Convince me to buy a New 4Runner
- Thread starter 054Runner1
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downshift
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I "upgraded" from a 4th gen to a 5th gen and almost regret it. I put upgrade in quotes for a reason. The changes from 4th to 5th gen are all under the skin. You don't see them. Sitting in the 5th gen is almost the same as sitting in the 4th gen. I feel like I've been in the same car for almost 20 years now. I'm ready for a change. Plus I hate that the 5th gen has a transfer case. The 4th gen had a center diff. I much prefer that. This change seems like a downgrade to me, a step backwards.
I am now considering a Defender. They have all the technology I want. Center and rear limited slips, the famed Land Rover "Terrain Response" system (multi-terrain select on steroids), adjustable air suspension with >11" clearance in the highest mode, yada yada yada, the list goes on.
The only thing holding me back is the poor reputation for reliability these things have. People who have them say it's worth it though, so who knows, maybe...
I am now considering a Defender. They have all the technology I want. Center and rear limited slips, the famed Land Rover "Terrain Response" system (multi-terrain select on steroids), adjustable air suspension with >11" clearance in the highest mode, yada yada yada, the list goes on.
The only thing holding me back is the poor reputation for reliability these things have. People who have them say it's worth it though, so who knows, maybe...
Snowtrooper
New member
No disrespect, but did you not spend some time behind the wheel of a 5th gen runner before pulling the trigger?
I thought tried and true was one of the reasons someone would go from 4th to 5th gen. Hell, we have many people here who went from older 5th to newer 5th gen without any qualms.
Aside from Land Rover’s track record, what things have you specifically read about the new Defender that is cause for concern? I’m just curious since Toyota and LR folks seem to be cut from a different clothe, unless they’re just enthusiastic about the old school rigs.
umidkusername
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downshift
New member
Well, you're right, I did not spend any time at all behind the wheel of a 5th gen before I bought it. I didn't even test drive it. I went to the dealer, pointed to the one I wanted, then sat down and made the deal. Seriously.
You're also right about "tried and true." That's exactly why I did what I did. I don't regret that at all, I would have purchased it with or without a test drive.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with my 4Runner. It meets my needs, is more than capable of any off road task I will ask of it, and is reliable.
I'm just bored with it and ready for a change.
Getting a Defender would meet my desire for a change more than anything else (like capability). There's nothing else I would want to change to: Land Cruiser, Lexus, Wrangler, new Bronco, etc. They just don't do it for me.
The Defender is so new there aren't any long term reports yet, like say head gaskets at 50k. People don't have 50k on them yet. There are a lot of minor things, like the keyless entry doesn't work, the infotainment system has problems, stuff like that.
I should also mention I haven't test driven a Defender yet. I certainly will before I get one, be sure about that. I'm just waiting until I get vaccinated before I stop by my local dealer. I've done a lot of online research, watched a lot of YouTube videos, they all praise the Defender, but that's no substitute to getting up close and personal and taking an actual test drive.
Keeping my 4Runner is certainly a very viable option.
If you're looking for a middle of the road, reliable and affordable SUV, then buy a 4Runner. It's nothing special, but it gets the jobs done. If this is what you are looking for, get one. Otherwise, if you need looks, comfort and new tech, go elsewhere.
For the record, I've owned 4Rs for over a decade. I'm just realistic about what they are and I'll drive mine until it stops running.
For the record, I've owned 4Rs for over a decade. I'm just realistic about what they are and I'll drive mine until it stops running.
This is the exact same reason I chose the 4Runner. I totaled my 2012 Xterra and needed a replacement. No one else really makes a solid, simple, old school vehicle that will last. When you are 20 miles deep in the Kootenai NF, or trout fishing out in BFE Wyoming, even small glitches or problems become exaggerated. I have way more piece of mind in those scenarios in a 4Runner, than I would anything else. Another thing that sold me on the 4Runner is how well they hold their value. I know vehicles in general shouldn’t be looked at as investments, but I’m glad to know if I had to sell it, I would be able to get more of my money back out of it than I would have with anything else.
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Snowtrooper
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I appreciate your response as I occasionally ponder the possibilities, especially when our 4runners have such a decent resale value.
