The bullet proof truck

4runner_dreamer

4runner_dreamer

New member
You know, after having Toyota's in the family for over 30+ years - we have never had to do any kind of excess work to them because of something breaking. Of course you have your consumables - plugs, wires, rotors, pads, etc. But, we have a total of over 900,000 on our vehicles and all of them are still going strong.

I've visited a lot of other forums and noticed one HUGE difference. They have thread after thread after thread of countless fixes and repairs of things not working, or things breaking. What do we have??? Build treads and polls... Now, don't get me wrong, there are a couple threads that I've seen that need help because something did break or is in the process of breaking. But the ratio is bar none compared to other vehicles.

Especially this 4runner! Every guy/girl on here buys a 4runner, does nothing to the motor (that I know of or that is stated) puts a lift kit on it, big a$$ tires and hits up the trails like Kurt Cobain hits up his "dust" trails...

Viva la Toyota.
 
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Very true. Basic maintenance is about all these require which is impressive since the youngest is 13 years old, the oldest is 19 years old. Most have well over 100k or 200k miles too.
 
My 2015 4runner is my first Toyota. I am looking forward to the same experience you guys have had with mine.
 
Well yeah, unless you count:

Leaking axle seals
Starter contacts
Pink Milkshake
Back door windows and accessories
Door lock solenoids
Body ECU
Front Brakes
Oh and Lower Ball Joints.

But yeah I love mine, warts and all!
 
IBallEngineer said:
Well yeah, unless you count:

Leaking axle seals
Starter contacts
Pink Milkshake
Back door windows and accessories
Door lock solenoids
Body ECU
Front Brakes
Oh and Lower Ball Joints.

But yeah I love mine, warts and all!
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I think what he means is that all of the problems we do have are an easy fix, the problems wont total the truck per se.
 
D Farms said:
I think what he means is that all of the problems we do have are an easy fix, the problems wont total the truck per se.
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Not to mention, a lot of stuff on that list never happens to our trucks, we're just more aware of it because we frequent the forum and they get brought up on a regular basis. I would have never given the radiator a second thought if I didn't join here, and I'd bet the actual failure rate is really low. The old saying "ignorance is bliss" comes to mind.

One thing on the list that does seem to be really common is the rear axle leak. Almost every 4Runner I've inspected has it at least on one side, or has evidence that it was there and has been repaired.
 
I agree, seems toyota has made it self known as a long time reliable vehicle.

I mean, just think if all of fords 1mil f150's had the same longevity...
 
4runner_dreamer said:
You know, after having Toyota's in the family for over 30+ years - we have never had to do any kind of excess work to them because of something breaking. Of course you have your consumables - plugs, wires, rotors, pads, etc. But, we have a total of over 900,000 on our vehicles and all of them are still going strong.

I've visited a lot of other forums and noticed one HUGE difference. They have thread after thread after thread of countless fixes and repairs of things not working, or things breaking. What do we have??? Build treads and polls... Now, don't get me wrong, there are a couple threads that I've seen that need help because something did break or is in the process of breaking. But the ratio is bar none compared to other vehicles.

Especially this 4runner! Every guy/girl on here buys a 4runner, does nothing to the motor (that I know of or that is stated) puts a lift kit on it, big a$$ tires and hits up the trails like Kurt Cobain hits up his "dust" trails...

Viva la Toyota.
Click to expand...


Yeah I have noticed here its a lot of what mod can I do before how do I fix this.

Only thing I miss from my tuning days is all the new stuff people where always coming up with. Everyday new records being broke, new ways to tune, add turbos and tech. Little slow in the offroad world.
 
infamousRNR said:
looks like all you've had are toyota's ..... and a nice list of them as well
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Lol, I buy vehicles like most people upgrade cell phones. But all my 4x4's have been toyotas, and of all those, the 3rd gens have been the most trouble free (except the pesky "rubber side down" part).
 
Am I the only one who opened this thread with great anticipation expecting to see a truck being armored against actual bullets? :AK47: :uzi:
 
The Toyota reliability has rubbed off on my son. A proud day in any father's life, is when his offspring gets a 4Runner. He snagged a nice low mile 2005 SR5 and is hopeful that it is as long lived and trusty as my '97.

So far, it has been a great deal for him. Unfortunately, it has me looking at 4th Gens now...
 
traffic61 said:
The Toyota reliability has rubbed off on my son. A proud day in any father's life, is when his offspring gets a 4Runner. He snagged a nice low mile 2005 SR5 and is hopeful that it is as long lived and trusty as my '97.

