Be honest, late 3rd Gen 4Runner a good daily driver?

[Lindenwood]

Be honest, late 3rd Gen 4Runner a reliable daily driver?

Edit: Please read later posts for clarification of my intent. I might have given the impression i was looking for general advice on what makes a good daily driver. I am really just looking for experiences and anecdotes that might speak to the longevity and day-to-day reliability of well-maintained 3rd gens.

Hello, everyone. I recently bought my wife a 2016 TRDP, and wouldn't you know it, the gearhead in me is back.

So, I have been toying with the idea of trading my 2012 Civic for a 3rd gen 4runner, to have something I can tinker with a bit more heavily than I am willing to with the Pro (Ive got 33s on it now and a 2" lift in the mail, but we want to keep it clean enough that it isn't out of place at a nice restaurant or being valeted).

I would probably buy one with maybe 200k miles, and pretty much take it straight to my mechanic. I figure perhaps $4k (total guess) would be enough for them to replace pretty much every hose, belt, seal, fluid, and anciliary component (alternator, starter, pumps, etc) in the powertrain, plus suspension bushings, LBJs, brake pads and shoes, and the radiator. (Aren't you proud of me for reading the stickies?).

The goal would be to establish a good mechanical baseline.

As most of you know, it is usually the little things like fluid leaks that end up causing catastrophic failures, and annoying things like failing starters and alternators that end up leaving you stranded. Barring all those grimlins inherent to older vehicles (which will hopefully all be put to rest with the refresh), these powertrains are known to go several hundred thousand miles, right?

Assuming it wasn't abused or neglected, and I continue maintenance at conservative intervals, would you guys expect this vehicle to last at least another 100 or even 150k without much drama (that I don't cause myself )? That is how much longer I was expecting to keep the civic.

I am pretty mechanically inclined, and have owned modified vehicles in the past (a couple turbo MR2s and a Suzuki samurai--all of them modded to the point of seeing engines rebuilt and reinstalled by me, etc). So, I will probably do the expected performance upgrades myself once my mechanic gets it running well.

Is this a reasonable plan? Or am I out to lunch?

Thanks!

 

[4-Ripcord]

If its just a DD and not going to be used for any outdoorsy type stuff, why get it?

Subpar MPGs, handling, braking compared to a nice used car.

4Runners are great vehicles to own and won't let you down, but that just isn't the best use for one.

 

[Kotrin]

I personally would weigh the options. What do you do for a living? Does gas price/mileage matter? Could you be okay if the 4runner was out for a few days,or a wee during a rebuild?

I...had a way different situation but my current daily and play rig is a 3rd gen. I found a diamond in the rough I'm less than 10 milea, but I did drop a few thousand into it after I bought for belts, fluids, new lift versus the pucks swapped tires. I have over landed my vehicle, I've played in 4 feet of snow and a week in sand and still running strong. I will keep it till the frame goes away or....I give it to my son in 10 years. I plan and have put some money aside for a new engine and tranny in the future,but I hope to always have it.

Fuel prices don't matter to me and I own my vehcile...my 2 cents

So answer the questions I asked and should help you determine if its the right thing. Can...you keep the civic and buy the 4runner?

 

[Lindenwood]

If its just a DD and not going to be used for any outdoorsy type stuff, why get it?

Where did you get this impression? It will see quite a bit of outdoorsey stuff .

I certainly understand the benefits and drawbacks of SUVs vs gas-sippers, and of higher-mileage daily drivers. If it wasn't clear, I am not necessarily asking your opinions on if a 4runner is a better daily driver than a civic. Rather, I am seeking experienced-based inputs on whether a 3rd gen with a good amount of miles can be made into a reliable DD after a hefty refurbishment .

Thanks!

*edit*

I am not interested in buying a third vehicle outright. Most of my motivation for this endeavor is because I am always bitter at my wife because she gets to drive off in the TRDP and I have to take the boring Civic . So, regardless, the 3rd gen would end up being my daily. At this point, I am indeed fairly confident that it would run for quite a while (I wouldnt just throw money at something I expected to fall apart a few years later). But, I am still asking around just to make sure my perception of toyota longevity is reasobaly accurate. And if anything, if I got to the point where I doubted its reliability to start every morning, I would supplement it with another motorcycle long before another car!

