Buh Bye 4Runner

[SevenMaryThree]

After 10,000 miles and 11 months, I had to kick that beyotch to the curb. 2011 Limited with all the bells and whistles. I wanted to love it. I really did. I tried hard to love it. But in the end I just got pissed off at the thing every time I drove it.

This thread mirrors a lot of my complaints - http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/93135-sold-my-5th-gen-final-thoughts.html

...and I had a few others, too. In the end it came down to liking the way the vehicle looked (when it wasn't leaning like a vato) and hating the way it drove and handled.

Somewhat surprisingly, I really didn't lose any money on the experiment. I traded it on a new Tacoma 4 door Sport. I got the Tacoma for $1900 under invoice, with a net trade value of $37,450 on my Limited. I got them to upgrade the tires as part of the deal too.

In the end I walked out of the dealership with a new truck and a check for almost $9k.

I feel better now.

 

[1engineer]

Congratulations and enjoy. The 4Runner, like most vehicles, is not for everyone. If everyone liked the same vehicle we would all be driving it. Have fun.

 

[Batang.Gapo]

Congratulations on your new Tacoma...

 

[ogden8]

That's 9 grand for mods!!!!!! Start a build thread.

 

[453030]

You have to make yourself happy.

I have never had the lean issue. Full tank, empty tank, and now with a BudBuilt gas skid on the same side, mine is always level.

The other guy you linked the post to, I'm not sure why he would expect his toytec lifted runner on 285s to handle as well as a stock Sequoia, but to each his own. Having driven all of the stock 4Runners, there is no question that off the lot the Trail/KDSS is the best handling version by a wide margin.

Every time I get in my 4Runner I'm thrilled. If I felt like you and got pissed off every time I drove it I would dump it too.

 

[adio3x]

Congrats! 4 door Taco's are one of my fav's! And good thing it wasn't a 2011 F150 lulz.

 

[icsa]

After 10,000 miles and 11 months, I had to kick that beyotch to the curb. 2011 Limited with all the bells and whistles. I wanted to love it. I really did. I tried hard to love it. But in the end I just got pissed off at the thing every time I drove it.

Somewhat surprisingly, I really didn't lose any money on the experiment. I traded it on a new Tacoma 4 door Sport. I got the Tacoma for $1900 under invoice, with a net trade value of $37,450 on my Limited. I got them to upgrade the tires as part of the deal too.

In the end I walked out of the dealership with a new truck and a check for almost $9k.

I feel better now.

Hmm, can you share what you like about the Tacoma that makes it better than the 4Runner? (besides the 9k check)

 

[brockeverly]

I was looking between a TRD Tacoma DC before buying my t4r, it was just to small for my growing family. Glad you stuck with a Toyota :guitar3:

 

[KCcarguy]

I still miss my Taco'. Growing family forced me to sell mine as well. That thing was indestructible and drove/ handled sooo much better than the 4runner.

 

[SevenMaryThree]

Hmm, can you share what you like about the Tacoma that makes it better than the 4Runner? (besides the 9k check)

Namely accelerator response, braking performance, improved handling, no $2100 useless navigation to frustrate me, and it has a bed. Also, the driver seat is a lot more comfortable.

 

[Curt Sauve]

My father in law has an 09' Taco, and it's been a great truck. But the tiny little bed is almost useless for hauling anything larger than a couple sets of golf clubs.

 

[Ripsnort]

Namely accelerator response, braking performance, improved handling, no $2100 useless navigation to frustrate me, and it has a bed. Also, the driver seat is a lot more comfortable.

The 4Runner has a Coil-spring independent double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar; coil-spring 4-link with lateral rod rear suspension with stabilizer bar.

The Tacoma has (Front) the same Coil-spring double wishbone suspension (WITHOUT stabilizer bar) and the rear is a leaf spring suspension with staggered outboard-mounted gas shocks.

Clearly the 4Runner has the superior suspension.
Regarding accelerator response, I wish I could detect 0.40 of a second when accelerating 0-60. My butt is not that sensitive.

2010 Toyota 4 Runner Trail Edition 0-60 mph 7.7 Quarter Mile 15.7
2011 Toyota Tacoma TX Pro Double Cab 4x4 0-60 mph 7.3 Quarter Mile 15.6

I'll give you the braking response...obviously a vehicle that weighs 800 lbs less is going to brake quicker on the skid pad.

 

[oilerjet]

I've got a 09 Tacoma and a 2011 4Runner LE. I love my taco, but the 4runner seems superior in every way, from acceleration to handling and bay far the brakes are better, and seat in the 4runner is much better. Perhaps they have improved the taco since 2009 though. As long as you are happy, thats all that matters though.

