General Questions: Looking to buy

[killer2239]

Hey everyone, I am currently selling my car to buy a 4Runner. Been into the racing scene for the last 7 years and cant justify spending all the money anymore. So I have been looking at SUV's, and pretty sure I have decided on the 4Runner. 4th Gen specifically. 05 to 07, all depends on the right price and find.

I test drove an 06 2wd V6 SR5 a week ago, had 30k miles. Felt great, and really think I would enjoy it as a daily. I do remote site computer support, so having the room for loading up computers and monitors will be nice when I need to.

Anyways, my friend that is a lead tech at Toyota said the 4Runners are solid. He said the only problem they tend to have if you follow all maint. is the front brakes. Something about 1 of the pistons on the caliper. Other then that, he said its solid from everything he has seen.

So my questions are, what do you all love and hate about them? Also, is there a detailed list in the differences between SR5 and Sport, I saw the brochures, but just curious main differences in a list. Those are the 2 main models im looking at because price on Limited is higher. I heard the sport has stiffer suspension, but how much stiffer? Would it be fine for daily or trips? Dont really have plans to tow anything, but at the same time might hook up a trailer and pull 2000lb load for a friend. For you V6 owners, what is your average gas mileage, pure city and highway, and post if your 2wd or 4wd please. How many miles to your gas tank? Im looking for this to be my daily driver, no off-road. Have no issue buying 2wd. My only mods I would plan, are HID headlights, and nice head unit for stereo, probably dvd indash with or without navigation.

Hope this is a great first post. Iv been browsing and reading the forums for a week as a guest. That thread about the engine being toast has me worried. Have others had issues at 150k miles, or are people breaking the 200k miles yet? I did search around for threads on differences and blah blah, but was unable to find anything.

PS: I come from a 2005 Corolla XRS with hydra ems standalone and many mods I did. 2004 Honda S2000 with aem standalone. Now to a 96 Integra JDM Front with Built B20Vtec engine reving to 9k rpm. Stiff as a board suspension and roll case. All vehicles tuned by me as I am an engine tuner here.

 

[4RNNR]

First off ... Welcome to the forum

While I'm a relatively new 4Runner owner, I'll give you my .02 and will also enjoy reading any other comments

I'll be using mine mostly ON the road, I'm a semi professional drummer and wanted the space and bought the truck based on several things, and reliability was one of them

I have the SR5 / V6 / 4WD and have been getting about 20MPG in town

my 4RNNR has about 38,XXX miles on it and I'm really lovin it so far

I don't think you can go wrong

I traded an '08 Chrysler Town and Country mini van that I also bought for the space (LOVED the stow and go seating) but I never towed ANYTHING in that vehicle and the transmission went at 47,XXX miles

 

[gptoy96]

Your friend is right, the 4Runner is really solid overall. He obviously knows what he's talking about too as the brake calipers are a known issue. If you find a Sport check the XREAS shocks, if those are leaking it's a pricey repair. Most people take the opportunity to pull it at that time and replace with FJ springs or similar for a lift.

Engine failures are few and far between, especially compared to other vehicles out there. I can't say I've heard about a V8 failing yet, but again even the V6's is pretty rare. One of them here was caused by a faulty aftermarket oil filter so wasn't even the truck's fault.

I'll try from memory for the SR5/Sport. Sports' pluses are hood scoop, body color mirrors, homelink, steering wheel controls, JBL system, sunroof, 17" wheels, XREAS, fog lights.... all I can think at the moment. I'm sure someone else will fill in any blanks. The XREAS system is pretty slick overall, I've read it's mostly for cornering. All the shocks are linked so when one compresses it makes the other's react. It's still a really smooth ride. I've never driven them back to back but my Sport's ride is still really smooth, especially compared to my Tacoma.

Hope this helps. Happy shopping!

 

[StevieT4R]

Welcome! Based on your JDM history, I would say that a Sport Edition fits you. The XREAS (& larger brakes) do make the truck handle better on the road. I would not shy away from any model in the 03 - 04 years if you are trying the save $$$. Also, I would get 4WD if you can. It's not much more and will not affect mpg too much. Overall, the T4R runs forever - yeah you have your uncommon things, but you have that with any make & model - just maintain & care for it. PS. With your experience, you will NOT keep it with the low mods you mentioned! You will want it to look like this eventually http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/64970-autbonds-06-se-build-thread.html

 

[killer2239]

PS. With your experience, you will NOT keep it with the low mods you mentioned! You will want it to look like this eventually http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/64970-autbonds-06-se-build-thread.html

haha yeah. Once a car guy always. I know. I wouldnt mind doing cheaper tasteful mods. Just dont want something I will want to race.

 

[chaz]

just thought id mention that if u get a sport, some guys have had to replace the xreas do to leaking after racking up high miles, its big $ to do but u can replace with an aftermarket system for alot less.

 

[killer2239]

Sounds like I might stay away from the Sport model if they have common suspension problems and expensive to fix.

 

[sonerick]

I found this link useful in identifying the differences between model years and trim packages: Toyota 4Runner History (Courtesy of J.A., excellent web site)

Also, I wouldn't necessarily stay away from Sport models. I have an '05 and have had good luck with the X-REAS system (85k miles, no leaks yet). It makes the 4Runner sit slightly higher and allows for flatter cornering while still providing the smooth, plush ride offered by the SR5/non-X-REAS 4Runners. Just be sure to check the shocks and lines for leaks before buying.

