Drove a 4Runner For the first Time Today

Maybe not the best place for this question, but I recently drove a 4runner for the first time. I am deciding between the 4runner and a wrangler unlimited. I am looking at used ones at around 12-14k. I found a what looks to be a good used 4runner 2012 limited, single owner but it has 190k miles. I understand they hold their value really well, but at 12,000, how much of a risk is this investment? Just wanted some help working through this. I have only ever owned a Jeep and really looking at investing into something that will be just as fun but far more reliable. Thank you.
 
Maybe not the best place for this question, but I recently drove a 4runner for the first time. I am deciding between the 4runner and a wrangler unlimited. I am looking at used ones at around 12-14k. I found a what looks to be a good used 4runner 2012 limited, single owner but it has 190k miles. I understand they hold their value really well, but at 12,000, how much of a risk is this investment? Just wanted some help working through this. I have only ever owned a Jeep and really looking at investing into something that will be just as fun but far more reliable. Thank you.

Yeah not really the right thread but whatever for now. Toyota is legendary in its reliability and longevity (190k is still in its infancy according to many). Yes a Jeep will be more capable offroad due to a few factors but, make no mistake, a Runner will go toe to toe in all but the most aggressive terrain or angles. I am absolutely FLOORED at what this thing does with ease. From an investment standpoint, Jeeps hold value due to the niche of those that LOVE Jeeps religiously. Toyotas hold value for many other noteworthy reasons IMO. I would have no reservations in buying a 190k Toyota...a Jeep at that mileage....well I think even the jeep owners would be hesitant.
 
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I have a hard time understanding how anyone under 6'5" can have this complaint. I'm 6'7" with a sunroof, and I make it work fine (though it is tight). Not trying to argue, I just don't see the issue for 99% of people who say that the sunroof eats too much headroom.

My head was right up against the ceiling/sunroof, and I don't like having to lower the driver's seat all the way down just to have enough head clearance. I have a long neck & torso, though still have a actual 36" inseam.

We did look at CPO Lexus GX 460. Headroom was not a problem. However, the footwell was too small for my size 14 feet. Movement of my right foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal was obstructed by something above the footwell. It just didn't feel safe. Otherwise we really liked the GX. At least it made the decision for the 4runner easy.
 
My head was right up against the ceiling/sunroof, and I don't like having to lower the driver's seat all the way down just to have enough head clearance. I have a long neck & torso, though still have a actual 36" inseam.

We did look at CPO Lexus GX 460. Headroom was not a problem. However, the footwell was too small for my size 14 feet. Movement of my right foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal was obstructed by something above the footwell. It just didn't feel safe. Otherwise we really liked the GX. At least it made the decision for the 4runner easy.

I've must have given into the fact that I require the seat all the way lowered a looong time ago. I guess it makes sense that some people like to sit higher up... It's just something that I was never able to do. But like I said, at my height (and a longer torso) I still make it work comfortably. I'll chalk it up to personal preferences, but again, I still don't understand the "I'm 6'2", so I CANNOT have a sunroof" complaint... The seat lowers for a reason.

I do get the foot room thing. I have been a size 15-16 since I was 13 years old. I have driven a wide variety of vehicles (rentals for work trips), and there is definitely some danger when the pedal configuration is not spaced appropriately for large feet.
 
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My Mods list to date:


  1. Auto Navigation dimming sensor part # is 89121-30020
  2. H11 to H9 low beams using converter cable
  3. Program the key so the front/rear passenger door windows and sunroof open together. The rear hatch window does not go down.
 
My Mods list to date:


  1. Auto Navigation dimming sensor part # is 89121-30020
  2. H11 to H9 low beams using converter cable
  3. Program the key so the front/rear passenger door windows and sunroof open together. The rear hatch window does not go down.

Can you provide a link to the converter cable you purchased?

thanks
 
Doh!

Its not what I thought it was ... see the comments


"If you're looking for a wiring harness that connects from H11 to H9, we do not have this available. -Naomi "
 
Maybe not the best place for this question, but I recently drove a 4runner for the first time. I am deciding between the 4runner and a wrangler unlimited. I am looking at used ones at around 12-14k. I found a what looks to be a good used 4runner 2012 limited, single owner but it has 190k miles. I understand they hold their value really well, but at 12,000, how much of a risk is this investment? Just wanted some help working through this. I have only ever owned a Jeep and really looking at investing into something that will be just as fun but far more reliable. Thank you.

I've had 5 Jeep JK's and my last one ended up with death wobble. That was the final nail for me. Being almost 50, Jeeps just don't ride well enough for me anymore. Never had one that didn't have many warranty issues. Nothing too major, but the 4 Runner is a better daily in every way. Off road is the only place a Jeep is better. Or if you want top down/off.
 
I've had 5 Jeep JK's and my last one ended up with death wobble. That was the final nail for me. Being almost 50, Jeeps just don't ride well enough for me anymore. Never had one that didn't have many warranty issues. Nothing too major, but the 4 Runner is a better daily in every way. Off road is the only place a Jeep is better. Or if you want top down/off.
Comparing a JK to a 4R isn't really correct as they are different classes of vehicles.

The 4R is closer in demographics to a GC and that Jeep beats it hands down in ride and amenities - but not on reliability.

The JK and 4R are similar in that they both are biased towards off road and are not the best on-road cruisers.

The problem with both the JK and the 4R are they are often bought by the wrong people for the wrong reasons - as daily drivers for surviving the ride to the mall - but the look cool.

If looking cool is what somebody wants, then either is fine, but then you can't complain about the on-road ride.

If looking cool is tantamount, then the JK is the way to go. If "cool and reliable" is important, then the 4R gets the nod.
 
If everything doesn't get 'eff'd up I will put a deposit on a SR5 Premium tomorrow. It's out of state so with any luck I'll have it by the end of the week.
 
Waiting for the dealer to notify me that the truck has arrived on their lot so I can print the check see it and and arrange to have it transported to NJ.

The NJ DMVs are closed until May 31 (wtf? Over.) so I need to pay to get it trucked here at which time Ill give it a proper coat of Klasse polish prior to taking it out on the road after the DMV reopens.
 
Insurance done.

Transportation by auto carrier scheduled. The pro’s with the full sized semi’s. I saw one loaded with Mercedes Benz SUV’s on RT17 and called them after talking with a bunch of consolidators and the price was a lot better.

Next the bank check.
 
Scheduled to arrive here from Massachusetts tomorrow morning.

2020 4Runner SR5 4x4 Premium
Barcelona Red/Graphite
Sunroof
All Weather Floor Liners/Cargo Tray
 

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Liked the ride

We had a 2004 pathfinder. Bought it new. We liked the ride and look of a true mid sized sport utility. We drove the 4Runner and after a week or so of haggeling it out, we chose a 2019 Hold over with 25 miles.
We love it so far.
 

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