I feel frustrated as a lifelong Toyota fan. Anyone else?

[LandCruiser]

With Obama gone, there's no reason we shouldn't be able to import foreign market Land Cruisers now that no one gives a shit about the EPA anymore.

If California has a problem with it, they can get bent and those vehicles won't be offered there for sale.

 

[WallyT4R]

With Obama gone, there's no reason we shouldn't be able to import foreign market Land Cruisers now that no one gives a shit about the EPA anymore.

If California has a problem with it, they can get bent and those vehicles won't be offered there for sale.

It's ok we will soon have a Ford Ranger Raptor, prob a Ranger with diesel option, we have the ZR2 with diesel or gas, we will soon have a Cummins Nissan Frontier and we will soon have the Jeep diesel Wrangler and the Jeep diesel Wrangler truck. All of them will be nicer on the inside and better equipped than the foreign market LC's. But if Toyota sold the foreign market LC here for $25k my 4 would be the first trade in. Just sayin.

 

[LandCruiser]

It's ok we will soon have a Ford Ranger Raptor, prob a Ranger with diesel option, we have the ZR2 with diesel or gas, we will soon have a Cummins Nissan Frontier and we will soon have the Jeep diesel Wrangler and the Jeep diesel Wrangler truck. All of them will be nicer on the inside and better equipped than the foreign market LC's. But if Toyota sold the foreign market LC here for $25k my 4 would be the first trade in. Just sayin.

I'm not interested in the Ranger Raptor, I like that they're bringing a NA Raptor to market with a proper V8 instead of that crap turbo V6--but the Raptors always felt cartoony to me in a "hold my beer while I wreck a 65k truck on this sweet jump" way.

I understand that people cross shop Jeeps, but FCA is such a miserable waste of space carmaker and their small block (read non turbo Cummins) diesel offerings have been depressing both as Mercedes and FIAT. One of the new Wranglers is a soft hybrid... yes, that's right.

Everything is increasing in complexity and I shudder what a 10 speed AT would cost to replace off warranty, it's almost as if carmakers WANT you to dump their products at the end of the native or extended warranty cycle.

The 70 series always were primitive and reliable, until they started to dick around with the diesel emissions and properly ruined them, so mine would have to be a petrol.

 

[WallyT4R]

I'm not interested in the Ranger Raptor, I like that they're bringing a NA Raptor to market with a proper V8 instead of that crap turbo V6--but the Raptors always felt cartoony to me in a "hold my beer while I wreck a 65k truck on this sweet jump" way.

I understand that people cross shop Jeeps, but FCA is such a miserable waste of space carmaker and their small block (read non turbo Cummins) diesel offerings have been depressing both as Mercedes and FIAT. One of the new Wranglers is a soft hybrid... yes, that's right.

Everything is increasing in complexity and I shudder what a 10 speed AT would cost to replace off warranty, it's almost as if carmakers WANT you to dump their products at the end of the native or extended warranty cycle.

The 70 series always were primitive and reliable, until they started to dick around with the diesel emissions and properly ruined them, so mine would have to be a petrol.

I agree with much of what you say here. One of the main reasons I kind of rushed to buy my 4 was because I was worried about more nannies, more tech, etc...no thanks.

 

[jordanrb81]

I agree with much of what you say here. One of the main reasons I kind of rushed to buy my 4 was because I was worried about more nannies, more tech, etc...no thanks.

YES, THIS!!! I couldn't agree more with both of you. As I said previously I considered a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited, but the 4Runner was the obvious choice, if you're going to get miles from nowhere on roads no one else (hardly) drives on, why not get the most reliable vehicle you possibly can with the simplest possible tech!!!

 

[TacoRunn0517]

I'd have to imagine that people who don't share your (mine also) viewpoint is that maybe they don't put miles on their vehicles. Or maybe they will get bored with the vehicle(s) and look to upgrade. I can see why someone then could have an issue with the 4Runner.

