I'm 78 and shopping for a 2024 4-Runner

[trainman605]

I'm looking to probably buying my last new vehicle, at 78 and only driving some 3000/6000 miles per year I think this is what I want for myself. I drove one yesterday at the dealership and it was the TRD Off Road model and equipped with the option with the more off road tires and wheels and other options, not sure what that option is called, but I do want it on any 4-Runner I would buy. See I'm still young at heart and have pretty much had 4-wheel drive vehicles all my life, Jeep Wranglers, Ram 4x4's, etc. Now I will say I probably won't be doing any 4-wheeling with this vehicle, but I do like the look of the TRD models, over the SR5, Sport, and Limited models, you know looks are 99% of happiness. My thinking on this for the TRD Off Road model is, the way it is equipped for 4 wheel drive use is that it would be worth more on down the line, like a Jeep Rubicon, or a 4 wheel drive pickup. Now my last question is, I think the 2024 model will probably be a better choice over the 2025 new model with a 4 cylinder and Turbo engine and not have to deal with more expensive repairs in years on down line as the conventional 4.0 engine has proven itself for sure. So am I thinking right on this, or is there something I'm missing, Thanks for your responses, this is my first post.

 

[mscot]

If you want guaranteed reliability and do not care about acceleration or having the newest electronic gadgets, then go with the 2024. You will, likely, never have a problem with it.

Now, two caveats. I dont know you, so please dont take offense.
4 Runners are higher off the ground than a lot of cars so make sure you can get in and out ok.
They are not the best riding vehicles out there and can prove more difficult to drive (source: my 76 year old mother driving my former 4R all the time).

I also think the ABS system is very poorly implemented on the verge of being dangerous.

 

[trainman605]

If you want guaranteed reliability and do not care about acceleration or having the newest electronic gadgets, then go with the 2024. You will, likely, never have a problem with it.

Now, two caveats. I dont know you, so please dont take offense.
4 Runners are higher off the ground than a lot of cars so make sure you can get in and out ok.
They are not the best riding vehicles out there and can prove more difficult to drive (source: my 76 year old mother driving my former 4R all the time).

I also think the ABS system is very poorly implemented on the verge of being dangerous.

Thanks for the reply, yes I can handle the height of the vehicle, remember I do own a Jeep Wrangler and a Ram 1500 4x4. I did test drive one yesterday and I thought the ride was fine. plus being 6'1" I thought the seat comfort was ok and the leg room was way more then I needed. At 78 I don't need anymore electronics then AppleCarPlay which handles all my needs. I was actually more pleased then I thought I would be, even the wife liked it and
she drives a Lexus RX350. Thanks again.

 

[RockyMountainT4R]

Between my wife and I we've had several Wranglers. We have also had several 4Runners. My wife and I prefer the 4Runner. I'm 77.
Go for it!

 

[Yamahamer]

I'm 77 myself and got my first 4Runner recently.

I also think you need to get the 2024 model...you don't want to be a beta-tester for a new engine/drivetrain. Yes, Toyotas are known for their reliability but after reading about all the problems with the new Tundra (which just came out with a turbocharged engine) - stay with what's tried and true.

You said you won't be using the 4Runner off-road but you want to get a TRD Off-road model. Just be aware that you need to "exercise" the 4wd parts occasionally or they may not work when you really need them. Go off on a dirt road somewhere and pull the lever into 4wd to engage the front axle disconnect. Put it in 4wd low range and engage the rear axle locker (it won't work in 4wd hi range). Do that every month or so to keep everything freed up.

 

[Oldmanb777]

I would go for it. You only live...............Twice? However, I would look at a GX instead. It's a LOT MORE CAR for what you intend. It's more comfy, more luxurious, better ride, better seating position and so much more. It's just uglier. The operating economics are about the same as well.

 

[rdruss]

I'm 76 with a 4th gen 4Runner, go for it, 2024 4Runner, or Lexus GX!

 

[BLKNBLU]

This thread makes me feel great! At 63, I'm the kid in this group. I just bought a 2019 TRD Off-Road w/10.5K miles 1 year ago. I hope for it to be my last vehicle. I think you are spot on with the off-road. I also lusted after the GX for a bit but they require premium fuel and get lesser mpg and I thought I would get tired of that. But those V8's are really nice. Bonus on the 2019 I also didn't get the safety stuff which is not my cup of tea.

 

[trainman605]

Thanks again for the replies, I think I'm thinking just like you and my reasons for a new 4 Runner are the same. The dealers around me are discounting the new 4 Runners around $2500 to $3100 off the list price, which I think is pretty good from what it has been. Most of the Toyota dealers here in Ft. Worth, Texas have around 20 on their lots for sale and I would say there are not selling too well at this time. My biggest problem is it's just too cold to look around at vehicles, it's 22 degrees this morning at the top today will be 37 degrees, too cold for this old guy to be outside when I don't have to be. Thanks again.

