The rear window is nice for airflow, but there it's no substitute for taking the doors and top off. Even just the doors off is a special feeling. My favorite was doors/top off and had a Spiderwebshade over my head to help with the sun. Doing that was the one true thing I miss about my Wrangler.
Thinking about trading
- Thread starter Malchango
- Start date
The rear window is nice for airflow, but there it's no substitute for taking the doors and top off. Even just the doors off is a special feeling. My favorite was doors/top off and had a Spiderwebshade over my head to help with the sun. Doing that was the one true thing I miss about my Wrangler.
RavenTRD03
New member
I definitely agree about utilizing the rear window for airflow. However I couldn't agree more about the feeling of having your top and doors off, whether it be on road/offroad. I'm just lucky enough to have my wrangler as a toy nowadays.
2021nightshade4x4
New member
Considering a Tesla Model Y.
We drive so much, our gas is approximately $800 a month. Trading out of a T4R for a Model Y would be nearly the same payment, except the cost of operation would reduce by more than the vehicle payment price.
Currently live in an area with $0.10 / KWH energy year round, no peak rates. 95+% of our charging could be done at home, at those rates.
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We drive so much, our gas is approximately $800 a month. Trading out of a T4R for a Model Y would be nearly the same payment, except the cost of operation would reduce by more than the vehicle payment price.
Currently live in an area with $0.10 / KWH energy year round, no peak rates. 95+% of our charging could be done at home, at those rates.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2021nightshade4x4
New member
Jeep diluted the Grand Cherokee with too many trim levels. Laredo, Limited, and ONE special trim, tops.
Whether 1993 Grand Wagoneer, 1994-1997 Orvis, 1998 5.9 Limited, then Overland, then SRT8. It was “the one special one” of any model year and made sense.
I don’t get this Trailhawk, Limited X, Summit, Summit Reserve, keeping the SRT while also having a Trackhawk.
They’re so afraid culling the herd will result in them losing a few thousand units in sales, they’re drowning in options and confusing buyers.
I feel the same way with models of Grand Cherokee as I do about GM sub brands. How many different iterations of the Chevy Trailblazer did they make?
Chevy Trailblazer
GMC Envoy
Saab 9-7X
Isuzu Ascender
Buick Rainier
Oldsmobile Bravada
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SilverFox2020
New member
I have owned three Jeeps a XJ, a YJ, and now a TJ. My parents own two Gladiators, a Rubicon and a Mojave, and they have a 21 JK with the 4 cylinder, I also have a 20 4Runner TRD Pro so I have some real world input.
First off all three of my Jeeps were and are very reliable. I put near 300k miles on my XJ before it was stolen. I currently own a 98 TJ with a 4.0l that we use to tow behind our motor home. So far no issues
Here’s my take on the 4Runner vs Jeep debate. Jeeps are a little rougher around the edges in the interior, noisier on the highway, and ride a little harsher. The soft top is so loud there is no way to hear the stereo above 45 mph. However they are awesome off-road capable vehicles right out of the box, plus the aftermarket parts support is phenomenal. Also the Jeep culture is a fun brotherhood that I have yet to see in the 4Runner world.
The 4Runner is more refined and a much better vehicle to travel long distances with. I have had zero issues with mine so far with the exception of the stupid steering wheel shake at highway speeds. I do like the ability to open all the windows and sunroof for that open air feeling and still be able to close them without having to stop. I think the interior plastics are cheap and easy to scratch, so I have learned to cushion everything with towels or blankets. The paint is ok but the Jeep is not any better. The engine is ok and I really have no complaints as it has done everything I have asked of it.
The resale on both is solid right now. Almost every day I get offers to buy my Jeep, but I won’t sell because I can’t flat tow the 4Runner. I plan on keeping the 4Runner for a long time, but I may get rid of the Jeep when we sell the motorhome.
If I get back into hardcore off-roading I will look at Side by sides.
My folks Gladiators are ok but not as refined as the 4Runner, and I feel cramped when I am in one. The new start/stop feature is annoying, my dad bypassed the one on the Rubicon but not the Mojave yet.
