Looking to maybe buy a 4Runner...

[benzofanatic]

Howdy,
I currently drive a Mercedes and think it might be time for something a little more reliable and cheaper to fix. Ive had my Mercedes for almost 4 years now and the miles are starting to get up there so I think it might be a good time.

Ive wanted a 4th gen 4Runner for a while but I am not 100% sure I want an SUV (I really like the handleing of a sporty sedan and the gas mileage). I want a 2004 at minimum, maybe newer depending on what I can afford.

So I was just wondering if you guys could help convince me on the 4Runner over my other considerations: Acura TL or TSX, Subaru WRX or STI.

I just want to get your views on its (1) Reliability (2) Handleing (3) Actual gas mileage (4) Difference between the Limited and SR5? (5) What made you buy your 4Runner over other cars? (6) Any other things I should know

Thanks for the help, Im excited to see what comes up!
Devon

 

[DETarch]

First off, I'd make sure that you have reason/justification for an SUV...do you need the cargo room, 4WD, ability to tow, etc.?

You might find that the utility is not worth the handling/gas mileage trade-off. I personally need and regularly use these features, so it's worth it to me.

Regarding your questions:

1. Reliability- Excellent so far...I have 80k miles and have only performed routine maintenance.

2. Handling- It's an SUV, don't expect it to handle like a sports car. However, one of the better and more controlled SUVs that I've driven.

3. Gas Mileage- I have a V8 and get about 18 mpg. There's a mileage thread floating around, try searching for that.

4. SR5 vs. Limited- Might want to search for that one too, I know there are some painted body parts on Limiteds that are black plastic on SR5s, different wheels on later models, XREAS, etc.

Just go find one and take it for a drive...if you like it and plan to use its features, then go for it.

 

[chaz]

agreed, u have to decide whether u want apples or oranges first.

 

[ToyTech99]

Howdy,
I currently drive a Mercedes and think it might be time for something a little more reliable and cheaper to fix. Ive had my Mercedes for almost 4 years now and the miles are starting to get up there so I think it might be a good time.

Ive wanted a 4th gen 4Runner for a while but I am not 100% sure I want an SUV (I really like the handleing of a sporty sedan and the gas mileage). I want a 2004 at minimum, maybe newer depending on what I can afford.

So I was just wondering if you guys could help convince me on the 4Runner over my other considerations: Acura TL or TSX, Subaru WRX or STI.

I just want to get your views on its (1) Reliability (2) Handleing (3) Actual gas mileage (4) Difference between the Limited and SR5? (5) What made you buy your 4Runner over other cars? (6) Any other things I should know

Thanks for the help, Im excited to see what comes up!
Devon

Reliablity: Top notch for the 4Runner. The other choices on your list should also be top notch, as long as you avoid the Acura model years that had transmission troubles (many older TL models had transmission issues)

Handling: If you're used to sedan handling, the 4Runner might be a little disappointing, as it handles more like the SUV that it is than a sedan. But if you want the best handling 4Runner that you can buy, get a Sport Edition that has a standard XREAS suspension system that allows the 4Runner to handling more like a car and less like an SUV.

Actual Gas Mileage: The V6 4Runner should get you somewhere around 16 mpg in the city and about 20 on the highway. I think those are fair numbers and very attainable in real world driving

Limited vs. SR5: Bells and Whistles, mostly. As I said earlier, the Sport Edition is sort of a mid-level 4Runner, with more features than the SR5, but not as loaded up as a Limited. To me, it's the best choice.

Why did I buy the 4Runner? Many reasons: The utility and space to carry gear for ski trips, a run to Home Depot, etc... The ability to go anywhere through any kind of weather.... The reliability... The ability to travel off the beaten path occasionally... just to name a few of the reasons.

 

[Sporin]

A few reasons to I chose to buy mine after a decade+ of sedans...

1. cargo space
2. future offroader
3. ability to haul a decent sized camper
4. reliability & resale

We needed space for a big dog crate in the back as our new lab pup (now 4 months) goes to work with us every day. I wanted enough room to see over said crate, and enough room next to it for the other dog (10 year old lab) to fit comfortably.

Since the "station wagon" is pretty much extinct, and the wife won't drive a minivan, an SUV was the only choice.

I looked at the small 'utes, and the car-based crossovers and none of them tripped my trigger. I figured for about the same price (used) and considerably cheaper then, say, a new CRV, the 4Runner was the one I wanted to spend my money on.

