The T4R is my first SUV. I love how I can just bomb over damn near anything compared to the vehicles I've had in the past. The body on frame gives you the confidence that the truck can take about anything you can throw at it. I didn't get that feeling in the CUVs I drove.
Help, I need a come to Jesus talk...
- Thread starter LUVDA4RUNNER
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The T4R is my first SUV. I love how I can just bomb over damn near anything compared to the vehicles I've had in the past. The body on frame gives you the confidence that the truck can take about anything you can throw at it. I didn't get that feeling in the CUVs I drove.
Ryan F.
New member
Another great post, Quentin. This is my first body on frame truck--I do own a RAV4, however. I agree, it feels so solid. I just love it!
angrydog
New member
I also take a 200 mile trip several times a month. Even after the trip, I find the excuse to gas up the rig and take it on the road again. I love the 4Runner! Only reason I wrote that the steering wheel was a hit or miss (Hit with most I guess) is that I saw a handful of posts stating they disliked the feel of it.
When I was shopping for a 5th gen T4R, I knew about the up and coming Ford Explorer. Indeed, the Explorer is a nice SUV with all the goodies. As for me, I don't really care for all of the "niceties" in a SUV, probably because with have a bling SUV already - my wife's family hauler.
Sometimes, I don't even know why I like the 4R so much. It's not powerful, it sways a bit around the corner, the interior looks a little cheap, etc., but even after a few thousand miles in this beast, it still feels like first love.
I chose the 4R for 2 main reasons: 1) I love the way the 5th gen looks; very rugged and different. 2) Though the 4WD system is a bit archaic, it has proven reliability/capability if you want to do some real four wheelin'.
It sounds like you really like the Explorer and I can't blame you. Go with what you really want. As for reliability.... who really knows? IMO, it's all about how you take care of your vehicle as long as it's not a lemon. Toyotas do have a leg up in that department but with the way cars are built these days with such tight tolerances, it's anybody's guess.
Sometimes, I don't even know why I like the 4R so much. It's not powerful, it sways a bit around the corner, the interior looks a little cheap, etc., but even after a few thousand miles in this beast, it still feels like first love.
I chose the 4R for 2 main reasons: 1) I love the way the 5th gen looks; very rugged and different. 2) Though the 4WD system is a bit archaic, it has proven reliability/capability if you want to do some real four wheelin'.
It sounds like you really like the Explorer and I can't blame you. Go with what you really want. As for reliability.... who really knows? IMO, it's all about how you take care of your vehicle as long as it's not a lemon. Toyotas do have a leg up in that department but with the way cars are built these days with such tight tolerances, it's anybody's guess.
SeattleMike
New member
Don't buy the vehicle you think you should get. Buy the vehicle that you want to drive everyday.
I really liked the 4Runner when I test drove a Limited. But I fell in love with the TE. From that point on, other test drives were just confirmation that what I wanted was a TE as opposed to a Rubicon, Tacoma, etc..
If you really love the new Explorer, buy it. If it falls apart like some people here predict, there with still be used 5th Gens around to buy and all you lost was some money.
I really liked the 4Runner when I test drove a Limited. But I fell in love with the TE. From that point on, other test drives were just confirmation that what I wanted was a TE as opposed to a Rubicon, Tacoma, etc..
If you really love the new Explorer, buy it. If it falls apart like some people here predict, there with still be used 5th Gens around to buy and all you lost was some money.
scanny
Senior Member
I like Ford in general, for past 10 years I was driving Ford vehicles. I didn't have chance to see new Ford Explorer (my Escape lease expired in last August) but I quite liked old one. The problem with Ford in my experience is that once a year it has to be repaired for some leak or sensor failures. After 60k miles it start showing problems more often to the point I wanted to get rid of it. I heard that Ford quality is improving but in my personal experience doesn't quite get along with that - with 3 year 2008 Ford Escape lease it had transmission fluid leak, oil leak and developped some squicks here and there so I definetely didn't want to buy it. Since Ford didn't offer a good lease last year I went to Toyota. By the way I doesn't like that new Explorer in not frame-based SUV anymore, from what I read it has AWD system similar to Ford Escape now which is not a good thing to me either. But my biggest issue with Ford is quality. It should cost significally lower than Toyota to make me consider buying it. And I wouldn't count on keeping Ford for 10 years.
