Wind noise at driver's window and other issues

[MarkEdm]

Has anyone else noticed a bit too much wind noise at the driver's window? It sounds like the seal isn't as tight as it should be. I have a 2010 SR5 - bought new last June.

Overall I'm a bit disappointed with my 4Runner. I have the headlight hazing, the drivetrain "thumping", the squishy-sounding brakes (like everyone), the nose dive (like everyone) and the soft handling (like everyone). I find the paint scratches easily as does the plastic inside.

As well, the dealer did not prepare it properly. There were some popcorn kernels in the cupholder, some dirt next to the shifter (food?) and neither rear window worked.

To make things worse, someone hit the back end when I had it parked at work last November. Fortunately she left a note and paid for the damage (about $1,500). Two weeks ago I was driving in a parking lot and someone backed out and hit my rear quarter panel - another $6,000 in damage. Fortunately I have a witness.

So much for the joys of having a brand new car the first time in my life. Having said all this, I spend about 8 hours in my 4Runner to/from the mountains for a quick fishing trip today. I do enjoy driving it, despite all the problems.

 

[DigableKid]

Judging from the tone of the post, you seem to be having buyer's remorse. Dude, did her test it out before you bought her? If so, you should've had the opportunity to feel how she drove. Also, your last quote contradicts your complaints on how you feel about the driving experience.

I hear you on getting a chance to enjoy being a new car. I would be heartbroken if I were to see a dent in my Runner.

Lastly, could it be that the multiple hits have jogged something loose? It's a long shot but $6,000 and another $1,500 is a lot of damage.

Hope your luck turns around and you're feelings for your Runner change.

 

[Qjake]

Has anyone else noticed a bit too much wind noise at the driver's window? It sounds like the seal isn't as tight as it should be. I have a 2010 SR5 - bought new last June.

Overall I'm a bit disappointed with my 4Runner. I have the headlight hazing, the drivetrain "thumping", the squishy-sounding brakes (like everyone), the nose dive (like everyone) and the soft handling (like everyone). I find the paint scratches easily as does the plastic inside.

As well, the dealer did not prepare it properly. There were some popcorn kernels in the cupholder, some dirt next to the shifter (food?) and neither rear window worked.

To make things worse, someone hit the back end when I had it parked at work last November. Fortunately she left a note and paid for the damage (about $1,500). Two weeks ago I was driving in a parking lot and someone backed out and hit my rear quarter panel - another $6,000 in damage. Fortunately I have a witness.

So much for the joys of having a brand new car the first time in my life. Having said all this, I spend about 8 hours in my 4Runner to/from the mountains for a quick fishing trip today. I do enjoy driving it, despite all the problems.

I don't have any wind noise with the windows up nor do I have any of those "like everyone" issues you mentioned :shrug: but yes I've heard of some that do and I guess it's pretty common and a little research before buying would have revealed them. It also would have showed that the paint is soft and scratches easily and that this is true with all Toyota trucks.
As for it not being prepped properly by the dealer, personally I wouldn't have accepted it that way. And two minor accidents are a nuisance, but clearly not the trucks fault (6k for a rear quarter?). Overall yeah it sounds like buyers remorse. I'd suggest doing alot of research before buying your second brand new car so that you will truly enjoy it.

 

[Ukie]

Has anyone else noticed a bit too much wind noise at the driver's window? It sounds like the seal isn't as tight as it should be. I have a 2010 SR5 - bought new last June.
As well, the dealer did not prepare it properly. There were some popcorn kernels in the cupholder, some dirt next to the shifter (food?) and neither rear window worked.

Something smells fishy/popcorny here... You've got a 2010 model in June 2011. What was an odometer reading when you've got it?

 

[MarkEdm]

I'm just venting more than anything. I did test drive it of course but the nose dive wasn't apparent since I didn't do any fast stops. I've read lots on this forum for helpful suggestions as to how to improve the handling.

The accidents aren't Toyota's fault of course but the headlights, drivetrain thump and wind noise are. Those are more problems that I expect when I buy any new vehicle, particularly one with a reputation of good quality. When I first asked the dealer about the first two issues the people I talked to were totally unhelpful. However, I finally escalated it to the service manager and she has been great and has agreed fix both issues.

It had 300 km on it when I bought it and I got a good trade-in on my Pathfinder. That's why I bought a new 2010 in 2011. They only had the one.

Sorry, didn't mean to sound too negative and overall I do like the vehicle. I just wish people would stop hitting my formerly new car and that this is the end of any Toyota-related problems.

I hadn't known that Toyota trucks have a reputation for paint that scratches easily. This wouldn't have changed my decision to buy the 4Runner. Nor would the headlight fogging issue. I had read many reviews and most said that it drove more like a truck than a car (wow, what a surprise) but otherwise consider the 4Runner to be excellent. I needed a "real" 4x4 for some of the areas I go to. I didn't check out forums like this one before buying but didn't see any compelling need to considering the 4Runner's reputation.

Anyways, I'm sure once my vehicle has been fully restored I will feel better about things.

As a final comment, don't all of the 5th Gen 4Runners have that squishy sound when you press on the brakes?

 

[Bourbonator]

trollolololol.

 

[tacobill]

Don't feel bad Mark. The "squishy" sound will hardly be noticed after a while. All of the T4R's do that. The "squishy" body has been fixed I presume.

The dive has been written about here tons. Buy some good shocks, like Bilstein 5100's or HD shocks. You'll love the difference.

Paint as of late has always chipped easily........thank the EPA. My 06 Tacoma did that and Hondas are worse. Only durable paint I've encountered lately was on my 2010 Ford F150.

 

[Barry694]

Paint

My 4Runner has metallic paint and not one scratch or chip yet(one year old). My previous one had he same type of paint and was 5 years old and the same story. I think the metallic paint is more scratch/chip resistant. I had a toyota in the mid 90's and it was dark Jade and not metallic and the paint would scratch and chip very easily. Just my opinion.

 

[desertred]

Parking lot bandits seem to abound in today's society. Thank goodness that you have experienced honest enough people to either admit to their mistakes or hang around to tell you of those that don't. The best way to prevent these nasty types of occurrences is to practice your defensive parking techniques.

Regarding the paint, I do not believe that this is a Toyota issue. I have other makes that have paint that equally chip and or scratch easily. If I had to guess (and it is only a guess), advances in rust prevention combined with a need for cost savings provide for the application of much thinner paint on today's cars for many manufacturers.

The other issues as you noted are easily addressed through warranty, TSBs, and or aftermarket improvements (shocks, tires, alignment, etc) as necessary. As for the improper preparation, find another dealer with a strong service department. In the current economy, dealers are fighting as much as anyone for your dollar. My local dealer offered a free oil change just to have my 5th gen appraised after confirming that I still had it and it was in good shape! Take your dollar to a dealer you feel comfortable with their service.