Considering a 5th gen SR5 and have questions

[gmoney2626]

Sorry for the lengthy post. I have looked through quite a bit on this forum and learned a lot. I am looking for some feed back regarding the 5th gen 4runner.

I currently own a 94 4Runner with 228k miles. In the beginning of December I crawled under to change the oil and found some antifreeze dripping from an area in front of the transfer case on the passenger side. After doing some searching, and a lot of denial, I found fresh trail marks of antifreeze where the head meets the block on the back of the motor on the passenger side. After shedding a tear and screaming things like “Don’t die on me!” “You’re too young to die”… I composed myself and searched out my options.

All diagnoses point to an engine replacement/overhaul at around $5k+ and adding in other things puts me at a $6k+ bill. So I found out about Blue Devil head gasket sealer, applied it and it appears to be holding.

Now I need to find a replacement. I have had this vehicle since 89k miles and haven’t had to do much at all to it. It has been a great truck/suv and has never left me stranded. I use it in the snow occasionally and frequently use it to drive on the beach in deep loose sand. I need the same ground clearance as the 94 without having to do a lift kit. I was considering a new Tacoma Off Road or the 5th gen 4runner. I got concerned when I found out 95-00 Tacoma’s and 00-03 Tundra’s had frame rot problems. I couldn’t find a clear explanation as to why it happened other then possible rust proofing issues in American based plants. I also did not find anything on what was done to correct it other then Toyota offered longer warranties on rust and bought some back.

My understanding is the 5th gen is from the FJ chassis and built in one of the worlds best factories?!?!?!? I am assuming that I wont be dealing with any frame rot issues?!?!? I haven’t read up on FJ frame cracking much but I thought it might not have been a frame problem but a floor board/fender cracking problem?!?!?! Please correct me if I am wrong and educate me on what I am missing.

I am looking to have this new 4Runner for another 10+ years and hit over 200k miles with it. Anyone have any experience with an SR5 and its performance in loose sand (beach environments)? Any comments on those that have had theirs for a year or so… how is it holding up? Anything you notice now that you didn’t when you did your test drive? Positives/Negatives?

I have a quote on a 11 SR5 4x4 with USB/Bluetooth radio 8 spkr, floor mats, power cloth seats, moon roof and backup camera for $31,600 + tag title tax. I am showing Factory Invoice at 32,500. Any comments on how good of a deal this is? I have seen people mention 4-5 below MSRP… dealer provided MSRP was $34,700 which puts me at 9% discount. I think this is pretty good?!?!?! (FYI east coast area)

 

[DocMT]

Toyota trucks/SUVs in general all seem to suffer more from frame rust than most other vehicles. But the good news is that the 4Runner frames are fully boxed and quite strong. So even if they rust, it'll probably be more surface rust than anything. It would probably take forever for the frame to rust to the point that it's unsafe to drive, which was not the case with some Tacomas.

I have some rust on my 2004 4Runner's frame, but it's still solid as a rock and it only appears to be surface rust. I do drive in some crappy/salty conditions every winter, but I try to keep the undercarriage clean and free of salt whenever I can.

 

[4Runner4evah]

so sorry to hear about your truck. I recently said goodbye to my beloved '95 4.4 SR5 Limited (only 105k miles; blown head gasket) and bought a 2011 4x4 SR5. I can't answer your questions about rust, and I'm no expert on buying cars but I'd say the deal you've been offered sounds pretty reasonable. I paid $31k for my new one with no bluetooth/moon roof/backup camera (in the Gulf South). I looked around quite a bit and it was the best deal I could find. I also checked in the Pacific NW (where I'm from) and they cost several THOUSAND more there! anyhow, good luck with your car-shopping!

 

[westwind77]

Any comments on those that have had theirs for a year or so… how is it holding up? Anything you notice now that you didn’t when you did your test drive?

Had mine since 11/30/09 - only 9,200k though. Love it - only real complaint would be the stereo display - washes out in sunlight - hard to see during the day with lights on - XM channel numbers are very small, take attention off the road when trying to 'read the fine print' (if you search you will see other chime in on this as well) Did not notice that during the test drives.

Only problem I have is with my lumbar support, it 'creaks/pops' when it is out from about 1/4 through 3/4. (again, if you search others have this problem as well). When it goes for an oil change I will have them take a look at it and see what they will do.

I did enough research that physically and mechanically I knew what I was buying, so all in all I am very happy with the 4R.

 

[gwcpa]

I plan to use mine on sand mostly as well. Have only had if for a couple of weeks.

My one recommendation would be to get the premium package with leather. You get a bunch of stuff bundled into the prem package, and the leather with heat is nice. Not that much more $$. $900 under invoice will put one in the mid 32 range. I'm not crazy about cloth in general or Toyota cloth in particular.