Eventually, this will be built up and replace my old Land Cruiser as our family offroad rig. :lookout:

Biggest change, besides the obvious handling difference is gas mileage. I get a steady 16-17 in mixed driving with my V8. I LOVE it, such smooth power, and I think it's totally worth it.

I had a minimum of equipment I was looking for, but most any trim worked for me. I found a SR5 V8 priced thousands less then higher trimmed V6's locally and went for it. The powertrain really sold me. The 4.7 V8 and the 5-speed auto are like butta' and the MPG penalty isn't big vs. the V6.

It's not perfect, headroom is tight but you get used to it. The HVAC controls that look like dials but operate like buttons are just a stupid design (imo). But really, I have no major complaints. At 45k miles, my '06 is tight as a drum and drives beautifully.

 

[andyboy]

You need to decide whether you need the extra room that a sedan won't give you. 4wd? hauling stuff? I choose the 4Runner b/c I wanted something reliable, well known, easy/cheaper to fix. I also have a Lexus IS250 and I drive the 4Runner more often.

 

[4Runner8]

u can do anything in a 4runner!! as many ppl say its more funner in a 4runner haha. but if u want handling do what toytech99 said and get a sport with xreas. mines a v8 and i see 17.4 on my computer in the car but think its about 15

 

[MikesToy]

Just buy one. You won't regret it.

 

[4Runner8]

Just buy one. You won't regret it.

exactly!! u really wont. im sure there are tons of ppl iiffy on this site when switching from sport car to SUV and they all love their runners:zoom:

 

[benzofanatic]

Thanks for all the replies, each of you brought up some really good points. After hearing this I think an 04-05 V6 Sport is what I’m going to look for. Out of curiosity, what is XREAS on the Sport model?

Toyota reliability, 4x4 capability and good looks are really pushing me towards this while the gas mileage and handling/speed are holding me back. I don’t tow anything or really need all the cargo room but we do live in a part of Bellevue, WA with a lot of hills that are horrible during winter. I have all four studded tires on my car during the winter and it barley gets by. So the 4x4 option would make life soooo much easier during the winter.

Another question I just thought of, how fast is the V6 in your opinion (I really like that my car can get up to 100mph without any problem)? I understand its not a sports car and the V6 will have less power than the V8 but does it have a fair amount of passing power and acceleration? I only ask this as its kinda hard to tell on a short test drive.

 

[ToyTech99]

Thanks for all the replies, each of you brought up some really good points. After hearing this I think an 04-05 V6 Sport is what I’m going to look for. Out of curiosity, what is XREAS on the Sport model?



Another question I just thought of, how fast is the V6 in your opinion (I really like that my car can get up to 100mph without any problem)? I understand its not a sports car and the V6 will have less power than the V8 but does it have a fair amount of passing power and acceleration? I only ask this as its kinda hard to tell on a short test drive.

XREAS is basically a suspension system that consists of hydraulically cross-linked shock absorbers. It allows the 4Runner to negotiate turns/curves with less body roll, all while keeping ride quality excellent. The system is standard on all Sport Editions and optional on the Limited. Unfortunately, it is not available on the SR5. Search the forum for more details on XTREAS.

As for speed, the V6 is absolutely fine. It moves the 4Runner far better than I thought would every be possible. I'm not sure if you want to be driving any SUV 100 mph, but if you do, the 4Runner will do it without breaking a sweat. BTW, my other car has 330 HP and I don't feel like I'm lacking for power when I'm driving my 4Runner.

 

[4Runner8]

he means search XREAS not "XTREAS"

 

[ToyTech99]

he means search XREAS not "XTREAS"

Yeah, sometimes I type so fast that I don't even know what the heck I'm typing. People laugh at me when they see me type...they tell me I should have been a secretary! LOL

 

[4Runner8]

hahaha yea but benzofanatic u definitly need to get a 4runner! to say the least "U Will Love It!!!!!"

 

[woodyc]

You said "we" live in Bellevue. I assume that means you are married. If your wife is gonna drive it she'll love it. It will become for her a rolling wardrobe, dayspa and lunch counter as mine has become for my wife. She keeps duplicates of all her lotions, make-up and hair spritzes in a box on the passenger side floor. A duplicate wardrobe with foul weather gear in the back seat. and survival water bottles rolling around all over. I know she eats in it cause there are crumbs everywhere!

 

[adkinsadam1]

It is very reliable in extreme situations!

 

[VNT]

It has enough power to get up to 100 mph fairly quickly, but it's not a sporty sedan. I used to be a speeder but since I bought my '05 SR5 I seem to enjoy crusing more.