Buyer's Remorse - Not the 4R! but it's kinda the 4R's fault...

[MSnyder777]

I have a 2016 4Runner and one of my closest friends has a 2016 Tacoma TRD Offroad. He does mild off-roading and frequently tows a small trailer with a 2-seater CanAm on it. I do more intense off-roading and on rare occasion tow an 18' bass boat and here is the feedback I (we) can give to you:

The new 3.5L Atkinson Cycle V6 in the 2016+ Tacoma's has a much different power band than that of the 4.0L V6 found in my 4Runner as well as the previous generation Tacoma. Even though his Tacoma is rated at 6500lbs towing capacity where my 4Runner is rated at 5000- his Tacoma feels to be working much harder to move the weight where mine seems comfortable. He uses the ECT mode when towing, which adjusts the shift points, but the Tacoma is constantly downshifting and never seems to be in the right gear. In order to get up mild grades at freeway speeds, he's running about 5k on the tach.
When towing my bass boat, I never feel like the transmission is hunting, nor does it ever need to be in such a low gear that I am running RPMs higher than 3500.
He has seriously considered trading into a Tundra TRD Pro or F-150 King Ranch based solely on the experience he's had towing with it.
Another key difference between the two is rear suspension setup: the 4Runner has coils and the Tacoma uses leaf springs- from what I've noticed, the Tacoma rides firmer than the 4Runner, which rides pretty taut as it is.

I have a 1999 Sierra back home that we use for work around the ranch and it does the job just fine.
The new Sierra's are great trucks (though I work for Ford so I'm a little biased towards the F-150) Hope you enjoy it!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I'm not as impressed with the 2GR-FKS as I was hoping I'd be, the transmission shift programming doesn't help it either. It runs and feels like it's horribly underpowered, despite that 3.5L being a better motor than the 2GR-FE. They need to work the bugs out, it's really been a bit of a backslide on the 3rd Gen Tacoma in some ways.

 

[Dogsmiles]

For what it is worth...have a 16 TRD PRO on order and have owned several older 4Runners and Toyota 'mini' pickups before the Tacoma name was assigned. Recently also had a 07 Tundra Crew Cab that was totally great and better than any GMC/Chevy product I owned before that. When I started looking to replace Tundra (not in sequence) I test drove the new Tacoma and was not impressed, the forum issues were even less impressive. I then went to the 4Runner knowing it was an 'older' design but time tested and overly qualified regardless of what model you select. I realized I could have purchased 'more' truck with a Chevy/Ford/Dodge product but Toyota has them all beat for long time durability and owner satisfaction. Just my 20 cents worth of input, times have changed and 2 cents won't get it anymore.

 

[Avalon786]

I had a 2014 Tacoma Dbl Cab short bed TRD Off Road. Got it new, put 4k miles on it and decided to sell it. Nothing really wrong with it, I just didn't fit right and the interior was really outdated IMO.

Got a 2016 SR5 T4R and LOVE it.

I test drove the new 2016 Tacoma TRD Off Road and while the interior was much nicer than the 2014 Tacoma. I wasn't in love.

Test drove the new Chevy Colorado/F150/GMC Sierra. Was most impressed with the Sierra/F150.

I'd say just wait it out and enjoy your new truck. It looks great.

When the mood strikes just change it. But beware, trade in/resell will SUCK vs a Toyota

 

[acb88]

The 4r is more spacious than the Tacoma (double cab). I would think the Sierra is even more so. Enjoy the Sierra.

 

[the4Rdan]

Love my Tundra equally with the 4Runner, and look forward to driving both. If you haven't driven a Tundra yet, but have gotten used to the size of the Sierra, might want to give it a try.

 

[Moroney167]

Why wouldn't ya have one of each. Not a 3rd gen but after research I don't think I want one now.

I always had 250 or 350 crew cab diesels. Don't miss it one bit. Love peace of mind the engine and chassis are near bullet proof. Givin I have a work truck at my leisure to use when towing or bed space is serious but. I have not needed it yet in years with a small trailer for motorcycles. GMC is a sharp truck enjoy it if ya have it. Just think it could be worse! (Could have bought a dodge haha)

 

[Jernik]

Thanks all for the input. To clear up any confusion, I did not get rid of the 4R, still have it AND the Sierra.

