From Land Rover to Toyota. What are the issues?

[brianhoberg]

I've got a big question. It's one of those "had I known back then I wouldn't have bought" situations.
I like working on my truck. I enjoy modifying it, offroading it, taking the family to the beach in it etc. BUT, there's a number of issues that were known about it that I wasn't fully aware of at the time.
I've got a LR Discovery II SE7 (2004). Have the lift, rear bumper, rock sliders, gas tank skid, differential guards, etc., but the manufacturer had known issues which have become common high ticket costs to repair. The head gasket issue has been known to have a slipped liner at about 90k miles. The oil pump is known for seizing as is also the water pump is known for blowing up sooner or later if not replaced. The rear driveshaft has a rotoflex on it and is known for grenading about 90k miles as well. The front driveshaft with unserviceable UJ's is known for grenading about 100k miles taking out the transmission and transfer case with it.
While I've enjoyed having the rover for the last 5 years, it's time for me to find something a bit more reliable as my daily driver. I'm wondering if there are any known issues specifically between the '05 and '09 4Runners. Is there a year that is better known to have fewer problems as far as 4Runners are concerned? Any year where electronics tend to get in the way of just doing your own general maintenance (driveline fluid changes, oil changes, lift kits, etc.)?
Just curious as I'd like to know a bit of the problematic tech behind the 4Runners before just running out and plopping cash for one.
Thanks in advance.

 

[BucknutBob]

Not sure about specific issues with the newer 4Runners (all mine are/were older), but here's the first thing you can do when you dump a British vehicle for a Japanese one--RELAX! They start, they run, they do what they're told (even if that means enduring tons of abuse), the little items like switches, etc., feel as good after 10 years as they did new, they rarely fail or strand you. When a problem with their vehicle design IS found, they'd rather shut down the assembly line than risk the embarassment of having their product fail on you. Sure, there have been some issues over the years, but you can practically count them on one hand. British manufacturers suffer from the same arrogance that nearly killed Detroit, figuring brand loyalty/national pride would keep people coming back, regardless of how many problems they include on their vehicles year after year. I'm betting you'll be very content with your new truck!

 

[chaz]

i politely suggest searching the sticky's & maintenance sections to see what problems & fixes, (sticking calipers, exhaust manifold leak, sunroof leak, xreas problems, O2 sensors, wheel bearings, transfer case actuator leak, etc.) others have had to do.

 

[gptoy96]

Chaz nailed most that I'm familiar with. Sticky calipers seem to be the most common, the others seem to happen here and there. If you find one with XREAS, it's a good system till it leaks (around 100K miles or so typically), but most people take that time to upgrade/lift for wheeling so not really a bad thing in my eyes, plus any suspension would need refreshing at that point anyways.
Drivetrain-wise these things are solid. I like Bob's reply, you'll definately breathe a sigh of relief stepping into a 4Runner. They just go and go and go, it's great saving money for mods rather than spending it on fixes all the time with other rides out there.
Keep us updated with your search.

 

[Sherwood4Runner]

I'm at 247,000 miles on my original transmission and engine. Only thing major that needed changing in its life was Timing belt/water pump, tranny cooler, cat converter, and shocks/springs. Other than that it has been bomb proof! Hope that give you an idea of the reliability..

 

[worried]

Stepping up

The Discovery had one of the worst reliability histories of any of the SUVs during its' tenure. The LR3 was considerably better. The new Evoque actually beat the majority of SUVs and won in multiple categories in some automotive circles. Check Consumer Reports for trouble corresponding to year. The 4runners are a whole different reality than owning a Discovery. I have a 06 and yet to have a problem except the one I have noted. My 87' only went down after a drunk driver rammed and totaled it. It was driven HARD on and off. I would avoid a "tricked out" one w/ multiple owners that may have had a hard life and rather choose a vanilla one that is babied by some adults. Most people don't sell them, and rather own, so if it appears too good to be true....

 

[Synister]

I assume you will be looking at a 4th gen 03-09 so I'll briefly summarize some of the issues I've seen. Know that the v8 has a timing belt and needs scheduled replacement every 90k or so, other than that it's literally gotta be one of the most bullet proof motors ever made. The v6 has some isolated issues with head gaskets and 02 sensors but that engine too is very reliable. The electronic transfer case is a use it or lose it deal as the actuator needs to be actuated or it has been known to seize and cost $$$ to fix. CV boots have been known to randomly start leaking but the fix is pretty easy. I think the biggest achielles heel for Toyota trucks in general is their propensity for corrosion. Seems vehicles in the north east or areas with wintery roads deteriote rapidly with undercarriage rust and of course the dredded seized brake caliper issue. I know of only 1 or 2 cases of catastrophic failure on these vehicles, mostly just very minor and isolated maintenance gripes, most of which are easy to fix yourself. Looking at the field of available vehicles, there really is nothing that can compete with a 4r when performance and reliability are weighed equally.

 

[Shimajilosan]

Ditto Ditto Ditto

When my 2001 Disco II died at 75K (from things you already mentioned), I moved into a 2006 T4R and have been thoroughly satisfied. Other posters have discussed the issues with the T4R, but the only ones I have personally encountered are the caliper issue and minor corrosion (I outside NYC). It just turned 129K and purrs like a maneki neko!

You may miss the styling and weight of the Disco II - although the "backwards" opening rear door was a true PITA; but the ease and reliability of the T4R will more than compensate for it. I have done a few mods and DIY electrical work to accommodate a bunch of 2-way radios, and it is a breeze to work on.

Yeah, you will remember your Disco II nostalgically, but the reality of the design flaws and serious problems will have you gazing lovingly at your "Hilux Surf."