Should it stay or should it go?

[Tejas]

Maybe he’s thinking about trading her in.

LOL. Nah, she's even more reliable and low maintenance than the 4Runner and she's aging quite well too haha.

 

[ravens_wood]

Out of curiosity, why are you on your 3rd 4Runner in 4 years?

 

[Tejas]

Out of curiosity, why are you on your 3rd 4Runner in 4 years?

First one died a terrible death and the second one was a Limited 4x4, we realized it wasn't what we wanted out of a 4Runner and the misses was driving my truck more at the time. We had always wanted a TRD Pro so that's why we finally broke down and got one. Now we have to decide if we want a 4Runner at all any longer.

 

[thennen]

I have mentioned in a few other threads that I have a love/hate relationship with the 4Runner, it's been a very polarizing vehicle for us. For starters, we are on our third one in four years so we obviously like them but we also can't stand them in the same breath and we keep buying them in an attempt to convince ourselves that we love them more lol. They are about as reliable as any modern car can get, they are affordable, they are the perfect size for most trails, they have great resale value, and the aftermarket support is very healthy. On the other end they are full of plastic that makes them feel rather cheap, the glass and body panels are paper thin, the motor and tranny combo leave a lot to be desired, it lacks most modern tech and safety features, the road noise is very noticeable (loud cabin), it gets tossed around in high winds, it wanders all over the road at highway speeds, the fuel economy is marginal (but acceptable), and everyone and their brother has one. Now some of those complaints are subjective and others are simply a product of a vehicle in its class/size, but they are worth pointing out.

For the two of us it works well around town and on short weekend get aways. However, we have two 100lb dogs which eat up most of the interior even with the seats down, and we spend a lot of time on the highway to and from work and the ranch where its most glaring fault/dislike is illuminated. For solo camping trips it's perfect for myself to camp inside, but add a second person and the interior for sleeping is out of the question without removing everything, including the fridge/freezer. Most items have to go on the roof when traveling further reducing its handling and performance. It won't tow a decent sized boat and I am not willing to dump thousands into a supercharger that has issues of its own and will likely reduce its lifespan and reliability. I love that it will likely run for forever if properly maintained and the aftermarket is here to stay and likely only improve going forward. Looks are subjective but I think it's a timeless design and the soaring sales numbers seem to back that up.

Should we find our way back into a full-size HD truck we open the opportunity of a diesel and its towing capabilities along with the multitude of campers and bed build out options. I hate that I would have to start from scratch and should I not end up back in a PW I will have to likely purchase gears, a front locker, lift, wheels/tires, bumpers, etc. so it won't be a cheap proposition. The same can be said if we pick up a second 200 series and while it solves the power, ride, sound, and to some degree the space, it still doesn't provide us with a better sleeping option or a platform more adept at towing large loads or a bed to keep the stinky stuff out of the cabin.

In an ideal world we'd keep the 4Runner for use around town and solo trips, but that's just not in the cards right now with all of our other irons in the fire. So chime in, let me know what you think we should do or maybe what you would do if you found yourself in a similar position. Thanks!

To me it sounds like you won’t be happy in a 4Runner. Get what you think will make you happy. As for me, my 2019 TRDOR is a wonderful vehicle.

 

[Tejas]

To me it sounds like you won’t be happy in a 4Runner. Get what you think will make you happy. As for me, my 2019 TRDOR is a wonderful vehicle.

You're mostly correct. It does put a smile on my face, it looks great, does well around town, and it excels off-road quite well. It doesn't provide the space, power, or payload that we are accustom to. Nothing is perfect, I realize that, but I do think there are other options that will be better suited to my needs.

 

[Redsoxx1918]

You're mostly correct. It does put a smile on my face, it looks great, does well around town, and it excels off-road quite well. It doesn't provide the space, power, or payload that we are accustom to. Nothing is perfect, I realize that, but I do think there are other options that will be better suited to my needs.

You should definitely get rid of it. Toyotas are not for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bugser]

This is my second 5th gen. And for me, I love it. Does exactly what I want both for a DD and for minor off-road excursions. I'm not hard-core off-road. A friend has a $62k F350 SD that is incredible both is ride quality and off-road duty. But, its a lot more cash than an ORP or Pro and is a pickup. For sure the 4Runner is not plush inside, all plastic and scratches easily.

From what you are saying, you want the F250 or 350.....but I vote for the 4Runner....but that's just my choice.

Don't trade the wife in, trade the Runner in on what you want......many of us here will buy your Pro!

