Does the 4Runner make a good family car???

[bluedevil1198]

I recommend a Sienna .
Much more practical.
And you will have plenty of space .

 

[FrontRange4Runner]

lol Last time I posted in this thread was 3 years ago.....ugh.

Another aspect to consider is older people in your family. My in-laws are getting older and it is quite hard for them to get in and out of the Runner these days. Because of this, I end up having to drive their car (pristine 2014 Forster XT with 9900 miles lol) whenever we go anywhere. It's not a big deal, but certainly something to consider if you have older folk in your family. The step-in height, even with the running boards, can be uncomfortable. If you have a second vehicle thats lower to the ground then it's a nonissue.

 

[blanchard7684]

Interesting, because my next choice would have been the Explorer Sport. I liked the idea of a decent sized SUV with a lot of UMPH to it with that Twin Turbo. Although I hate the idea of that Carbon Monoxide issue they're proving to be known for.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ford-explorer-models-2011-to-2017-center-for-auto-safety-recall-urged/

We traded out primarily because of that issue.

It was maddening. It isn't just a little CO coming in the cabin, it smells like a truck coal-rolls you in the cabin.

Secondarily we didn't like:

torque steer was so bad it was dangerous. With the extra power of a sport model it'd be even worse.

The 3.5 has an internal water pump run by timing set. It has a failure mode where it leaks into oil and trashes the engine. There are some well documented instances of this in explorer forum and others.

Horn honks if you shut vehicle door while running. no way to turn this feature off.

Overall build quality was really bad. multiple body panels way off alignment.

No bottom end torque at all. Had to floor it to go anywhere off the line.

I was even stranded in a snow storm because it wouldn't move.

 

[rodralig]

Very nice read! Especially since I'm finding myself in the same boat...

As mentioned in my new member introduction:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/new-m...member-socal-new-4x4-4runner.html#post2842370

Interesting, because my next choice would have been the Explorer Sport. I liked the idea of a decent sized SUV with a lot of UMPH to it with that Twin Turbo. Although I hate the idea of that Carbon Monoxide issue they're proving to be known for.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ford-explorer-models-2011-to-2017-center-for-auto-safety-recall-urged/

Same here...

But aside from that news, I just can't get over the consistency and reliability of a Ford, especially when compared to a Toyota:

https://www.consumerreports.org/car...ion/car-brands-reliability-how-they-stack-up/


Cheers,


_