On the fence!

[polishpiper]

Hey Guys,
New to your forum, and new to Toyota. I am really close to purchasing a 2011 SR5 Blizzard Pearl 4-Runner. It has a 3rd row seat, beige cloth, and the convenience package. MSRP show 33,887... I preliminarily talked him down to 31,500. I also got offered 7K for my 03 Expedition XLT with 130K on it (got offered only 5K at other dealerships)...does this sound like a fair deal?

My wife is driving it home tonight to see if we like it or not (no commitment yet).

Questions about this vehicle:

Is the 4WD a TRUE 4WD? I don't think there are many vehicles that are true 4WD anymore.
Can I ride relatively comfortable for LONG distance trips in this?
Is the 2nd seat comfortable for long trips?
Live in NW Minnesota (cold and lotsa SNOW!)
Has anyone experienced getting the engine compartment wet and running poorly from blizzards? I've had this problem with my Expedition.

Thanks in advance, and hoping to be a regular here!
PS... I'm thinking of making nerf bars the seal of the deal if we decide on this vehicle. Would that be asking too much, or is there still room to play with the quoted price?

 

[M1911]

Is the 4WD a TRUE 4WD? I don't think there are many vehicles that are true 4WD anymore.

Yes, the SR5 is a true, part-time 4WD system. It has a two-speed transfer case, no center diff, open front and rear diffs. Realize that this is a part-time system that should not be used on dry pavement (or, if you do engage part-time on dry pavement, don't make any significant turns).

Can I ride relatively comfortable for LONG distance trips in this?

You'll have to decide that for yourself. I find my 4th gen to be reasonably comfortable, but it wanders a bit on the highway, which makes it more tiring to drive.

Is the 2nd seat comfortable for long trips?

Depends upon how bit the person is.

Live in NW Minnesota (cold and lotsa SNOW!)
Has anyone experienced getting the engine compartment wet and running poorly from blizzards? I've had this problem with my Expedition.

I live in MA and have had my '03 since new. So far, we've had 70" of snow this season. I've never had any such problem.

Thanks in advance, and hoping to be a regular here!
PS... I'm thinking of making nerf bars the seal of the deal if we decide on this vehicle.

What do you mean by "nerf bars?" Running boards? If you want running boards, get a real running board that you can stand on while taking something off the roof rack. If you want rock sliders, then get real rock sliders.

You may find that the Limited and Trail Edition handle better in turns with less lean than the SR5, due to the XREAS (Limited) or optional KDSS (Trail). They both cost more than an SR5, however.

 

[fmixman]

Hi Polishpiper, and welcome.

I own the BP SR5 as well as a silver SR5. both gen5

The 4WD IS what you call - "TRUE", 4WD. it is a manual operation on the SR5 that you will physically grab a shift lever connected to the transfer case, and move from 2wd to 4wd to 4wd low if needed. you will not want to run this style system while the ground is dry and making any turns. It is not like the Limited AWD system, so dependent on how "savvy" your wife is, ( if this is her DD) then I would look at the limited as it offer's a- well... Not that I am calling your wife a fool... but more fool proof 4WD system. :')

I hope that helps.

I live in PA, and not even 15" of the white stuff even slowed the truck a little. It is a real 4x4.

 

[scanny]

Longest trip I had was 800 km travel and back after a week - I could say that ride is pretty comfortable to me, my son didn't complain either on rear seat. I have my SR5 for 6 months, it seems to be good for Ontario winter - no problems with blizzards or cold so far, drives very well on show with 4x4 turned on even with stock tires.
Can't add anything about 4x4 - answers above are good, truck is quite stable even in 2WD mode, Toyota stability system seems to be working no worse than Ford one.
Can't comment on price - SR5 in Canada cost about the same as Limited in US.

 

[polishpiper]

Thank you all for the replys.

As far as the 4WD goes; I have a 2010 Dodge Ram, and that is in either 4wd or 2wd... so my wife is pretty careful about putting it in and out of 4wd. She was born in MN too, so she's got good experience with snow travel .

What made all of you guys switch to a 4runner? What was the biggest reason? Just curious; this would be my first one.

 

[kmiller8821]

Thank you all for the replys.

As far as the 4WD goes; I have a 2010 Dodge Ram, and that is in either 4wd or 2wd... so my wife is pretty careful about putting it in and out of 4wd. She was born in MN too, so she's got good experience with snow travel .

What made all of you guys switch to a 4runner? What was the biggest reason? Just curious; this would be my first one.

I really never "Switched", this is my 5th 4runner. Ive had 2 3rd Gens, 2 4th gens, and now a 5th. I've always loved my 4runner, I especially loved it when they started getting bigger in the 4th gen series. I really like the body on frame construction, the true "truck feel" SUV. The cross-overs to me are meh and 4runner has never failed me. I'm very partial to the Toyota brand as well, as I've also owned LandCrusier, Camry and T100 (not thier best) vehicles. I think you'll be extremely satisified with Toyota quality. You won't be disappointed.

