Front end vibration should I buy a 4R?

[Michigan_t4r]

I have a 2004 V8 Sport 4x4. I have the front end vibration problem but the only reason why I notice it is because the vehicle is so damn quiet inside. I told a few of my friends that have Explorers, Tralblazers and Jeeps about the problem. Their response is always, "What vibaration?"

It's a great vehicle. It so good that the only stuff we compain about on this board is minor at best. If you go to a Jeep forum they complain about trannies failing at 100K.

 

[DaveS]

If you want a smooth shifting ultra quiet luxury car, the 4Runner is not for you - then again a body on frame SUV is probably not for you either. I have a V8 with around 3700 miles on it and its great - bottom line is its built like a tank and engineered accordingly - I get a slight vibration through the pedals and the steering wheel when cruising around 50mph on country roads and the slight popping from the brakes on occasions - neither is so bothersome it would have stopped me buying the truck. The feeling of firm handling on the road and the pleasure I get from driving it far surpass any minor vibrations.

 

[Cliff s]

My T4R is as quiet and the transmission is as smooth as any of the luxury cars I have driven.
The motor and transmission is the same one used in the Lexuses. At 70 mph mine is really quiet.

As far as the new ones with the out of balance tires and etc. They were at high volume dealerships,
I was surprised that a couple of them hadn't been washed in several weeks. Needless to say I just
moved on to other dealerships. For those who want to know, the dealerships were owned by AutoNation.
I looked at some Explorers on another AutoNation lot and could not drive one because all 3 of them had
dead batteries.

I haven't had any transmission or driveline problems. If fact everything has worked so far.

Cliff s

 

[pnokeo]

Hi,

Have to agree with a few members here. When I test drove a used (10K) '04 V8 Ltd. it was very responsive/smooth and drove like a luxury car dare I say like a Lexus. :

 

[DaveS]

I think there are definitely 2 schools of thought on the 4Runner - some people love it for the off-road capabilities and rugged looks. Some people love the quiet, smooth handling and see it more as a luxury vehicle.

I have to agree with both in many ways although I do fit into the "too scared to take it off road in case I scratch it to bits" category - I bought it more for the looks, the ride and hopefully capable handling in the winter (I live a reasonable way out in the country even though my location says Toronto). I had Highlander before and it never felt as smooth or as solid on the road as the 4Runner.