I wouldn’t base your decision on the options here just do what’s best for you.
My $.02…..
First off all three of my Jeeps were and are very reliable. I put near 300k miles on my XJ before it was stolen. I currently own a 98 TJ with a 4.0l that we use to tow behind our motor home. So far no issues
Here’s my take on the 4Runner vs Jeep debate. Jeeps are a little rougher around the edges in the interior, noisier on the highway, and ride a little harsher. The soft top is so loud there is no way to hear the stereo above 45 mph. However they are awesome off-road capable vehicles right out of the box, plus the aftermarket parts support is phenomenal. Also the Jeep culture is a fun brotherhood that I have yet to see in the 4Runner world.
The 4Runner is more refined and a much better vehicle to travel long distances with. I have had zero issues with mine so far with the exception of the stupid steering wheel shake at highway speeds. I do like the ability to open all the windows and sunroof for that open air feeling and still be able to close them without having to stop. I think the interior plastics are cheap and easy to scratch, so I have learned to cushion everything with towels or blankets. The paint is ok but the Jeep is not any better. The engine is ok and I really have no complaints as it has done everything I have asked of it.
The resale on both is solid right now. Almost every day I get offers to buy my Jeep, but I won’t sell because I can’t flat tow the 4Runner. I plan on keeping the 4Runner for a long time, but I may get rid of the Jeep when we sell the motorhome.
If I get back into hardcore off-roading I will look at Side by sides.
My folks Gladiators are ok but not as refined as the 4Runner, and I feel cramped when I am in one. The new start/stop feature is annoying, my dad bypassed the one on the Rubicon but not the Mojave yet.
I wouldn’t base your decision on the options here just do what’s best for you.
My $.02…..
Gamma Ray
Banned
So you weren't actually topless but you had to use a see through top like in the old Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Editions which is... sexy?
Exactly. Shows through just enough to give you that top off feeling, but without the sunburn. I'm sure the models felt the same as they romped around the beaches of Fiji.
CutthroatSlam
Senior Member
You’re going to get Toyota biased answers on this forum. Go visit Jeepgladiatorforum to see what they love and hate about it. Many bad mouth Jeep having never had one, but fail to mention the rusty frames, steering wheel shimmy, peeling white paint, nose dive while braking, and terrible headlights of Toyota, yet we still love them. Be forewarned, Jeeps are having issues with paint bubbling as the aluminum of the doors react to the steel of the hinges. They repaint under warranty, but seems to only be a temporary solution (I did not have the issue). If you’re looking for a small truck, go visit TacomaWorld and view the complaints of poor seating position, transmission issues and under powered engine (not same engine as 4R), plus rear drum brakes??
I actually owned both a 2017 TRD Pro and a 2020 Gladiator Rubicon at the same time. We’ve had the 4R for over 5 years and 100k miles, I sold the JT after 11 months and 21k miles. You won’t hear me bad mouth the Gladiator (JT), but ultimately I felt having both was a bit redundant and we had no plans on getting rid of the 4R. I was able to sell it to a dealer for more than I paid thanks to COVID, plus I had the chance to buy back an old car I regretted selling. I’ve also had a Wrangler and a Tacoma (RIP).
The JT is hands down the better off-roader, no question. I did have a lift, 37s, full skids, etc, but even still. I’ve taken them both to Moab, Ouray, and the JT to Sedona. The JT does have a worse break over angle than the 4R, but I didn’t find the departure to be as big of a deal/ I wasn’t concerned of ripping of a plastic bumper. Interior is definitely smaller, but materials feel higher quality. It is going to be louder than the 4R, that’s the nature of the beast with a plastic roof. The ride quality is light years ahead of the JK Wranglers. The bed is small, but if you just want to toss a few messy things back there instead of inside the 4R it’s better. I had the gas V6, there is a diesel option that people seem to love, but I don’t personally trust. I’d recommend LED lighting group, and AUX switches from the factory. I’d skip the safety groups (one thing I love about the 4R is the lack of electronics). The black, unpainted fender flares tend to fade after a few years, but body color can scratch. Mounting the RTT on the bed was so much easier to install, and use at camp then on top of the 4R. Long story short, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one again.
