they aren't... some people just cant take their skirt off
Sold it after 6 months
- Thread starter turbolump
- Start date
probos
New member
I think the majority of people on this forum won't heed your advice considering it's a T4R board. Most here love their vehicles and are hugly biased.
The RX-350 is a completely different vehicle than a T4R. Drives more like a car/mini-van. Everyone is going to have a slightly different impression of the way a certain vehicle drives depending on what they like and what feels comfortable to them. I'm surprised you kept the T4R for 6 months considering you didn't feel comfortable/safe in it.
Anyway, good luck with the new vehicle and enjoy.
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453030
New member
This post makes me curious, did you test drive the 4runner before buying it? The attributes you cite as the reasons for selling would have been easily identified had you test drove it. Or did you just not drive it "very aggressively" as you recommend to others? I guess then if you did in fact test drive it, you did so in a manner different than you usually drive, as the problems came up after you bought it? :shrug:
The best way to determine how a vehicle will handle for you is to drive it, not just read what some forum says. Your last line nails it, and in fact we see you are not comparing apples to apples; the crossover is of course a better "road car". The 4Runner is not a car at all, it is a body on frame truck.
limamike
New member
To be fair, I didn't notice how bad the nose dive was during my test drive either. I had two Tacomas prior, and nose dive wasn't a characteristic of their handling, so I just didn't really look for it. I can guarantee I'll look for it in the next test drive of my next vehicle, though.
yes, especially between KDSS and standard SR5 suspension. The thing is unless you bought the SR5 with the intention of not doing anything to it then this is not that big a deal, new coils/shocks and a possibly a sway bar swap and call it a day.... all of that can be had for under $1k if you shop around.
Blacksunshyne
New member
I have not driven an SR5 but I can tell you my Trail w/KDSS handles awesome. It takes curves at speed and brakes better than any 4X4 I have owned.
I have heard alot about the poor handling of the SR5 and the dive when braking.
philsey
New member
Well, I GOT exactly what I wanted; a large BOF, truck-based, reliable, hunky/handsome, 4X4 SUV.
I did get a few things I didn't want;
- a little-too-soft/mushy ride (helped-not-cured by Billys), this is a SPRINGS 'issue' - I now know that, but I have decided to live with the small annoyance (to me).
- steering that wandered-about a bit more than it should (cured by caster change and premium P-rated tires at 35#).
Did I test drive adequately to unearth these personality traits? No, I didn't. Would I have done it differently if I had? Doubtful.
I can afford to trade to a TE or LE, but I simply don't want/need what they are. Same for any Lexus, etc. So, in the end this truck suits me quite well, even though it'll never see anything close to real off-roading.
Do I feel unsafe in it? Absolutely not, on the contrary. I drive it appropriately for what it is; and get from it exactly what I expect from this class vehicle (above exceptions noted).
@OP: Thanks for reporting back in a gentlemanly manner. I DO find the post and discussion interesting. It's nice we have choices, eh?
I did get a few things I didn't want;
- a little-too-soft/mushy ride (helped-not-cured by Billys), this is a SPRINGS 'issue' - I now know that, but I have decided to live with the small annoyance (to me).
- steering that wandered-about a bit more than it should (cured by caster change and premium P-rated tires at 35#).
Did I test drive adequately to unearth these personality traits? No, I didn't. Would I have done it differently if I had? Doubtful.
I can afford to trade to a TE or LE, but I simply don't want/need what they are. Same for any Lexus, etc. So, in the end this truck suits me quite well, even though it'll never see anything close to real off-roading.
Do I feel unsafe in it? Absolutely not, on the contrary. I drive it appropriately for what it is; and get from it exactly what I expect from this class vehicle (above exceptions noted).
@OP: Thanks for reporting back in a gentlemanly manner. I DO find the post and discussion interesting. It's nice we have choices, eh?
scanny
Senior Member
I keep in mind upgrading shocks/springs and whatever get firmer ride, but so far I don't feel I really need it. I don't mind a little bit softness, actually I prefer 4Runner ride to my wifes's Mazda3 ride which is much firmer to the point that you can feel every seam on a highway. Guess I need a test drive an upgraded SR5/TE to decide if I should invest money in firmer ride.
limamike
New member
If you like a mushy ride then don't worry about it. However, I will tell you that the Icon suspension I'm running is absolutely perfect. Great firmness while on road, and it feels amazing offroad. It was 100% worth the investment from my point of view.
scanny
Senior Member
LOL it's easy to say don't worry. I might not know what I'm missing or on the contrary I might be not missing anything I like. I for sure can live with stock ride but what if I'd like your ride better? Tempting to try but what if I won't like it? Not mentioning all other range of upgardes available - so much worries because of this forum
Jaker
New member
You're taking what I posted out of context. The post to which I replied indicated the cause being other drivers cutting him off in routine Houston traffic. I drive 30 miles each way during my daily commute in Dallas traffic; people who cut me off aren't a problem when I'm aware of my surroundings, am driving the speed limit, and have the proper spacing between my vehicle and the one in front of me.
But yes, I agree there are several reasons one may need to "slam" on the brakes or perform an emergency maneuver.
in the event you have to slam on the brakes.... lack of nose dive isn't going to make the situation any safer.... so other than "I don't like the nose dive" the point is moot.... as stated it is easily upgraded/fixed if it is really that big a deal to you. Just like the flighty steering, you get used to it.
bigslimdog
New member
Seems like there's one of these threads every few months, almost always due to lack of research or inadequate test drive before purchasing.
Yes, a stock SR5 handles like crap and has a ton of body roll. Yes, the brake dive sucks. Yes, it's still an awesome truck and I have no plans to sell mine, or to even upgrade the suspension in the near future.
Yes, a stock SR5 handles like crap and has a ton of body roll. Yes, the brake dive sucks. Yes, it's still an awesome truck and I have no plans to sell mine, or to even upgrade the suspension in the near future.
Try go 65-70 then pressing brakes harder then normal.. The truck shifts almost feels out of control. Unsafe to me. I bought a new 2012 4runner limited because I wanted something larger/ the Toyota name/ true 4wd, but I didn't buy so I can dump more money to help with nose dive, swooshing sound when pressing brakes.
Every vehicle has there bad and good, just the 4runner has it's bad in the drivabilty dept..
Test drive a wrangler which is a true off road vehicle, test drive a tahoe handles so much better then a 4runner. STOCK FOR STOCK!!!
It's great to see people posting the truth not bashing, I doubt I will keep my 4runner more then 2-3 years. Would trade in now but money is an issue
Narkhelek
New member
Not at all but it certainly improves cornering and minimizes body roll with the heavier stabilizer bars.
CraigRoberts
New member
I had to get used to driving a truck, but I think the Limited handles pretty well or a large, tall truck after a years use.
