Talk me into a 4runner!

[dyl0n]

Hi layball:

I'm a proud owner of a 06 tacoma with 110k on the odometer. Looking to keep it and get a 4runner. Specifically, white trail premium and going to get the icon stage 3 kit, new wheels (black) and tires. I just cant talk myself into doing it. And yes, I do plan to keep the taco after dropping my coverage to minimum and using it for fun and nasty weather days. I just need something more presentable when going out than the truck.

If I do go with it, it'll be around September / November

 

[rigtec]

"Talk me into a 4runner!"

Hi dyl0n,

I can't imagine why you'd need to be talked into a 4Runner. Seems to me as though no one here, or anywhere else for that matter, could talk you out of it! :lalala: Congratulations brother... and welcome to the forum! Enjoy!

rigtec, cheers!

 

[uptheirons]

I'm gonna say is take a look at any of the guys Build Threads, if your looking for brand new (2014) I'd suggest Gabex35 or Desert Dawg, Both these guys are doing a really nice job at keeping the mods clean looking, which is what ill be doing as well.

Personally, my 4runner, which is a 2014 Trail Premium, is my first Toyota, and rather stock at the moment, but only cause i never seem to have time to do anything. but even bone stock, they are a phenomenal vehicle. very glad i ended up going with the 4Runner over my other options. I don't think you'll be let down if you do end up getting one.

 

[dyl0n]

I'm gonna say is take a look at any of the guys Build Threads, if your looking for brand new (2014) I'd suggest Gabex35 or Desert Dawg, Both these guys are doing a really nice job at keeping the mods clean looking, which is what ill be doing as well.

Personally, my 4runner, which is a 2014 Trail Premium, is my first Toyota, and rather stock at the moment, but only cause i never seem to have time to do anything. but even bone stock, they are a phenomenal vehicle. very glad i ended up going with the 4Runner over my other options. I don't think you'll be let down if you do end up getting one.

They're just so perfect! I need to search around and see if i can fit a mountain bike in the back

 

[VoodooTitan]

They're just so perfect! I need to search around and see if i can fit a mountain bike in the back

I don't think it'll be an issue. I remember reading a thread about someone who was installing a bike rack into the back. With the seats down you should have more than enough room.

I did a lengthy comparison when I was looking for an SUV. If you're on the fence about which SUV to go with, definitely research. I almost pulled the trigger on a new pathfinder, but I'm glad I didn't. They're having huge problems with the transmissions. Jeep is also having electrical issues with their setup. Durango was too much money and a gas guzzler, although it was the alternate choice to the 4Runner.

I guess the question is what do you want out of it? Is it a question of talking you into a 4Runner over SUV's or just talking you into a 4Runner?

Here are some things that really sold me on my Trail Edition.

1. The rear window goes up and down, which is awesome for my dogs when their in the back.
2. Sunroof. It was a must.
3. Softex leather seats. And the seats are very comfortable, even on long drives. We drove it to CO for Xmas and had no complaints.
4. KDSS. Awesome feature.
5. Roomy back. With the seats down you can sleep comfortably if you're under 6ft tall. I'm on 5'8 and it's comfortable for me to sleep in.
6. Projector headlights. For an additional $150 you can retrofit HID's. Exponentially more difficult on older model 4Runners.
7. Upgraded interior and user interface. Compared to past models, the touch screen Entune system is a nice addition. Lacks in capability overall but it's better than the older outdated stuff they were using in older tacos and T4Rs.
8. "eco" mode. haha. hahaha. right. it's a nice thought tho.
9. reliability. It's tried and true. You know you're getting, exactly, if not more than what you paid for.
10. Lastly... my local dealership offered a lifetime warranty. Rather than just purchasing an extended warranty, if you purchased the extended warranty it's actually a lifetime warranty. So regardless the miles, or owner, it has a lifetime powertrain warranty.

There really isn't a reason why you shouldn't do it. It's an awesome vehicle. I LOVED the car I traded in (Lancer Evo X), and I'm completely happy with my T4R.

I think the hardest choices you should have are what color to go with and which running boards/sliders to get.

Happy shopping.

 

[Sac State]

Talk you into it?

What are your options??

Nissan- now car based
GM anything- recall
Ford- nothing similar
Ram- really?
Jeep- only competition and it is not even in the same league (refinement, reliability)
Subaru- car based
Mazda- nope
Korean anything- nada
German anything- keep looking

There is no convincing, if you want this type of vehicle the 4Runner is it. I am not earning any commission, so my sales pitch stops here.

 

[Desert Dawg]

Talk you into it?

What are your options??

Nissan- now car based
GM anything- recall
Ford- nothing similar
Ram- really?
Jeep- only competition and it is not even in the same league (refinement, reliability)
Subaru- car based
Mazda- nope
Korean anything- nada
German anything- keep looking

There is no convincing, if you want this type of vehicle the 4Runner is it. I am not earning any commission, so my sales pitch stops here.

Have to agree with Sac State.

May consider a current Land Rover (Range Rover, Sport, or LR4); I owned one and can attest to their true off-road cred and superior ride over almost anything else. While I didn't have any issues with mine, you do have to consider their less than stellar reliability reputation and the fact they can also cost twice as much and more.

If you're in that price league, and want better reliability rep, then a Mercedes G Wagon would fit the bill.

If VW still made an off-road biased Touareg, that would have been another choice (mine was awesome off road with the adjustable height air suspension and Audi-sourced V8), but alas no more.

I considered a new Jeep Wrangler as well but too crude for daily driver/highway use, and too hard to mod a Grand Cherokee although very capable.

4Runner for sure!

 

[gm350reratliff]

OP- I think your taco is perfectly presentable and badass.

That being said, 4runners are awesome, almost magical vehicles. My 2014 will be my second 4runner (should be here any day now). I can't comment much on the new 4runners but my 2008 has been great. As others have said, reliability is top notch. They are not the quickest vehicles on the road but they can hold their own. Even with a small lift and slightly bigger tires, my 2008 gets the same mpg and is faster than my mom's pilot (yeah, I know, embarrassing I even raced a pilot but welcome to my family). My 2008 has been one of the most enjoyable vehicles to drive I've ever owned. It has been on numerous cross country trips in weather that ranged from -30 to 117°. 4runners have that perfect balance between capability, ruggedness, refinement, mpg, and reliability. The other nice thing is there is a nice variety of aftermarket parts available. It doesn't care what grade of gas I put in, although I try to stick with top tier gas. They also seem to hold their resale value extremely well.

I suggest you take an extended test drive to get a true feel for it. Look at some builds on here and look around at the companies that offer parts to see if the 4runner is something you really want to get into.

 

[1engineer]

Dude my 29er Trek 19" (XL) frame fits fime in the back with the front wheel and seat off. I just simply mounted a fork mount on a 5/4 board and it fits fine with one seat down. Will post pics if you like.