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Question for owners...Weighing a 4R vs others

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by rajjyp, Apr 15, 2017.

  1. Apr 15, 2017 at 10:38 AM
    #1
    rajjyp

    rajjyp [OP] New Member

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    So I'm at a weird point in my life where I currently drive a close to 400HP stick sedan but need something more practical since I have 2 little guys + wife unit to tote around. I'm one of two minds. I think an SUV makes sense but I'm torn between getting something that's off-road capable and dead as nuts reliable like a new 4R or getting something more fun and less off-roady like a Jeep SRT. Both would be new. Couldn't be more different. I used to drive a slow as molasses ford ranger and I liked that thing for the 3-4 years I had it but since then have had more entertaining cars. I don't off-road at all but I am drawn to vehicles that are capable. Be it on the roads (read: handle well, go fast) or off of them--even if I don't use the capabilities often.

    Care to weigh in 4R peeps?

    Also, for those of you with lifts etc, how much more annoying is it on a DD? Would it be a pain getting kids in and out with a 2.5" lift?
     
  2. Apr 15, 2017 at 1:40 PM
    #2
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    Personally I would never mess with another Chrysler Group vehicle. My wife's Grand Cherokee was problematic and loved to eat sensors (previous generation). The 4Runner will be problem free. Mine is lifted 2" and its my DD 25 miles to work everyday. I don't have any issues at all. My wife is 5'2" and doesn't have a problem getting in or out.
     
  3. Apr 15, 2017 at 2:28 PM
    #3
    earth_mother

    earth_mother New Member

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    My immediate family has no trouble with my lift...but we're a tall brood (I'm just shy of 6' and hubby's 6'8"...his issue is headroom, but the 4R is *mine* and that's what the sunroof is for, so whatever :devil:). My mom, however, is 4'10" and has trouble climbing in. I'm self-employed and rack up the miles...and look forward to every single one of them, as it's truly a pleasure to drive. But I've done trails for whitewater put-ins, back-country snowshoeing, and the like without hesitation.
     
  4. Apr 16, 2017 at 4:38 AM
    #4
    Turk

    Turk Arizona Exploring

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    Love the 4runner. I am short and my wife who is 5ft has no problem getting in. I plan on keeping this vehicle forever so when it does come time that we have issues getting in then I will put the stairs. The nice thing about the 4runner is its reliability and the fact that you can go just about anywhere.
     
  5. Apr 16, 2017 at 8:33 AM
    #5
    fajitas21

    fajitas21 New Member

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    Personally, sounds like you want a sporty - off road capable vehicle. Truthfully, as much as I love my 4Runner, it's probably not the best pick for you.

    4Runner is reliable, super capable, and looks very mean with just a 2" lift and Aggressive AT tires. My wife is 5'6" and it's hers, and she doesn't have much trouble getting in it.

    Highway ride lifted is personally better than stock due to stiffer springs causing less body roll, so more confident handling at speed.

    However, since you don't plan to take it off road, there's vehicles with more amenities, sportier rides, and more pep that you'd probably rather have.

    Personally, the Jeep will be MUCH faster and handle better, but you said you want reliable. I think you need to narrow your focus a bit. Sounds like you don't keep your vehicles too terribly long, so just get what you want and spring for the 5 year warranty and don't sweat it. (this isn't an insult, I'm trying to be objective and honest about expectations).

    Our 4Runner is a monster off road, rides well on the highway, but I'd hardly consider it fast or an "entertaining" drive, it's a bit muted.

    I suggest considering something like a Range Rover or Land Rover. Classy, completely off road capable, with lots of tech, and a bigger (or turboed) motor to move you along quickly.
     