I agree the stereo takes getting used to. Pretty poor display, but it sounds great. Hard to read, not a lot of XM data and impossible to read with polarized SGs unless you look under the glasses.

Otherwise it drives great and the MPG is not bad at all for this type/size vehicle.

Have not used 4wd yet, but hoping for more snow soon.

 

[M1911]

I got concerned when I found out 95-00 Tacoma’s and 00-03 Tundra’s had frame rot problems. I couldn’t find a clear explanation as to why it happened other then possible rust proofing issues in American based plants. I also did not find anything on what was done to correct it other then Toyota offered longer warranties on rust and bought some back.

My understanding is the 5th gen is from the FJ chassis and built in one of the worlds best factories?!?!?!? I am assuming that I wont be dealing with any frame rot issues?!?!?

I've got an '03 4Runner V8 4WD. I live near Boston and take it on the beach for two weeks each year. I bought it new, and have put about 95,000 miles on it.

Mine was built in that very same factory, and I have to say that I'm rather disappointed in the amount of frame rust that I have. In particular, the cross member under the tranny seems to have taken the worst of it. I don't know if the rust protection on the 5th gen is better than on my 4th gen. I'd like to run mine for another 100k miles, but we'll see if it makes that far.

 

[Fuzzylogic]

My SR5 4x4 has been great so far.

I just hit 10k miles (on pace for 25k a year or more), and have used the 4x4 to pull my flats boat out of a sand/mud ramp. I've also done some trail "testing" to see how it does off road (nothing too heavy), loaded it with a week's worth of camping provisions while pulling the boat and hauling my son (teenager), two of his friends and my wife (she's actually very light though).

I was originally concerned when I went from the Nissan Titan to the T4R. But, I can say...it is totally up to the task. You can treat it like a pack mule and it wants to climb the next ridge.

 

[gmoney2626]

I've got an '03 4Runner V8 4WD. I live near Boston and take it on the beach for two weeks each year. I bought it new, and have put about 95,000 miles on it.

Mine was built in that very same factory, and I have to say that I'm rather disappointed in the amount of frame rust that I have. In particular, the cross member under the tranny seems to have taken the worst of it. I don't know if the rust protection on the 5th gen is better than on my 4th gen. I'd like to run mine for another 100k miles, but we'll see if it makes that far.

Here are some shots of my 94. It has been in southern VA most of its life and sees the beach occasionally but probably not as much road salt as you do in MA. I am hoping that I see similar results with the 11 SR5.

 

[gmoney2626]

I plan to use mine on sand mostly as well. Have only had if for a couple of weeks.

My one recommendation would be to get the premium package with leather. You get a bunch of stuff bundled into the prem package, and the leather with heat is nice. Not that much more $$. $900 under invoice will put one in the mid 32 range. I'm not crazy about cloth in general or Toyota cloth in particular.

I agree the stereo takes getting used to. Pretty poor display, but it sounds great. Hard to read, not a lot of XM data and impossible to read with polarized SGs unless you look under the glasses.

Otherwise it drives great and the MPG is not bad at all for this type/size vehicle.

Have not used 4wd yet, but hoping for more snow soon.

We already have a Cadillac CTS that has all the bells and whistles in it. I really didnt want two new cars so close to each other but some times you have to play the cards you are dealt with. I did talk to a local sales guy who mentioned he experienced the SR5 on the Outter Banks and said it did great. At the same time I wouldnt image the sales guy telling me it sucked either. My 94 does really well down there and I hope that I would get the same experience from the new one. Sounds to me like some of the features offered by the Trail version just basically lets the car take over driving. I am thinking that if I do pretty good with my current 4x4 set up I should be the same if not better in the SR5.

 

[gmoney2626]

Everyone....

Thanks for the input so far...

Is it true that I can buy a Toyota Extended Warranty from any Toyota dealer? Do I have to accomplish it below a certain mileage if I dont get it from the dealer I bought the car from? Any insight as to what is a good price for some of the extended warranties they offer?

 

[Quentin]

Everyone....

Thanks for the input so far...

Is it true that I can buy a Toyota Extended Warranty from any Toyota dealer? Do I have to accomplish it below a certain mileage if I dont get it from the dealer I bought the car from? Any insight as to what is a good price for some of the extended warranties they offer?

There is a dealer in Missouri (I think) that does great deals on extended warranty. You'll want to take care of this prior to the 36 mo/36k mile warranty expires.

I've had my T4R for 12k miles and 9 months. Not a single problem, getting 22mpg regularly, and it has just been a great truck getting to the trailheads for camping and biking. I, too, purchased it with the plan of getting 200k miles out of it. So far, it looks to be up to task. Thrilled with it.

 

[M1911]

gmoney, my undercarriage looks far worse than that, unfortunately.