 

[jordanrb81]

I'd have to imagine that people who don't share your (mine also) viewpoint is that maybe they don't put miles on their vehicles. Or maybe they will get bored with the vehicle(s) and look to upgrade. I can see why someone then could have an issue with the 4Runner.

yeah, I get that. I tell folks that I could easily keep my new 4Runner for 10 years! one such person over the holidays pointed out that this is my 4th vehicle since 2007, so while I could this individual wanted to point out the odds are against me. (I am a car nerd, they're like candy to me)

that said if you don't like the 4Runner my advice would be not to buy one. I am sure I mentioned this before but my sister has a Highlander, also a 2017 it has all the tech all the nanny lane departure, radar rear dvd you name it. the Camry has all that too. or you could by a BMW X5 or a GLE, Pathfinder, Jeep Grand Cherokee the market is flooded. the 4Runner is a niche vehicle, not a top seller, not meant to be but it offers some features that few other vehicles do. pure economics, what you're willing to give up, to get what you want.

 

[TacoRunn0517]

Niche is the operative word...

Couldn't agree more. There are plenty of options that would "enhance" my driving experience. It's just not priority for me. Glad Toyota has held on to the 4Runner DNA as long as it has.

 

[LandCruiser]

Another thing to add to this thread, I've been wanting to buy a second vehicle as the Trail starts to get older (because I'm super tough on my vehicles). I have the money, but have been turned off on several occasions and will detail the reasons below.

The general rule is that Toyota dealers are asshats. 2k ADM over MSRP plus 10k for a Toytec lifts, tires, and some sliders are no way to sell your tarted (or 'tarded?) up TRD Off Road KDSS dealer turnkey "built" 4Runner. Apparently people in the Springs DO buy them, tho.

I was close to buying a Taco. The rear leafs, the one I test drove was already a bit squeaky on a cold winter day, and rear drums are idiotic for anything that costs over 25k. Some complain about the engine or transmission issues, the one I drove decided to stall on the test drive and that was that. Had to call the dealer shuttle to bring us back.

The Tundra and Sequoia are damn old. I don't see anything the Tundra has that would put it on equal footing with much newer GMs and Fords and there's no 2500 model or diesel. Even Nissan has a diesel. The Sequoia isn't a "poor man's Land Cruiser" it's just a Tundra with an SUV body. Speaking of the TLC, it costs too damn much and has a cheap interior for something close to 100k. Its Lexus twin has a much nicer interior but looks like a Yautja.

There's a new Wrangler coming up and Jeeps are infinitely customizable for off road misadventures. With that said, as I get nearer to 40, I have no patience for a leaky, drafty, clatterbox built to exacting FCA quality standards. There is a diesel and pickup coming, tho. A Wrangler 4-door pickup on 38" wheels would be b!chen [sic]................ until it broke down.

JGC has some sweet trims and V8 options. It's also old and on the small side. Also a Jeep, unibody, and dubious off road performance when it really counts.

Raptor..... they're big, reasonably priced, cartoonish, stupid comfortable, fast as hell on road and off and there's a V8 coming. There's also a 40 speed AT that will probably break or hunt gears like a maniac in the mountains.

GX... well, it's already been replaced overseas. No reason go get one.

There's really nothing to get excited about and I'd probably get the next gen 4Runner as long as they don't do something stupid like unibody, hybrid, or make it overly complicated. The way things are going I hope my Trail makes it another 5 years and 80k miles.

 

[drei4runner29]

They just don't give a F*** about their car or anyones car, and will knowingly dent other peoples cars.



.

This is so true. I was sleeping in my 4R during my lunch last year when a guy from work decided to open his driver’s side passenger door without even thinking about opening it slowly, and instead just let it swing open and hit my 4R. Don’t know if he noticed me inside the vehicle sleeping but when I woke up I saw the guy didn’t even give a poop. After he left, I went back and finished my nap but after my lunch was done, I went outside and double checked to see if there were any dents. Sure enough there was a small dent and paint chip. So what I did was instead of confronting the *******, I just returned the favor but with a much harder push of my door to make sure that he received a bigger dent and missing paint on his vehicle. Mind you, his vehicle was a brand new GMC Sierra and the paint was still immaculate, well at least at that point anyways lol, compared to my older 15 year old 4R.




