Do I Want a New 4Runner?

[CelticRunner]

TLDR: driving 2006 with 200k mi. Should I trade in for a new 4Runner (‘22 or wait for ‘23) or look at a different car. Just want a reliable and capable car (basically 4Runner), but don’t like the infotainment screens taking over every new car, as well as all the electronics.



Currently driving a 2006 4Runner with 200k miles. It’s no longer my daily commuter but use it daily for trips around town and in order to fit the kids/car seats. We’re moving out into a more rural area and I’m trying to decide if a new 4Runner is for me.


For the record, I love my current vehicle. It does what I need and ask, and some. But with its Mille and age it’s not ideal for dependability when kids are with me (fortunately the one major issue, stuck valve on the highway, was while I was alone). Rust isn’t bad either, given the age, though it’s there.

My biggest gripe in the new models is the infotainment system. I much prefer the large knobs I can use without looking or with bulky gloves. Hell, I’d pay another $1-2k for a simple dash with knobs, an aux port and CD player.

All I want is a reliable and capable vehicle. My ideal car would be a mint condition 3rd or 4th gen with low miles, if money wasn’t an option. These vehicles sometimes get a bad wrap for having old tech, but I much prefer tried and true dependable technology than the newest unproven thing which won’t last.

But the rational side of me says now is the time to buy, if I can find one.

Maybe I’m asking the question here for confirmation bias, because I do love my T4R, but figure I’d tap into the knowledge here in case there is another vehicle I should consider.

Also not really considering electric. Maybe I’m wrong but I just don’t think the battery tech is as reliable or long lasting.

 

[02SE]

TLDR: driving 2006 with 200k mi. Should I trade in for a new 4Runner (‘22 or wait for ‘23) or look at a different car. Just want a reliable and capable car (basically 4Runner), but don’t like the infotainment screens taking over every new car, as well as all the electronics.



Currently driving a 2006 4Runner with 200k miles. It’s no longer my daily commuter but use it daily for trips around town and in order to fit the kids/car seats. We’re moving out into a more rural area and I’m trying to decide if a new 4Runner is for me.


For the record, I love my current vehicle. It does what I need and ask, and some. But with its Mille and age it’s not ideal for dependability when kids are with me (fortunately the one major issue, stuck valve on the highway, was while I was alone). Rust isn’t bad either, given the age, though it’s there.

My biggest gripe in the new models is the infotainment system. I much prefer the large knobs I can use without looking or with bulky gloves. Hell, I’d pay another $1-2k for a simple dash with knobs, an aux port and CD player.

All I want is a reliable and capable vehicle. My ideal car would be a mint condition 3rd or 4th gen with low miles, if money wasn’t an option. These vehicles sometimes get a bad wrap for having old tech, but I much prefer tried and true dependable technology than the newest unproven thing which won’t last.

But the rational side of me says now is the time to buy, if I can find one.

Maybe I’m asking the question here for confirmation bias, because I do love my T4R, but figure I’d tap into the knowledge here in case there is another vehicle I should consider.

Also not really considering electric. Maybe I’m wrong but I just don’t think the battery tech is as reliable or long lasting.

I'd probably still have my unicorn 3rd gen, if I hadn't been offered stupid money for it (This was before the china virus pricing really took effect).

I bought a 5th gen, because I figured if I didn't like the 6th gen, I'd be set for years. If I do like the 6th gen, I've got a low-mile 5th gen that someone would want.

 

[Ripper238]

Now is not the time to buy much of anything, especially 4Runners. Unless you have a lot of disposable income.

You are better off keeping what you have or buy a used 2019 or older.

 

[SirDancelot]

Now is not the time to buy much of anything, especially 4Runners. Unless you have a lot of disposable income.

You are better off keeping what you have or buy a used 2019 or older.

I second with this. You will forgo full time all wheel drive (unless you upgrade to a 5th gen limited).

If you do go with a 5th gen, I would also go with a 2019 or older. You will forgo all the collision and telemetry stuff, will have more options to go with an aftermarket stereo, and not have to worry about the front radar (in case you go with a winch bumper with a grill protection bar). If you go for a certified one, you'll also get 100K warranty, which, depending on the mileage, will be a better deal than the default factory warranty on a new one.

 

[BillsRunner]

I recently bought a'21 Runner Premium. It has knobs for volume and tuning and the screen and other controls are nice. My most recent Runner before this (I've owned 5 total), was an '08 - they say the most reliable 4th gen. I LOVED it. I did not like the aftermarket radio which did have bluetooth but no knobs.

In between Runners I had a Chevy Blazer - started breaking down at 36K, a Ford Exploder - all 4 wheel bearings and the center diff went out, one at a time - AND the wheels come off the road on any significant flex - and an old Isuzu Trooper - loved the trooper but it blew oil and had to be rebuilt. Came back to an '03 and then the '08. You just can't beat a 4Runner for reliability, toughness, great performance on and off road.

