Why I got a 5th Gen 4Runner...

[Big_Cuss]

This isn't even the first major problem with these Jeeps in less than a year. First the frame weld issue on the SUV and now the Gladiator.

Stop Sale Issued For Certain 2020 Jeep Gladiators Over Potential For Rear Driveshafts To Fracture

 

[CharlesNellis]

Yah I appreciate that the drivetrain and engine hasn't been changed dramatically or at all, but continuously improved for 10+ years on the 5th gens. Gives me great piece of mind on my purchase.

 

[azfishman]

I just ordered a 5th gen SR5......coming from a 2018 F150 Lariat. Too much tech in the truck although I do love it. Just don't need the size.

Love the same engine same trans for 10 years. Look forward to using a key again.

 

[MGordo]

I just ordered a 5th gen SR5.....

Love the same engine same trans for 10 years. Look forward to using a key again.

You will be dissapointed if you ordered a 2020... they get keyless entry & push button start..

 

[BobsTrail]

My 2013 TE was built 7 years ago today. 62K and no problems, no repairs and it has been on a lot of dirt trails, sand dunes and some snow. Not even a rattle or squeak.

 

[Banzai]

You will be dissapointed if you ordered a 2020... they get keyless entry & push button start..

Not all of them. The SR5 & TRD OR non-premiums are the same as last year in that regard.

 

[83Mule]

There should always be a SR-5 or similar ''stripper'' version with minimal Tech. I only need A/c, Power steering/power brakes (no ABS) Tilt wheel and a simple stereo. . . and a Key!

 

[4FL]

After buying a used 2003 Explorer (years ago) and getting involved on forums, I now know forums are a great place to factor in how reliable a car is, and what parts of the car are prone to failure. Not all cars, most probably, do not have enthusiast forums though.

One of the main reasons I bought my 4runner, browsing this forum for a few years before I bought mine, and hardly a problem at all in the threads.

 

[Bumbo]

Not all cars, most probably, do not have enthusiast forums though.

I wanted to quickly test that theory... I thought of the least cool car and the one that popped into my head first was a Geo Metro.

And to my surprise... they got an enthusiast form.
Geo Metro Forum - Got MPG?

 

[MrPicky]

I had many reasons besides that, but what a shame for such an expensive vehicle to have such major issues.

 

[4RunnerAquasport]

I wanted to quickly test that theory... I thought of the least cool car and the one that popped into my head first was a Geo Metro.

And to my surprise... they got an enthusiast form.
Geo Metro Forum - Got MPG?

LMAO well lo and behold there is a cracked piston on the first page of the Geo forum. If you hadn't included the link I would've said "GTFO you made that shit up". I'm so glad the focus on the 4Runner forums is mostly about mods and not fixing defects......like a cracked piston or fractured drive shaft lol. Seems to me drive shafts should be a little tougher than that on a 4x4.
It must be maddening to be a top engineer for a domestic auto maker these days. Accountants and CEO: "It costs WHAT? It can't be done for that much!" Engineer: "Well our research has found that the friction and torsional stress of a 4x4 requires it to be a thicker and sturdier unit for longevity and safety concerns". CEO: "It's a drive shaft for Christs sake! It shouldn't cost that much! If it's a problem then we'll fight them in court, attorneys fees are deductible and we can blame the steel company to make them liable for the recall costs".
Yes Sir, 3 - 4Runners and the only problem I have is a warm start issue with my 1st gen, mostly because I haven't put the time in to fix it. Heavily modded 5th gen 120k miles, no problems. Heavily modded 4th gen V8 160k miles, no problems.

 

[KP Texan]

I just ordered a 5th gen SR5......coming from a 2018 F150 Lariat. Too much tech in the truck although I do love it. Just don't need the size.

Love the same engine same trans for 10 years. Look forward to using a key again.

Same with me. Wife needed a new vehicle, so I took the opportunity to trade in my 2018 F150 and kept her 2012 4Runner limited. The 3.5 ecoboost and 10 speed was an awesome combo performance wise, but I was not confident in its longevity. Also a bunch of minor issues didn’t give me much confidence in the truck (frozen door locks, warped dash, transmission behavior/noises, etc). It also had a severe exhaust leak when I bought it new that the dealer had to repair.

The 4Runner seems so bulletproof and well put together in comparison.

 

[bsdoig]

I work for a Japanese supplier company that sells to mainly Toyota. We also have some business with the Big 3, and its a world of difference in the quality of the systems we produce for. Toyota also has a genuine motivation to improve their supply base instead of blame and punish for quality related issues.

There's only one brand sitting in my driveway, with mileages ranging from 22K~195K. I would not hesitate to drive anywhere. I genuinely feel bad for people who purchase outside of Japanese quality.