump, and some other pieces gets frustrating over time. What type of Audi did you have? I couldn't imagine going from a B7 as those are nice!

Thanks for the advice 96743runnner.

b7a4 2.0TQ S-Line Premium+ brilliant black, I really dont like to talk about it lol, she was a nice car but even when i had that car I missed my 2500HD. I am a truck guy at heart, the Audi was an impulse buy so to speak.

 

[Four-CLT]

I too was worn out with the Audi maintenance fatigue. I had a C5 A6 4.2L with sport package. Heck of a fun car, but I was approaching the replace the entire suspension interval at 125k. Parts alone were around $800 just for the front! I think the 3rd gen 4runners are a great move. I've liked them since they came out in 96.

 

[4runnerBrett]

I sold my 300 whp wrx and bought 4runner sometimes i really miss the boost. But 4runner is awesome in its own ways.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Once you find a 3rd gen 4runner, post some pics before buying and we will try and give some honest input on it.

My good friend has an S4; for all the money he has spent on maintenance he could have bought a 4th gen cash-in-hand. Audis are good cars to drive but can be a real bear and then some to work on.

 

[TN_Soljah808]

My second car is a B7 2006 A4 CVT 55,000 miles and already dropped $3k on the transmission. I so want to trade it for a Scion FR-S but my wife doesn't want one it's a "status" thing. We test drove the FR-S and I love how it handles but lacks power.

 

[rebelbowtie]

My second car is a B7 2006 A4 CVT 55,000 miles and already dropped $3k on the transmission. I so want to trade it for a Scion FR-S but my wife doesn't want one it's a "status" thing. We test drove the FR-S and I love how it handles but lacks power.

CVT was the problem...that is why you never buy a FWD Audi

 

[JohnsD90]

My second car is a B7 2006 A4 CVT 55,000 miles and already dropped $3k on the transmission. I so want to trade it for a Scion FR-S but my wife doesn't want one it's a "status" thing. We test drove the FR-S and I love how it handles but lacks power.

First off, Toyota's arent status cars. Second off, manual transmissions won't have many issues so make sure the replacement is stick.

And finally with whatever you buy just remember, it's easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission!

 

[TravisS4]

Thanks for all the replies! For all the money I have spent on S4 in the past years I could of had another car by now. I love the styling and the luxury but it spends about the same amount time in the shop as it does on the road. Plus I really can't take it camping or fishing.

I found a few 4Runners in my area. I'm going to the a dealer on Monday to check out a 2002 4Runner.

Cars for Sale: 2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 in Louisville, KY 40222: Sport Utility Details - 323161687 - AutoTrader.com

 

[rebelbowtie]

Thanks for all the replies! For all the money I have spent on S4 in the past years I could of had another car by now. I love the styling and the luxury but it spends about the same amount time in the shop as it does on the road. Plus I really can't take it camping or fishing.

I found a few 4Runners in my area. I'm going to the a dealer on Monday to check out a 2002 4Runner.

Cars for Sale: 2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 in Louisville, KY 40222: Sport Utility Details - 323161687 - AutoTrader.com

the forum shortens the link automagically. just a tip, do you know about autotempest.com? it is probably one of the single most useful things when searching for a used vehicle.

 

[TN_Soljah808]

First off, Toyota's arent status cars. Second off, manual transmissions won't have many issues so make sure the replacement is stick.

And finally with whatever you buy just remember, it's easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission!

referring to Audi not Toyota.

 

[TN_Soljah808]

Also here is one in Nashville. Supercharger!!!

1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER LIMITED!!! (OBO)

 

[rebelbowtie]

referring to Audi not Toyota.

no offense but your Audi is just an expensive Passat, youre better off selling it. i always laugh when i see a non Quattro, non S-Line, automatic A4. you missed out on everything thats awesome about owning an Audi.

 

[J. B.]

First off, Toyota's arent status cars. Second off, manual transmissions won't have many issues so make sure the replacement is stick.

And finally with whatever you buy just remember, it's easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission!

Seriously! You'll love a 3rd gen t4r. But you should definitely try to find a manual trans if you're coming from an S4 and this will be your only ride.

I had a 6spd. 2008 Audi A4 Quattro 2.0T, chipped, etc...
I sold it to get a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee because I wanted more room for camping and snowboarding, etc. Wow. What a mistake. It was automatic (all they make) and I hated it.
I missed the boost and trowing gears so I bought an '86 Porsche 944 turbo. Awesome... that spends more time down than your S4 haha...
So once I realized the Jeep sucked I picked up an awesome 2000 4runner 3.4 5 speed with a supercharger. BEST THING EVER!

I do miss my audi though.... maybe I'll sell the Porsche now.

 

[TN_Soljah808]

no offense but your Audi is just an expensive Passat, youre better off selling it. i always laugh when i see a non Quattro, non S-Line, automatic A4. you missed out on everything thats awesome about owning an Audi.

Like I stated I've been trying but the wife won't let me since it's hers.

 

[rebelbowtie]

you should get a 3rd gen with leather seats, sun roof and manual trans. then swap in a v8 and SAS for the perfect 4Runner.