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Should I purchase a 4Runner?

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by Yellowstone, Nov 1, 2020.

  1. Nov 14, 2020 at 10:49 AM
    #31
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    OP's 2016 Tacoma is not an anomaly. While Toyota vehicles are, for the most part, the best built, best backed, most reliable vehicles made, there are pages and pages of posts by 3rd gen Tacoma owners with the same dissatisfaction as the OP over the 3rd gen Tacoma issues. We probably wouldn't even be hearing from the OP if he had a 2015 Tacoma.

    I only sold my 2013 Tacoma because I wanted a 4R. I never had one issue with it in 6 years of ownership. If I could have afforded it, I'd still have it today. The fact that it brought 80% of my purchase price after 6 years of ownership is why I sold it to get the 4R.
     
  2. Nov 14, 2020 at 4:20 PM
    #32
    importman

    importman The mountains are calling and I must go...

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    I stand corrected. However, if there's a widespread problem I expect Toyota will step up and do a campaign or a warranty extension to help correct it. In addition to the paint job I mentioned on my wife's Rav4, I know of a few engine recalls they did which were also above and beyond what any other company would do. In fact, if my 09 Camry was using a quart of oil per 1000 miles it would have been covered under one. Yeah, I'm a big fan.
     
  3. Nov 14, 2020 at 4:40 PM
    #33
    mac1usa

    mac1usa New Member

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    I have no idea where your Tacoma was made but I looked at those and know some are or were made in Mexico and some in Texas. Sadly, I think there is a lot of truth to the discussion that vehicles made in Japan have a better quality control. I am not bashing any nameplate. I grew up in Detroit and will be the first to admit the Big 3 had and still have issues every manufacturer does. It how they stand behind it as well. I do not own a 4Runner yet and have researched the daylights out of them and other vehicles.

    Without owning one personally from my research I think the 4Runner scores better than most because primarily it has not been changed much in many years. The engine technology and 5 Speed transmission are old technology. Some people critique that; myself I look it at as well they refined it over the years, it works so why screw with a good thing. Sure the gas mileage is not as good, but I would much rather spend more on fuel than taking it in for something to be fixed.

    Many people talk about all these turbo engines and new trannys in other vehicles and new technology. Personally, I don't want to fund research for any manufacturer or be test dummy with my pocket book. I would rather go with something that has been around for a while.

    Plus I do think that being made in Japan has something to do with it. For the US market to my knowledge only the 4Runner and Corolla hatchback are made in Japan and sold here (not sure about the Lexus line up)

    These are just my thoughts and opinions based upon hours of reading (more so during our Covid times). I do not currently own one but plan to purchase in the near future. Best wishes with your decision.
     
    Taco Supremo and 4Runner fun like this.
  4. Nov 14, 2020 at 6:03 PM
    #34
    Redned

    Redned New Member

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    Hate to say it, but 4Runner is built in Japan which makes it better.
     
  5. Nov 18, 2020 at 4:09 PM
    #35
    jacksondmj

    jacksondmj New Member

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    DO NOT BUY A 4RUNNER OR ANYYHING FROM TOYOTA. Today, Wed Nov 28th 2020, was install two additional roof bars and Rola roof rack. I just learned why Toyota sucks. I had a 2016 Nissan Xterra buy they stopped making them in 2015 so I went stupid and bought a 4Runner. I am so pissed off from the rack job that I will do Toyota bashing for many months. Goal is to persuade 1,000 people to buy anything other than a 4Runner or any Toyota.

    The roof crossbars install was a nightmare. I wanted to add 2 more crossbars for better hold on extended 64" roof rack. The materials, design, and trouble of installation made me realize that Toyota does not produce viable vehicles. Toyota produces cheap crappy Toys, like matchbox cars or a Yugo. I will never buy anything from Toyota ever again.

    I had to shave plastic off of the new "factory OEM" crossbars and beat the sheet out of them with a rubber hammer to get them to install. The 4 plastic covers for the roof bars are garbage and get marred as you have to pry them off with a screw driver. You'll also knick the paint while trying to get them off. They should be machined aluminum with screws and bolts holding them down but Toyota probably hires monkeys as engineers so they aren't capable of advanced thought.

    The roof crossbars are two ply molded plastic garbage with excessive seepage along joints that require a knife and file to whittle down so they will fit in the cheap plastic grooves on the roof mounts. I just happen to own a rubber mallet so I made the MFs fit even though they weren't designed to and didn't want to. I had to remove the rear crossbar that came with the vehicle in order to install the 2nd forward crossbar. It didn't want to go back on without the hammer treatment either.