By the way aside of practical thoughts about reliablity and price, I like the way 4Runner feels and handles. When I test drove it I forgot all my rational thoughts and knew that I wanted only 4Runner. So at the moment I don't want to go back to Ford. I hope I say the same in 5 years from now but we'll see what happen
By the way aside of practical thoughts about reliablity and price, I like the way 4Runner feels and handles. When I test drove it I forgot all my rational thoughts and knew that I wanted only 4Runner. So at the moment I don't want to go back to Ford. I hope I say the same in 5 years from now but we'll see what happen
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The Jeep Grand Cherokee is (and always has been) unibody. I don't have any problem with the 2011 Explorer being unibody. I do wish it had a low range.
However, for the OP, if he is never going to do any rock hopping, just dirt roads and such, the 2011 Explorer likely has all the offroad capability that he needs. And the Explorer will ride and drive better in the bargain.
As for reliability, that's hard to say. Ford has made improved greatly in recent years. And I'm not all that happy with the frame rust on my '03 4Runner.
As my offroading is mostly on a relatively flat beach, the 4Runner's offroad capability is probably overkill for me, and a 2011 Explorer might be a better fit for me. But my 4Runner is paid for, so I'll be keeping it for a while.
philsey
New member
I agree that you need more time and further test driving.
I agree you are comparing apples and oranges, which may be why you're stymied - perhaps a Highlander is a more logical comparison? Do you REALLY want a truck-based SUV? Why?
You seem sensitive to a couple thousand dollars price difference ... I suggest you make clear to both dealers that you're seriously interested in the "other" vehicle.
Not sure how comfortable I'd be with the first year of a total remake on the Exploder. Revealing though, that that didn't even cross my mind when I bought my 4R, and I've never owned one either.
I believe I'd take a day, and get both vehicles and test them side-by-side.
You have stated you really "want" the 4R. Suggest you write down why, and determine if the Ford meets those criteria.
When I was determining my next vehicle, I created a table of features, prices, likes, dislikes, etc.
You haven't mentioned a wife. Whose vehicle is this? If there's a wife, what does she think?
I agree you are comparing apples and oranges, which may be why you're stymied - perhaps a Highlander is a more logical comparison? Do you REALLY want a truck-based SUV? Why?
You seem sensitive to a couple thousand dollars price difference ... I suggest you make clear to both dealers that you're seriously interested in the "other" vehicle.
Not sure how comfortable I'd be with the first year of a total remake on the Exploder. Revealing though, that that didn't even cross my mind when I bought my 4R, and I've never owned one either.
I believe I'd take a day, and get both vehicles and test them side-by-side.
You have stated you really "want" the 4R. Suggest you write down why, and determine if the Ford meets those criteria.
When I was determining my next vehicle, I created a table of features, prices, likes, dislikes, etc.
You haven't mentioned a wife. Whose vehicle is this? If there's a wife, what does she think?
scanny
Senior Member
I can live with unibody as well, although I would prefer frame especially if I keep truck for long time. And why not to do some rock climbing when truck is old and you dont really care about scratches and dents
As per 2011 Explorer, I haven't seen it yet, from web site I didn't see any mention about 4x4 switch which leads me to believe that AWD is fully automatic and cannot be locked. I can say that Ford AWD system is quite good for snow and slippery roads and it can get you through some rough roads as well. But you'llbe pretty much at mercy of vehicle computer with no way to correct its logic. I hope Ford improved it's logic by the way, my previous 2008 Escape was very hesitant to turn on 4x4 on reverse so if you stuck going forward, there very little chance that you can back up.
