So I went to the Toyota dealership today to test out a 5th gen limited and they only let me test drive the sr5 model which struck me as odd and made me not want to do business with them.. But anyways, I feel like there's has to be something better out there for 40+ grand.. I'm a huge 4Runner fan but can't shake the feeling of Toyota ripping me off for what you get. I loved the cooled seats in the limited, awesome feature. Also noticed that cheap ass hyundais offer that option in some of their extremely cheap vehicles.. So givin your unbiased opinion do you believe there to be a better suv for the money? And if so why?
What are your thoughts on 4Runners competitors?
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If you arent going to get it dirty and take it on trails of course there is. You are also paying for the toyota reliability not just features.
BlackWorksInc
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What competition? There's hardly any mid-sized body on frame SUVs left...
wfo9
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If you are looking for a luxury SUV/crossover with lots of features... 4runner is probably not a good choice. Its an outdated truck... The only reason to buy one is if you like a basic truck like no frills utility vehicle that can take a real beating. Not a good choice for everyone.
manofsteele2003
New member
I'm guessing he's looking for more gimmicky features and luxury than the actual capabilities of the truck. Buy a Grand Cheerokee.
I have previously owned a 2wd 04 sr5 and beat it to shit off roading etc. Never had one problem all the way through 100k miles till I traded it. So I am familiar with them. I just feel like if you're going to spend 40+ grand on a limited that's advertised as luxurious you should get more or it should be more around 35k. But yes everyone's right about it being one of the last true off road SUVs out which is why I'm a fan and in the market. I'm just seeing what else is out there before I commit. Also wish Toyota would release some information about the 6th gen I would hate to spend all that money just to have a new model with a possible engine upgrade come out a year later.
manofsteele2003
New member
Believe it or not 40k isn't that much for an SUV, especially a 4Runner with luxury features albeit not as many as some.
LandCruiser
New member
Vehicles like it?
Xterra, LR4, Lexus GX460, Wrangler...
Xterra is capable, has a good aftermarket, is inexpensive and is cheap on the fit and finish.
LR4 is expensive, has all sorts of expensive off road toys and tech like the T4R, it is also a Land Rover and therefore shite. It will also devaluate like a mother.
The GX460 has a V8 and full time 4x4, it's also related closely to the 4runner and can be lifted/modded with many of the same parts. It's 10-20 grand more expensive.
The Wrangler has an SFA, if that's your thing. They're all loud, unrefined, and mountain goats off road. There's lots of aftermarket support, you can regear them for some insane ratios, and they all have legendary Chrysler quality.
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carlomagne
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ccapman670
New member
I just looked at mid-size SUV's for about two months before buying a 2015 SR5 this past weekend. I researched or test drove the explorer, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse, Grand Cherokee and a few others. I ended up going with the 4Runner because of the reliability and true body on frame. It's pretty much the last true SUV in the mid size category. The rest are CUV's.
You say 40k is a lot but if you start hunting around it really isn't. The explorer is maybe a couple grand less as is the Jeep, but if you search up you'll see both of those in their current gen have had TONS of reliability problems. I had a 2009 Jeep Commander before this and I'll tell you the 4Runner is an amazingly well build vehicle compared to it. I don't regret the 4Runner one bit.
It really just depends on your situation. Do you need to off road, or are you just taking kids too and from school or using it for work commute? If so and you want a lot of features for cheap, check out the 2016 Kia Sorento. It's a nice looking vehicle and Kia has turned itself around with a new chief designer who was formally at Audi I believe. Hyundai Sante Fe is it's sister but I think the Sorento looks more capable. You can get a whole lot of car for like $36k (moon roof, leather, all the bells and whistles). Reliability isn't real known but with a 10yr, 100k power train and 5yr/60k bumper you should be good.
I wanted to like the Explorer but it just drove like a mini-van to me, and with all the known problems I couldn't go for it. If I didn't have so many problems with my Jeep the new limited Grand Cherokees are gorgeous and can be had for around 36 as well.
In the end you get what you pay for, and everyone looks for different things. Get out there and test drive some vehicles. Find out your price range, what exactly you need out of a vehicle and go from there. Feel free to PM me with any questions.
