Should I trade in for a new 5th gen or keep my '13?

[Steamfitter]

I am scared that the turbo-4 engine that will likely be coming in 2024 will ruin the reliability of the T4R. My '13 T4R currently has 195K Miles, and will be 10 years old as of this summer. My options are A) continue driving it till it dies (I am hoping to get another 10 years out of it) or B) trade in for a new 4.0 v6 5th gen while they are still available (and hopefully get 20 years out of that one). Thoughts?

 

[redshift83]

I'm in a similar position. My Trail has 200k on it. I ended up deciding that I'm going to wait and see what the 6th gen looks like. If it's a fair upgrade to what I have now then I'm all about getting a new one. On the other hand, if it's not what I'm looking for then I'll be looking for GX460s or LX/LC's, or even a newer 5th gen.
The 5th gens are going to be around FOREVER as used vehicles, considering how many were made, and the number of model years (also due to their reliability). There's still an insane number of 3rd gens around, even in the rust belt, so you'll be able to find 5th gens with the options you want for a long time, or keep yours running with junkyard parts.

Just curious, where does the idea that turbo 4s are unreliable come from? I own probably the least reliable Toyota made, my All-Trac, and it has managed to survive years of racing, abuse, snow dumb-assery, all on the original motor. Hell, the PO even drove it across the entire state of PA with a turbo that had the compressor and turbine wheels no longer connected. Sure, the turbo exploded, but I'm confident it was user error, and that was 80's turbo tech. Not really known for reliability. I've owned WRX's too, and while they're pretty known for eating bearings, I managed 220k out of mine before trading it in. I'm not saying you're wrong, I just haven't had a bad experience with turbos. I've also never owned a German turbo car...

 

[rigtec]

I am scared that the turbo-4 engine that will likely be coming in 2024 will ruin the reliability of the T4R. My '13 T4R currently has 195K Miles, and will be 10 years old as of this summer. My options are A) continue driving it till it dies (I am hoping to get another 10 years out of it) or B) trade in for a new 4.0 v6 5th gen while they are still available (and hopefully get 20 years out of that one). Thoughts?

Hi Steamfitter (...are you in the Steamfitter's Union too?)

Mine is a 2012 L.E. Third-row seat, and performs as it was still New! Why not wait until we see just what the 6'th Gen 4Runner is all about... Reliability, style, power, performance, amenities, and the problems that the first ones will have built-in to them...

I'm sure we'll know ALL about that on forum...(?) So you can hold on to yours for a while! The word on the street is (from the Toyota Engineers), that the 6'th Gen 4Runner may not be available 'til 2025; still deciding who their BIGGEST Competitors are, and which way to market them in N.America & Canada; so there's still some time(?)!

~rig~ "Best to you!"

 

[Steamfitter]

I'm in a similar position. My Trail has 200k on it. I ended up deciding that I'm going to wait and see what the 6th gen looks like. If it's a fair upgrade to what I have now then I'm all about getting a new one. On the other hand, if it's not what I'm looking for then I'll be looking for GX460s or LX/LC's, or even a newer 5th gen.
The 5th gens are going to be around FOREVER as used vehicles, considering how many were made, and the number of model years (also due to their reliability). There's still an insane number of 3rd gens around, even in the rust belt, so you'll be able to find 5th gens with the options you want for a long time, or keep yours running with junkyard parts.

That's good advice.

Just curious, where does the idea that turbo 4s are unreliable come from? I own probably the least reliable Toyota made, my All-Trac, and it has managed to survive years of racing, abuse, snow dumb-assery, all on the original motor. Hell, the PO even drove it across the entire state of PA with a turbo that had the compressor and turbine wheels no longer connected. Sure, the turbo exploded, but I'm confident it was user error, and that was 80's turbo tech. Not really known for reliability. I've owned WRX's too, and while they're pretty known for eating bearings, I managed 220k out of mine before trading it in. I'm not saying you're wrong, I just haven't had a bad experience with turbos. I've also never owned a German turbo car...

I think it's simply a matter of the engine working harder and creating more heat, additional mechanical parts to contend with maintenance-wise.

I have researched BMW cars and a big part of their engine problems come from the turbos and the heat they produce. I was even advised by a Toyota salesman to avoid turbo Supras on the used market because of turbo issues (that was 20 years ago mind you, the new ones are probably much better).

 

[Steamfitter]

Hi Steamfitter (...are you in the Steamfitter's Union too?)

Mine is a 2012 L.E. Third-row seat, and performs as it was still New! Why not wait until we see just what the 6'th Gen 4Runner is all about... Reliability, style, power, performance, amenities, and the problems that the first ones will have built-in to them...