And yes, if the engine or transmission flat-out quit or had to be replaced, I do have the flexibility to take a week off work. But, obviously, I would hope it doesn't come to that!

Also, my wife also wants to keep our 2016 for the kids when they start driving in 20 years .

 

[Road Bull]

Life it too short to drive something you are not excited to drive. 4Runners are about as reliable as they get for upper end mileage used vehicles. There are a few things to address off the bat, but after that, they usually treat their owners pretty well.

A 4Runner CAN do things that civics can not though. And THAT is where they shine. I enjoy my rig as a DD for sure, but I like that I can get out of town and get it dirty seeing things that you can't see from a civic. So unless you are worried about mileage, 4Runners are far more fun. Even if for some reason you never took it offroad, it is a way more fun to drive than a civic or any other sensible commuter.

That said, take it offroad. Get away from the bullshit. Have some fun. Get stuck, get unstuck. Get into a jam, get out of a jam. These are the things stories are made of. Civic jam stories are sleepers that no one will remember. That time that you found your center of gravity a little too close to tipping over in your 4Runner will not soon be forgotten.

Good luck!

 

[Moonbandit]

I DD my new-to-me 02 sport with 175xxx miles on it. It has OME 891s in the back with only about 20-40lbs during most days just driving around town. Rides and looks great.

I do road trips with some item hauling back and forth on a regular basis with it though and it shines. Occasional backwoods adventure sight seeing but never anything crazy.
First thing I did to it to "feel" safe was added a tranny cooler, changed most fluids and LBJs. I could not be happier driving something else - so I'm sticking with it as a relatively cheap DD.

Average about 20 mpg and sometimes down to 17 mpg if it is mostly city.

It is totally fine as a DD, it is more than fine- it is great!

 

[reelamin]

Do what makes you happy for sure. You asked...why would you spend 8-10K on a old wore out daily driver? If you were going to spend that kind of money....just buy one with 100k or less and go with it. But...then I'm totally against modifying and changing things from absolutely stock if I don't have to. Why??? I am so over working on things all week to use them for a few hours and do it all over again. I just want to go out turn the key...use it...park it...have a few beers.

That being said mine is so I don't have to drive my PU 90% of the time. Its my DD and hunting/fishing rig. I have a 96 with 256 for my daily driver. I paid 4600/W 220k two years ago for it.....I currently have less than 5k into it including a few misc items, new radiator, Spacers, and a body lift.....your talking about paying upgrades and repairs almost equal to my entire rig for a DD.....freaks me out. I would just go buy another rig and drive it. I just added to my signature line.

 

[JayRolla]

Bought mine about 6 years ago at 180k miles for 5k. I have put 100k miles on her. Parts that haved fail has been a rear axle seal, fuel pump, radiator and heater control valve. I also had the dreaded lower ball joint failure. I should have replace it sooner and before my lift. IMO it's been pretty damn reliable.

 

[Lindenwood]

We have taken it camping several times and usually sleep in it. We love camping and bought the 4runner for overlanding. Another motivation for swapping the Civic for another 4runner came after we stuffed 3 couples and 5 dogs in the 4runner and bounced our way to a relatively remote camping location. We figure two 4runners would make things a little easier next time .

But yeah, the main motivations are:

1) To have a cool DD for myself after I add lift / wheels / tires / armor

2) Another vehicle we can take wheeling and overlanding, especially with friends.

3) Something we can beat on just a little harder without worrying. My wife was super pissed when I took a day off work and proceeded to drag her 4runner through a bunch of tree limbs while out playing in the woods . But, after a good buffing and she was...largely...good as new!

And Jay, thanks for the reminder! Will be sure to add fuel pump / filter and axle seals to the list.

 

[Beaumont67]

Hello, everyone. I recently bought my wife a 2016 TRDP, and wouldn't you know it, the gearhead in me is back.........

