Newbie with a couple questions.

[vicpick58]

Hello, I have been lurking for a while trying to learn a few things about the new 4 Runner before I decide to buy one.

This seems like a good forum and that is important to me for whatever vehicle I own.

I currently am driving an 04 Grand Cherokee Overland with the 4.7HO engine and a system they call Quadra Drive. I like it pretty well but it has not been what anyone could call trouble free.

I use the vehicle for my work servicing and inspecting certain equipment in hospitals and other medical care facilities. I haul around several hundred pounds of tools and test equipment at all times and drive between 40k and 50k miles per year.

I bought my current Jeep used in 07 with 30k miles already on it and is now well over 200k so I am starting to search for a suitable replacement.

I think a 2012 Trail model will fit my needs but have a couple concerns that maybe you guys could answer for me.

I do my own oil changes and at 5k intervals it works out to about every 6 to 8 weeks. I have read the the filter on the 4R is a little difficult to deal with, my question is does anyone make a remote filter kit so the oil filter can be put somewhere else for easier service? Or is the oil filter not really that bad?

Also do the headlights low beams stay on when the high beam are on? That is something that I really like about the Jeep but is not a deal breaker.

I am also a little worried that the V6 will not have enough power, what do you guys think, are you happy with the engine? Can I realistically expect to get a long life from this engine? I would take good care of it and would like to get 250k miles of use. Same for the transmission, transfer case and differentials.

 

[tjnaples]

Toyota does oil for free first two years every 10,000 miles as it uses synthetic. I'm happy with the engine power but as you will most likely see people differ with opinions on that one. For a 4,600 lb. vehicle it moves pretty good should you goose it. Lastly reliability is huge with Toyotas/4Runners, they're not driving Jeeps or Fords in 3rd world countries in the desert...

 

[Jeremy556]

Stick to a 10K oil change, and any pain from the cartridge filter should be more than made up for by infrequency.

Lowbeams+hibeams: I don't think so. The light pattern seems to change completely, but I'm not sure.

Power: The engine has plenty of power, the gearing and throttle response are another issue entirely. It is geared so that it will downshift on the slightest grade on the highway, and the throttle response is set (it seems) so that 0-70% of pedal travel is 0-25% of actual throttle, with 71-100% of pedal travel to be 26%-100% of actual throttle.

 

[vicpick58]

Thanks for the responses, I would have a hard time taking a vehicle to the dealer just for an oil change since I need it every weekday for work. That is one of the main reasons that I do it myself, also so it is done correctly.

I also have a hard time believing that 10k between changes would be OK, but if that is what Toyota reccomends then fine.

As far as the lights, oh well that is the way most vehicles are.

I don't know if I understand about the throttle, guess I will find out when I drive one.

Thanks again for the fast answers to my questions.

 

[DEKA3]

I am pretty sure the highs and low beams go on together.
I notice this more since I changed my factory h11 bulbs to white. When I highbeam I get a white/yellowish tint combo.

Thanks for the responses, I would have a hard time taking a vehicle to the dealer just for an oil change since I need it every weekday for work. That is one of the main reasons that I do it myself, also so it is done correctly.

I also have a hard time believing that 10k between changes would be OK, but if that is what Toyota reccomends then fine.

As far as the lights, oh well that is the way most vehicles are.

I don't know if I understand about the throttle, guess I will find out when I drive one.

Thanks again for the fast answers to my questions.

 

[philsey]

..... I am also a little worried that the V6 will not have enough power, what do you guys think, are you happy with the engine? ......

Look up the specs, this engine has plenty of hp and tq - but it IS DIFFERENT from others you've driven. On my first test drive, I thought it was a SLUG! You just have to learn how to drive it - you can't expect oomph, you kindof have to demand it, but it's there. I believe you can expect better mpg too.

..... Can I realistically expect to get a long life from this engine? I would take good care of it and would like to get 250k miles of use. Same for the transmission, transfer case and differentials.

Absolutely. Read the classifieds in the General Section, and see the prices commanded by high mileage 4Rs.

 

[phillyd2]

You just have to learn how to drive it - you can't expect oomph, you kindof have to demand it, but it's there.

That's actually a very good way of putting it. My 4th Gen V8 kindly offered her virtues. The 5th Gen V6 needs her azz smacked and told what to do. Both work,

It took about 1.5K miles before I stopped missing the 8.

 

[vicpick58]

I went to the dealer and test drove a new 2011 trail model that they have left over.

I see what you guys mean about the throttle response, at first I thought "what a dog" until I stomped it. Certainly not a hot rod, but not too bad.