 

[gmoney2626]

There is a dealer in Missouri (I think) that does great deals on extended warranty. You'll want to take care of this prior to the 36 mo/36k mile warranty expires.

I've had my T4R for 12k miles and 9 months. Not a single problem, getting 22mpg regularly, and it has just been a great truck getting to the trailheads for camping and biking. I, too, purchased it with the plan of getting 200k miles out of it. So far, it looks to be up to task. Thrilled with it.

Do you happen to remember the name? I have seen people talking about one in KS and another called Greenfield Toyota in MA.

 

[FridayFriday]

Everyone....

Thanks for the input so far...

Is it true that I can buy a Toyota Extended Warranty from any Toyota dealer? Do I have to accomplish it below a certain mileage if I dont get it from the dealer I bought the car from? Any insight as to what is a good price for some of the extended warranties they offer?

You can buy the Toyota warranty up until the basic power-train expires, but they ding you extra $$$ for waiting. Don't screw with 3rd party insurance... too many horror stories, esp if Toyota warranty is an option. I went with 7 years, 160,000km and it was $1600... pretty good deal.

As far as my 2011 4Runner, I have mixed feelings... it lacks a lot of the polish of some other soft-roaders... the dash is not as retro as an FJ, but it is pretty disjointed. Traction controls all over the place, radio quite a mess to operate... the steering wheel controls are backwards (compared to a Tacoma)... the steering wheel itself is impossible to hold on the bottom 1/2 because of the large squared-off inserts... the A-TRAC stuff doesn't really work to get you unstuck... needs a real limited or locking rear diff... twitchy handling on rutted pavement... leather package is cheap... mine has a few rattles already and is 2 months old (yet to be addressed by my dealer).

On the + side, the heated seats are nice... fit and finish very good... super smooth tranny, though doesn't seem to relate as much power as advertised (ie, doesn't feel quick)... lots of room for 2nd row passengers... decent fuel economy for a heavy truck...

I don't like mine though in the end... was too much money for too little... I want my Tacoma back.

 

[westwind77]

As far as my 2011 4Runner, I have mixed feelings... it lacks a lot of the polish of some other soft-roaders... the dash is not as retro as an FJ, but it is pretty disjointed. Traction controls all over the place, radio quite a mess to operate... the steering wheel controls are backwards (compared to a Tacoma)... the steering wheel itself is impossible to hold on the bottom 1/2 because of the large squared-off inserts... the A-TRAC stuff doesn't really work to get you unstuck... needs a real limited or locking rear diff... twitchy handling on rutted pavement... leather package is cheap... mine has a few rattles already and is 2 months old (yet to be addressed by my dealer).

On the + side, the heated seats are nice... fit and finish very good... super smooth tranny, though doesn't seem to relate as much power as advertised (ie, doesn't feel quick)... lots of room for 2nd row passengers... decent fuel economy for a heavy truck...

I don't like mine though in the end... was too much money for too little... I want my Tacoma back.

Wow, I know this is your opinion, which I will respect, but it almost looks like a 'troll' post! You bought a vehicle that has been out for a year, you should have known what it was mechanically and the looks physically, and if you bought it well you accept those.

'Soft Offroaders' - are you kidding me? This is not a Highlander or Escape!

Traction Control works perfect - how is it 'all over the place' - please explain that?

Personally I LOVE the steering wheel, I use that bottom middle part to drive all the time, much better than any SUV I have driven.

A-TRAC does not work, since when? Have you seen the videos people have posted?? It has gotten them out of some pretty interesting situations. I personal got stuck (on purpose) and used A-TRAC to get out (testing it), and it work perfect! Sure a locker would help, but that is why there is the TE.

I have had a lot of people compliment my leather package, I know some are not a fan, but everyone I know is.

'Qucik' is a relative term, coming from a sports car, no, coming most most other vehicles I think the 4R is pretty quick, but then again, we did not buy a sports car, did we?

Again, I understand these are your 'feelings/opinions' but I have to say I think you need to find one of the dealerships that will let you take home the car for a weekend to fully test out, not saying that to be rude. That way you can get the full feeling without rushing or having some annoying sales guy with you. Take your time with it and make sure you are 100% next time with whatever you purchase.

 

[philsey]

+1. Nicely put WW.

If I'd been that careless in my selection of any new vehicle, doubt I'd admit it.

 

[gmoney2626]

You can buy the Toyota warranty up until the basic power-train expires, but they ding you extra $$$ for waiting. Don't screw with 3rd party insurance... too many horror stories, esp if Toyota warranty is an option. I went with 7 years, 160,000km and it was $1600... pretty good deal.