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[TacoRunn0517]

Another thing to add to this thread, I've been wanting to buy a second vehicle as the Trail starts to get older (because I'm super tough on my vehicles). I have the money, but have been turned off on several occasions and will detail the reasons below.

The general rule is that Toyota dealers are asshats. 2k ADM over MSRP plus 10k for a Toytec lifts, tires, and some sliders are no way to sell your tarted (or 'tarded?) up TRD Off Road KDSS dealer turnkey "built" 4Runner. Apparently people in the Springs DO buy them, tho.

I was close to buying a Taco. The rear leafs, the one I test drove was already a bit squeaky on a cold winter day, and rear drums are idiotic for anything that costs over 25k. Some complain about the engine or transmission issues, the one I drove decided to stall on the test drive and that was that. Had to call the dealer shuttle to bring us back.

The Tundra and Sequoia are damn old. I don't see anything the Tundra has that would put it on equal footing with much newer GMs and Fords and there's no 2500 model or diesel. Even Nissan has a diesel. The Sequoia isn't a "poor man's Land Cruiser" it's just a Tundra with an SUV body. Speaking of the TLC, it costs too damn much and has a cheap interior for something close to 100k. Its Lexus twin has a much nicer interior but looks like a Yautja.

There's a new Wrangler coming up and Jeeps are infinitely customizable for off road misadventures. With that said, as I get nearer to 40, I have no patience for a leaky, drafty, clatterbox built to exacting FCA quality standards. There is a diesel and pickup coming, tho. A Wrangler 4-door pickup on 38" wheels would be b!chen [sic]................ until it broke down.

JGC has some sweet trims and V8 options. It's also old and on the small side. Also a Jeep, unibody, and dubious off road performance when it really counts.

Raptor..... they're big, reasonably priced, cartoonish, stupid comfortable, fast as hell on road and off and there's a V8 coming. There's also a 40 speed AT that will probably break or hunt gears like a maniac in the mountains.

GX... well, it's already been replaced overseas. No reason go get one.

There's really nothing to get excited about and I'd probably get the next gen 4Runner as long as they don't do something stupid like unibody, hybrid, or make it overly complicated. The way things are going I hope my Trail makes it another 5 years and 80k miles.

I think your post is a level-headed approach. There is no perfect vehicle and you mostly likely will have to compromise when making a purchase. One would hope that the Taco's issues will be ironed out before the next gen 4Runner comes to production. I'd imagine there will be some cross-engineering between the two vehicles.

 

[joeybk85]

I own a 2011 Scion xB and I was disappointed when I found out that they were discontinuing the brand and not keeping the xB in the Toyota lineup. It's a fun little car and very unique.

 

[2flyfishin]

I have to admit that I have only read bits and pieces of this thread but the whole concept of this thread boggles my mind and is something I would expect to see on a Lexus forum. You bought a Toyota! It's not a Gwagon, Range Rover or any other luxury brand. You got what you paid for. Toyota built it's reputation on No frills, good reliable vehicles.

 

[nimby]

People are funny.

They say they don't want any new tech in their 4Runners.....simpler is better. Meanwhile, they add coilovers, KDSS, lockers, aux lights, air compressors, refridgerators, and countless other knickknacks to their vehicles.

Lane departure and automatic breaking won't make a 4Runner any less of an offroad worthy vehicle. Those are just little things that will end up saving lives on the road, where 98% of 4Runners are driven. It could even be a family member one day.

It would be like arguing over that newfangled seat belt technology and how it was going to ruin offroad vehicles forever. For those who haven't been paying attention, it didn't.