    Other crappy BS you get with a 4Runner:

    The factory/OEM 2 inch hitch won't accept a 3" (I forget exact size) locking pin but other vehicles I have owned accept it (Ford 150, Durango, Xterra, Astro). It's like 2mm too short to connect so you can't lock it. I had to buy longer locks (3.5 or 4 inch online because you can't find them in stores, don't remember which exact size). The point is that if you go to any autosupply, Walmart, tractor supply, home depot, Lowes and buy a hitch lock, the most abundant, "regular" size it will fit any hitch setup except for the crap Toyota puts on 4Runners.

    The other issues are the power/acceleration/torque/engine and Beast Factor. I had a 2013 Nissan Xterra and can feel the difference in power/acceleration/torque/engine performance. The Xterra was much better. No comparison. Undersized engine in the 4Runner.

    The Beast Factor. Compared to the Xterra the 4Runner feals less stout, secure, heavy, and beastial. The 4Runner feels like a light APC when you drive it whereas the Xterra felt like a medium tank. I didn't look it up but I bet the 4Runner weighs much less than an Xterra.

    The Xterra came with an awesome cargo cover that had nice connection points/grooves and worked well. The only cargo covers for a 4Runner are designed to loop around the head rests on the rear seats. Luckily, Toyota didn't include one with my vehicle. It would have given me one more reason to hate the 4Runner. I did research while thinking about buying one, OEM or aftermarket, and ALL of them use the headrest design which won't work well so you are stuck with no cargo cover plan. Godzilla needs to bypass Tokyo and head straight to Toyota HQ next time he comes.

    I live in Texas and am hoping that the narco gangs from Mexico steal my 4Runner and take it to Mexico so I can get full insurance refund. Mexico's corrupt government will issue a legal Title to stolen vehicles from the USA and don't report anything to U.S. law enforcement (most people are unaware of this).
     
  6. Nov 18, 2020 at 4:47 PM
    #36
    mynameistory

    mynameistory New Member

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    The same 4Runner everyone has
    Ok, back to the bunker for you cowboy.
     
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  7. Nov 18, 2020 at 5:00 PM
    #37
    RusPro17

    RusPro17 Back home again!!

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    If your not happy with it. Easy. Just sell it. That’s what I do if I’m not happy with a vehicle.
     
  8. Nov 18, 2020 at 5:53 PM
    #38
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun Just the beginning...

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    That is the one & only thread from them. Obviously a bad site to talk suck blasphemy.
    I have a very long experience with Nissan and let's just say that "most" of the things they build now are junk!
    If you want to debate me; start a thread.
    There is a reason 4runners hold their values for so long.
    Do you now sell Nissan/ Nissan (Infinitis)?
    That rant is bizarre,
    Ryan!
     
  9. Nov 18, 2020 at 6:06 PM
    #39
    dcaplan

    dcaplan New Member

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    Wait, I didn't even do research on the Beast Factor when I purchased my 4Runner, crap. Do all mid-sized SUV's from Nissan with a full frame have more Beast Factor? Wait a minute...
     
  10. Nov 18, 2020 at 6:09 PM
    #40
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    Lol.

    :angrygirl:
     
  11. Nov 30, 2020 at 3:46 PM
    #41
    olecoot

    olecoot New Member

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    Don't feel bad. I got rid of my old 4runner gave it to son, traded my 2009 Tacoma in and bought a new 2021 Tacoma, its not the truck I am use to. So here I am considering getting me a second vehicle, (4runner)
     
  12. Nov 30, 2020 at 4:07 PM
    #42
    olecoot

    olecoot New Member

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    Well said my friend.
     
  13. Nov 30, 2020 at 6:24 PM
    #43
    Taco Supremo

    Taco Supremo New Member

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    I just sold my 19 Tacoma OR to buy a 21 T4R ORP due to the poor driving experience in my 19 Tacoma. The Tacoma transmission needs some programming. The T4R is a much better driving experience, IMO. I don't regret it one bit. I enjoyed my 2014 Tacoma but the 3rd gen just has no on-road driveability. The only advantage to the Tacoma is ability to haul dirty stuff. I just bought a utility trailer for that. :)
     
    Huzer21 likes this.
  14. Nov 30, 2020 at 7:36 PM
    #44
    Singleminded

    Singleminded New Member

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    Tory has a million awesome posts on this site but I gotta disagree with him on this one. There's not a single other vehicle on the market that combines the utility, reliability and durability of the 4Runner at anywhere remotely close to its price range. And the utility part of that equation holds even if you never go off road.