 

[SR5 Phil]

I get it. All the drawbacks are true, particularly in comparison to full size pickups/SUVs rather than prior gen 4Runners. This vehicle is a compromise in many ways, and if the strengths of your TRD-Pro aren't enough to endear you to the 4R, it might be time move on. Powerwagon or Coyote 5.0 F150 would certainly give the power, noise control, and space you want, but those are big vehicles for trails, particularly with the long bed that would give you the sleeping space. And the F150 would take a lot of work to get it to TRD-Pro levels and I think F150 interiors are every bit as cheap as the 4R even when they do glue some leather to the dashboard.

I dunno, it seems to me that the biggest factor is size. If you can get a half-ton the places you want it to go, that would be my choice.

How about an Armada? Nice interior. Big. Big V8.

 

[Tejas]

I get it. All the drawbacks are true, particularly in comparison to full size pickups/SUVs rather than prior gen 4Runners. This vehicle is a compromise in many ways, and if the strengths of your TRD-Pro aren't enough to endear you to the 4R, it might be time move on. Powerwagon or Coyote 5.0 F150 would certainly give the power, noise control, and space you want, but those are big vehicles for trails, particularly with the long bed that would give you the sleeping space. And the F150 would take a lot of work to get it to TRD-Pro levels.

I dunno, it seems to me that the biggest factor is size. If you can get a half-ton down the trails you want to get it down, that's the way to go.

Anything larger than a 4Runner is certainly a possible issue when it comes to fitting down the trail, depending on the trail of course. In regards to a domestic truck I wouldn't consider a half-ton, it'd be a 3/4-ton more than likely. No matter how far the domestics have come I still wouldn't consider them as reliable and trouble free as the 4Runner so that is something to keep in mind. I could sleep in the bed of both the Ram and the Ford as they have a 6.4ft and 6.75ft bed respectively. That said, I will likely be running a FWC or AT Habitat/Summit so that would be a non-issue.

The 4Runner is without a doubt a quality vehicle and it does exceptionally well off-road. The aftermarket is crazy good and if taken care of they will last for many decades, their lack of tech and fancy systems is a plus in that regard. I think one of my biggest hangups is their popularity, I kind of hate that everyone has one, it loses its appeal and makes it less special in a way. I also struggle to imagine myself going on a multi-week cross country adventure in one but with that said I went from Texas to Alaska and back in a JKU, but that was nine years ago and I was a lot younger and a lot less needy and refined myself lol.

I think I have come to an agreement with the misses on the subject and if it holds it looks like the 4Runner will be sticking around a little longer lol.

 

[sn_85]

I think the answer will be that it should go. I've read all your threads on here, expo, and mud and it sounds like it's more of an eventuality. Also given your vehicle ownership history it seems like nothing is safe!!! I guess the question is when and for what. I've flirted with getting rid of the 4Runner many times and each time I come close I back out. The 4Runner for all its faults makes a lot of sense for me and my usage. I don't know that there is any one perfect platform. The GX is too old and not enough pro's to trade for. The aftermarket support is also pretty anemic at this point. The 200 series makes a lot of sense but I'd want a 2016+ and even used ones are in the upper $50k range. The LX will be limited by suspension and fascial design. Tundra is an old dog and too big for me although the 2020 will be the refinement of a tried & true, reliable truck. Midsize trucks don't seem like a long term commitment to me and my gf already has a 2nd gen SC'd taco. Power Wagon, too much truck for me. As for Jeep products, cool concepts but ultimately unreliable.

Toyota is in a weird spot. We all know massive updates are coming across the board. 4Runner, Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, GX, LX and the Taco will see an update. I think I'd be a little remiss if I traded the 4R for something right now and then be envious of what comes in the next 2-3 years. So my plan, for now, is to hang on and see what the next gen updates bring. And if by then I don't like what I see in the next gen truck/suv lineup well I'll either just hang on to the 4Runner, which will be paid off, or get a gently used last MY Tundra or LC200. So far I have been able to slow play my upgrades to my needs so they're easily removable if I trade it in. I just need to calm the upgrade itch for the next few years lol.

 

[Grug556]

Those that don't notice the 4Runners wandering in the winds obviously don't know what wind is. LOL Makes a huge difference in mine.

Disagree with most of what you posted..but not the wind. I drive over a large high elevation bridge. When its windy I try and keep it at 45mph..even then ive been pushed out of the lane. I get no wandering at normal speeds its rock solid..but sudden high gusts of wind and this thing gets dangerous at speed..

 

[Bayou_Pro]

Disagree with most of what you posted..but not the wind. I drive over a large high elevation bridge. When its windy I try and keep it at 45mph..even then ive been pushed out of the lane. I get no wandering at normal speeds its rock solid..but sudden high gusts of wind and this thing gets dangerous at speed..

LOL, Okay. That's all I posted was about the wind so I'm not sure what the "most" of what I posted was.

 

[Grug556]

LOL, Okay. That's all I posted was about the wind so I'm not sure what the "most" of what I posted was.

