I love my car too much to let it go.

[slyangel9]

I'm the original owner of my 2004 v8 SE 52,000 miles. I was eyeing the X5 and I could have traded it in and get back some decent coin, but since it's never let me down I've decided it's best to invest some $ into it and forego the bimmer.

So today I changed the front calipers for the second time and flushed the radiator fluid (don't know if caliper was frozen, but I broke the rusted bleeder valve so I decided to do both in advance). I will change the steering column shaft this weekend due to a rusted u-joint, and some time down the road, the front axles will have to be done. My paint is no longer shiny, and now has a very nice "matte" finish. Its simple the most dependable car I've ever owned.

Anyone else love their 4runner too much to let it go?

 

[thegreatdivorce]

I was an inch away from going X5 before I bought this one. In the end, the Bimmer is just going to cost way more, maintenance-wise, and is just a pavement pounder. A beauty, though, at that.

I think we both made good decisions.

 

[badboyrr]

4 runner/m/c

I'm not that way with cars and trucks, but motorcycles.....cant let them go. I have 14 of those guys.

 

[MikeInNH]

The reason you can't let it go....is because it's still a baby....

My 05 has about 181k miles on it....It's way too young for me to get rid of it. I'll reevaluate at 300k miles.

 

[Uneek]

You guys are leaning towards the X5, I'm leaning towards the X6... but it's not in the immediate future.

 

[08T4R]

BMW = Big Money Wasted, my gf drives one and I cringe everytime I need to do a maintenance item. Parts costs alone are re****ed, not to mention if I were not mechanically inclined and had to take it to a shop, I'd hate to see service costs..her dad let her buy it because its an import, that makes it reliable right? haha..uh, nope.

 

[TheRusski]

Im huge BMW enthusiast...I had my baby for 7 years now and just recently got my 4runner....my advice to you....stay away from X5...as much as I would love to have X5 as my as my DD...I would not even come close to it...its a very problematic car...stay away from them.

 

[JimKW]

When I was looking to replace my Envoy I looked at newer Envoys/Trailblazers, X5's, Lexus GX and LX models, 4Runners and Volvo XC90's. X5's were the first ones I took off my list and the Volvo, even though I liked the looks the best and I know Volvos, was the next off my list. Pretty sure I will be happy in the long run that I found a good deal on a 4Runner Limited.

 

[RickC]

MSNAutos does a good job with reliability reports for vehicles. There are certain years of the X5 that take a hit, but others show decent. I plan to buy an X5 next time, because you just can't beat the way a BMW drives. However, if you search the same MSNAutos for reliability on the 4runner, you will discover it's top notch. The 4runner is hard to beat for reliability and function, but the BMW is in a league of it's own. More expensive, yes, but they are still as good a car as anything else on the road, except Toyota.

 

[08T4R]

I will agree, when they are running right and have no mechanical issues, they are a dream to drive and are in their own league..

 

[ZandT4R]

I dont think BMW = Big Money Wasted. My other car is an 08 M3. It is simply perfect. It makes me smile in ways no other car ever has....

 

[08T4R]

I dont think BMW = Big Money Wasted. My other car is an 08 M3. It is simply perfect. It makes me smile in ways no other car ever has....

Im sure it can, and I promise it can make you frown in ways no other car ever has too.. LOL. Like I said, when they run they are a dream to drive and are in a league their own. I would drive one all day, just never own one unless I like paying repair/maintenance bills or like to be a mechanic.

 

[cabowally]

anyone else love their 4runner too much to let it go?

dude!

 

[T4RUSAF]

I'm not that way with cars and trucks, but motorcycles.....cant let them go. I have 14 of those guys.

Nice, must be an impressive collection!

 

[Burt]

BMW = Big Money Wasted, my gf drives one and I cringe everytime I need to do a maintenance item. Parts costs alone are re****ed, not to mention if I were not mechanically inclined and had to take it to a shop, I'd hate to see service costs..her dad let her buy it because its an import, that makes it reliable right? haha..uh, nope.

A buddy of mine just got into a 330xi and has poured a fair amount of money into it after 6-months. Fun ride but a money pit. He's tal;kin bout trading for a Outback.

 

[Bftfan]

I had an '02 330i I babied and I loved it when it ran and hated it when it didn't. Parts were stupid $$$ and IMHO the quality wasn't as top notch BMW would like you to think. It was "uber-fun" to drive but not worth it when it came time to fix. Love my '08 4Runner though! :thumb3:

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

BMW = Big Money Wasted, my gf drives one and I cringe everytime I need to do a maintenance item. Parts costs alone are re****ed, not to mention if I were not mechanically inclined and had to take it to a shop, I'd hate to see service costs..her dad let her buy it because its an import, that makes it reliable right? haha..uh, nope.

i've had no probs with mine. neither has my brother.
it's funny because i have an 03 v8 runner with 110k miles. thus far many things have gone wrong with it.
all calipers, rotors, pads ($1200). controls arms ($500). has driveline clunk. has a cracked manifold ($1500). rear window regulator was completely shot($500), had it replaced. also the hatch lock assembly stopped working (couple hundred bucks).
now the xreas is done. ($2500)
I thought these things were reliable? do those repairs make you cringe too?

 

[rockwall]

I actually have dreams sometimes that I traded in my Runner. When I wake up, I am so glad it really didn't happen. The day I walk away from my truck will break my heart. It is absolutely the best vehicle that I have ever owned BY FAR.

 

[08T4R]

i've had no probs with mine. neither has my brother.
it's funny because i have an 03 v8 runner with 110k miles. thus far many things have gone wrong with it.
all calipers, rotors, pads ($1200). controls arms ($500). has driveline clunk. has a cracked manifold ($1500). rear window regulator was completely shot($500), had it replaced. also the hatch lock assembly stopped working (couple hundred bucks).
now the xreas is done. ($2500)
I thought these things were reliable? do those repairs make you cringe too?[/QUOTE

Nah, not really. A parts price comparison will show you what i mean. Also, as stated above their quality isn't quite what they make it out to be...

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

i've had no probs with mine. neither has my brother.
it's funny because i have an 03 v8 runner with 110k miles. thus far many things have gone wrong with it.
all calipers, rotors, pads ($1200). controls arms ($500). has driveline clunk. has a cracked manifold ($1500). rear window regulator was completely shot($500), had it replaced. also the hatch lock assembly stopped working (couple hundred bucks).
now the xreas is done. ($2500)
I thought these things were reliable? do those repairs make you cringe too?[/QUOTE

Nah, not really. A parts price comparison will show you what i mean. Also, as stated above their quality isn't quite what they make it out to be...

i cant comment on the bimmer suvs, we have a sedan and coupe...and the build quality is head and shoulders above the runner. That being said, i didn't buy the runner for build quality. Apples and oranges of course. i'm happy with both, they serve different purposes!