 

[KCcarguy]

The 4Runner has a Coil-spring independent double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar; coil-spring 4-link with lateral rod rear suspension with stabilizer bar.

The Tacoma has (Front) the same Coil-spring double wishbone suspension (WITHOUT stabilizer bar) and the rear is a leaf spring suspension with staggered outboard-mounted gas shocks.

Clearly the 4Runner has the superior suspension.
Regarding accelerator response, I wish I could detect 0.40 of a second when accelerating 0-60. My butt is not that sensitive.

2010 Toyota 4 Runner Trail Edition 0-60 mph 7.7 Quarter Mile 15.7
2011 Toyota Tacoma TX Pro Double Cab 4x4 0-60 mph 7.3 Quarter Mile 15.6

I'll give you the braking response...obviously a vehicle that weighs 800 lbs less is going to brake quicker on the skid pad.

Thanks for all the numbers, etc. It doesn't change the fact that my '05 Tacoma accelerated/ handled MUCH better than my 4runner. I don't know if it's the gearing, or power/ torque curve.....maybe just mass. The Tacoma was way faster off the line and almost felt like a sportscar. Handling has to do with weight I'm sure. My wife says the 4runner is "gutless".

However, the 4runner is much quieter and has many more luxury features, cargo space, etc. I think it's a fair trade-off. Both are great vehicles in their own right.

 

[Quentin]

After test driving a Lexus CT200h and noting the differences between throttle response in sport mode and eco mode, I'm pretty convinced that Toyota should offer a "sport" mode on the 4Runner as well. It seems that throttle response is a complaint among a decent portion of 4Runner owners. I understand why Toyota made the e-throttle lazy... it does help fuel economy because you really have to dip into the gas to get the throttle to open up. But, for those that just don't care about a mpg or two and would prefer a more responsive throttle, they could run in "sport" all the time. The CT200h is no faster in sport mode than normal or eco, but it felt faster. The Tacoma was designed and honed in '04/'05. Gas was pretty cheap back then, so these little tricks (lazy throttle) to save gas weren't implemented on it. We're conditioned to not have to push the pedal all the way down to get some response out of the engine. Push the pedal all the way down, and the 4Runner is anything but gutless. Heck, 7.7 0-60 is freaking ridiculous in a 4600lb SUV considering that my first car was only 2700lbs and took 10 seconds to get to 60!

As far as handling, my dad's 6MT Tacoma is more fun to drive because it is lighter and has a 6MT. You feel the mass of the 4Runner comparatively and a manual transmission is always more engaging, IMO. The 4Runner doesn't respond well to abrupt steering or braking inputs as far as handling composure. I've gotten to where I can drive it pretty smooth and I don't notice the soft suspension at all. I also like the 4Runner better offroad and the 4Runner feels absolutely massive inside where the Taco feels a lot more snug. And I get 10% better gas mileage. I like both vehicles a lot, but the 4Runner fits my needs better and I'm very happy with my purchase after 17 months and 22k miles.

 

[axxman]

good for you being able to find a vehicle you are more satisfied with for less money is a rare experience. If you are as happy with your taco as I am with my 4runner then you made the right decision.

 

[Scuba6]

Congrats on finding a truck you like better. It's all about personal preference.

For me...the take-away from this post is that my truck (which is the same age / miles as yours) still has a surprisingly healthy trade-in value. :thumb3: (not that I see it being traded or sold anytime soon!)

 

[kbaum11]

I just came from the other direction I had a built 2009 Tacoma dbl cab off-road and traded up to my 4runner trail edition. The Trail edition in the color that I wanted was the only vehicle thatI would have considered changing to. I am fairly tall and the seating position and adjustments in the 4runner work much better for me. I will likely miss some aspects of the Taco, because I had it just the way I wanted, but so far I am enjoying the 4runner.

 

[Liam1234]

I drive a 09 Tacoma TRD Sport Long bed and bought it new and it now has 72k miles. I love it and it was one of the main reasons we bought the 4Runner when it was time for a SUV for my wife. We had a 03 Discovery that treated us well but it was time to move on and 55k for a LR4 was out of the question.

As others have said, the 4Runner has many more features,luxury, etc but bottom line it's kind of pointless to compare a truck to a SUV.

We love them both and we each drive them both. My wife has the truck tomorrow and I'll take the SUV as I have to drive over 200 miles and I find the soft cushy ride is a tad better.

You will love the Tacoma but bottom line they don't really compare.

My only and biggest complaint with the 4Runner is the MAJOR BRAKE NOSEDIVE and my only complaint with the Tacoma is lack of options like leather, sunroof, etc.

Good Luck with your new Tacoma!

 

[oilerjet]

No leather? I have leather in my 09 DC TRD. Doubt that is only an option in canada.