 

[adio3x]

I just took a 3k mile trip out west, felt comfortable every minute of the drive, except for the fact that I was so hyped up on caffeine lol. The 5th gen is a solid truck, even my passengers in the back felt comfortable the whole trip.

 

[T4R_Finally]

We picked the 4runner for the styling, bang for the buck as far as options or standard features some would consider options, and because it a real SUV with real 4wd but it compares to the roominess of a crossover and it rode oh so much better than we expected it to given that it really is a truck. We've both liked 4runners as long as they've been made but this is our first one. My wife has been calling it her "dream car" which was very cool for me since she could have gone like the other moms around here and chosen the highlander instead. highlander seems to be a great vehicle for what it is but, to me, it has the mini-van stigma and I've served my time, when my kids were younger, driving around in a mini-van. The 4runner is "her" vehicle that I don't feel ashamed to drive around in myself. As a matter of fact, I look forward to it.

If the OEM running boards are what you want, they are $499 and might be a good bargaining chip since their cost is probably half of that. Costs them 250 to save you 500. You never really know for sure where you stand when trading a vehicle in. If you are satisfied with the trade and the discount off sticker, then it's a good deal.

 

[scanny]

What made all of you guys switch to a 4runner? What was the biggest reason? Just curious; this would be my first one.

My lease expired last August , so I needed a new SUV, and I wanted something bigger than Ford Escape I had. I intended to buy 2010 Explorer, but there already weren't any around. 2011 weren't around yet. Expedition was too expensive for me. I like how Ford SUV handles and feels, but Ford left me no choice. So I started looking for other makes, had a couple of test drives, but after I drove 4Runner I had no doubts that 4Runner is made for me. It formally has all things I needed in a vehicle such as good engine, 4x4, good reliability record, decent clearance, separately open rear glass to haul long things, heated mirrors, easlily folded rear seats, towing hitch etc but mostly I bought it because I loved how it feels.

 

[philsey]

....does this sound like a fair deal?

Up to you. Depends really on what you think your trade is worth.

Is the 4WD a TRUE 4WD? I don't think there are many vehicles that are true 4WD anymore.

Yes

Can I ride relatively comfortable for LONG distance trips in this?

Yes

Is the 2nd seat comfortable for long trips?

Yes

Live in NW Minnesota (cold and lotsa SNOW!)
Has anyone experienced getting the engine compartment wet and running poorly from blizzards? I've had this problem with my Expedition.

Never. This is an outstanding foul weather vehicle. If you REALLY want to be unstoppable, put snows on it

PS... I'm thinking of making nerf bars the seal of the deal if we decide on this vehicle. Would that be asking too much, or is there still room to play with the quoted price?

Assume you mean running boards? Sure there's room, and get them installed. Just get it on the sales order included in the price.

As to M1911's "wandering" comment. True, but probably due to mediocre oem tires. Fixable.

Good Luck, and welcome.

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

As for why we chose the 4runner duh it's a Toyota and it is one of the only real SUV's left that is actually meant to be used as a sport utility. Unlike ford turned the exploder into a bigass crossover. I personally love the 4runner I absolutely beat the crap out of my other 4runner for 6 years and 90k miles and never had a single problem with it

 

[M1911]

As to M1911's "wandering" comment. True, but probably due to mediocre oem tires. Fixable.

Good Luck, and welcome.

It got better with Michelin crossterrains, but it still wanders a bit.

 

[polishpiper]

Wife brought home the SR5 and took it for a 10 mile cruise.
My Observations:
DAMN is it hard to go from a big SUV to a midsize!
Narrow door opening to crawl into the second seat (maybe all midsizes are like that?)
Comparing it to my Expedition... it seems like I have to concentrate more on driving than with my Expedition. I don't know what it is; maybe it's just that I'm not used to driving yet. It seems harder to keep on the road (playing with radio, then look up and see I'm damn near in the ditch kinda thing)..
Roll seems a little pronounced, but what can you expect with a high and narrow vehicle?
I'm going to take it for a longer ride tonight and see if it grows on me. Who knows, maybe all of the Mid-sized SUVs have the same feel.
Creature features seem to be a little less flashy than a Domestic (not that that's bad).
Room for my size 14 feet seem a bit crowded by the gas pedal.
Why the hell did they put fabric on the door armrest!? Thats just asking for dirty looks.
Well; I'll be back after test #2!

 

[M1911]

DAMN is it hard to go from a big SUV to a midsize!

It sure is a lot smaller than fullsize. Easier to park, though.

Narrow door opening to crawl into the second seat (maybe all midsizes are like that?)

Yup, shorter wheelbase, so shorter rear door.

Comparing it to my Expedition... it seems like I have to concentrate more on driving than with my Expedition. I don't know what it is; maybe it's just that I'm not used to driving yet. It seems harder to keep on the road

The 4th gen has little steering feel and, as I said, wanders a bit. I haven't driven the 5th gen much, but it is my impression it does the same. Better tires reduces the wandering somewhat, but it isn't like Mrs. M1911's Mercedes C-class -- that car tracks straight like an arrow.

Roll seems a little pronounced, but what can you expect with a high and narrow vehicle?