  6. Apr 16, 2017 at 9:21 AM
    #6
    TedRCASC

    TedRCASC New Member

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    Our '16 4R Trail is the 10th 4x4 I've owned since I bought a new Int'l Scout back in 1964. The list includes 2 Land Rovers, a Chev Blazer, Isuzu Trooper, Mitsubishi Outlander and 3 Jeeps. The Jeeps were the worst of them all. A '96 Cherokee Sport was only fair, a '15 Cherokee had engine reliability problems and too little storage space inside for long trips, a '16 Wrangler JKU was good off-road but very noisy, not great handling at highway speeds on twisty roads, and was traded for the 4R after it let us down on an off-road trip. To me, our 4Runner Trail is the cream of the crop, the best by far, and we could not be happier. Good luck with whatever you decide. - Cheers, Ted
     
  7. Apr 16, 2017 at 9:24 AM
    #7
    earth_mother

    earth_mother New Member

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    Since Range Rover was mentioned, I had narrowed my vehicle choices down to a slightly used Range Rover Sport, a new Evoque, or the 4Runner. For me, the Evoque was a terribly compact interior that was NOT comfortable for my (as mentioned above) taller brood, so that was quickly eliminated. The Sport was loaded with options, but I was concerned about it's longevity, as I'd found lots of issues in my research with suspension as they age. But as Lee said above, if you don't tend to keep your vehicles for any length of time, that might not be an issue.
     
  8. Apr 16, 2017 at 9:46 AM
    #8
    TedRCASC

    TedRCASC New Member

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    Range Rover Sport: Reliability? Cost of repairs? Availability of service away from home base?
    Not for me! There are Toyota dealers everywhere! - Cheers, Ted
     
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  9. Apr 16, 2017 at 10:10 AM
    #9
    earth_mother

    earth_mother New Member

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    Ha! I'd almost forgotten this little gem... The final nail in the coffin on the Range Rover choice was when my 18-year old son said, "Mom, the Range Rover just looks like a regular ol' soccer mom car." Never gave it a second thought after that. Bought the 4Runner, lifted it, tinted it, wheels and tires...next is a Gobi rack. Haha!
     
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  10. Apr 16, 2017 at 10:22 AM
    #10
    earth_mother

    earth_mother New Member

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    Pretty sure I got a new tattoo and piercing after that, too. :devil:
     
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  11. Apr 16, 2017 at 3:37 PM
    #11
    rajjyp

    rajjyp [OP] New Member

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    Did you guys see that car scoops review? It was so negative about the TRD Pro. Saying it bounces over everything etc and was so uncomfortable. Do you all agree?
     
  12. Apr 16, 2017 at 4:57 PM
    #12
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    Got a link? This is pretty typical of most car reviews regarding the T4R. Think about it though, you're comparing a truck based SUV against a cross over. It's gonna ride well, like a truck. Most of those car reviewers anyway just want a vehicle with a super soft ride and a shit load of gizmos.
     
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  13. Apr 16, 2017 at 5:34 PM
    #13
    rajjyp

    rajjyp [OP] New Member

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  14. Apr 16, 2017 at 9:16 PM
    #14
    jester243

    jester243 rabble rabble rabble

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    I changed some lights, tires and tinted windows...mind blowing huh
  15. Apr 17, 2017 at 8:03 AM
    #15
    TedRCASC

    TedRCASC New Member

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    I don't know about the 4R that Estrada tested but I know ours has a good sized fuel tank, 87 litres, just a hair under 23 US gallons. As far as ride, comfort, and handling, our Trail beats the hell out of all of the 9 other 4x4s I've owned since my brand new 1964 Int'l Scout. As my dear old mum would have said, "The man has shite for brains." - Ted
     
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  16. Apr 17, 2017 at 3:51 PM
    #16
    offrd63fj40

    offrd63fj40 New Member

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    I think that the article is a pretty fair representation of my T4R TEP. It becomes a compromise with all SUV's. You just can't get the best of both worlds. The 4runner is old school. That's why I bought it. I'm an off roader. I think that fajitas21 was right in that this might not be the right choice for you because you don't go off road. Why would you want those little quirks we have to put up with when on road, if your never going to be off road?

    Just my 2 cents
     
  17. Apr 17, 2017 at 4:00 PM
    #17
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    While you have a complete and valid point, I present to you this. This is why I want the quirks. Because I don't want to look like I'm castrated driving my "SUV".

    2015_Nissan_Pathfinder_(R52_MY15)_Ti_wagon_(17406943283).jpg
     
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  18. Apr 17, 2017 at 4:02 PM
    #18
    jester243

    jester243 rabble rabble rabble

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    I changed some lights, tires and tinted windows...mind blowing huh
    :puke:
     
  19. Apr 17, 2017 at 4:10 PM
    #19
    offrd63fj40

    offrd63fj40 New Member

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    Hahaha. I love my T4r. Ya never know, you just might like 4 wheel'in. And you'll be blown away with what a mostly stock 4runner can do off road.
     
