So why did YOU get a 4runner?

[Barefoot]

My criteria is big enough for the wife and kids (but no bigger), and enough grunt to tow the boat.

Previous 2 cars were Exploders, which met that criteria well, but weren't even close to the reliability of the Toyotas (Camry wagon and 2 Siennas) my wife's been driving over the years.

When the 4th gen came out with the V-8, it was the only thing I considered when it was time for a new car.

 

[BTLFED]

I forgot to mention that we briefly, and I mean very briefly, considered the Nissan PathFinder. On paper it looked pretty good, but Nissan's current reputation for poor quality precedes the company. Decided to research various forums and ask around to verify. Didn't even visit a Nissan dealership.

That's kind of funny, because I briefly considered an 01-03 Infiniti QX4 (I sell parts at an Infiniti dealership) until I researched the common issues with that truck and my cost on parts. Needless to say the common problems with that vehicle are not problems on a 4Runner at all, so I just kept driving my old Rodeo until we got my 4Runner in on a trade. I didn't even need another SUV because there was nothing wrong with the one I was driving, but I knew if I didn't jump on this 4Runner I would never see one this clean traded in again. I was right, because the next 4 we have gotten have been garbage lol

 

[Net4n6]

I had a 8" lifted Nissan Titan truck with 35" M/T tires. It cost me $90/week (8-9 mpg) to fill up when gas almost at $4/gal. I need something more gas cost effective. I drove my sister 4runner V8 and like it.

I traded my Titan in for the V6 4runner.

 

[nc211]

Had an older 95' Lexus LS400 that was bullet proof, needed a hauler for Home Depot runs and baby gear, wanted to stay with Toyota family but didn't want the Lexus premium for parts/service..... 4Runner was the natural pick

 

[bzizzi]

Had a Tundra and got a job transfer and did not need a truck anymore and wanted better mpg and kids got too big for x cab
so i drove a Pathfinder and then a 4Runner and there was no comparison.We take the 4Runner everywhere on trips and love it,so far zero problems and constantly get 21 + mpg with 87 octane fuel.I have an 8X10 trailer If I need to haul anything.
Plus,gotta love the Hood Scoop !!!!

 

[Jacobzky]

VERSATILITY
RELIABILITY

 

[mustangchris66]

I went to the San Francisco Auto Show saw a black SE and fell in love. Then I found this site and now I have a 2007 Titanium Metallic SE and a car payment. Thx guy's To be honest I never thought I would own a Toyota being a die hard Ford fan from a Ford family, but I could not be any more happy with my decision. I'm now a Ford and Toyota fan

 

[LandRvr Convert]

It was easy. I had a 2000 Land Rover Discovery.....looked pretty cool but a total POS!!!!!!!

Talk about going from worst to first!

The other day I was at the gas astaion filling up. This guy next to me in a Honda mini van saw I have the V8 and said something like
"man it must really hurt to fill that thing up."

My response was "not really. My V8 is nearly 300 horsepower, it's full time 4 wheel drive, and get's almost 20 mpg."

Well the guy didn't really respond at all. He just kind of looked back down at the gas pump and said nothing.

With no knowledge (and no interest in) mini vans, I would guess his 2WD Oddesy gets 2-4mpg better than I get????

Oh, I almost forgot. The main reason I bought a 4Runner is i LOVE the way it looks! A very bold but sexy look on a road full of generic cars and suvs with NO personality.

LOVE the rolldown back window too! I can't think of any other SUVs that have that feature. :bigok:

 

[josh220]

Well you may have exaggerated slightly, seeing as our V8's have 260 horsepower, and the 20mpg is highway unless you never take it over 1,000 rpm lol, but a 4runner is definitely 100 times better than any minivan. I'm sure he got the point though.

 

[Falls]

Some of the things that sold me were , its an suv , but has the durability of a truck , rides nice , but still like a truck , excellent off road , full frame . Its basically one of the last few truck based SUV out there that can handle whatever you throw at it.