So far, it has been a great deal for him. Unfortunately, it has me looking at 4th Gens now...
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My 2000 T4R 4WD LTD has served me better than ANY vehicle I have ever owned. I actually enjoy every drive I take in it. I am OCD when it comes to maintenance and preventative maintenance and I think it has paid off. My buddies tool around in late model trucks and SUV's and once a month, they have the pain and agony of writing that HUGE car payment check along with the Insurance costs. They rag me about driving a 15 year old T4R and I just laugh.....

I still have people comment on how "nice" my T4R is. For me, not having that bone-crushing payment (In part thanks to DAVE RAMSEY) and STILL having a reliable, durable, good looking and "bullet proof" ride just makes me smile. No car payment, lower insurance and the confidence the 3rd Gen 4Runner is built to strive and survive. That is what I call the ultimate "peace of mind!"

No matter the small issues (leaking axle seals, valve cover gaskets, etc.) when you add up the money to repair those minor issues versus the real "cost of ownership" we should all be pretty damn proud we own a T4R!

Final note: Bought a 2008 Toyota Tacoma 4WD and HATED IT! I could not do anything to it but change the oil. Even the transmission was "sealed" with no dipstick. Newer does not often mean better. My rig has served me well across several states and I know when I put the key in, she will crank up, run and be dependable. Can't say that (with confidence) about many vehicles!
 
BamaDrewski said:
I still have people comment on how "nice" my T4R is. For me, not having that bone-crushing payment (In part thanks to DAVE RAMSEY) and STILL having a reliable, durable, good looking and "bullet proof" ride just makes me smile. No car payment, lower insurance and the confidence the 3rd Gen 4Runner is built to strive and survive. That is what I call the ultimate "peace of mind!" !
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Dave Ramsey would have me sell my rig and downgrade to a $1000-$2000 "clunker" to accelerate paying off my insanely large student loans. It'd be a solid 10-20 years before I could "afford" to drive a $5000 vehicle according to what he teaches. I'm not quite ready to take a hiatus from this place just yet.

He certainly gives great (effective) debt-free living advice though.
 
4eigner said:
Dave Ramsey would have me sell my rig and downgrade to a $1000-$2000 "clunker" to accelerate paying off my insanely large student loans. It'd be a solid 10-20 years before I could "afford" to drive a $5000 vehicle according to what he teaches. I'm not quite ready to take a hiatus from this place just yet.

He certainly gives great (effective) debt-free living advice though.
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I can't assume what Dave Ramsey would recommend you do for your individual situation. I think his "mantra" is to get rid of debt and live life without having to worry about "paying the man" who extended credit - regardless of the purpose. Living in control of your own life, without having to worry about credit, interest, late payment fees, penalties, etc....is awesome. As they say, "cash is king" and paying for things with cash knowing you aren't living off the credit/mafia/gestapo/usury monster is the most liberating thing in the world......Kind of like the old days when folks only bought what they could afford at the time. "Credit" is an easy trap and it lulls us into a sense of easy prosperity. We rarely think about "paying it back" with interest......I prefer the "pay as you go" method and despite the cultural message this is "not possible" I can assure you it is! Folks have done it for generations before the credit boom.....Nothing like bills paid, money in the bank and a rainy day fund to take care of the unexpected.....
 
4eigner said:
Dave Ramsey would have me sell my rig and downgrade to a $1000-$2000 "clunker" to accelerate paying off my insanely large student loans. It'd be a solid 10-20 years before I could "afford" to drive a $5000 vehicle according to what he teaches. I'm not quite ready to take a hiatus from this place just yet.

He certainly gives great (effective) debt-free living advice though.
Click to expand...

I've read/listened to some of his advice, and I don't think he would recommend that you sell a dependable, paid for vehicle that's worth 5 grand.
 
First post here - I just picked up 1999 limited w/elocker with 198k on the clock. Timing belt etc done at 190k. Driving this through the winter to preserve my B8.5 Audi S4.

My dad had a new 4Runner in 1998, an SR5. Was an awesome truck and I am hoping to get at least another 100k out of this new toy. I'll post some pictures in another thread once I can start one, but it has been great taking care of some basic main tenge the previous owner neglected to do.

New air filter, oil\transmission flush, cleaned MAF, all new exterior lights.

Now if I can get the pesky P0170 to stay off for more than 80miles I will have a light free 200k mile SUV in perfect running order.

How many other car manufacturers can say that today? Woohoo!!
 
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