As far as my 2011 4Runner, I have mixed feelings... it lacks a lot of the polish of some other soft-roaders... the dash is not as retro as an FJ, but it is pretty disjointed. Traction controls all over the place, radio quite a mess to operate... the steering wheel controls are backwards (compared to a Tacoma)... the steering wheel itself is impossible to hold on the bottom 1/2 because of the large squared-off inserts... the A-TRAC stuff doesn't really work to get you unstuck... needs a real limited or locking rear diff... twitchy handling on rutted pavement... leather package is cheap... mine has a few rattles already and is 2 months old (yet to be addressed by my dealer).

On the + side, the heated seats are nice... fit and finish very good... super smooth tranny, though doesn't seem to relate as much power as advertised (ie, doesn't feel quick)... lots of room for 2nd row passengers... decent fuel economy for a heavy truck...

I don't like mine though in the end... was too much money for too little... I want my Tacoma back.

I think this is great feedback. I want to hear the positives and negatives. I have a 94 4Runner as my daily driver and we own a Cadillac CTS with all the bells and whistles so I am not looking for the new 4Runner to be my luxury car. I need something that will perform well in 4x4 mode, give me a decent ride (considering its a truck) get me through flooded streets, deep sand and snow storms that dump a 1ft. I believe some of the complaints about ride quality, nose dives in braking and some swaying feeling is what to expect from a vehicle of this type of build. My wife has a lifted Jeep Liberty that also handles in similar manors. I am happy with the quality of materials in my 94 cloth interior, the performance of the 4WD, the ride quality and the reliability of the vehicle overall. I am just hoping that the new model doesn't differ to much from the 94 in quality, 4WD performance, reliability and improves on handling and performance(since its new). I did notice that the 11 SR5 felt more solid on the road then the 11 Tacoma Off Road model. I know there is weight difference. I also thought that the Tacoma and 4Runner would have a little more get up and go to them. I also noticed that if you put the 4Runner in manual shift mode it did seem to have more get up and go. Currently my 94 is a 5spd and gets 16-17mpg with 0-60 times in minutes... ha ha.

 

[kmiller8821]

Wow, I know this is your opinion, which I will respect, but it almost looks like a 'troll' post! You bought a vehicle that has been out for a year, you should have known what it was mechanically and the looks physically, and if you bought it well you accept those.

'Soft Offroaders' - are you kidding me? This is not a Highlander or Escape!

Traction Control works perfect - how is it 'all over the place' - please explain that?

Personally I LOVE the steering wheel, I use that bottom middle part to drive all the time, much better than any SUV I have driven.

A-TRAC does not work, since when? Have you seen the videos people have posted?? It has gotten them out of some pretty interesting situations. I personal got stuck (on purpose) and used A-TRAC to get out (testing it), and it work perfect! Sure a locker would help, but that is why there is the TE.

I have had a lot of people compliment my leather package, I know some are not a fan, but everyone I know is.

'Qucik' is a relative term, coming from a sports car, no, coming most most other vehicles I think the 4R is pretty quick, but then again, we did not buy a sports car, did we?

Again, I understand these are your 'feelings/opinions' but I have to say I think you need to find one of the dealerships that will let you take home the car for a weekend to fully test out, not saying that to be rude. That way you can get the full feeling without rushing or having some annoying sales guy with you. Take your time with it and make sure you are 100% next time with whatever you purchase.

:iagree:

 

[scanny]

I have 4Runner for 5 months now and I'm pretty happy with it so far. I was driving for a week on snow covered roads of Vermont and in local Onario showstorms - TRAC/VSC beeped only once, I even started thinking that something gone wrong with it. But then I tried to drive in 2WD mode in my residential area over fresh show, TRAC/VSC was beeping and flashing every time I turn. So I realised that when those stability systems kick in when you in 4x4 - it's time to slow down. No system can help steer or brake good enough on slippery road.
And then speaking about sterring wheel - I think 4runner has the best steering wheel I ever experienced so far. Well, my experience limited of course of few dozen vehicles I owned or rented.
But I agree that 4Runner doesn't feel quick, not that i looked for a quick truck, but it's funny that it accelerates to 60mph 2 seconds faster than my previous Ford Escape, but Escape felt actually faster. Don't know how Ford did it - maybe it's because of size or weight not sure.

 

[westwind77]

it's funny that it accelerates to 60mph 2 seconds faster than my previous Ford Escape, but Escape felt actually faster. Don't know how Ford did it - maybe it's because of size or weight not sure.

All about perspective - you sit a lot higher in the 4R (wife has an escape so I know). You 'feel' like you are going faster the lower you are to the ground - think about when you are in a plane doing 600+ mph and looking down, feels like you are just moving so slowly over the ground, obviously not though. She must have had the V6 escape, wife has the V4, makes me want to get out and feed the gerbils under the hood some Red Bull!