I would probably buy one with maybe 200k miles, and pretty much take it straight to my mechanic. I figure perhaps $4k (total guess) would be enough for them to replace pretty much every hose, belt, seal, fluid, and ancillary component (alternator, starter, pumps, etc) in the power-train, plus suspension bushings, LBJs, brake pads and shoes, and the radiator. (Aren't you proud of me for reading the stickies?).

The goal would be to establish a good mechanical baseline.........

Is this a reasonable plan? Or am I out to lunch?

Thanks!

Hi Lindenwood & great question - going from a 2012 Honda Civic to say a 2000-2002 SR5 or Limited 4Runner?

Our son is in his 30's now, but owned a Civic Vtec & next a Nissan 350Z (decade ago).
- they were fun for what they represented
- the Civic was T-boned in our city & totaled
- the civic was cool until the 350Z was purchased
- fast acceleration once your not lighting up the tires, and laying rubber
^^ But their low to the ground, and coming from a 4x4 truck guy...I like to sit up (>> visibility) & not feel like I'm steering a go cart.

For $4,000 in preventive maintenance, just replacing parts is somewhat silly on a 200,000 plus mile vehicle.
Instead, budget $4K more on a Gen3 with 100,000 miles less.

My 2000 4Runner SR5 was purchased a year ago, with 89,xxx original miles and mint - one senior owner, dealer maintained.
- but I am very patient, when it comes to upgrading my fleet (in driveway)
- plus I'm skiled at accessing used vehicle condition ... self trained in auto body (hobby)
I would not hesitate to tow a 20 foot camper behind it & head to the east or west coast.

My DD'er brings me a smile, every time I jump into the front seat, and head out to run errands.
- I feel safe in full frame SUV's & love to use 4x4 when roads are snow covered
- the Toyota reliability is just icing on the cake
- should have my Gen3 for a few more decades

Last week I drove our sons 2015 Lexus RX350 and all I could think of was: hope someone doesn't hit me...LOL
- Lexus or Highlander will probably replace my wife's v6 RAV4 in 3-4 years time
But my T4R is timeless in design & most rugged, in stock form...I enjoy it, every day...but pays to buy a low mileage cream puff.
- my safety check needed LBJ's and rear axle done (seals, bearings, ABS rings, brake shoes)...included in purchase cost
(original owner did water pump & radiator earlier @ Lexus/Toyota dealership...and brand new BFG tires, 2 months prior to trade in)

 

[BrandonF]

Yes 3rd gens are reliable but they are still old vehicles. I have enjoyed owning mine for the past 5 years but I will be moving on to something more modern and comfortable soon

 

[Mark_BC]

But, after a good buffing and she was...largely...good as new!

Your wife or the 4runner?

If you do the refresh it will be very reliable. Some people get half a million miles on theirs or more. They don't make cars like that anymore, they make cars that are disposable after a couple hundred K. Make sure you get one that has a good engine, head gasket, frame.

If you do a big lift its reliability will go down; it places more stress on the suspension components.

I don't like DD'ing mine, I am saving the miles for adventures and where I need to use it. Why place extra wear and tear and miles on it when you don't need to drive it. I have a Nissan Leaf electric car for DD'ing which is way cheaper to run and more fun to drive on the streets. Plus it doesn't degrade with each mile like an ICE car does, it just keeps going. You can pick up used Leaf's for cheap, or just keep your Civic although I appreciate that is pretty lame compared to a Leaf or 4runner.

 

[poleclimber63]

Life it too short to drive something you are not excited to drive. 4Runners are about as reliable as they get for upper end mileage used vehicles. There are a few things to address off the bat, but after that, they usually treat their owners pretty well.

A 4Runner CAN do things that civics can not though. And THAT is where they shine. I enjoy my rig as a DD for sure, but I like that I can get out of town and get it dirty seeing things that you can't see from a civic. So unless you are worried about mileage, 4Runners are far more fun. Even if for some reason you never took it offroad, it is a way more fun to drive than a civic or any other sensible commuter.

