terra4r
New member
its the t4r catchphrase
Sold it after 6 months
- Thread starter turbolump
- Start date
its the t4r catchphrase
Balcs1
New member
test drive nose dive
I dont think anyone realizes while testing that you need to hit the brakes so hard that you **** yourself like in a real life situation. It didnt cross my mind because I have never had anything like that happen before this rig. Well maybe my 87 KX 250 motocrosser, that had weak front springs with a stink bug stance. I did the same thing to my kawi, put in stiffer springs, it never put ovet the bars after that, problem solved. I honestly think if it wasnt for the new stiff spring rate and shocks, I would have BLASTED into the back of a suburban that was stopped in an odd traffic spot on my way home from work unexpectedly, that thing held its head up proudly while I had the Break pedal all the way to the floor with the ABS grabbing for pavement, less than a foot before impact. That TE is now Stellar. I love it!
I dont think anyone realizes while testing that you need to hit the brakes so hard that you **** yourself like in a real life situation. It didnt cross my mind because I have never had anything like that happen before this rig. Well maybe my 87 KX 250 motocrosser, that had weak front springs with a stink bug stance. I did the same thing to my kawi, put in stiffer springs, it never put ovet the bars after that, problem solved. I honestly think if it wasnt for the new stiff spring rate and shocks, I would have BLASTED into the back of a suburban that was stopped in an odd traffic spot on my way home from work unexpectedly, that thing held its head up proudly while I had the Break pedal all the way to the floor with the ABS grabbing for pavement, less than a foot before impact. That TE is now Stellar. I love it!
Good on the OP and anyone who just did not like the 4r and got rid of it, sometimes things just do not workout as expected no matter the intentions.
I always have been a Ford F-series fan, but when I went from a 1995 f-350 to a 2003 f-250, I just hated the 2003. It just did not feel good in driving it, felt like a motor home or something. I traded it in on a 2006 and though it looked great, it just did not have that great handling feeling I liked on my 1995. I got a 2003 Explorer just for something cheaper and to hold over through college and the thing performs better than I ever expected.
I still am planning to get a TE, maybe will be waiting for the 2013 to see what is up with them since finding used is sometimes difficult.
I always have been a Ford F-series fan, but when I went from a 1995 f-350 to a 2003 f-250, I just hated the 2003. It just did not feel good in driving it, felt like a motor home or something. I traded it in on a 2006 and though it looked great, it just did not have that great handling feeling I liked on my 1995. I got a 2003 Explorer just for something cheaper and to hold over through college and the thing performs better than I ever expected.
I still am planning to get a TE, maybe will be waiting for the 2013 to see what is up with them since finding used is sometimes difficult.
phillyd2
Senior Member
Can't speak for anybody else but having more money than sense has always been my life long dream.
Another is not caring a wit with others do with theirs.
When I was in the market for a TE, the only thing I test drove was a used SR5. I did notice the nose dive, but it didn't seem overly dramatic as some would make it seem. I've ownd an 89, 02, and now a 11, maybe I'm just used to it?
I took that SR5 out because I wanted to test out the brake assist and see what it was all about. I took it on a road with nobody around and got it up to speed and slammed on the brakes as hard as I could. Nose did go down, but it never felt out of control at all. I did it at least 10 times and braking felt great.
I have a 11 TE wKDSS with Duratracs and Toytec lift with saw coils in the rear - best handling 4runner I've owned by far. It corners great.
Just my thoughts...
I took that SR5 out because I wanted to test out the brake assist and see what it was all about. I took it on a road with nobody around and got it up to speed and slammed on the brakes as hard as I could. Nose did go down, but it never felt out of control at all. I did it at least 10 times and braking felt great.
I have a 11 TE wKDSS with Duratracs and Toytec lift with saw coils in the rear - best handling 4runner I've owned by far. It corners great.
Just my thoughts...
2nd to STUBBY ANTENNA
terra4r
New member
seems appropriate to put a shot from edmunds video brake test here.
It's something I ran across while doing something called "research" for my next vehicle. Yeah, I was kind of surprised, but still test drove it, still liked it. Its a truck, not a crossover, not a Porsche... albeit it may handle like a 3rd gen...
It's something I ran across while doing something called "research" for my next vehicle. Yeah, I was kind of surprised, but still test drove it, still liked it. Its a truck, not a crossover, not a Porsche... albeit it may handle like a 3rd gen...
terra4r
New member
haha. found on every single automotive forum on the internet, not just us. :bash:
Awynt
New member
Maybe it's because I came from a Jeep Wrangler to the 4Runner, but I think my SR5 handles spectacularly, all things considered (those things mainly being, it's not a luxury vehicle, it's a sport UTILITY vehicle...). I've felt safer in this vehicle with my infant-now-toddler than I ever did in my Wrangler OR my Nissan Frontier. I mean, yeah, if all you're going for is family comfort, then of course go with something that's smoother. I did a heck of a lot of research because the whole reason I was trading in the Jeep WAS because I needed something safer, but also something that could go everywhere the Jeep could go.