Most of you are right, I should get the Taco out of my head and enjoy the Sierra for a while. It is a nice, reliable vehicle. I'm sure Toyota will still be making trucks when it's time to replace the GMC. I will admit, the problems I've been reading about tge 3rd gen Taco are concerning and seem to be unusual for Toyota. I'm sure they'll get the bugs worked out over the next year or two.

Someone mentioned Tundra... nice trucks, but I feel Toyota puts too much of a price premium on them compared to what the competition is offering. I know they're great trucks, but I think they have fallen behind in several areas. Any word when they might be updating it?

For the comment about Dodge, that's what I traded for the Sierra! lol

 

[bbaxter51]

I'm a T4R owner myself with 2 of my good friends owning a 16" Taco and a 16 GMC just like your truck. I get out of the GMC and into the Taco and it's an overall downgrade feel, and that's just the feel. The min you use either as a truck for towing or hauling the contest is over. If all you are doing is commuting, the taco is great but for pulling or hauling, your GMC will out shine that Taco in every way.

 

[craigster59]

https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searc...&page=1&perPage=50&searchSource=GN_REFINEMENT

Says 73 within 500 miles. Figure $1 a mile to ship. It should be the other way. Most have kdss and the non kdss is the unicorn mostly in silver.

Thanks! I may have found one at Mossy Toyota in Sandy Eggo. I see you're in Oceanside, ever dealt with them?

 

[the4Rdan]

Thanks all for the input. To clear up any confusion, I did not get rid of the 4R, still have it AND the Sierra.

Most of you are right, I should get the Taco out of my head and enjoy the Sierra for a while. It is a nice, reliable vehicle. I'm sure Toyota will still be making trucks when it's time to replace the GMC. I will admit, the problems I've been reading about tge 3rd gen Taco are concerning and seem to be unusual for Toyota. I'm sure they'll get the bugs worked out over the next year or two.

Someone mentioned Tundra... nice trucks, but I feel Toyota puts too much of a price premium on them compared to what the competition is offering. I know they're great trucks, but I think they have fallen behind in several areas. Any word when they might be updating it?

For the comment about Dodge, that's what I traded for the Sierra! lol

I've heard rumors of a 2018 refresh, but speculation is no different on that vehicle than it was about a 6th gen 2017 4RUNNER. I had a two F-150's before my last 2 Tundras (work vehicles), and drive EcoBoosts as well. There's a lot if gear and amenities that Ford offers, but the reliability and build quality is still far superior on the Tundra.

I had an aluminum F-150 for about a month as rental while getting some body work done last year, and while it was fine, I did notice that the 700 lb lighter truck forced me into 4wd more often than the tundra does at frequent sites due to a lightweight rear end. FWIW, it was annoying.

 

[Knight-Errant]

My friend's father has a Sierra with 4 doors. It is really roomy inside and you can certainly carry lots in the bed. He really loved it and thought it was the best thing ever.

Then I bought a 4Runner. His mother saw it and immediately wanted one; one month later she bought an SR5 Premium (her Jeep Liberty was in the shop 1-2 times a month it seemed).

At first first his father was very skeptical (he has always owned Jeeps and American trucks). He had poked fun at my 4Runner when I was showing it to my friend for the first time (the rear bumper is plastic, the sheet metal is too thin, etc.)

Fast forward to 9 months later. He wants to keep the 4Runner as his own, and is planning to buy a Highlander for the wife. The Sierra still gets used (we went camping last weekend and the bed was loaded up with so much food and equipment), but it also spends much more time gathering dust.

I think his main issue is that the Sierra is really big. If you don't need the capability (I mean, really need it on a regular basis), driving it can be a very cumbersome chore if you mostly do in-town driving (navigating tight parking lots). He works as a dentist for a living, lives in the suburbs, doesn't do much DIY work which requires large loads....unless he is towing loads of teeth in trailers across state lines (I'm not aware that he, or any dentist, does this), the Sierra's capability is rarely used.

I like the Sierra, but it would be way more truck than I need. We often say buy what you want if you can afford it, but I also think you have to take into account your realistic needs and how you will use the vehicle. Sometimes people get blinded by what they want (or what just seems cool) and get off track; then they regret the purchase because of size, mpg, handling, insurance, repair costs, etc. I'd love a Tundra, and can afford one, I think the TRD Pro in sandstorm looks super cool....but realistically I have no need for that level of capability (yet). The 4runner is the right tool for the job, right now.

