Gen4 owner considering other SUVs next

[Tonkadog]

Let me first say, I have been a hardcore Land Cruiser owner and Toyota fan for years. I own an FJ62 and wife owned an FJ80.

However, in 2006 we purchased a new SR4 V6 4Runner 4X4. We now have 85,000 miles and are considering other options for a new/used vehicle.

The 4Runner has been ok, not great, respect to little things. Great engine, 4WD system and suspension, but the little things have been pesky.

The Gen5 is mildly interesting but expensive, so we have been looking at other stuff.

Has anyone here jumped to another brand i.e. Nissan, Rover, Chevy etc... or even switched to say a Highlander?

I have looked at others and must say, am underwhelmed by most.

Number one vehicle we are considering at this stage is a 2007/08 GX 470. About the same price as new 4Runner.

 

[mrrab]

You know the GX 470 sits on the 4th Gen 4Runner frame right??? It's basically a luxury, luxury version of a 4th gen. 4Runner Limited. It even has the same engine as the 4th Gen. V8...

If I had to choose between a GS 470 and a 4th Gen. 4Runner V8, I'd choose the 4Runner. Because at the end of the day you're paying extra for little creature comforts that really aren't worth it, IMO.

 

[Glock_19]

You know the GX 470 sits on the 4th Gen 4Runner frame right??? It's basically a luxury, luxury version of a 4th gen. 4Runner Limited. It even has the same engine as the 4th Gen. V8...

If I had to choose between a GS 470 and a 4th Gen. 4Runner V8, I'd choose the 4Runner. Because at the end of the day you're paying extra for little creature comforts that really aren't worth it, IMO.

Based on the OP saying "The 4Runner has been ok, not great, respect to little things. Great engine, 4WD system and suspension, but the little things have been pesky." it sounds like a luxury version of the 4Runner is exactly what he wants.

 

[Sputnik]

If i could afford the gx470, i would get it, its my dream suv!

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I have also been looking at a nice used Gx470. When I look at autotrader I have seen several very nice ones for sale by private owners. In the Phoenix area some of the pictures are taken outside of very nice homes in very nice neighbor hoods. The had very low miles and were most likely diven by some rich guys wife to drive the kids around. I think most used 4runner are not babied as much.

 

[jason04]

Let me first say, I have been a hardcore Land Cruiser owner and Toyota fan for years. I own an FJ62 and wife owned an FJ80.

However, in 2006 we purchased a new SR4 V6 4Runner 4X4. We now have 85,000 miles and are considering other options for a new/used vehicle.

The 4Runner has been ok, not great, respect to little things. Great engine, 4WD system and suspension, but the little things have been pesky.

The Gen5 is mildly interesting but expensive, so we have been looking at other stuff.

Has anyone here jumped to another brand i.e. Nissan, Rover, Chevy etc... or even switched to say a Highlander?

I have looked at others and must say, am underwhelmed by most.

Number one vehicle we are considering at this stage is a 2007/08 GX 470. About the same price as new 4Runner.

I've been selling GX470's and the like in the Lexus flavor for the last 3 years. From what you've said, the GX sounds right up your alley.

I agree with you 100%... the 4runner is a little less then refined even in the LTD variant. For most people this is fine and the 4runner suites their day to day needs perfectly. (that's me!) If the 4runner has lost it's luster... go drive a GX. It will not disappoint.

As I'm sure you'll remember, the rear gate swings out. Will take some getting used to but is buy no means a "deal killer" for most.

I might mention, if you're into a little offroading but still want an almost stock/street friendly rig the GX Sport might be for you. The GX Sport comes with KDSS and is most commonly recognized by it's black walnut wood interior and anthracite wheels.

Best of luck & keep us posted on your decision.

To answer your question, no I'm not moving brands however, my next rig will most likely be a 2012+ Taco!!!

 

[ClockWork]

Land Cruiser or LX. The luxury tank.

 

[rockwall]

What were the little issues that have been bothering you?

 

[Tonkadog]

What were the little issues that have been bothering you?

1) Rust immediately developed around my rear tail light chrome piece on both right and left side.

2) Failed tire pressure sensor

3) Broken Sun Visor

4) Intermittent problem with my transmission sensor in humid and wet conditions.

5) Cheap interior.... fabric used is poor quality.