That said, take it offroad. Get away from the bullshit. Have some fun. Get stuck, get unstuck. Get into a jam, get out of a jam. These are the things stories are made of. Civic jam stories are sleepers that no one will remember. That time that you found your center of gravity a little too close to tipping over in your 4Runner will not soon be forgotten.

Good luck!

What Road Bull said. Its about having fun driving.
I'm in a little different situation. I recently got a job 55km from our home. As we had 5 vehicles out front,(3 kids cars, Wifes' car and the 4R) etc, my wife wanted me to drive my truck to work, which I considered, however, with the minimal raise I received, I didn't relish the idea of watching it disappear into the tank. I made the decision to buy another vehicle, something I had to sell to the Wife, and come up with a plan to fit it into our space. She finally agreed--- but she said as long it wasn't a red sports car!! I looked at lots, and found a 2001 Celica in awesome condition, and you guessed it--- it was red! Its really fun to drive AND It uses less than half the gas of the 4Runner. The Celica saves wear and tear on my 4r and it will allow it to last longer for more off road fun!

Before, when I was only 5 km from work, I had no problem driving the 4R to work-- A great situation: an awesome weekend ride, to tow the boat, go into the bush, and a really comfortable drive, to work. I wouldn't hesitate to drive it again to work--- its just the MPG!

 

[Lindenwood]

For $4,000 in preventive maintenance, just replacing parts is somewhat silly on a 200,000 plus mile vehicle.
Instead, budget $4K more on a Gen3 with 100,000 miles.

The question is whether a vehicle with 100k on all the critical seals and hoses is more reliable on a daily basis (or even for traveling) than a vehicle with all new said components but which still has 200k miles on the major powertrain components, and everything on down to the door locks and windshield wipers.

I think this is definitely where overall factory build wuality plays a big role. Most every breakdown I have ever had was from some relatovely cheap and easily-replaceable component failing (thermostats, hoses, etc). So, if the vehicles major components are built to last, then I tend to land on the side of "spend a bit every now and then on preventative maintenance, and your vehicle will get you wherever you need to go, when you need or want to." But, I would feel a lot less confident going this route with a lot of other vehicles.

So, really, the thing I am hoping to confirm is whether my above assessment of 4runner build quality is accurate. Again, I am fairly confident it is, but I just want to get some additional perspective .

 

[Mark_BC]

Last week I drove our sons 2015 Lexus RX350 and all I could think of was: hope someone doesn't hit me...LOL

You mean 'cause it doesn't feel large and safe or 'cause it is worth a lot more money?

 

[StreetCreeper]

Hello, everyone. I recently bought my wife a 2016 TRDP, and wouldn't you know it, the gearhead in me is back.

So, I have been toying with the idea of trading my 2012 Civic for a 3rd gen 4runner, to have something I can tinker with a bit more heavily than I am willing to with the Pro (Ive got 33s on it now and a 2" lift in the mail, but we want to keep it clean enough that it isn't out of place at a nice restaurant or being valeted).

I would probably buy one with maybe 200k miles, and pretty much take it straight to my mechanic. I figure perhaps $4k (total guess) would be enough for them to replace pretty much every hose, belt, seal, fluid, and anciliary component (alternator, starter, pumps, etc) in the powertrain, plus suspension bushings, LBJs, brake pads and shoes, and the radiator. (Aren't you proud of me for reading the stickies?).

The goal would be to establish a good mechanical baseline.

As most of you know, it is usually the little things like fluid leaks that end up causing catastrophic failures, and annoying things like failing starters and alternators that end up leaving you stranded. Barring all those grimlins inherent to older vehicles (which will hopefully all be put to rest with the refresh), these powertrains are known to go several hundred thousand miles, right?

Assuming it wasn't abused or neglected, and I continue maintenance at conservative intervals, would you guys expect this vehicle to last at least another 100 or even 150k without much drama (that I don't cause myself )? That is how much longer I was expecting to keep the civic.

I am pretty mechanically inclined, and have owned modified vehicles in the past (a couple turbo MR2s and a Suzuki samurai--all of them modded to the point of seeing engines rebuilt and reinstalled by me, etc). So, I will probably do the expected performance upgrades myself once my mechanic gets it running well.

