New competition? At least it’s not a 4 banger

X2. Almost like saying it’s unreliable because it needs gas. Also why you never get the pro bro.

My driver side lower bolster is worn but I’m a fat ass and it’s a 19 I bought new. Sure wish I bought seat covers though.

 

I realize that whenever "reliable" enters discussion about a car we gotta pin down if a person means it's cheap to own and won't leave you stranded, completely problem-free, won't have any unexpected service (as long as you change the water pump regularly), etc.

Despite probably the combination of the worst engine in recent history and theft/vandalism risk, the '12 Sonata, '13 Elantra and '16 Sorento in the family have technically been dependable (but not unplanned repair-free). Doesn't invalidate the nightmares others have dealt with though.

 

Front struts. I won’t deny I include nuisances with my personal opinions and ratings for overall quality. If it rattles it pisses me off. The bottom of one of the rear seats had a weird deformity and the seat covering was peeling off. Just bad QC.

I won’t deny the engine and tranny would have gone 300k. But I’m looking at the total package. Am I happy for what I spent or not?

Some folks here are taking my opinion way too personally and getting irrationally defensive.

Like I said. It is what it is. I still recommend the 5th gen to friends even though mine didn’t meet my expectations based on my 3rd gen experience. These defensive reactions are no different than the posts for the 6th gen where old school gate keepers just can’t help them selves from crapping on it incessantly about their perceived reliability of the turbo 4.

Do I want a turbo 4 in a 4Runner or Land Cruiser? No. Never. But that doesn’t mean the engine won’t be a reliable evolution.

I don’t know why some people can’t come to grips with the fact a QX70 is near bulletproof.

 

Yeah. It was low on gas. You nailed it.

 

Also- what makes that list seem unusual? I’m guessing most folks here have limited experience with some or most on that list, and wouldn’t know their reliability and quality well enough to present a qualified opinion in order to formulate a rebuttal?

Im just listing vehicles that have served me well and exceeded expectations.

 

No. Just pointing out that a lot of things you listed have nothing to do with reliability. Poor quality, fine. But, it also sounds like some of your issues have been uncommon.

It seems unusual because the 4Runner is usually regarded as one of the most reliable vehicles. So, for one person to have owned numerous other vehicles that have been more reliable seems highly unlikely. Especially when they list things that don't affect actual reliability as reasons for considering a vehicle unreliable.

 

Yeah, but when push comes to shove, totality trumps all. There are a lot of reliable vehicles out there. Too many people here put the 4Runner on a golden pedestal. It’s a great vehicle. But not every one is a gem. A $50k vehicle that creaks and pops and rattles doesn’t exude confidence.

And $2+k in repairs before 50k just soured my opinion even further.

 

I wish mine was as nice as yours. I would not have dumped it a year ago.

 

That’s why I said n = 1.

 

This would have pissed me off as well.

I'll agree that there are always going to be some who have bad experiences, even with good products.

I guess I really can't argue against your personal experience.

Maybe yours was built on a Monday.

 

Nah. Friday afternoon. lol. Cheers.

 

New competition is the 2026 subaru outback
Under 45k for a turbo friendly 8+ inches of lift standard with leather seats let's go