I'm sure we'll know ALL about that on forum...(?) So you can hold on to yours for a while! The word on the street is (from the Toyota Engineers), that the 6'th Gen 4Runner may not be available 'til 2025; still deciding who their BIGGEST Competitors are, and which way to market them in N.America & Canada; so there's still some time(?)!

~rig~ "Best to you!"

Thanks, good advice...

Yes, I am. UA Local 179 Saskatchewan, Canada. Good to meet you brother ! I'm a JM Steamfitter-Pipefitter, but in hindsight I wish I had taken HVAC like you, good choice!

 

[osugsxr]

I am scared that the turbo-4 engine that will likely be coming in 2024 will ruin the reliability of the T4R. My '13 T4R currently has 195K Miles, and will be 10 years old as of this summer. My options are A) continue driving it till it dies (I am hoping to get another 10 years out of it) or B) trade in for a new 4.0 v6 5th gen while they are still available (and hopefully get 20 years out of that one). Thoughts?

your decision..... The current 5th gen is solid and okay to drive. If looking for better drivability there are tunes or a supercharger.

The next gen model I look forward to a redesign as for the engine I'd like to see a v6 turbo /hybrid over a v4 turbo/hybrid. Turbos are nice and more tunable as for reliability they're fine. If its a v4 I'll be hesitant on it but will most likely pick one up since its mainly on road use and we love our current 2017 4runner.

 

[Bmnorm2]

Wait till 6th gen is announced. Should still be able to buy new 5th gen at that time. Besides, if you don't need a "new" car, then right now is not the right time financially to do so. Unless you enjoy high interest rates and serious economic uncertainty.

 

[Yamahamer]

I am scared that the turbo-4 engine that will likely be coming in 2024 will ruin the reliability of the T4R.

I would expect there will be more problems with all the new electronics the 6th generation is sure to have, than a turbocharged motor. Check out Consumer Reports owner's surveys of vehicles...no matter what the brand, it is electrical problems and electronics that show up as major problem areas. Turbocharged engines have been around for years - every diesel on the road has had them for 30 years now, and while you may hear of problems with the emissions systems you don't hear talk about turbo failures.

I've been driving a twin-turbo F150 for 7 years now that has been flawless; same with a turbodiesel tractor and truck.

 

[Pedro367]

Agree with the others. Keep it until the 6th gen comes out and see. It's going to be worth the same value now vs in two years anyway and you won't have a problem finding a new or lightly used 5th gen at that time if you decide to stick with it.

 

[Ventil8]

Option A…keep it forever. I have a 2005 that I bought new and it still runs great after 18 years. Also, pay cash for your next 4R purchase. Like someone mentioned ‘high interest rates and economic uncertainty”, when you pay cash, you don’t have to worry about that stuff. I did stupid in my 20s. Financing a 4R was one of them. Good luck.

 

[redshift83]

That's good advice.



I think it's simply a matter of the engine working harder and creating more heat, additional mechanical parts to contend with maintenance-wise.

I have researched BMW cars and a big part of their engine problems come from the turbos and the heat they produce. I was even advised by a Toyota salesman to avoid turbo Supras on the used market because of turbo issues (that was 20 years ago mind you, the new ones are probably much better).

Makes sense. Heat management has always been a thing, my celica has an alternator air intake, and the rally ones even had timing belt coolers because they were melting belts. I'd wait a bit to see how the motors are doing personally, but a turbo 4 wouldn't alone cause me to look elsewhere. Coupled with a hybrid and good mileage, i'd actually be pretty excited for that, as long as it performed well enough.

 

[PrettyGoodSam]

I'm in the same boat...sorta. I have a 2012 TE with 92k. I know it will run forever, but even w the car market settling slightly, I can still more for it than I bought it for. I'm definitely waiting out at least one year of the 6th gens for the obvious reasons but wouldn't mind a newer 5th gen. Hmmmm...

 

[kenwilliams0803]

Similar thoughts here. 2012 with 176k. I think I'm going to try to get at least another year or 2 out of it.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

[Scowling Tuna]

Keep your '13. So little has changed with the trucks over the years. If you want that newer front end, you can swap it to yours (but that's up to your skills and budgets).

I've considered "upgrading" myself, but all I really want is that heated steering wheel and a better infotainment unit. That's about it. Not worth it. I own my 4Runner. Why start over.

 

[westwind77]

I've been in the same boat for the last couple of years with my 2010. Never kept a vehicle this long, but also never had one with so few problems....knock on wood.

I have picked out exactly what I want, should I buy a new '23, however I just can't bring myself to spend 50k when the vehicle is basically exactly identical to my current vehicle.

 

[spartacus]

Trade it up now. Then when the 6th Gen comes out you'll have the option to keep your 5th Gen or trade it up again to 6th gen.