Is this a reasonable plan? Or am I out to lunch?

Thanks!

Regardless of how you drive, where you drive, or how much gas cost — a good 3rd gen 4Runner with a decent maintenance history and 4K worth of preventive maintenance investments is a sure bet in my opinion.

Sure you might get a lemon, but I think you know enough to avoid one. So it really just comes down to doing what you want to do. If you are up for it, a solid 3rd gen will do pretty much whatever you ask of it. Climb a mountain or commute to work these trucks get it done.

I put 2000-2500 miles a month on my truck and 90% of it is considered "severe duty" conditions with lots of stops and startups as well as long idle times in the summer. My truck runs strong on the original engine and transmission, but I know @ 418,000 miles — my truck owes me nothing. But it's still kicking ass after 20 years.

300,000+ miles is nothing for these trucks if they are maintained.

Do yourself a favor — go get that 3rd gen. You know it's the right thing to do. You wouldn't be here if you thought it wasn't a good idea too.

 

[Beaumont67]

You mean 'cause it doesn't feel large and safe or 'cause it is worth a lot more money?

The 2015 Lexus RX350 is worth every cent of luxury, compared to makes like BMW, Caddy, Lincoln, Mercedes, Audi, etc.
- that depreciate 2x faster & expensive to maintain, after warranty expires

As a family vehicle, 4x4 or AWD is a must have for safe travel in Canadian winters.
- wife's 2008 RAV4 Limited, v6 is perfect in every way for 2 adults and our Doberman...all 269HP, its a fun rocket on wheels
- son's RX350 is 8" longer than our former family car (a Volvo v70 wagon)
- the Lexus is very nice, and it will probably get handed down to mom
- wife has driven an Escalade 6.0L, with 3 row seating...what a big boat of a money pit, with long wheel base
- as far as length goes, Lexus RX350 is about the max. (to our liking)...what feels comfortable driving & parking
Yes the Lexus is worth too much money, but its our son's & needed in his business travel (with clients).
- if someone puts a scratch on it, won't be me...knock on wood !!

PS - I've been buying used vehicles for over 40 years, and never visits dealerships or search used car lots.
I don't buy until I find low mileage, 1-2 owner, original paint preferred & good evidence of decent maintenance.
- private purchase only here, avoiding some of the auction junk
- a lot can be learned, talking to the current owner, of a used vehicle
Getting a pristine & older SUV takes more time, but I enjoy the hunt...real rewarding in the end & easy on pocket book ($$).

BTW - my yearly maintenance cost, on my 2000 SR5 is less than one new Lexus car payment.
- and I had to include a Kelly pic. (another dog lover here)

 

[T4R2014]

Depends who you are. I wasn't raised a sissy so I am comfortable with daily driving an old truck that rides like a mechanical bull on highway expansion joints. You just need to realize the limits compared to a normal car.

 

[Lindenwood]

I used to daily drive a Samurai lifted 4.5" with a 100% locked rear end (tire squealin' goodness), no sway bars, no carpet (and you could see the road through the missing drain plugs!), and no AC . The wife isn't quite as tolerant of such shenanigans on a daily basis, but I think she is honestly more excited about the 2nd 4runner than I am lol.

Here is the gang on the way home from that camping trip . (Most of the gear is on the roof).

 

[tx_shooter]

Get the 3rd gen, do the maintenance you have listed, and then enjoy the miles! I understand where you are coming from about want to schedule downtime now vs unexpected down time later.

I bought my '01 4Runner 4x4 w/ supercharger and a ToyTec lift almost a year and a half ago now. I DD it to the tune of 35,000 miles a year and enjoy every mile of it. My wife and I have taken it on a couple of longs trips - one to Big Bend Ranch State Park and one cannonball run to Charlotte, NC from Ft Worth, Tx. It has not left me stranded and has received many complements from other people along the way.

Just my 2 cents - decide if you want a supercharger now or not. They are a little hit to the MPG but not much if you drive with an easy foot 90% of the time. I love the extra power in the mountains and on the freeway. I was amazed I can still average 19-20 mpg on the hwy.