Why do I NOT LIKE the 5th Generation?
- Thread starter alaskaman
- Start date
ElZilcho
New member
I've got to be honest, I kind of like the 5th gens. They drive a little more like a truck (which I like but others don't) and they don't have the stupid minivan suspension rake. The truth is, in a world of crossovers I think the 5th gen 4runner is the last SUV on the market that rolls out of the factory and can be relatively capable (with a change of tires) off-road... (other than a Jeep maybe, but I would never trust my life to a Chrysler). 4runners are dinosaurs. Poor infotainment, old 5 speed transmission, body-on-frame, etc., and I love it. There is a reason all the South America/African/Middle Eastern guys at work drool over the Toyotas... because they are really hard to kill, and when your life/livelihood depends on your transportation you learn to love your transportation. If you've ever driven someplace so far off the grid that you knew you couldn't walk out, than having one of the most, historically, dependable vehicles in the world is a little bit of a comfort. The 5th gens are the last truck I know of in that segment (other than the Land Cruisers which are well out of my price range).
That said, I bought the 4th gen for a couple of reasons. One, I tow. Heavy and often, so the V8 with an 7000# towing capacity was nice. Two, I like my cars caveman simple. If I could have found a 4runner with roll up windows... I'd have bought it. In the mean time I bought an old fleet truck with no sunroof, 16" tires, and absolutely no options what-so-ever... because I don't like things that can break. It was way easier to find a 4th gen in that configuration than a 5th.
I still miss my 80 series though.
hwell:
That said, I bought the 4th gen for a couple of reasons. One, I tow. Heavy and often, so the V8 with an 7000# towing capacity was nice. Two, I like my cars caveman simple. If I could have found a 4runner with roll up windows... I'd have bought it. In the mean time I bought an old fleet truck with no sunroof, 16" tires, and absolutely no options what-so-ever... because I don't like things that can break. It was way easier to find a 4th gen in that configuration than a 5th.
I still miss my 80 series though.
hwell:
alaskaman
Senior Member
You're kidding right?
skyak
New member
No totally serious, why is a 4runner better than a gx460? Interested to know.
alaskaman
Senior Member
body weight distribution
center of gravity.
you have to keep the interior clean
little ole ladies?
skyak
New member
In Houston it seems like GX460s are mostly driven by middle aged ladies to shuttle between the beauty parlor and the dry cleaners. Perfect folks to buy from after the latest exterior refresh necessitates an update.
Torchsport
Member
Love both. I have a gen 4. Trying to figure a way to add a gen 5. A cavalry blue pro will do. :thumb3:
Dre's runner
New member
Two words “ Vee eight”. My 4Runner was the first car I owned that wasn’t a 4banger Tacoma. That’s right at 30 years old my list of cars consisted of 3 Tacoma’s all 4cyl 5 speed. They were great, pretty sure they could survive the apocalypse, but they were really slow. Since used 2nd gen Tacoma prices got a little outrageous I looked at 4 runners got a V8 by chance. It’s like a whole new world. 5th gen should of got the 5.7 if you ask me.
he is so right. lexus GX 460/470 are generally towards the middle age to older age consumer group, especially from what i've seen in Las Vegas. Young and immortal people drive the 4runners. lol
Its not a stereotype, its just the general consumer group towards that model.
cloudrunner
New member
You can do the same in a 5th gen.
Juicy
New member
Because the rear hatch opens normally on a 4runner :biggrin1:
HOJeepster
New member
Why I do not like the 5th gen 4runner? Because everyone and their mom has one in Colorado.
exterior wise they can be modified to look ok.
But a 4Runner looks more 'sporty/rugged' from the factory and the interior matches this practical approach.
That said if you find a good deal on a GX460 and go with black interior instead of that luxury beige/ivory or whatever...
Several of us (including me) like the V8 4th Gen also because it can tow more. However, be careful with that short wheelbase when towing a longer or heavier trailer. I towed a Lance 1575 (16 ft body & dry weight around 3,000 lbs) last year. It was good though the high mountain passes saw the 4Runner struggle up those steeps.
However, I would not go longer or heavier myself, especially after seeing how a 18 ft trailer (with weight distribution hitch and anti-sway bars) can quickly overcome a V8 4Runner and toss it around. I am also planning on buying a longer trailer but I just picked up a crew cab full-size diesel truck for towing duties. It will be a lot easier and safer, especially in the mountains. The 4Runner has been retired from towing duties.
However, I would not go longer or heavier myself, especially after seeing how a 18 ft trailer (with weight distribution hitch and anti-sway bars) can quickly overcome a V8 4Runner and toss it around. I am also planning on buying a longer trailer but I just picked up a crew cab full-size diesel truck for towing duties. It will be a lot easier and safer, especially in the mountains. The 4Runner has been retired from towing duties.
oljedi11950
New member
Really IMO of course the 4th looks pretty tame stock compare with 5th stock ! Now if we're & most of us are/were willing to drop serious bucks to get them more capable also IMO then that's what your're looking at ! I mean they look like crap stock & with that funky rake on 4th agh