I hope you enjoy your Sierra. I think they're really nice. This is just a general statement that the Sierra can be great if it's right for you, just like a 4Runner can be an awful choice if it's wrong for you. My father really likes my 4runner, but at age 68 and as a vet seriously wounded in combat, getting in and out is a bit of a chore for him, even with the running boards. I can't, in good faith, encourage him to to buy a 4runner.

 

[stamonkey]

IMHO, the heavy use of gaudy fake chrome on all of the American full size trucks (and the Tundra on some trims) looks tacky and cheap, so my vote would be for the Taco.

 

[jdtaylor42]

I don't own a Taco but our plan was also to get one for my wife as her daily driver the the 4R would be for me. But after test-driving multiple new Taco's with different trim levels I just never felt comfortable or impressed so now we are holding off until we decide on what else we want. Personally I LOVE the look of the new Tacoma but I would drive it more than I would look at it and I just wasn't comfortable driving it.

I wish my wife was comfortable in a full-size truck though because I absolutely loved both my Dodge Ram 1500 and my Ford F-250.

 

[devildog92]

I did the same thing about 9 months ago. I had a lifted 5th Gen, loved it, but I had a long commute between Austin and Dallas each week and it got to be a rough ride with all the construction etc...so I went and traded in the 4R and bought a GMC Sierra Denali, rode so smooth I almost didn't miss the 4R, but then it began to sit in that I didn't really like the truck once I didn't have the commute anymore. In the end, 9 months later, I'm driving a new LR4.

I'd love to have another 4R to build and ride around once in a while, but since moving to a smoother ride and nicer interior with a ton of off road capability, I have to say that I ended up where I should be.

Don''t ever have buyers remorse, you did something for a reason. If you really miss it, get back into one.

I agree 100%. I bought a new '15 Avalon XLE Premium since it was the most cost effective thing to do last Nov, better mileage, less expensive, etc (I drive to CA twice a month from S. Utah) and have regretted it from almost the beginning. True, its a 200k mile car, but I have owned trucks and wanted either a 4R or Tundra. I wanted to do the 'practical thing' and go with a more luxury-oriented Toyota, and, while it has got an incredible ride and has been top-notch so far, I feel that itch badly and am looking at the 4R and Tundra again, already, after 9 months. Is it the smart thing to do? No, not at all. Would I be happier back in a truck? Absolutely. Tough call. What I have found out though is resale on the Avalon SUCKS, and isn't anything like the 4R or Tundra.

In all, do what you're comfortable with and is within your payment and debt guidelines, and don't feel bad about your choice if you can keep from it.

 

[4RunnerAU]

I am considering switching to a Tacoma MT OR and own a 15 T4R. I actually am traveling for work and drove by a dealership tonight that had a rare MT and man...it looked good.

I am honestly REALLY torn. On the one hand, I love the Tacoma's MT and superior MPGs. On the other, I do think the T4R's build is far superior and love the fact it is made in Japan. The Tacoma is seeing lots of "problems" which seem to be the TSB shifting issue (fixed), faulty crankshift sensors (scariest issue IMO) and squeaky rear differentials. Nothing that bad IMO and FWIW, the Tacomas are made in San Antonio at the same factory as the Tundras. I think some are made in Mexico.


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[4RunnerAU]

Just to add my .02 on TW...every board has a "culture" associated with it, for better or worse. IH8MUD and Wrangler Forum are really friendly and positive. This place can be a bit stuffy and non-noob friendly but lots of knowledge nonetheless..but people on TW absolutely LOVE to *****. Not just 3rd gen but 2nd gen too. There are a ton of douches there too. Tons of petty arguments and back and forth, especially between two posters, one who *****es about EVERY single problem he has with his 16 OR and another who is a Toyota homer.


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[Danimal]

Just to add my .02 on TW...every board has a "culture" associated with it, for better or worse. IH8MUD and Wrangler Forum are really friendly and positive. This place can be a bit stuffy and non-noob friendly but lots of knowledge nonetheless..but people on TW absolutely LOVE to *****. Not just 3rd gen but 2nd gen too. There are a ton of douches there too. Tons of petty arguments and back and forth, especially between two posters, one who *****es about EVERY single problem he has with his 16 OR and another who is a Toyota homer.


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Yea, that forum is intolerable.

Dan