Test drove a SR5 today - what a POS

[eskimochaos]

So while at the dealer today I noticed they had an SR5 on the lot and just as I was going to walk over to see it a trailer with a trail edition and limited edition roll up. I asked a salesman who btw know jack shit if I could sit it in - he said why dont we take it for a ride.

Interior:

-WTF, why is the windshield so far in front of me? It requires me to lean even more forward at red lights.
-Headroom, what headroom? Although there might be more, the new seating position takes any of it and I still have about an inch between my dome and the ceiling.
-Plastic - OMG how cheap the interior is, the dash, door panels, everything is flat out plastic, its not even soft touch plastic, its like made in china plastic.

Driving:

-That stupid ECO light would piss me off.
-The V6 sounds like it belongs in a GM - I mean seriously Toyota? The V6 in the new RX seriously sounds better than this. It was downright noisy and the lack of power and torque under 2k rpm was definitely felt. The engine is far from refined and emits sounds far from that of the V8 or other V6's in toyotas lineup.

Outside:

-It looks top heavy and it is an exercise in plastic cladding.

If you own a 4th gen, you will be seriously disappointed in the new 4R, especially if you have the V8.

 

[GatorGreg]

So did you like it?

 

[eskimochaos]

I was trying to be subtle.

 

[yahj]

hmmmm now you got me thinking:frisky:

 

[eskimochaos]

hmmmm now you got me thinking:frisky:

2009 V8 gogogogogoggogoogoggg go!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I was trying to be subtle.

Damn fine job...:reddance::lmao:



I know that there's a huge difference in money... Do you think a GX460 might be ok or was there something that was "so far off of the mark" that a V8 and Lexus TLC couldn't fix the vehicle?
Thanks.
:cheers:

 

[eskimochaos]

Damn fine job...:reddance::lmao:



I know that there's a huge difference in money... Do you think a GX460 might be ok or was there something that was "so far off of the mark" that a V8 and Lexus TLC couldn't fix the vehicle?
Thanks.
:cheers:

I think the GX460 will be incredible. Interior fit, finish and materials will simply blow the new 4R out of the water at least in the pictures. Besides, the GX change is far more subtle and in line with their lexus styling than the 4R change.

That one pic of the front of the gx looks just like the lx. Perhaps with the 4R, its lexus who gets the vehicle first (prado) then gives it to toyota and says here make something with less luxury and make it look different too.

IDK lol, Im sure lexus nailed it.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I think the GX460 will be incredible. Interior fit, finish and materials will simply blow the new 4R out of the water at least in the pictures. Besides, the GX change is far more subtle and in line with their lexus styling than the 4R change.

That one pic of the front of the gx looks just like the lx. Perhaps with the 4R, its lexus who gets the vehicle first (prado) then gives it to toyota and says here make something with less luxury and make it look different too.

IDK lol, Im sure lexus nailed it.

Thanks, I've been looking at the GX threads... I am in lust

 

[4Funnr]

I'm 6'3" and there was plenty of headroom in the front seats. In the rear, not so much (at least they recline).

However, the new Lexus GX looks like a douche suppository prepped and ready to be inserted into a giant's arsehole. Whoever it was that lamented the wussification and blandification of the Lexus lineup will not be happy to see more of the same in this regard.

 

[Mtn.Rush]

2009 V8 gogogogogoggogoogoggg go!

Damn, looks like ill be keeping my 08 V8!! That was a nice subtle write up to to say what a :barf: POS this thing turned out to be!!!

 

[LyteFly]

eskimochaos...tell us how you really feel :biggrin2:

I would suggest everyone see one in person before you pass absolute judgment. I saw my first one yesterday. Rode by the local dealer who had a gray Limited. I sat in it, but did not drive it (did not have time).

My first impression when I rolled up was that it pretty much looked like what I expected after viewing countless pics. Overall, I like the exterior look. I'm not a fan of the rear tail lights (they are just wrong) and I think the tires on the 20's are too narrow. I would like to see some type of integrated steps like the new GX and some mud guards on it.

I was REALLY interested in checking out the interior. It was all black (which I like) and looked nice. I like the style. The only interior issue I have is the top dash. It should not be HARD! Having said that, I think I like the texture and honestly it looks good. It's good that Toyota covered a decent amount of real estate on the door panels with soft stuff. That helps a bit. At 6'1" I felt good in the drivers seat. I actually didn't look at how much headroom I had in detail. BTW, I LOVE the Optitron gauges! The interior is not a deal breaker at this time. I could see myself spending some time there.

Since I didn't drive it, but I am familiar with the 4.0 in the Tacoma. It has never been a refined engine. Does not compare to the Toyota 3.5 in smoothness and refinement. I'm sure it's better than before with the new added tidbits, but I bet I will feel it's not as refined as it should be. For you guys coming from the V8, I'm sure it is a let down. There is no doubt the 4.6 V8 would be sweet (or the current 4.7 for that matter).

I hope to take a spin in one this weekend and will likely wait a few months before I pull the trigger (if I do). Frankly, it's not everything I had hoped but I'm still interested. Decisions, decisions.

 

[SciRunner]

Anything less than a V8 is uncivilized. A TRD supercharger is available on the 1GR-FE (Taco and FJC). But an extra $4K and the cost of premium fuel...is it worth it?!

Carson Toyota TRD Parts, Replacement parts and accessories for Southern California

 

[eskimochaos]

Dont get me wrong, the interior especially on the limited in all black looks awesome. I was really jealous of it after seeing initial pics. After sitting in it though it was a real let down and I was not impressed with the materials used.

I could live with everything if they put the 4.6 in!!!!

 

[tx 4runner]

I could live with everything if they put the 4.6 in!!!!