To each his/her own, I'm glad you found what your family needed.
p.s. I know some might get feathers ruffled at this next part but... I only "nose dive" when I think I won't make a stop in time for a red light or if I have to slam on the brakes because someone cut me off or whatever. In normal day to day driving, mine doesn't dive that much, in my humble opinion
To each his/her own, I'm glad you found what your family needed.
p.s. I know some might get feathers ruffled at this next part but... I only "nose dive" when I think I won't make a stop in time for a red light or if I have to slam on the brakes because someone cut me off or whatever. In normal day to day driving, mine doesn't dive that much, in my humble opinion
Awynt
New member
I'm working my butt off making sure no one mistakes mine for a soccer mom vehicle! Tough to do when I get out and get a toddler out of the back seat, but hopefully with everything I'm doing, I can fix that assumption
my opinion
I bought a 2012 trail about 5000 miles ago. I currently own a 2012 brembo Gt and just sold ny platinum crewmax tundra with a supercharger. The 4runner handled better than the tundra. The tundra was as fast as my mustang but it had 8500 in motor modes. I enjoy the 4 runner more. I have a fast car and had a fast truck. If you want a 4 runner to be faster there is a blower coming for it. It will cost 7000 with install. If you want a 4 runner to handle better than put some money into it. If you want it to handle like a car then sell it. People who say the tundra drove better than the 4 runner didn't own both....
I bought a 2012 trail about 5000 miles ago. I currently own a 2012 brembo Gt and just sold ny platinum crewmax tundra with a supercharger. The 4runner handled better than the tundra. The tundra was as fast as my mustang but it had 8500 in motor modes. I enjoy the 4 runner more. I have a fast car and had a fast truck. If you want a 4 runner to be faster there is a blower coming for it. It will cost 7000 with install. If you want a 4 runner to handle better than put some money into it. If you want it to handle like a car then sell it. People who say the tundra drove better than the 4 runner didn't own both....
Thought I could adjust by now
First 4R and always intrigued by one. I bought it for the obvious practical reasons as I was ready to be more conservative, not modify a vehicle for the first time with reliability with end in mind. I test drove it and immediately noticed the nose dive and lack of power but thought I'd get used to it. Visibility is ok but the nose-dive is annoying and concerning during abrupt braking - I've had a few close calls on the hwy and the dive aggressively activates the ABS (like it’s compensating (I don’t want to get into a debate of how ABS should work)).Also this is the first vehicle I’ve owned requiring to downshift on moderate grades. Don’t get me wrong, my issues should not discourage those interested in purchasing one or bashing owners. It’s an excellent family and off-road vehicle. I put a lot of weight on the few issues that outweigh the plethora of positives. It’s my fault for not researching this more. I’m on the fence.
First 4R and always intrigued by one. I bought it for the obvious practical reasons as I was ready to be more conservative, not modify a vehicle for the first time with reliability with end in mind. I test drove it and immediately noticed the nose dive and lack of power but thought I'd get used to it. Visibility is ok but the nose-dive is annoying and concerning during abrupt braking - I've had a few close calls on the hwy and the dive aggressively activates the ABS (like it’s compensating (I don’t want to get into a debate of how ABS should work)).Also this is the first vehicle I’ve owned requiring to downshift on moderate grades. Don’t get me wrong, my issues should not discourage those interested in purchasing one or bashing owners. It’s an excellent family and off-road vehicle. I put a lot of weight on the few issues that outweigh the plethora of positives. It’s my fault for not researching this more. I’m on the fence.
Lolrax
New member
Tons of positives about this car: great looks, functional interior, good cargo, great offroad, tough as nails, I could go on and on. However I'm right there on the fence with you....
. The ABS is activated when the ABS sensors determine that one of wheels is skidding - that it is turning at a slower speed than the others. Does the 4Runner have nose dive? Yes. So does any vehicle with relatively soft springs. So what? What is the big deal? Nose dive does not activate the ABS. The ABS activated because you exceeded the friction available between tire and road.
Second, the transmission downshifting on hills is called grade logic and almost all modern automatic transmissions have it. Since the 4Runner is designed to be able to tow, it's grade logic is a bit more aggressive than in some other vehicles. I am completely dumbfounded as to why you think the grade logic is a problem.
I've read some nonsensical posts, but this one is right up there at the top.
You asserted that the dive activates the ABS. It doesn't. The ABS sensors are on the brakes, not on the suspension, and they sense the rotation speed of the wheels. If you are going to make an assertion, don't expect that others won't challenge it just because you "don't want to get into debate." If you don't want to discuss it, don't bring it up. You did and you were wrong.
What you said was:
You didn't specify going up or down moderate grades.
It is a truck -- a body-on-frame, solid-rear-axle truck. It isn't a station wagon or a sport sedan or a cross-over. It is a truck. It drives like one. If you don't need a truck, don't buy a 4Runner.
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Lolrax
New member
I hear this type of reply often, but nobody is looking for a sports car here or hating on the 4Runner. Anyone who has taken the time to open an account on a web forum must have some passion for the car. I am not looking for an AMG Benz, just a touch of extra power is all.