When mine inevitably does begin to leak, I'll replace with some aftermarket shocks. It's really no more expensive than fixing a deteriorating suspension on models without the X-REAS system.

With my 4x4 v6, I typically average a combined 20-21 mpg. A full tank usually gets me about 400 miles or so.

 

[d2huffman]

I just recently picked up an 07 sport and I am really happy so far. I like the power seats and other extras over the sr5 as I also couldn't swing the limited. I think the xreas failures are an issue but not that big of a deal - doesn't happen all that often and you can always switch out to regular shocks. It handles great and I don't think much if any difference in ride with sr5. I have been running in the neighborhood of 20mpg combined hwy/city. The power is good for a 6 and very smooth. I really like the smoothness of the transmission.

 

[S p a r k y]

Sounds like I might stay away from the Sport model if they have common suspension problems and expensive to fix.

Dont let the xreas susp turn you away from a sport. Since you know how to work on cars it would be an easy fix for you, and cheap if you do FJ swap. The FJ swap may cost you $100-$150 to change and will make the ride much better than a stock suspension even without xreas. Just a thought.

Actually being a car guy and with mechanical skills. You know your going to mod some, its in your blood ;-). here is some FJ info

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/suspension/78803-compiled-fj-springs-lift-info-4th-gen.html

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

Don't let the few engine failures scare you. The 1GRFE is a fantastic motor (even more so with tuning) Xreas failures aren't common as well but if they do most just switch over it a more traditional suspension system.

 

[djaxis]

I just recently picked up a '07 sport a few weeks ago. Have been very happy so far. A good resource for me was wikipedia, Toyota 4Runner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[d_clark]

Your friend is right, the 4Runner is really solid overall. He obviously knows what he's talking about too as the brake calipers are a known issue. If you find a Sport check the XREAS shocks, if those are leaking it's a pricey repair. Most people take the opportunity to pull it at that time and replace with FJ springs or similar for a lift.

Engine failures are few and far between, especially compared to other vehicles out there. I can't say I've heard about a V8 failing yet, but again even the V6's is pretty rare. One of them here was caused by a faulty aftermarket oil filter so wasn't even the truck's fault.

I'll try from memory for the SR5/Sport. Sports' pluses are hood scoop, body color mirrors, homelink, steering wheel controls, JBL system, sunroof, 17" wheels, XREAS, fog lights.... all I can think at the moment. I'm sure someone else will fill in any blanks. The XREAS system is pretty slick overall, I've read it's mostly for cornering. All the shocks are linked so when one compresses it makes the other's react. It's still a really smooth ride. I've never driven them back to back but my Sport's ride is still really smooth, especially compared to my Tacoma.

Hope this helps. Happy shopping!

Sport also has :
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
electric adjustable seats
heated mirrors
I think the sunvisors are different between the SR5 and sport/limited but could be mistaken.


mine does not have the JBL system or homelink

 

[Neil]

Hey,
Just wanted to chime in quickly that I have almost 138,000 miles and I have only done spark plugs every 45k, oil changes between 4-5k, 1 set of front brakes with no sticking calipers and I'm on my 3rd set of tires. Air filter ever 10-15k. Ive only had a bacteria treatment throught the heating and cooling system at 36k. That is my only visit for anything abnormal. Original battery, starter, alternater, shocks, headlights, tail lights, and interior lights. Let me know if you have questions. There is also a thread about 100-200k miles 4th gen 4runners if you are interested in long term data.

I forgot to mention my is a 4x4 and I average about 18 mpg. You can also fit 1 baby seat in the middle and 2 adults in the rear seat if that is something you are intersted in.

 

[gptoy96]

Sport also has :
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
electric adjustable seats
heated mirrors
I think the sunvisors are different between the SR5 and sport/limited but could be mistaken.


mine does not have the JBL system or homelink

Thanks man, I missed those.

Funny... mine doesn't have power seats though... lol. I have power lumbar but manual adjustments.

Then again, there could be differences between Canadian and US Runners.

 

[chaz]

thanks to JA, this has a run down on all years & what they have. Toyota 4Runner History 2008

 

[DaveS]

I have a 2004 but I would honestly look at 2005 and up - from 2005 the V8 gained more power from VVTi and the V6 went from 4spd to 5spd transmission.

Don't get confused by the term P/T 4wd on the V6 btw. The 4wd system on the V6 actually allows you to engage 4wd on dry pavement since it still has a centre diff (unlike most P/T systems) but gives you the option of 2wd for when you want it. That is far from clear in the brochures but is worth knowing. You have to go to a Limited in the 5th Gens to get that now.

 

[Ross]

I recently got an 04 SR5 4X4 with the V6. I am averaging close to 20mpg. It has more than enough power, I don't see the need for a V8 unless towing something heavy or you just want it.

 

[killer2239]

Cool, thanks for all the great info guys! If anyone knows someone interested in an Integra on the east cost let me know! More specifically Kentucky area. haha

I noticed the 06 has the exterior changes. I really like the new headlights/foglight changes in 06. Just a matter of finding one for the right deal, and selling my car first!

 

[Ridger]

My only comment is that is you live in a region that uses alot of winter road salt, you might want to avoid the air-bag suspension. The salt can mess with the sensors.