I'm not sure what threads like this actually accomplish. You rip on multiple aspects of the truck, calling it a piece of shit, then just get back to whining over no v8.

Please. I would really like it if we could move from just outright *****ing to constructive talk about mods.

Don't like the way the engine sounds? Replace the muffler (What muffler, I would like to know).

Don't like the light weight of the doors (I think I heard someone complain about...)? Put some dynamat in the doors (What are some good alternatives, I would like to know)

Don't like the lame antenna? Replace it (What replacements fit, look good)

I suppose I'm just impatient in wanting the discussion in the forum to move from obstructive to constructive. If some of the "I left my heart in last year's model" can go back to the 4th Gen thread, I think some of the rest of us would appreciate it.

 

[Uneek]

I'm not sure what threads like this actually accomplish. You rip on multiple aspects of the truck, calling it a piece of shit, then just get back to whining over no v8.

That we should agree to disagree. Basically all he's saying is he can overlook all of the shortcomings if they gave him a V8.

Some people buy things based on price, others on brand and for some knowing that they have 8 cylinders under the hood. Who knows.

 

[war07eagle]

all this hating on the new gen, its a big change, but all in all I think it will be well received in the end. The materials really dont seem that cheap, the package is really well put together, the headlights are really nice, especially at night, the bulges are actually functional. Im not gonna lie, I plan to buy an HID headlight kit when they make it to market in a year or so, but in general i think its a step forward not back, not even sideways for toyota. No V8 sucks for some, but I bet the tundra V8 shows up within 2 years. For me, I dont buy an SUV to go fast and I dont have any toys to tow over 3500, so getting 23 on the highway is my biggest deal, and I think the majority of the market feels the same way right now (I also think gas will creep to 3.75 a gallon within 2 years).
Toyota has made some changes to the loved 4runner (and they will hopefully continue to every 6-7 years), but they have managed to, in my opinion, take a step back toward a more masculine rugged look while sorta upping power, mileage, room ect...
I think the 4th gen is still modern and solid. I also think the 5th gen is a decent step forward. The complaints about the interior plastics, lack of LED lights and a V8 are kinda getting over used. I cant really go into the new v old 4x4 systems as I dont know much about mudding.
im not sayin, im just say, stop *****in
and yeah, im biased, i just bought a 5th gen:flipoff:
all in good fun

 

[4Funnr]

all this hating on the new gen, its a big change, but all in all I think it will be well received in the end. The materials really dont seem that cheap, the package is really well put together, the headlights are really nice, especially at night, the bulges are actually functional. Im not gonna lie, I plan to buy an HID headlight kit when they make it to market in a year or so, but in general i think its a step forward not back, not even sideways for toyota. No V8 sucks for some, but I bet the tundra V8 shows up within 2 years. For me, I dont buy an SUV to go fast and I dont have any toys to tow over 3500, so getting 23 on the highway is my biggest deal, and I think the majority of the market feels the same way right now (I also think gas will creep to 3.75 a gallon within 2 years).
Toyota has made some changes to the loved 4runner (and they will hopefully continue to every 6-7 years), but they have managed to, in my opinion, take a step back toward a more masculine rugged look while sorta upping power, mileage, room ect...
I think the 4th gen is still modern and solid. I also think the 5th gen is a decent step forward. The complaints about the interior plastics, lack of LED lights and a V8 are kinda getting over used. I cant really go into the new v old 4x4 systems as I dont know much about mudding.
im not sayin, im just say, stop *****in
and yeah, im biased, i just bought a 5th gen:flipoff:
all in good fun

This!

 

[Thai]

I'm not sure what threads like this actually accomplish.

With every new intro, there will always be current owners harping about the new model's deficiencies. I would not take things personally. It is human nature for someone not to like a new version of what they currently have. It happens on every forum that i have visited. In 2003, there were 3rd gen 4runner owners complaining endlessly about the 4th gen 4runner lack of quality and big size. History repeats itself.

Hell, even on the G-wagen forums, the people who own the older model G's hate the newer G's for various reasons and the G has not even been redesigned since 1979!

Take most of what people say on the net with a BIG grain of salt....

Thanks all for keeping this civil.

 

[progress4m]

.... I also think the 5th gen is a decent step forward....

That is a part of your quote I have to disagree with. Trust me I am biased towards Toyota brand…. So for me it is especial hard to see that newer model has inferior power train (no V8 option), no Torsen deferential, no fulltime 4wd on all trim levels and use of cheaper materials...
When I looked at one @ Texas state fair I did not concentrated on dash or door materials, but I did get a feeling of the cheaper truck vs 4-th gen. … it was kind of like Honda “civic” feeling...
I understand that most people do not like change and a lot of negative comments come from just that “change”, but I think that in 5-th gen case there are actual steps back that Toyota took and that is what people are noticing.

My $.02

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Obviously Toyota isn't trying to grab the majority of the 4th gen owners and redirecting the 4Runner's focus of getting back to basics and actually making the 4Runner seem rugged once again and I just don't think the V8 fits the picture but do you really think it will be long before Toyota offers the V8 again? I bet by '12 model it will have the V8 but I'm betting by next year.


I think the 4runner has a lot going for it with most of the complaints being the lack of the V8 (doesn't bother the FJ guys and that's who I think the 4Runner's market is being aimed at ;FJ isn't going to be around forever) ,the looks (are subjective) and price which really hasn't changed too much in the last 11 years when my SR5 stickered at just over $36,000,it's just the top end models of the later gen stickered near $45k and will continue with the 5th gen.

The first year generally has to have some bugs worked out and after a year we will be used to it's looks and some it will grow on;I wasn't too keen on the '03 Runners but once they got rid of all the plastic and rounded the fenders the 4th gens appealed to me and the engine just got better and by '09 they finally gave it the rear diff lock which makes the TE fairly coveted by those who know.