 

[Centrifugal]

I have an off road premium with KDSS. It makes a big difference with on-road handling. I recommend that option.

 

[trainman605]

I purchase a new Toyota 4-Runner TRD Off Road Premium yesterday. Something to add to my Bucket List, now on to the next item on the list.

 

[plummerg]

Very cool!

 

[BLKNBLU]

I purchase a new Toyota 4-Runner TRD Off Road Premium yesterday. Something to add to my Bucket List, now on to the next item on the list.

Enjoy!
I recently retired so I'm bucket iisting too. Right now it's mostly physical things. While I still can. Ha!

 

[docboy]

I purchase a new Toyota 4-Runner TRD Off Road Premium yesterday. Something to add to my Bucket List, now on to the next item on the list.

Congratz! One item checked off and onto the next one...

 

[armabill]

I'm 79 and have a 2020 TRD Off Road Premium that I bought new in 2020. Like you, this will probably be my last vehicle purchase unless an accident happens.

I'd go for it.

 

[Greekshooter]

I'll be 77 in a few months...picked up my 4 Runner TRD Off Road Prime yesterday

I'm in the same boat and thinking the same as you. I sold my 2000 Chevrolet Z71 Silverado last month ..(238K miles) for $4500...yesterday I traded in my 2011 4Runner Limited for a 4 Runner TRD Off Road Premium with some more optional equipment. Very happy with my choice. (Yakima Roof Cargo, cast pro wheel matte black,predator tube step, off road plus package, power tiltslide moonroof and KDSS). Very happy the way it drives and my ability to get into the driver seat. I try to stay in shape!

 

[Greekshooter]

Hey Trainman605...I collect HO model trains or actually I still run my 4x8 layout

 

[AaronBock]

My thinking on this for the TRD Off Road model is, the way it is equipped for 4 wheel drive use is that it would be worth more on down the line, like a Jeep Rubicon, or a 4 wheel drive pickup.

I by this you mean it's resale value down the line, then I believe all 4WD models tend to have higher resale value.

Now my last question is, I think the 2024 model will probably be a better choice over the 2025 new model with a 4 cylinder and Turbo engine and not have to deal with more expensive repairs in years on down line as the conventional 4.0 engine has proven itself for sure.

Yes, turbo engines tend to have more problems down the line then their conventional counterparts.

 

[Engela]

Your same thoughts, plus more on some options

My husband and I are both 63, and last year we had the exact same thoughts as you. Fearing the new generation would come out for 2024, we purchased the 2023 model Off Road Premium at a time when dealer lots were still empty here in Hawaii. We had to purchase from another island and have it shipped to our island just to get one.

Because of the limited inventory, we took the options they had available.

KDSS (not popular here because it is more complicated to lift, but we weren't planning to lift it). People said we'd like the KDSS ride and we do.

Moonroof, which I've never owned and didn't want the possible problem that might be associated with a moonroof. I have since found out that it is a feature I love! It makes the interior of the car brighter and more cheerful with a push of a button or just sliding back the sunshade. And when it rains it is just as easy to close. Another unanticipated moonroof perk is that it makes wildlife photography easier, because it is easy to park and take a photo without getting out of the car. Animals don't seem to mind cars, but will run when you get out of the vehicle.

I like the additional cameras that the Off Road Premium package added, like 360-degree overhead view, and curb view.

Running boards: At 5'3" and with guests and grandchildren occasionally riding with me, I love the running boards.

I really love all the safety features that come with a Toyota.

Coming from an xTerra Pro (which we loved and would still be driving if someone hadn't turned in front of us on the highway and totaled the xTerra), we wanted the 4-wheel drive and the electronic rear lockers on the 4Runner Off Road Premium. We wanted a vehicle that could take us anywhere we wanted to go on the island and the Toyota 4Runner Off Road was the most like our Nissan xTerra Pro in that respect. Plus it had additional bells and whistles and safety features that weren't available when we bought our xTerra.

Our 4Runner has ended up a luxurious pavement princess though. If we're going OFF ROAD, we take my husband's Ford Bronco, because it has 11.5 inches of clearance, even though it means I need a stepstool to get into the Bronco without throwing out my shoulder; even though the Bronco is noisier than the 4Runner; even though the Bronco’s ride isn't as comfortable as the 4Runner, even though the Bronco is windshield rock magnet, and even though the Bronco is always dirtier.

I think you'll love the Toyota 4Runner Premium. I do. Since you don't drive that many miles per year, you won't mind that the gas mileage isn't great.

I agree with the person who said, if you don't plan to use the 4-wheel drive features, make sure you use them occasionally to keep them working properly.

Hope that helps.

 

[Krazy Kris]

Only thing my 75 year old father hates about my 2023 limited is the road noise the aggressive factory tires produce. They couldn’t hear hardly anything that we were saying up front and he has pretty good hearing..