What are your thoughts on 4Runners competitors?

[JayceeP]

You can't get anything comparable for the same price unless you go to a mid-size crossover.Acura MDX base model is more expensive than the Limited. Chen Traverse? Hyundai Santa Fe? No thanks. You'd be looking at an RDX, BMW X3 etc. LAMO. Only other choice would be a Grand Cherokee but the reliability is a toss-up from what I've read. I'd rather just buy an Acura TLX, 5-series etc and get some performance. But, how many of those vehicles match Tahara made reliability? My next vehicle might be a used Land Cruiser.

4Runner is plenty luxurious and big.

 

[Kennyr44]

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.

My 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited was 37k. 4 runners in 2015 are very reasonably priced at least compared to the last 20 years.

 

[Jernik]

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?

When we were looking, the only thing I found that was similar to the 4Runner that was cheaper is the Xterra. The Pathfinder has been turned into a mini-van, the Grand Cherokee cost more (when similarly optioned), and everything else in this price range or below are crossovers. Some might put the Wrangler in this segment, but I think if you're looking at a Wrangler, you're looking at a Wrangler. If you're looking for more than a Wrangler, well, then you're not looking at a Wrangler.

 

[carlomagne]

You can't get anything comparable for the same price unless you go to a mid-size crossover.Acura MDX base model is more expensive than the Limited. Chen Traverse? Hyundai Santa Fe? No thanks. You'd be looking at an RDX, BMW X3 etc. LAMO. Only other choice would be a Grand Cherokee but the reliability is a toss-up from what I've read. I'd rather just buy an Acura TLX, 5-series etc and get some performance. But, how many of those vehicles match Tahara made reliability? My next vehicle might be a used Land Cruiser.

4Runner is plenty luxurious and big.

I couldn't agree more. The woman just picked up a new TLX and it's so nice!

 

[4RnR Grl]

When I buy a vehicle it's a multi-step process...

1. Research- check repair records, customer satisfaction, recalls, problems, consumer reviews etc.

2. Find it- How far are you willing to go for the specific model, trim and accessories you want? Can you sacrifice something you really want? Or do you absolutely HAVE TO have it.

3. Go to the dealer- Talk to some salesman. Make sure it's where you want to do business. If you need the vehicle for a specific purpose... measure. See if they will let you take it home over night to make sure it fits in your garage, you can get the baby seat in, your stuff fits in the back etc.

4. Drive- Drive, drive, drive.... and drive some more. this isn't a rental. You are dumping a considerable amount of cash into something that you will hopefully be keeping for some time. WEAR OUT THE SALESMAN! Make him work for your sale. This is not grocery shopping.

5. Ask questions- ask about other trims, ask about maintenance programs, ask about anything you possibly can.

If after all that you feel like you have the right vehicle, the right trim level, the right, dealer and salesman.... go for it. It's all a matter of preference.

 

[1engineer]

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?

It's very simple. In the price range you are looking at ($40K is pretty much average) you can buy a CUV with all kinds of cool options or you can buy a SUV with fewer options. Simple. The CUV won't get you places the SUV will but hey, if you only want to go to the mall then either will work.

Now, if you want all the bells and whistles AND the reliability and durability of Toyota then you need to pay for it right? Two words: Land Cruiser. $85K new and IMO that's about right, seeing a new Escalade go for $95K, a Land Rover go for $115K or a Cayenne go for $119K!

Bottom line, $40K buys you a decent crossover or a decent SUV. $80K is where the good stuff starts.

 

[Bond's Rolex Sub]

Kia Optima offers most of the features standard that my Lexus GS offers standard but at a much lower price point.

I've owned 5 Runners - 97, 03, 04, 11, 15. I still own two of them.

Before buying my 11, I considered a Rubicon. Between my family and close friends, I know 4 folks with 4 door Rubicons - some lifted, some stock. I came close to making a move on one. I drove it and it was competent. Somewhat abrupt and unrefined, but presumably that's what you sign up for with one of those. And I could get one a couple grand cheaper than a comparable Runner. But the little things made the difference - the Rubicon wasn't tight. It sorta felt like an SN95 and fox body mustangs that I had years ago ... at least with regard to the integrity of the ride. The adjustment/control/device components felt cheap and sort of "fisher price" - similar to my C5 a few years back. As a dedicated, purpose built vehicle (alacrity off road) it will soundly best almost any trim of 4Runner. In the same way that a Grand Cherokee bests it with regard to standard and available features, and an X5 in luxury, and a Pilot in spatial utility, and an MDX in road manners and engaging driving experience, a Land Rover in interior fit and finish, or a Raptor in robustness ...

But none of those vehicles, or any others that I can think of, puts the entire package together as well and as competently as the 4Runner does. It's like the iPhone. When companies were including NFC and 3D screens, and water-proofing, iPhone just continued doing everything that it did well. They didn't offer every feature, or the newest, or the most cutting edge. They just continued to make a reliable phone that had most of what consumers wanted. They made it well. They perfected that template.

And that's why I stick with the 4Runner. It doesn't have LED lights, massaging seats, or a mechanism for dissipating fart particles in the truck's cabin, but I trust that in any weather condition, or on any terrain, without exorbitant maintenance costs, that I can turn key and get where I need to get to.

 

[02SE]

4 runners in 2015 are very reasonably priced at least compared to the last 20 years.