A few arduous trips here and there and I realize it’s about what the truck does for me where it counts the most, as opposed to any of the bells and whistles I’ve grown accustomed to.
I guess boredom in itself a luxury; not having to worry about the vehicle is something I’ve learned to appreciate when many luxury brands have failed me in the past.
umidkusername
New member
I won’t pull the trigger on anything else until electric picks up. I’ll be damned if I trade in 17 mpg for....... 17 mpg and restart truck payments. No thanks.
I don’t really like the idea of electric when interstates can sometimes go miles and miles without an exit or being on terrain that requires more power to maneuver and then the remaining power is drained.
Toyota really needs to brainstorm these things and be the first in this “genre” to really pull it off. Jeep’s latest attempt is 25 miles on one charge lol. (Wrangler 4xe). Yeah, fail.
BUT... if the overall design is like a 5Gen then no thanks. We need new. I was never, ever “amazed” by Toyota. It’s the same ole shhh every year. I just needed retained value and reliability.
I can totally see someone getting a 5Gen and totally regretting it. You literally could have bought a used 2015 base model and put 5k in upgrades to get a 2021.
I regret my decision overall (when I should have bought old and used) but it’s a good means to an end.
Idk if I would chose Land Rover though.
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I don’t really like the idea of electric when interstates can sometimes go miles and miles without an exit or being on terrain that requires more power to maneuver and then the remaining power is drained.
Toyota really needs to brainstorm these things and be the first in this “genre” to really pull it off. Jeep’s latest attempt is 25 miles on one charge lol. (Wrangler 4xe). Yeah, fail.
BUT... if the overall design is like a 5Gen then no thanks. We need new. I was never, ever “amazed” by Toyota. It’s the same ole shhh every year. I just needed retained value and reliability.
I can totally see someone getting a 5Gen and totally regretting it. You literally could have bought a used 2015 base model and put 5k in upgrades to get a 2021.
I regret my decision overall (when I should have bought old and used) but it’s a good means to an end.
Idk if I would chose Land Rover though.
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downshift
New member
Exactly.
I think of it like this. A 4Runner is like your mother. She'll always be there for you, do whatever you need, and hardly ask for anything in return. Just remember to call her on her birthday.
The Defender, on the other hand, is like your mistress. The $ex is incredible, but she throws a fit every now and then, and you need to buy her expensive things to keep her happy!
mizzougrad01
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aggrobot
New member
Ok, here goes:
Your life as you know it will change forever. Get a larger pair of tube socks, because you’ll need something to stuff your bigger dick into to avoid stepping on it for those long road trips. Your wife will probably offer to start making the payments for you she’ll be so pumped. You can stop wearing hats everywhere like an azzhole because your male pattern baldness will have reversed course, and dont be surprised if you start showing tiger stripes in your beard. Try not to take everyone giving up their parking spots to you for granted. It’ll be helpful for not having to sign as many autographs on your way back to the poon sled. Your kids will finally start to respect you, and you’ll be able to force your son to move outta the garage now that you’ve got something meaningful to park in it. Hope this helps.
Your life as you know it will change forever. Get a larger pair of tube socks, because you’ll need something to stuff your bigger dick into to avoid stepping on it for those long road trips. Your wife will probably offer to start making the payments for you she’ll be so pumped. You can stop wearing hats everywhere like an azzhole because your male pattern baldness will have reversed course, and dont be surprised if you start showing tiger stripes in your beard. Try not to take everyone giving up their parking spots to you for granted. It’ll be helpful for not having to sign as many autographs on your way back to the poon sled. Your kids will finally start to respect you, and you’ll be able to force your son to move outta the garage now that you’ve got something meaningful to park in it. Hope this helps.
alidelanoy
New member
A 4RUNNER is one of the best choices, in my opinion. This car has an affordable price yet is a good quality car. That car will always be there at your service, and the only things it might need will be some occasional check-ups. There you can find many sites like +2,000 JDM Cars For Sale — JDMbuysell.com, which are able to sell Toyota cars at an acceptable price, especially for second-hand cars. In case you are still not sure about a Toyota, you should consult with someone like a friend who has experience in this domain or even a company that might give some help and advices.
2021nightshade4x4
New member
Take a look at used 4Runner prices. That’s all you need.
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