Try driving a Limited or Trail Edition with the KDSS. Both should have noticeably less roll, albeit with noticeably larger price tags.

 

[polishpiper]

I'm Back.
I took it out for 35 miles and got somewhat used to the "wandering" vehicle. I stopped at my dads and told him to take it for a spin.
His first words when we get on the road "Boy, this vehicle wants to wander on the road". I guess I wasn't imagining things.

I like everything on this vehicle but the wandering issue. If I have a few beers at a local establishment, the last thing i need to drive is a wandering vehicle. I also don't want to make driving a chore.

I'm not going to pay another 10K for a limited (a 33K vehicle should drive well these days). I was also turned off that it did not have auto lights.

What other vehicle should I try???? Still looking in the mid sized SUV class

 

[DigableKid]

Wife brought home the SR5 and took it for a 10 mile cruise.
My Observations:
DAMN is it hard to go from a big SUV to a midsize!
Narrow door opening to crawl into the second seat (maybe all midsizes are like that?)
Comparing it to my Expedition... it seems like I have to concentrate more on driving than with my Expedition. I don't know what it is; maybe it's just that I'm not used to driving yet. It seems harder to keep on the road (playing with radio, then look up and see I'm damn near in the ditch kinda thing)..
Roll seems a little pronounced, but what can you expect with a high and narrow vehicle?
I'm going to take it for a longer ride tonight and see if it grows on me. Who knows, maybe all of the Mid-sized SUVs have the same feel.
Creature features seem to be a little less flashy than a Domestic (not that that's bad).
Room for my size 14 feet seem a bit crowded by the gas pedal.
Why the hell did they put fabric on the door armrest!? Thats just asking for dirty looks.
Well; I'll be back after test

#2!

If you want more room, try a Sequoia.

Everyone talks about the wandering but no one thinks about how the Runner is really just responding to the person driving the vehicle. It's just sensitive. I for one have calibrated my driving habits to the thing and have zero complaints.

Also, let's be honest... how long will a Ford last?.... Not as long as a Runner will.

Good luck finding the right SUV.

 

[FloridaFeMan]

"What other vehicle should I try???? Still looking in the mid sized SUV class "

We just purchased a 2WD SR5 (live in FL and don't need 4WD). We have not experienced any wandering on the road thankfully. But since this is not about me, I would suggest test driving the Honda Pilot. During our test drives it did NOT wander, had NO nosedive on breaking, and did NOT have any body roll on turning. In all honesty I really liked the way the Pilot drove. The problem I had with the Pilot was 1) I couldn't get over the boxy styling. It just did NOTHING for me aesthetics wise. 2) Although the Pilot is listed as having more interior cargo space than the 4Runner, it did not accomodate transporting my triathlon bike in the interior whereas my bike fit great inside the 4Runner. This was very important to me as my bike costs in excess of $7000 and I'm not willing to transport it on the exterior for several reasons. 3) In order to get bluetooth, moonroof, and a few other amenities that the 4Runner offered, you had to jump up in models on the Pilot and this pushed the cost up higher than what I was willing to pay. 4) The 4Runner was much quieter in the interior when out on the highway. I didn't expect this but was pleasantly surprised.

I would also probably test drive the new Explorer. Being that it is more "Crossover," it'll probably give you the ride you are looking for. I found the 4Runner to drive and handle better than the Nissan Pathfinder & Nissan Xterra so I wouldn't even waste my time test driving those.

Good luck and let us know what you end up buying.

 

[scanny]

I was also turned off that it did not have auto lights.

What other vehicle should I try???? Still looking in the mid sized SUV class

I had autolights in my Ford too, fortunately SR5 has light auto shutoff, so I need to rememebr only to turn them on when it's dark.

As per others in the class I did not consider Jeep or GM due reliability issues, tried Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, but liked 4Runner way better.

My 4R wandering was gone when I set tire pressure 33psi in all tires, for some reason it was under 30psi when I got the truck from dealership. A few times I let hands off the sterring wheel on empty straight roads to see if truck wanders, but it went straight. So I remember the wandering feeeling at the beginning, but I can't say if it's gone or I don't notice it anymore. But I must admit that comparing to Ford steering wheel in 4R is very sensitive and 4R doesn't like strong winds.

 

[polishpiper]

Thanks for all the replys guys. I must say the wandering is my biggest issue with the 4runner. I actually think the ride is Awesome! I could see strong winds being a problem due to the aerodynamics of the vehicle.

Honda Pilot= UGLY
Ford Explorer= UGLY
Highlander= felt like I was in a station wagon (just like other crossovers too)

My only other real choice would be the Jeep. I haven't drove one for quite some time, and reviews say they have changed ALOT in the 2011 model. Ride and Handling are getting good reviews, so we'll see.
I agree with all of you on the longevity of the 4 Runner...I don't think any of the other will touch it. That's why I'm not throwing out the possibility of the 4 runner yet.

Anyone drove a 2011 JGC here? What were your thoughts?

 

[SeattleMike]

The wandering is due to the tires, not the 4Runner. Even had the issue on my TE for the 63 miles I had the OEM tires on it. Changed out the tires, problem went away.