Pressure to replace my V8 4Runner.

[RL Lemke]

I only have 370,000 miles on my 4Runner I purchased new 15 years ago.

My friends, wife and kids are badgering me to replace it because of miles and age. Even though I just returned from a 3,000 mile loop of mountain passes carrying a motorcycle on the hitch without issue.

The 2020 4Runner will finally include an 8" touch screen and the Toyota safety features, it remains little changed. Still mediocre gas mileage.

1) I worry that the V6 will mean slower mountain pass climbs.

2) I don't know if the V6 and transmission will be as reliable as my V8 and Lexus transmission.

3) Frustrated that the Tacoma is getting Multi-Terrain and Panoramic View and NOT the 4Runner.

4) I still love my 4Runner as much as the day it was new. A change will be difficult.

I may give-up and get something smaller with more tech and double the gas mileage. Or, maybe go for more tech and off-road capability with a Wrangler. Just don't know what to do. I'll take the months until the 2020 is available to make up my mind.

 

[hikenbike]

Consider finding yourself a 100k-ish miles 07 or 08 V8. I love mine and will NEVER part with it. Only has 68k miles but driving is much more enjoyable than my ‘16 Trail. They’re built like friggin’ tanks.

 

[mscot]

1) I worry that the V6 will mean slower mountain pass climbs.
- It will.

2) I don't know if the V6 and transmission will be as reliable as my V8 and Lexus transmission.
- It should be.

3) Frustrated that the Tacoma is getting Multi-Terrain and Panoramic View and NOT the 4Runner.
The T4R has multi-terrain.

4) I still love my 4Runner as much as the day it was new. A change will be difficult.
That's rare. Tell your friends to pound sand.

It seems you have the opportunity to keep what you have for a few more years and see what the 6th gen looks like. At that time you can buy the last year of the 5th gen or get into a 6th gen.

 

[VUI Guy]

I would keep it and get a used Raptor driven by someone that rarely, if ever, took it off road.

I'm driving mine into the dirt unless they put me in the dirt first.

 

[Thai]

FYI...TRD Pro 4runner has PART-time 4wd...if that matters for you.

 

[VUI Guy]

Think about all the electronics in the new trucks that will kill you financially if they fail at 36,400 miles. I would never buy any truck brand new unless it was December and they are clearing the lot.

 

[stillbrendan]

Aint broke no reason to fix/replace. 370k miles these things are built like tanks. Drive what you love

 

[Fern]

I'd look for a newer V8 like hikenbike mentioned. My wife has a newer Lexus RX350 F-Sport AWD. Power wise it's "meh" and has way to many electronic do-dads for my liking. I like my 4R better for certain things, but her car is on rails compared to mine. Why not rent one for a trip to see if you like it?

 

[Bayou_Pro]

1) I worry that the V6 will mean slower mountain pass climbs.
- It will.

2) I don't know if the V6 and transmission will be as reliable as my V8 and Lexus transmission.
- It should be.

3) Frustrated that the Tacoma is getting Multi-Terrain and Panoramic View and NOT the 4Runner.
The T4R has multi-terrain.

4) I still love my 4Runner as much as the day it was new. A change will be difficult.
That's rare. Tell your friends to pound sand.

It seems you have the opportunity to keep what you have for a few more years and see what the 6th gen looks like. At that time you can buy the last year of the 5th gen or get into a 6th gen.

These would pretty much be my exact response as well. Since you hold on to something so long I'd at least wait until the 6 Gens hit the road to see what's changed.

 

[rwh963]

the devil you know...

you'll get very little for this vehicle. you know its entire history, still love driving it. i would keep it until it falls apart.

 

[Jernik]

1) I worry that the V6 will mean slower mountain pass climbs.
- It will.

2) I don't know if the V6 and transmission will be as reliable as my V8 and Lexus transmission.
- It should be.

3) Frustrated that the Tacoma is getting Multi-Terrain and Panoramic View and NOT the 4Runner.
The T4R has multi-terrain.