 

[jordanrb81]

People are funny.

They say they don't want any new tech in their 4Runners.....simpler is better. Meanwhile, they add coilovers, KDSS, lockers, aux lights, air compressors, refridgerators, and countless other knickknacks to their vehicles.

Lane departure and automatic breaking won't make a 4Runner any less of an offroad worthy vehicle. Those are just little things that will end up saving lives on the road, where 98% of 4Runners are driven. It could even be a family member one day.

It would be like arguing over that newfangled seat belt technology and how it was going to ruin offroad vehicles forever. For those who haven't been paying attention, it didn't.

aren't they going to make lane departure and blind spot warning law, like they did with seatbelts and airbags? I like that the 4Runner is Spartan but safety features are not objectionable.

 

[2flyfishin]

People are funny.

They say they don't want any new tech in their 4Runners.....simpler is better. Meanwhile, they add coilovers, KDSS, lockers, aux lights, air compressors, refridgerators, and countless other knickknacks to their vehicles.

Lane departure and automatic breaking won't make a 4Runner any less of an offroad worthy vehicle. Those are just little things that will end up saving lives on the road, where 98% of 4Runners are driven. It could even be a family member one day.

It would be like arguing over that newfangled seat belt technology and how it was going to ruin offroad vehicles forever. For those who haven't been paying attention, it didn't.

I would never argue about safety features even though some of the new ones kind of scare me a little. Lane departure, automatic breaking, anything can malfunction. I'm afraid people will stop paying attention when they are behind the wheel of a 2 ton projectile when 1 of these systems do short out and the aftermath will be much more deadly because they were playing with their Iphone or whatever. The best safety system should be the driver! On another note, I loved listening to my uncle complain about his lane departure system going off for 3 hours straight when it got covered with packed snow. lol

 

[LandCruiser]

I think your post is a level-headed approach. There is no perfect vehicle and you mostly likely will have to compromise when making a purchase. One would hope that the Taco's issues will be ironed out before the next gen 4Runner comes to production. I'd imagine there will be some cross-engineering between the two vehicles.

I am REALLY tempted to cross shop the new Xterra if they make another cheap-ass MT 4x4 model for 27-28k. But so far no news from Nissan.

 

[chcg12]

Picked up a great 99 4runner to hold me over until 4runner redesign. I literally google almost daily to find out about a redesign..best info as far as I can tell is 2020 or 2021 with the new tgna architecture. Solid vehicle now , but needs updating badly! really sucks to wait

 

[WallyT4R]

I would never argue about safety features even though some of the new ones kind of scare me a little. Lane departure, automatic breaking, anything can malfunction. I'm afraid people will stop paying attention when they are behind the wheel of a 2 ton projectile when 1 of these systems do short out and the aftermath will be much more deadly because they were playing with their Iphone or whatever. The best safety system should be the driver! On another note, I loved listening to my uncle complain about his lane departure system going off for 3 hours straight when it got covered with packed snow. lol

Exactly, like a license to text and drive or surf FaKebook while driving. The thought process..."my car will tell me when I need to look up." No thanks. I guess I am old school, I actually drive and pay attention while driving. Hell I even turn my head and check before changing lanes... Crazy, I know!!

 

[Speeder757]

I just bought a 2018 Midnight Black TRD Pro. Love the truck so far.
I have previously had many Mercedes, BMW, etc. To me the safety features like lane keeping assist, blind spot, laser cruise control, are more of an annoyance.
I always turned them off immediately.
The few (easy) things i wish Toyota would do to the 4Runner.
Update the lighting. (Tundra this year maybe 4Runner in 2019)
Updated/Better/Bigger NAV Screen with a better/higher end stereo.
Im fine with Toyota keeping the tried and true 4.0L (if need be) but it would be very simple for them to massage the motor to get an extra 30hp with some more torque. That would go a long way with this heavy truck.
Lastly it would be nice if the TRD pro rims were 7.5 or 8.0 inches wide