I also wanted to try something different and never had a Toyota before and was frustrated with my prev. American Vehicle.

CONS: The only thing I love and hate about the 4R is the VSC control .

PROS : The ATRAC , awesome traction of any 4wd I've had . Gas milage for a full time 4wd V8 . Looks of the Sport package. After 37,000 miles and a lot of off road beating , its as solid as the day I drove it off the lot.



No regrets :bigok:

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I've always loved the 3rd gens, especailly the later (Limited) 3rd gens. I just never had the money to afford one until recently. My real decision maker was my son being conceived. A small car just wasn't practical and safe for a new born baby.

Now in the beginning I had no knowledge of off road capabilities of any SUV, so it had came down to either the Chevy Trailblazer SS or the T4R. In the end, after all the reviews and endless raves about the T4R, not to mention Toyota's unsurpassed reliability. I decided to go with the T4R. I've had my rig since Feb06, passing the 30K mark, and no signs of breakage yet. The truck still purrs, look, and runs like the first day it rolled off the lot. No regrets here whatsoever. Although I still digg the look of the Trailblazer SS. :biggrin2:

:iagree: Ditto to AlphaQup and

 

[snhrph]

Upgraded from 2002 Jeep GC to GX 470 in 2006. Loved the Lexus, but did not want to pay $50K for another truck - so the T4R was a logical choice. :biggrin2:

I know I made the right decision.

 

[Ruffian]

I grew up with a family that was close to law enforcement. So yeah, everyone drove Fords, personal and at work.
I've always loved trucks, and I remember watching Back to the Future. Remember how at the end Marty get's his dream truck? I don't know if it was a Toyota or a Nissan, but that sweet looking big black truck stuck in my mind as the ideal truck for me.
So after having to do the small car 1st time buyer thing, that I only kept for 2 years, I got my Tacoma. I grew up in the foothills of CA, and all my high school friends off road after school. I just have always appreciated the quality Toyota offers. Yeah they are more expensive, but they pay off in miles of smiles. I test drove several other vehicles, and other than a Tacoma, I've always just felt right in a T4R!! :driving:
I am a civil servant, so I've driven my fair share of Fords. They are ok. My family has since turned to Dodge for hauling the horses. But still, Dodge just doesn't offer what I want. (Well ok, I've driven the police Charger, and OMG I just want to challenge everyone with a large block to a race!) :roadkill:
I'll always be a Toyota owner. If I can't afford to get a Lexus, and being a civil servant, probably won't ever happen!
It was really neat to read how many other people out there think the same. Thanks for posting this topic.

 

[wavedog]

The wife was driving a 97 pathfinder. It was good to us and can't complain too much about it. Engine was tight and ran smoother and quieter even at 120k than my 06 4 runner with 31k. Started having an issue just over 100k with the rear end swaying. It would rock back and forth and when you hit some bumps it would really get going. I replaced shocks, and upper and lower trailing arms which made it better but not gone. Was really afraid and was not safe for the wife to drive.
We started looking at the 4 runners and were really impressed with the stability. not much play and feels real good on corners.
Our insurance is only a few dollars more a year now for a vehicle almost 10 years newer( I guess that tells you how much safer this vehicle is).

We have always wanted a 4 runner even before the pathfinder because of the back window. We have a big lab and hated that no windows opened in the back of the pathfinder. Haven't tried him out back there yet but I'm sure he will like it..

 

[LandRvr Convert]

Hey Ruffian,

I'm 99% sure Marty's truck at the end of "Back to the Future" was a Toyota. Definitely black with nice off-road tires, and I think a pick up, or maybe a 1st gen 4Runner?

A great movie, brings back alot of good memories! Ahhhhh.......to be a teenager again with no cares in the world!!!

:

 

[Ruffian]

Martys Truck

Yeah, that was a sweet off road set up. I so wanted that truck. I was never attracted to M.J. Fox, but I would of gone out with him to ride in his truck!