Sign up for Tread Lightly for 1% below invoice, and I know of a few dealers that sell below invoice as well.
I see all these complaints about nose dive while braking. This must be during urban stop and go traffic because I’ve never experienced it driving around Montana. For that matter, every car made will nose dive if you slam the brakes.
Heavy_GD
New member
the SR5 trim suspension absolutely nose dives
CutthroatSlam
Senior Member
Every single car or truck suspension nose dives under heavy braking. So what’s your point? Buy a Porsche SUV instead.
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Heavy_GD
New member
My point was that you felt the need to reply that "This must be during urban stop and go traffic" which was a dumb enough answer all by itself... now we realize that you cant even spell braking.
So, in order to give you the best answer, we would need to know why you want to do that, because that could actually be why anyone here would say "yes" you should do it.
But it looks like we will have to guess a little bit.
I've owned MOPAR products since 1991; some of them have been Jeep. They were ALL constant problems, but I liked what they offered as far as looks and features for the money. Over those years I really could not justify the expense of Toyota due to my life priorities of family, etc. Last year, after one last huge "screw you" from MOPAR I said to myself "never again" and traded my Jeep for a 4Runner and could not be happier.
The problems I experienced over the decades of ownership were of two types: Electrical and powertrain (in particular transfer cases and transmissions). I will say that the Wrangler platforms seemed to be the most reliable of the brand, probably because they have been around the longest and they concentrate on that one the most. But...that isn't really saying a whole lot if you start comparing overall brand reliability outside of it's own brand.
So, your possible reasons.
If you are wanting a midsize pick-up that is far more off-road centered than daily driver / worker / hauler; you are probably not going to find one that gives you more of those off-road capabilities and features for the money than the Gladiator. If money is not the concern, but you still want the off-road prowess, Chevy, Ford and the new Tacoma offer all the lockers and whizbangs too.
If you are wanting a midsize pick-up (in other words a bed) that is more driver / worker / hauler with respectable off-road-ability, I would consider the Frontier for the money. The Frontier will be far more reliable with less headaches than the Jeep in my opinion.
If you still like your 4runner and it is all about having a bed for hauling, you should maybe consider some things. How much would you really use a truck bed and what for? If your answers are not all that often, but it would be nice to have that capability when I do need it, and it would be just for hauling things and not overlanding, you might be better off with a nice trailer if you have some place to store it. You would save a lot of money, be able to haul things on the occasions you need to, and not have to give up a vehicle you really like. Trailers are easy to resell as well. I have a pick up and to tell you the truth, a 6x10 trailer is one of the best things I ever invested in and I use it more than my truck bed. It is easier to load and unload, I don't worry about wear and tear on my truck, etc. I don't haul all that often, so for me it is a great option and I have even been wondering if I even need a pickup anymore.
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CutthroatSlam
Senior Member
Auto correct. Who’s the idiot now. Go buy a KIA EV.
Heavy_GD
New member
Bless your heart... Having an 8th grade education must be hard, I'll stop using big words.
Mr Cutt, our illiterate friend, doesn't look at post dates before he digs up threads.
Take it easy on him.
CutthroatSlam
Senior Member
I have my MBA from USC. Forgotten more about finance and markets than you will ever know.
I did not dig up this post. Continue on idiot.
So a Porsche doesn't nose dive? Then why do you state "every single car or truck suspension nose dives under heavy braking"?
Actually, I do have Porsche, and under heavy braking, it does not nose dive due to the suspension geometry. What it does is "settle", that is both the front and the back go down the same amount, so the car remains level. So, not all cars nose dive.
CutthroatSlam
Senior Member
The Porsche nose dives. I’ll wager $1MM on that, if you’ve got it.
CutthroatSlam
Senior Member
The Porsche nose dives. I’ll wager $1MM on that, if you’ve got it. 1 cm and I win.