  20. Apr 18, 2017 at 6:02 AM
    #20
    JBTRD

    JBTRD As usual, saying something stupid

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    I have a 3in lift and use mine as a DD and have no issues, i am a short person at 5 foot 7.
     
  21. Apr 18, 2017 at 7:53 AM
    #21
    fajitas21

    fajitas21 New Member

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    That's a valid point. We bought it because we had never offroaded before and wanted to see if we liked it. I loved it, and was even more surprised (and so was she) to find out she loved it just as much.

    Went out with a bone stock 4Runner and it did incredible. Eventually we did the lift and tires, but honestly, we went to many places with a stock Trail Edition and it never let us down.
     
  22. Apr 18, 2017 at 12:09 PM
    #22
    rajjyp

    rajjyp [OP] New Member

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    Yeah, my wife and I have never done it really, but we are moving from the city to Asheville NC and I think the opportunity to try it out might exist in the area. Our two little guys might enjoy it as well once they're a little older so that's the reason I'm considering it. That and the fact that this car should be reliable enough to be like an appliance.
     
  23. Apr 18, 2017 at 2:22 PM
    #23
    fajitas21

    fajitas21 New Member

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    Don't let me talk you out of getting a 4Runner, I just wanted to make sure you know what you are getting, and what you are giving up. My wife's truck looks good, but it's not fast. It handles good, but not like a sports car.

    But that ditch over there? That ditch is nothing to her 4Runner. It's a big deal to a sports car :) Same goes for mountains.
     
  24. Apr 18, 2017 at 2:40 PM
    #24
    OvrlandNoob

    OvrlandNoob New Member

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    Bilstein 6112 and 5160 with Bilstein rear coils. SPC UCA s, TRD Pro wheels, Shrockworks sliders, Nitto Ridge Grapplers 265/70/17
    I agree with everything that is mentioned above. A 4runner doesn't have a 400hp v8 so you may be disappointed in the power output. It does have plenty of power for size and weight it is just different than a car with a huge engine. If you are looking for a more refined look and luxurious vehicle I would suggest the Limited or a Lexus GX 470. The Lexus is basically the same as the 4runner and has more creature comforts and probably a little less capable off road because of the running boards smaller tires etc. I hate Dodge products and I think you would regret that decision. Go drive each model of 4runner and the Lexus.
     
  25. Apr 18, 2017 at 7:13 PM
    #25
    rajjyp

    rajjyp [OP] New Member

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    Lex not an option as there isn't a dealership around unfortunately.
     
  26. Apr 19, 2017 at 8:15 PM
    #26
    rajjyp

    rajjyp [OP] New Member

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    Would you guys be able to weigh in on running costs? For someone who does no mechanical work themselves what am I looking at per 10K 20K or 30K miles?
     
  27. Apr 20, 2017 at 3:53 AM
    #27
    JBTRD

    JBTRD As usual, saying something stupid

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    If you lift and put on some agreesive tires, you will be spending a lot more in fuel, with my 3in lift and tires i am getting 14-16mpg, and i usually fill up once a week. However it depends how, where, and how much you drive. Oil changes are every 10k and cost about $80. Tire rotations every 5k all depends where you have it done. If you get it done at costco it is free, if you purchase tires there.
     
  28. Apr 20, 2017 at 4:59 AM
    #28
    Turk

    Turk Arizona Exploring

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    I would think that Toyota has a free 2 year oil change program and your warranty should cover most all your repairs. Look into an extended warranty because you mentioned you don't do any work on your vehicles. I also don't. I have an extended platinum warranty I believe to 125k miles.
     
  29. Apr 20, 2017 at 9:22 AM
    #29
    TedRCASC

    TedRCASC New Member

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    We just took our '16 4R Trail in for its first service; check out everything, rotate tires, wash and clean it inside and out better than new. Cost $0.00! They even lifted the Weathertec mats to check that the carpet was dry after the winter;s snows. It was, so they washed the Weathertecs and put them back in place. Apparently we get that for 2 years or more with our contract. Such a deal! - Ted
     
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  30. Apr 20, 2017 at 9:38 AM
    #30
    WHITE16SR5

    WHITE16SR5 New Member

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