You say 40k is a lot but if you start hunting around it really isn't. The explorer is maybe a couple grand less as is the Jeep, but if you search up you'll see both of those in their current gen have had TONS of reliability problems. I had a 2009 Jeep Commander before this and I'll tell you the 4Runner is an amazingly well build vehicle compared to it. I don't regret the 4Runner one bit.
It really just depends on your situation. Do you need to off road, or are you just taking kids too and from school or using it for work commute? If so and you want a lot of features for cheap, check out the 2016 Kia Sorento. It's a nice looking vehicle and Kia has turned itself around with a new chief designer who was formally at Audi I believe. Hyundai Sante Fe is it's sister but I think the Sorento looks more capable. You can get a whole lot of car for like $36k (moon roof, leather, all the bells and whistles). Reliability isn't real known but with a 10yr, 100k power train and 5yr/60k bumper you should be good.
I wanted to like the Explorer but it just drove like a mini-van to me, and with all the known problems I couldn't go for it. If I didn't have so many problems with my Jeep the new limited Grand Cherokees are gorgeous and can be had for around 36 as well.
In the end you get what you pay for, and everyone looks for different things. Get out there and test drive some vehicles. Find out your price range, what exactly you need out of a vehicle and go from there. Feel free to PM me with any questions.
Lexusbstrdchild
New member
You lost me at "competition."
theknack
New member
I'm not sure an unbiased opinion is a realistic request here. Most if not everyone reading this was in your shoes at one point and decided the 4runner was the right choice for them. Of course you have to look at what YOU want/need from your vehicle. For me it really came down to just a few things:
1. Offroad capability/ease of upgrades
2. Reliability/can be used as daily driver
3. Family friendly
4. Fit in my budget
I quickly limited my search to a 4runner, xterra, and 4 door wrangler. Favoring reliability pushed me away from chrysler. Since I have a ton of family nearby and a growing family at home I decided seating for 7 was warranted, with that point the 4runner literally had no competition in my trade space.
1. Offroad capability/ease of upgrades
2. Reliability/can be used as daily driver
3. Family friendly
4. Fit in my budget
I quickly limited my search to a 4runner, xterra, and 4 door wrangler. Favoring reliability pushed me away from chrysler. Since I have a ton of family nearby and a growing family at home I decided seating for 7 was warranted, with that point the 4runner literally had no competition in my trade space.
Here's something to consider: My 18 year old SR5 4Runner, which I bought new, had an MSRP of nearly 35k.
How do you think they kept the price nearly the same, despite a nearly 50% increase in the cost of living?
They are going to have to compromise somewhere.
Blitzkrieg
New member
Go test drive everything you are attracted to and buy what you like best. Like picking a woman.
I have owned some very high-end cars and there is a reason why over the years there have been over 6 Toyotas/Lexus in my family.
If you buy a lesser vehicle like a Jeep GC just don't come back here griping what a POS it is. I have worked on Jeep vehicles (last repair was my kids power window motor a couple years back) and I was amazed at how cheap everything was inside that door once I got the inner panel off. Complete junk.
And Chrysler wanted $195 for the replacement junk. I have never, ever had a failure in a Toyota much less a power window motor.
You get what you pay for and resale values don't lie. ;-)
I have owned some very high-end cars and there is a reason why over the years there have been over 6 Toyotas/Lexus in my family.
If you buy a lesser vehicle like a Jeep GC just don't come back here griping what a POS it is. I have worked on Jeep vehicles (last repair was my kids power window motor a couple years back) and I was amazed at how cheap everything was inside that door once I got the inner panel off. Complete junk.
And Chrysler wanted $195 for the replacement junk. I have never, ever had a failure in a Toyota much less a power window motor.
You get what you pay for and resale values don't lie. ;-)
TRDProReddy
New member
Was heavily debating the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler vs. 4Runner.
At the end of the day, I chose reliability. My other car has a lot of power, but I get coolant leaks and drivetrain malfunctions more than I would like. Can't drive a car that is always getting fixed.
At the end of the day, I chose reliability. My other car has a lot of power, but I get coolant leaks and drivetrain malfunctions more than I would like. Can't drive a car that is always getting fixed.
LandCruiser
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Diver Deuce
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