My point exactly.

Also, that they've done so by cutting costs wherever they can.

 

[ChloroFiend]

So as another new 4R buyer....

Yeah, there's really not much in the way of competition.

For offroad capable vehicles around the same price, you're looking at Xterra or Wrangler. The former has the interior of an 1980s fleet van. I went into my buying process thinking I wanted an Xterra and 2 minutes inside one killed that.

For interior fit an finish with some off road capability, its pretty much the Grand Cherokee...and that's a shit ton more expensive to be comparably equipped.

 

[JayceeP]

Pulled up behind a BIG BLACK Landcruiser over lunch. Man, those things just look awesome. Want it. So expensive. Fiscal. Prudence. Waning....

 

[1engineer]

Pulled up behind a BIG BLACK Landcruiser over lunch. Man, those things just look awesome. Want it. So expensive. Fiscal. Prudence. Waning....

Yes. That is in my sights as well.

 

[JayceeP]

Yes. That is in my sights as well.

and then I quickly remember it now costs me 1.25x the sticker price because I would be importing from the U.S and our dollar has gone down the pa-pow in the last 12 months relative to the U.S. Canada is one of only a few markets where the LC is not sold. Sucks.

 

[cjacob316]

I buy Toyota for their reliability, plain and simple. I don't think anything really compares. If you want bells and whistles in a Toyota you end up with a Lexus price point, just look at the Land Cruiser. If Toyota put quality bells and whistles in their vehicles they would price themselves out of the market.

 

[NoDak]

and then I quickly remember it now costs me 1.25x the sticker price because I would be importing from the U.S and our dollar has gone down the pa-pow in the last 12 months relative to the U.S. Canada is one of only a few markets where the LC is not sold. Sucks.

yeah kinda funny you CANT get a LC in .ca but you can get a LX570.

but at the 1.25% markup for importing, you could look into getting a LX570 for a starting cost of $97k loonies which is about $3K less than a LC import price

 

[DesertCanyons]

Toyota 4Runner competition

The competition is slim pickings.

You drove a 4Runner 2wd for a lot of years. Are you looking to upgrade to 4WD or stay with 2WD. How serious are you about driving off-road?

The Nissan XTerra, the Jeep Wrangler, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, the Land Cruiser and the Lexus GX460 are the best similar options to a 4Runner.

The Toyota Land Cruiser offers luxury, size, a powerful V8 with lower gas mileage than a 4Runner and a limited slip center transfer case, all wheel drive system for $80k.

The Lexus GX460 offers luxury with less off-road capability and less aftermarket upgrades available, for $50,000k.

4Runner Limited offers leather seats and chrome trim for $41,500 MSRP starting price.

The 4Runner Trail Edition is a much better value for off-road than the Limited, IMO. Locking rear differential and better ground clearance due to not having the Limited's extra body trim. Starting price is around $38,400 as actually equipped from the dealer.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon has better off-road capability than the 4Runner, but it's a rough, loud ride on the highway and around town. That's partly due to the solid front axle and also because of the boxy shape and removable top. I eventually steered away from this car because of the poor visibility and comfort level when riding inside, compared to the T4R. It's smaller inside and much harder to add a roof rack. It's not as good looking as a 4Runner either (it's ugly). Starting price for this car with the matching color top and fenders, automatic 5-speed (they all come with auto) with the superior off-road features of the Rubicon is $40,630.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with 4x4 Quadra Drive and a V8 costs more than a T4R Limited and the owner reviews say they are not reliable, costly to repair and the dealers won't or can't fix the complicated systems on them.

So do you want off-road capability or a luxury ride for more money?

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

I just sold a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee to get my 4runner and couldnt be happier!

 

[manofsteele2003]

I'm pretty sure we're wasting our breaths since the OP hasn't posted since the first page and only once.

 

[Dalko43]

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?

Toyota charges $40k for these 4runners, because....Toyota tax...they have a good/reliable product, they know it, consumers know it, Toyota charges extra knowing said consumers will pay for it.

That being said, if you plan on really putting this truck through its paces (off-roading, long haul trips, expedition travel, long-term usage for dd) I see no reason why you can't buy pre-owned and enjoy all of the 4runner benefits while saving a good deal of $. There are plenty of SR5's and even some Trail's with mild usage that are going for $30k and well below.

As for Body-on-frame SUV competition, at that $40k price point....there really isn't any.

Land Rover 4's are well beyond that $40k mark.

There are certain Wranglers that sell for mid $30k's. The top of the line, fully outfitted Jeep Hard Rock goes for $40k. But those don't really compare in terms of every day practicality and storage space.

The Xterra tops out at about $32k.

The 4Runner has its own price niche in the SUV market. Now if you start considering non body-on-frame, the competition starts to present itself (Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, ect.).

 

[Jhalko]

Yes. That is in my sights as well.

Unless you are retiring those old bones you would be crazy to buy a land cruiser with the mileage you put on these trucks. Go buy a new mountain bike and save the other $75k.

 

[T4R2014]

A used Land Rover?

:lmao:

Yup, and on my second one. The Disco 3 did it all and the Disco 4 does it even better. The diesel X5 in between those was more problematic. Actually, I know where the Disco 3 went. It's still running like clockwork with over 100k on the clock in NYC. I wasn't exactly easy on it either, but the transmission shifts great despite my consistent hammering and the engine has great compression.