6) Biggest issue is that the seats, at least for me and my wife could not be more uncomfortable. I am short and even my head feels like it is cramped up against the roof and the seats sit too low. My brother in law has an 07' Sequoia and complains about his seats being uncomfortable as well.

I have driven the GX 470. Initial impressions are a heavier feel, quieter, MUCH more comfortable seats. Higher head room. Just more refined every which way. Love the 4.7 V8... and realize my mileage will suck, but that's life.

The GX 470 has what feels like good build quality. I cannot say the same of the newer Toyota 4Runner or other new Toyotas. Although, the cockpit of the GX 460 and 2010 and new 4Runner look like cousins.

 

[JohnnyT]

Geez, did u bother to look at it and drive it before you bought it? How can u say it has a cheap interior and is uncomfortable and not have determined that beforehand?

 

[Tonkadog]

Deleted

 

[Tonkadog]

Geez, did u bother to look at it and drive it before you bought it? How can u say it has a cheap interior and is uncomfortable and not have determined that beforehand?

I always felt the interior was cheap... but planned to turn in after the 3yr lease. It turns out, that the lease terms were so good, I ended up buying it b/c it was worth way more than my buy out. I never said it wasn't great value!

But nearly 6 years later and having driven other vehicles, I now realize that the seats are poorly designed and now with an older "back", I much prefer a more upright seat design with a higher floor to seat distance, i.e. GX 470 or even a full size seat like a Chevy Suburban. Like I said, I am short, and for me the 4Runner seat height is just too low and angle of the bottom bad uncomfortable.

 

[mrrab]

I hear you on the head room, but at 6'1", it really hasn't affected me that much. And the comfort of the seats... I actually think their quite comfortable. Recently, I drove from Omaha to Montgomery, AL and thought the seats were comfortable. For any 10 hour drive your ass is going to get a little sore, but on hour 2 or 3 of the drive I wasn't uncomfortable.

I also think there's a difference between the interior of the an SR5 model and that of a Sport Edition or Limited. I'd have to agree with that the interior of an SR5 model does look at little cheap. Then again it's Toyota's most basic model. Think you would feel different if you had a limited or Sport Edition model.

 

[rockwall]

I have a Limited and have always loved the interior, but at 6'4" the roof is definitely too low. It is my only real complaint. Sorry to hear about your other issues, but they do not sound common.

 

[T4R4TR]

I love the Alcantara and leather seats in my urbanrunner. This time of year I do find my self wishing it had remote start and heated seats.

 

[MikeInNH]

Head Room Problems?? Really???

I'm 6'3 and I don't have an issue at all. Not even close. There's more then enough room.

As for jumping ship....

Other companies do make excellent SUV's. I consider the Nissan Pathfinder and 4runner very very close vehicles. I've owned 2 Pathfinders and loved both of them and put over 300k miles on each. Last I knew my 98 Pathfinder had over 400k miles and still going strong.

I don't consider the 4runner interior to be inferior. It's actually pretty decent compared to others. But for me that's NOT a major determining factor in buying a vehicle. Need and reliability are far far far more important. Little interior things are NOT an issue. I want/need a vehicle that will last year after year without any loss of service. I EXPECT my vehicles to last 300k miles with MINIMAL repairs and out of service days.

You want a nice interior....The last Auto-Show I went to I thought that GM had the BEST interior of any SUV made. But based on my past experience with GM I wouldn't touch one....I had way too many problems and the vehicle was basically JUNK at 120k miles.

 

[Atlanta_man]

legs come in different lengths even for folks of the same height

I'm 6' with legs shorter than normal, my middle (from seat up) is longer than normal.


My head bumps the roof unless the seat is reclined. I don't think my head is too weird...

 

[williamZ]

When I sell my 4Runner it will be for a newer Sequoia or Land Cruiser.

 

[Tonkadog]

It's gonna be a GX 470. ... Just need to sell my Titanium Silver 2006 V6 4X4 SR5 with 85K first.

Very little interest though. I have it priced at $17K.

 

[Dusty Driftwood]

I think the GX470 sounds like a good choice for you. Though I haven't experienced the problems you are facing, I understand everyone has their likes, dislikes and pet peeves. That said, now that I have spent more time in my 4Runner, I do think the roof is a little low and I'm only 6'. However, I don't ever hit my head on it so it is not a problem, I just wonder how anyone taller (like 6'6) could drive one. Oh well, good luck with the sale and new purchase.