Drove a 2013 4runner and didn't like it

[Sungod]

-Giant Wagon Wheels are a big turn off, they seem to ride far more stilted than my 4th gen even with fancy KDSS and such

Oh I forgot the ugly wheels. Especially on the limited with the tacky chrome and black paint. They look like a hubcap from a 1987 cavalier.

 

[swapmeet]

You know why an open debate with you is not an option? Because you make wild accusations and assumptions, then defend yourself calling them your "opinion". Kool-aid drinking, being in a vacuum, how ridiculous is this? You think Toyota has started some kind of cult that all sales people are required to join? I don't work for Toyota, I work for the guy that owns the dealership, and I work there because I love Toyota and this is the best dealership in my small town. We have only top shelf merchandise on our lot and I know it's the best stuff you can get here so I have no problems presenting what I sell to customers. If you're not a fan of the 5th gen, fine, THAT is your opinion and you shouludnt buy one but don't be an e-dick and get stupid when someone does like them.

 

[peebee]

HAHAHAHAHAAHA!!!! "Eff your vacuum mfer!" LMAO!!!

Cool your jets man....

I don't really like car salesmen... But "you started it" fits here...

Give the guy a break, he's obviously passionate about 4runners and happens to sell them too. You're treating him as if you already know him.

 

[swapmeet]

I don't really like car salesmen... But "you started it" fits here...

Give the guy a break.

I agree... and I am.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

A lot of people on this forum do not like Consumers Reports magazine but the 4th gen was there top rated mid size suv and the 5th gen is not recommended.

 

[jason56414]

Wife liked how boxy and angled the 5th gen is.......so I bought one. I got the 06 sport. I like the LE wheel 1000 times better than the SR5...to each his own.
Pretty sure the 5th are top 5 or so in resale also....must they doing something right. ...

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Wife liked how boxy and angled the 5th gen is.......so I bought one. I got the 06 sport. I like the LE wheel 1000 times better than the SR5...to each his own.
Pretty sure the 5th are top 5 or so in resale also....must they doing something right. ...

Its not that they are a bad vehicle, the 5th gen is a good Toyota product and still is pretty capable a vehicle. The issue isn't so much that its a crap vehicle like say a JCG where some people are on their 3rd transmission in under 100k.

Its just that many people who have dealt with the 4th gen see an obvious trend in which the 5th gen has been decontented and is starting to edge towards the CUV market much in the way the Pathfinder has gone from being a fairly good 4Runner competitor, to a Highlander clone.

I still would recommend a 5th gen to many people, but as I stated before; there are a lot of reasons I did not purchase a 5th gen vs. the used 4th gen I got. For the amount of money to spend you get quite a bit less equipment when compared to the 4th gen even factoring in inflation.

Bottom Line, 5th Gens are great SUVs for the majority of people; the large majority of people don't care about 4WD capability even though they got the package, its more of a "I got the badge" deal. There's a reason most 4th & 5th gens are relegated as Soccer-Mom mobiles, its the usual use for a Mid or Large Sized SUV because people don't want the stigmatism of a Minivan and it comes with 4WD. But in terms of their 4WD capability & core features vs. price point; the 4th gen had better gear even at base model, where the LE and TE are really the only options if you want things like the T3 Torsen Center Diff and slightly better 4WD system. Its still a great Toyota 4WD vehicle regardless.

 

[Climb14er]

The 4.6 is available, you just have to pay extra for it.

4.6 V8 available in a 5th Gen 4Runner...?

That's what I posted to.

Show me!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

4.6 V8 available in a 5th Gen 4Runner...?

That's what I posted too.

Show me!

That's what annoys me so much... the main difference between the GX460 & the 5th Gen 4Runner (besides the body bolted onto the frame) is the suspension, otherwise Toyota could easily have bolted a 5th Gen body to the frame, programmed the modules to say they are a Toyota and not a Lexus and BAM! 4.6L 4WD monster!

They basically have everything to build it no problem.

 

[claydoctor]

So today I need to get gas in my 2014 SR5 loaner . I pull into the station and spend about 5 minutes looking for the gas tank door release . You guessed it . There isn't one ! Do we need any more evidence that they have cut corners on the Gen 5 . Makes you wonder about the corners they cut that aren't so obvious .

 

[bigskyeric]

Drove my first 5th generation today as a loaner for my 2006 Sport in the shop.
I was disappointed , when they first came out but hoped they would grow on me - not ! They had the Sequoia so why make the 4-Runner, longer , heavier, wider and taller ?? I wanted to like the one I was given today but I felt like I was driving a bus compared to my '06. The distant flat windshield enhanced the effect . Like most newer cars , I felt more removed from the drivetrain , not as much a part of the vehicle . I didn't like the video display constantly reminding me I was getting even less mileage than in my 2006 V-6. . The radio was confusing . Does the rear window still go down ? Never did find the switch . Liked the console and the cupholders . Loved it when the dealer guy handed me an actual KEY . Don't like the window switches. Too prone to raindrops . Back hatch feels heavier and has no close assist- another corner cut . This vehicle reminds me of the comment someone made in the mid nineties, when they introduced a new generation Mustang . They said , it looks like they introduced , the generations in the wrong order . In this case it looks like the 4th generation should have come after the fifth. Better styling, more compact , better road feel, more powerful, better mileage . My 2006 has 196,000 miles . Subaru Outbacks are starting to look good .