4) I still love my 4Runner as much as the day it was new. A change will be difficult.
That's rare. Tell your friends to pound sand.

It seems you have the opportunity to keep what you have for a few more years and see what the 6th gen looks like. At that time you can buy the last year of the 5th gen or get into a 6th gen.

This. Although in the wife/kids department I will say this; if your 4R is the primary family vehicle, it may make sense to consider a newer family ride to appease the wife. Happy wife, happy life and all. If this is simply YOUR get around vehicle, then ignore them all and drive it until you don't feel like driving it any more.

Or, maybe you can keep it AND get a newer one? The only thing better than a 4Runner is TWO 4Runners, right? :biggrin1:

 

[bsa70]

The bad thing is that you will give it away with that amount of miles. So $$$ wise you might as well drive it til the wheels fall off. If you deep down want an upgrade, hey man, lifes short go for it.

Really re think the wrangler. I've thought about the same thing but Chrysler is having a bunch of quality control issues so do you home work. The problem is that they are sooo cool.

 

[engineeer]

My advice as a former owner of a 2017 TRD Pro: keep your V8 and wait for the 6th Gen (2021?) to be unveiled before buying a new 4Runner.

If there's nothing wrong with it and you're going to replace it, why not wait to see how Toyota will improve the platform?

 

[4runner55]

Went from an 04 SE V8 with 128k miles to a new 16 Trail. 5th gen doesn't drive as nice or have the low end power as a 4th gen V8. Had I given it more thought would have picked up a new or used GX460. Shouldn't be to hard to find a nice GX lease return with low mileage.

 

[RL Lemke]

Bank 1 catylatic converter/header needs replacement: $1,350.

High pressure power steering fluid needs replacement: $475

Too funny, after the 370,000 miles and 15.5 years, I needed to have the A/C Freon flushed and replaced. 1st A/C service ever.

My wife says I should spend the money on a new car instead.

 

[RL Lemke]

I’m so fussy about engine break-in (ring seating) that I will only buy a new car. Maybe that’s why no vehicle I own ever use any oil?

I check the oil level with each 10,000 mile oil change, then again right before changing the oil. Never has the oil level changed.

A GX460 is an expensive alternative, for a vehicle where the back window doesn’t open.

Maybe a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4-door. I hear they are very loud inside on the highway.

 

[SwayzeExpress]

If you like the v8 at worst you will regret the v6 - ever think of the tundra route? Cab can be decent but gas sucks. My pops bought one after an f250 sd diesel. It is better in my eyes

I have a wheeling ride I tow and the 4runner has never left me confident towing - I fell like I'm beating on it with what I think of as casual use. Lighter loads are cake but close to 5k and you will want your old torque back.

 

[bsa70]

My advice as a former owner of a 2017 TRD Pro: keep your V8 and wait for the 6th Gen (2021?) to be unveiled before buying a new 4Runner.

If there's nothing wrong with it and you're going to replace it, why not wait to see how Toyota will improve the platform?

Dont be surprised if the next generation 4runner does not ruin the line up. This happened with the jeep wrangler. They had one of the best engines ever, straight six, and epa garbage dictated that they moth ball the engine. The new wranglers are awful.

 

[RL Lemke]

No way would I ever own a pickup because if I need a utility trailer I will hook up top the right sized one. No need to give up half of the useful interior to bolt on a permanent utility trailer. Pickup = Farm Truck

Even the Land Cruiser is too big for me.

BTW: Have you compared the Land Cruiser next to a Tundra to see the build difference? Same size/start but amazing how Toyota uses much higher quality components for the Land Cruiser.

 

[Thai]

I’m so fussy about engine break-in (ring seating) that I will only buy a new car. Maybe that’s why no vehicle I own ever use any oil?

I check the oil level with each 10,000 mile oil change, then again right before changing the oil. Never has the oil level changed.

A GX460 is an expensive alternative, for a vehicle where the back window doesn’t open.

Maybe a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4-door. I hear they are very loud inside on the highway.

GX...back window pops up separately from the "barn" door.

Newer Wrangler JL.....bad frame welds, among other issues.