If I have choice between 2011 Explorer and Highlander - well, I might have been picked Explorer, but with 4Runner I didn't have to think much.
The 2011 Explorer has a terrain mode switch that controls the AWD system. That controls the center clutch packs and the traction control logic. I believe that in at least one of the selections, the center clutch packs are effectively locked together. But, yes, you are at the mercy of the computer.
I'm not saying that the 2011 Explorer is as capable offroad as a 4Runner -- it isn't. But I think some people get more vehicle than they need.
I like my '03 4Runner, but I'm willing to bet that the 2011 Explorer handles better, rides better, stops shorter, and is quieter. If you don't need the capability of the 4Runner, why put up with the compromises that come with the body-on-frame, solid-rear-axle construction? If you are going to do significant offroad driving, absolutely the 4Runner is the better choice. But if not, the 2011 Explorer might be worth a look.
Every time I drive Mrs. M1911's Mercedes C-class, I'm reminded just how badly my 4Runner handles and stops.
LUVDA4RUNNER
New member
I just want to say you guys have been really helpful. I have been researching the T4R for the past several months/year. I am probably overthinking this decision. One test drive in a new Explorer should not change my mind. I want reliability the most, and that is going to be the Toyota. Safety is not a problems either. The price difference is minimal, though I am at the upper limits for what I want to spend. I think I am going to go drive the T4R today again and see what I can work out for a deal.
I am currently refinancing my home and have to wait until I sign the papers to get a loan for the T4R. The car I want is on the lot. The salesman said I could put $500 down to hold it until I am ready. He says this is refundable. Would any of you have a problems w/putting money down to hold it as long as I get it in writing that it is refundable?
Thanks again for all of your help. You have made me realize I am overthinking this and the obvious chose is what I have been planning for all along!:banana:
I totally agree. I love my 4runner but how many people actually use the full capabilities of it. The most people will probably encounter is snow driving. I am in the market for a new SUV and I agree with the OP in that the 4runner kind of leaves a few things to be desired for a 40K SUV. I think his point is why pay more for the 4runner with less features when he can get a new explorer loaded out for less. I kind of feel the same. I admit I am a huge toyota fan. I have never owned any other brand but Toyota has slipped big time. I'm going to hold out until toyota offers a huge discount/rebate. I'm looking to replace my limited with another limited. So i'm not paying a luxed up SUV price for a sub luxed one. Honestly I think the limited's interior should be on a 25k SUV not 40k. Finally, the reliability of the 4runner is great and I can't comment on the ford due to me never owning one. My buddy had an explorer with 150k+ miles with minor issues. But I can't comment on due to me never owning or driving it.
gptoy96
New member
Dont' forget resale value. If history continues to paint the story of the future, that Exploder after 10 years will be worth nothing, where as the 4R will still have good value left in it. It may only be a small difference for new, but you'll see a big difference at the end when it's time to upgrade again.
LUVDA4RUNNER
New member
The T4R Limited I am looking at has a MRSP of a little over $43K and I have been told I can get it for around $40K.
The Limited Ford Explorer with the options I want (Nav, Sony HD radio, Dual panel sun roof, leather, 3rd row and AWD w/terrain select (so basically everything the Explorer has except the transfer case), I have been given a quote of $38.6K through overstock. I thought this was a bunch of BS until the internet guy from the Ford dealership called me to confirm this price. Told me I could order one today w/thos options. That is $1300 under invoice!
Anyhow, I am going to go see what Toyota can give me for my trade in and see if I can talk them down any closer to the Ford price (the two dealerships are right next to each other). I am also planning to drive both cars again and see how I feel about both of them. I am leaning towards the 4Runner, it is just a damn good looking vehicle in black.
After 10 years, I doubt the difference will be that significant.
My mom's $32k 2002 Explorer with 102k miles went for $3k this spring. The 2002 4Runner (non-limited) with 72k miles that I looked at last year sold for $11k.