Now, my 2021 did need a new front diff at 7K - some have bad ones from the factory - but all under warranty and otherwise perfect. Let us know what you get!

 

[DAW89446]

I have an ‘18 SR5 that I bought used from a dealer in July, 2019. It replaced my ‘02 Tacoma TRD 4x4, which I gave to my adult son. I wanted to keep the old faithful truck in the family.

The 4Runner is stock, running BFG All Terrain T/A KO2 in load range E. I live in an isolated rural area with a lot of dirt roads, warm summers and cold, snowy winters. I don’t haul an RV, but do tow a utility trailer with up to a ton of heating pellets. I take it hunting in season. I’ve used it like a tractor and a truck working around my acreage.

In short, I have no regrets with my 4Runner. It’s versatile, smooth, quiet and comfortable.

 

[John in NC]

I'd be tempted to get a new one, not wait for the upcoming new model. I fear Toyota is going to whiff it with the new 4runner, I hope not...

 

[spartacus]

You like your 2006, so you have 200k miles on it which by Toyota standards is not high. Put a couple of grand into it and get it into great working order and it would be just as reliable as a new 4runner. New 4runners are having a few issues out the gate. Never the less do what you think is best for you and your family.

 

[batex]

If you wait for the 6th Gen model and plan to keep it for a long time, just remember it’s not always wise to buy the first year of a new design. I’ve been following the launch of the 2022 tundra and there are a number of glitches with the electronics and head unit, along with a few mechanical and fitment issues related to the new design and supplier growing pains. Certainly Toyota will work all these issues out in time, but I’ve never seen a first year model without these types of issues, including from Toyota.


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[Flyer]

I would wait. I'm just not a fan of the 5th Gen and would wait, unless I absolutely had to get a new one. 2023 would probably be the year for me.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I have a 2008 and a 2014 4runner. If I were you, I would invest some money in your 4th gen to get it reliable again and throw some wanted mods at it while you’re at it. I have over 200k miles on my 4th gen and I still consider it very reliable. However, I have thrown more money at it lately, mostly preventative, to keep it reliable as always but it beats a new car payment. I like them both but also prefer driving the 4th gen compared to my 5th gen.

 

[AgentKooper]

I have a 2021, and it still feels pretty old school to me, in terms of the infotainment system. Not outdated, but not ridiculous with the screen taking over. Still plenty of knobs and buttons, and very satisfying overall. Mine has been flawless so far.

Based on the Sequoia redesign, I’m actually feeling optimistic about the 6th gen 4Runner, but I’m not in any hurry to upgrade. I’d be happy to drive my 5th gen for 200,000-plus more miles.


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[Horsethief]

200k isn't really a ton of miles for a 4Runner.

If yours still does everything you need it to do, I'd keep it. For what you'd pay in sales tax and fees on a new one, you could do quite a bit of preventative maintenance or upgrades on the one you already own.

 

[LimeLED]

You like your 2006, so you have 200k miles on it which by Toyota standards is not high. Put a couple of grand into it and get it into great working order and it would be just as reliable as a new 4runner. New 4runners are having a few issues out the gate. Never the less do what you think is best for you and your family.

What issues are people having with new 4Runners?

 

[spartacus]

What issues are people having with new 4Runners?

There are no overwhelming or prevalent problems never the less there are a few issues.
The front differential has been replaced on quiet a few.
Head unit turning on and off.
starting issues after water crossing due to starter.
Brake failure without any cause on a couple that was reported on this forum.
Takata air bag recall.
rear camera going out etc. Search the forum for more.
The point being, a well maintained 2006 with 200k could be just as reliable as a newer vehicle.

 

[mscot]

the only issue I had with my 17 is that I needed a full rotor and pad replacement with only 27k miles on the vehicle. probably b/c it's mostly driven in the mountains and it had 33s and a winch on it for those miles.

 

[BorotHex]

The front differential has been replaced on quiet a few.

From shot gears, or the actuator going bad?

 

[spartacus]

From shot gears, or the actuator going bad?

The front would make a grinding, groaning noise. It was the needle bearing in the front diff. It was so prevalent that toyota issued a tsb for replacement. I had mine replaced under warranty. Others have just put in an ecgs needle bearing and it's been good.

 

[DPenner]

I'm not telling you what to do but what I want to do when I get back to America. I will be looking for a 10-12 SR5. I like the front and the manual 4 wheel drive. But I don't have the cash for a new one either so take what I say with a grain of salt.

 

[wellthought]

I've got a 2022 SR5 Premium with XP Predator package and I love it! Very reliable and should last and last and last. I've heard that the new 2023 models may have a turbocharged 4 cylinder so the 2022 may be the last V6.