I was going to mention the window switches. I hate the window switch location on my 04 because i naturally always open the rear window. Almost a year and I still open the rear window almost every time. But..... putting the switch up top just seems like a bad idea. Seems a lot of you agree with my assessment.

 

[28.]

Drove my first 5th generation today as a loaner for my 2006 Sport in the shop.
I was disappointed , when they first came out but hoped they would grow on me - not ! They had the Sequoia so why make the 4-Runner, longer , heavier, wider and taller ?? I wanted to like the one I was given today but I felt like I was driving a bus compared to my '06. The distant flat windshield enhanced the effect . Like most newer cars , I felt more removed from the drivetrain , not as much a part of the vehicle . I didn't like the video display constantly reminding me I was getting even less mileage than in my 2006 V-6. . The radio was confusing . Does the rear window still go down ? Never did find the switch . Liked the console and the cupholders . Loved it when the dealer guy handed me an actual KEY . Don't like the window switches. Too prone to raindrops . Back hatch feels heavier and has no close assist- another corner cut . This vehicle reminds me of the comment someone made in the mid nineties, when they introduced a new generation Mustang . They said , it looks like they introduced , the generations in the wrong order . In this case it looks like the 4th generation should have come after the fifth. Better styling, more compact , better road feel, more powerful, better mileage . My 2006 has 196,000 miles . Subaru Outbacks are starting to look good .

Funny you mention the Outback cause thats another vehicle I looked at.. eventhough I always like the previous model more on those as well lol..

 

[JB40]

I've yet to hear one single customer say anything negative about it when comparing it to the older style. Thanks, it is pretty cool to sell these things. I really enjoy it.

Just thought I'd throw this out there, from one of my buddies earlier this year.

Just because you haven't had someone walking in to buy one while complaining about it doesn't mean there aren't a lot of prospective buyers out there that hate it. You're sampling a pretty limited demographic.

Take it to a Toyota meet and hang nearby in some sort of funny nose and glasses combo and listen to reactions, the result may surprise you.

 

[c_mack9]

Just thought I'd throw this out there, from one of my buddies earlier this year.

Just because you haven't had someone walking in to buy one while complaining about it doesn't mean there aren't a lot of prospective buyers out there that hate it. You're sampling a pretty limited demographic.

Take it to a Toyota meet and hang nearby in some sort of funny nose and glasses combo and listen to reactions, the result may surprise you.

I understand what you're getting at, but trust me, most people aren't there to buy one. I agree, I don't like the nose on this new one. The Limited looks ok but the SR5 front bumper looks cheap, I like the 2010-2013 better, but that's just my opinion.

 

[Atlanta_man]

I am ready to trade my V8 05 limited for something new but the looks and non-existing engine options of the 4R's as well as not being excited about any other brands have me sitting still. I don't buy for looks but looks obviously can be repellant if bad enough.

 

[1engineer]

Here ya go...

 

[JB40]

I understand what you're getting at, but trust me, most people aren't there to buy one. I agree, I don't like the nose on this new one. The Limited looks ok but the SR5 front bumper looks cheap, I like the 2010-2013 better, but that's just my opinion.

Understood.

Many, many cars have experienced this previous gen bias, as we are all aware.

Still, at some point something newer makes sense, usually from a safety/ technology perspective for all but the most purist owners.

That day will come for the majority of 4th gen owners also, but that doesn't mean we have to like it.

 

[Snesley Wipes]

Here ya go...

Correct me if I'm wrong but...that should be "2003" - 2009 ya? 2002 = 3rd gen.

 

[Code2]

My 04 Limited V6 turned 190,000 miles last month and I've been kickin' around the idea of getting a newer 4runner. I'm looking at a brand new 2015 with leather for around $38,000. But then i saw a 2013 for $30,000 with only 30k miles on the clock. Here are my impressions.

Bigger and heavier with the same engine= slower and underpowered feeling compared to my 2004, Uncomfortable seats, cheaper feeling plastics on the dashboard, Blind spots, squishy boat feel, less steering feedback gives a numb driving experience. At 190,000 miles my 04 doesn't feel any less new than the 2013 w/ 30k miles.

Anyone else have this same experience? The thing literally felt like it was missing about 100hp when i got on the gas.

I have the 08 and 11 and ill say it like this the 08 is over 200,000 on the miles and the 11 is just under 13k sports car vs limo. braking, gas, suspension, cornering, all feel like shit to me in the 11 vs. the 08 I to this day wish I had not bought it went. and don't do a 7 hours drive in it your ass and legs will be screaming for a nap. and I HATE ABSOLUTELY HATE the oversize knobs on the days must be an asians sick joke to americans because you would never find that in the version overseas

 

[Ask10]

....if they put a truck bed on a Prius no one would buy it.