The low beam headlights DO stay on when the highs are on. I tried to see the oil filter with out getting on the ground but not sure if what I was looking at was it. Is it located in front of the engine kind of directly under where the water pump and fan are? I saw something down there with hoses coming off of it. Do the hoses go to an oil cooler?

Anyway overall I was very impressed with the vehicle, just might buy one of these.

 

[Antman]

Regarding that oil filter- I change my own oil as well-
3 times on this vehicle. Yes, it is more of a PITA than it has to be, but it's not terribly difficult. Draining the oil is easy thanks to an access hatch under the plug. I loosen one bolt, take the other out and swing the plate outta the way.

The filter requires taking the front skid plate off, with several fasteners. The paper filter is located inside a reusable housing. Once you unscrew a filter drain plug and insert a plastic drain tube ( Toyota includes it with the filter) you will drain the housing. Then unscrew it to access the filter. You have to clean inside the filter housing and replace the paper filter as well as 2 O-rings, also provided.

Then you put it back together. Not hard, but it takes about twice as long as a normal change. I think I may be able to get it done in half an hour next time...

 

[Wakeborder556]

I had a WJ w/ 4.7 (non HO) and the 4runner I test drove definitely didn't have the same get up and go..but it wasn't bad

 

[vicpick58]

Regarding that oil filter- I change my own oil as well-
3 times on this vehicle. Yes, it is more of a PITA than it has to be, but it's not terribly difficult. Draining the oil is easy thanks to an access hatch under the plug. I loosen one bolt, take the other out and swing the plate outta the way.

The filter requires taking the front skid plate off, with several fasteners. The paper filter is located inside a reusable housing. Once you unscrew a filter drain plug and insert a plastic drain tube ( Toyota includes it with the filter) you will drain the housing. Then unscrew it to access the filter. You have to clean inside the filter housing and replace the paper filter as well as 2 O-rings, also provided.

Then you put it back together. Not hard, but it takes about twice as long as a normal change. I think I may be able to get it done in half an hour next time...

Yeah I have not had to deal with a canister type oil filter since I sold my 56 Packard about 15 years ago. But that one was on top and very easy to service.

They kind of make sense in an environmental way, no wasted steel by throwing away the whole filter, but why not put it on top like the new Jeep 3.6 V6. Someone will probably come out with a relocation kit sooner or later.

On the other hand, I may just get used to taking longer to do a change.

I must also assume that these filters are more expensive than the $12-$13 that I have been spending for the Mobil 1 filters. And probably the 0w20 oil has to come from the dealer parts dept too instead of the Wal Mart Mobil 1 that I have been using in everything else for years.

 

[Antman]

NOPE! Surprisingly, the filters are cheap at the dealer. I don't remember exactly how much, but I think about $7? I do remember being pleasantly surprised. Walmart carries the Mobil1 in gallon jugs too. Win/win in that respect!

 

[vicpick58]

I had a WJ w/ 4.7 (non HO) and the 4runner I test drove definitely didn't have the same get up and go..but it wasn't bad

I assume since you are on this forum that you went ahead and got a 4 Runner.

If so, after owning a WJ how are you doing with the 4R do you like it as well or better than the Jeep?

A few things that I think I will like better is the cargo area, (very important to me) the center console is lot bigger, part time 4x4 instead of full time all wheel drive. And the fact that the spare tire is under the back instead of inside, I always have to unload everything (usually in the rain) just to access the spare every time I get a flat.

I will miss the passing and merging acceleration though.

 

[vicpick58]

NOPE! Surprisingly, the filters are cheap at the dealer. I don't remember exactly how much, but I think about $7? I do remember being pleasantly surprised. Walmart carries the Mobil1 in gallon jugs too. Win/win in that respect!

Cool, thanks Antman. Also as I side note, I have enjoyed reading your write ups of the mods that you have done.

I like to do that kind of stuff too, so your ideas are of interest to me.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Cool, thanks Antman. Also as I side note, I have enjoyed reading your write ups of the mods that you have done.

I like to do that kind of stuff too, so your ideas are of interest to me.

good luck buddy, and make you you post back if you buy one

 

[vicpick58]

good luck buddy, and make you you post back if you buy one

Well I did it, found a 2012 Magnetic grey Trail Edition with KDSS and nav.

Bought it from Elk Grove Toyota just outside Sacramento CA. Price was fair, 39k, and the purchase process was actually as painless as possible.

Have only had it a day, but am happy so far.

 

[Jtraskell]

Welcome! Great looking rig. Sounds like you did OK with the price. Let the Mods begin!

 

[gray street]

I went from a 2000 GC w/ a 4.7 and QT2. The power definitely isn't as much as the Jeep, but overall the vehicle feels a ton more solid, not to mention reliability isn't even in the same galaxy.

Edit: congrats! Looks just like mine