I wanted to quote the OP...for some reason I quoted you:sorry:


:second:

 

[4FL]

If finances are not an issue, there would be no way I would keep a car I am not satisfied with. No reasons, excuses needed, if it is not a "fit" for me, then that is just how it is.

 

[Tejas]

I wanted to quote the OP...for some reason I quoted you:sorry:


:second:

Your comment about gusts is exactly what we experience here on the coast but these gusts happen multiple times a minute down here on windy days, and when traveling at 60-75mph they will straight up toss you around. You've just said that the very same thing happens to you so I don't know where the disagreement is?! Regardless, this is the reality of what we both experience as well as another owner in the area, this isn't exaggerated or make believe lol.

 

[Tuco S.]

It gets very windy and gusty in Vegas on occasion. My first time driving the 4R in high winds was an eye opener. Not fun and it will definitely wake you up.

I spent about 18 months car shopping before I bought my 4Runner, mostly because I wasn't sure what I wanted. At first I thought I wanted a truck. Drove a Tacoma, but was thoroughly unimpressed. Drove a Tundra, it was alright. Drove a new Ram, meh. Drove an F-150 with the coyote V8, loved it! Almost bought the F-150 on the spot, but decided to wait a few days and look over different options. I always regret impulse buys, and I'm glad I waited.

Had a few hours to kill that weekend so I decided to drive a JL Wrangler Unlimited and a 4Runner. I remembered how much of a PITA it was parking my 04 crew cab Silverado in these tiny parking lots in Vegas. The Wrangler and 4Runner pushed me to take a more analytical approach, and write down all the pros and cons of each vehicle, and to prioritize my wants and needs. Ended up with the 4Runner, and won't lose any sleep over it. It didn't check every box, but it checked off all the important ones for me. The only way they could improve this thing is a small V8 or a diesel, but the 4.0 is just fine for my needs.

Bottom line, there are trade-offs and compromises to every vehicle.

 

[WhiteRunner10]

I hate this thread

 

[hamburglar210]

I think the answer will be that it should go. I've read all your threads on here, expo, and mud and it sounds like it's more of an eventuality. Also given your vehicle ownership history it seems like nothing is safe!!! I guess the question is when and for what. I've flirted with getting rid of the 4Runner many times and each time I come close I back out. The 4Runner for all its faults makes a lot of sense for me and my usage. I don't know that there is any one perfect platform. The GX is too old and not enough pro's to trade for. The aftermarket support is also pretty anemic at this point. The 200 series makes a lot of sense but I'd want a 2016+ and even used ones are in the upper $50k range. The LX will be limited by suspension and fascial design. Tundra is an old dog and too big for me although the 2020 will be the refinement of a tried & true, reliable truck. Midsize trucks don't seem like a long term commitment to me and my gf already has a 2nd gen SC'd taco. Power Wagon, too much truck for me. As for Jeep products, cool concepts but ultimately unreliable.

Toyota is in a weird spot. We all know massive updates are coming across the board. 4Runner, Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, GX, LX and the Taco will see an update. I think I'd be a little remiss if I traded the 4R for something right now and then be envious of what comes in the next 2-3 years. So my plan, for now, is to hang on and see what the next gen updates bring. And if by then I don't like what I see in the next gen truck/suv lineup well I'll either just hang on to the 4Runner, which will be paid off, or get a gently used last MY Tundra or LC200. So far I have been able to slow play my upgrades to my needs so they're easily removable if I trade it in. I just need to calm the upgrade itch for the next few years lol.

I'm in the same boat as you. I bought my 4Runner thinking it would be my forever car until it literally falls apart but really find myself wishing I had gotten a used GX470. I hate the V6 in my Runner in the Colorado mountains and because of that, I've been seriously looking at a newer but still used GX or a used 200 series; I really like the 2016+ years. I can't justify spending that much on a car when mine works perfectly fine and I've got a wedding to pay for then, eventually, a house. With the changes coming to the Toyota lineup I'm also sitting on the sideline and once there's some extra money laying around I'll probably jump to whatever the new LC is or the 2016+ 200 series.

 

[progress4m]

To OP: based on your needs\wants and complaints – I have selected two options on the poll: “Trade/sell for Land Cruiser” and “Get bent you ungrateful, impossible to satisfy lunatic” … with emphasis on: “Trade/sell for Land Cruise”

Good luck in your soul-searching!

P.S. I get many of your points about the 4Runner and personally I feel fairly lucky to own early years Trail with KDSS- definitely most distinct look of any 5th gen-very utilitarian and practical at the same time, having KDSS make a huge difference in high wind \curvy roads and overall driving experience -so it is the best vehicle I ever had for a long (multistate) family excursions as well as DD… I would recommend looking for one of those as another option for you, but there is no way you will find one with low mileage and good condition… as those models are almost in unicorn territory now.