    There are only a handful of vehicles that have as much interior volume, and none that do so without also being really big on the outside. For example the Tahoe and the Sequoia. Even fewer vehicles combine that amount of interior space, the bad-weather ability you get from 9+ inches of ground clearance and real 4WD, plus body-on-frame toughness and the capacity to tow 5000 pounds. And even fewer still that do all that while also consistently being near the top of the list of vehicles likely to last more than 200,000 miles.

    All of those things are valuable if you never once do serious off roading. The fact that the Runner also has the ability to do real off roading in a pinch is icing on the cake.

    Now, having said all that, sure, there are better choices if one of the things above isn't that important to you.

    A Highlander is a good example. It will give you about 90% of the interior volume and, maybe, about the same level of reliability (though unlike the 4Runner the Highlander has changed so much over the years that it's hard to be confident that current ones will be as solid as the older ones have proven to be). It will also have much better road manners and MPG. But it's not a real truck. You're not going to be able to beat on it the way you can beat on a 4Runner.
     
    Last edited: Nov 30, 2020
  15. Nov 30, 2020 at 8:43 PM
    #45
    olecoot

    olecoot New Member

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    Lets just be honest here, and I own the 2021 Tacoma, it just doesn't have the balls the 2nd gen has. I paid $42k, it now has 3000 miles, wonder what I would lose selling it? Plus I put a fricken $1600 topper on it, did 3 + 1 leveling kit, put 285 Faulkens on it. Its the OR TRD 4x4 Dblc. Needless to say not real happy with it.
     
  16. Nov 30, 2020 at 9:01 PM
    #46
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

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    Maybe throw the stock size tires on it? Falkens are super heavy, especially if you went with the E load. That's why I'm hesitant to go to bigger tires on my 4R, the thing is gutless enough as it is.
     
  17. Nov 30, 2020 at 10:05 PM
    #47
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    upload_2020-11-30_23-4-29.jpg
     
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  18. Dec 1, 2020 at 3:53 AM
    #48
    olecoot

    olecoot New Member

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    It was already downshifting 1-2 times just to cross an overpass, I would not venture to say what it would do in the mountains. Probably pukes its guts out, but then again it has the life time warranty. Maybe just run the guts out of it, but it kills me to hear it straining for just so little. Thought this would be my last at my age, now searching other avenues, hence 4Runner
     
    Trail Runnah[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Dec 1, 2020 at 4:26 AM
    #49
    olecoot

    olecoot New Member

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    Does the new 4Runners feel like the 2nd Gen Tacomas as far as power train? My last (2009) Tacoma never downshifted for just over passes, and I never heard ticking like valves thru the firewall. I feel like I went thru a divorce leaving my 09 for this .
     
  20. Dec 1, 2020 at 4:50 AM
    #50
    EffinNewGuy

    EffinNewGuy Completely clueless

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    The 4.0 has a known "ticking". It's not an issue, it's just there. If you had an 09 Tacoma, you will be used to the powertrain in the 4Runner. From my personal experience and from what I've read elsewhere, 5th gear in the 4Runner can be weak at times. Mine will downshift to 4th on the highway sometimes. When I drive up steep grades, I put in in sequential mode, and leave it in 4th gear.

    These are all things I knew going into my 4Runner purchase. I researched the piss out of them before buying and knew what to expect. I also knew what the shortcomings of the new Tacoma were, and the only way I would have bought one, was with a manual transmission, but I wanted the 4Runner anyway.
     
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  21. Dec 1, 2020 at 5:00 AM
    #51
    olecoot

    olecoot New Member

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    Yea I am about $45K in this, not sure how much loss I am willing to take. Might call a dealer and see . I might have been happier had it been a manual tranny.
     
  22. Dec 1, 2020 at 6:05 AM
    #52
    Taco Supremo

    Taco Supremo New Member

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    Trade-in prices are great right now, man. And Taco is a very sought after vehicle. I sold mine for $2200 under purchase after 1 year and 6000 miles. Don't let that deter you. Sell private. The taco fan base are as crazy for their rides as the t4r folks...lol
     
    olecoot[QUOTED] likes this.
  23. Dec 1, 2020 at 7:15 AM
    #53
    alittleoff

    alittleoff New Member

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    Overall, Tacoma’s are still a good truck. I think one of the biggest downfalls in resent years have been
    the federal mandates for fuel economy. I bought a new ‘14 TRD OR DC, w/ the 6-sp manual. But, I believe that because of the bean counters and nanny button engineers, the drive ability has been lost.
    I my case, my last new Tacoma was a ’93, w/ the 5 sp manual. Back then you could get a gear ratio choice of 4.56:1. But with ‘14, it was 3.73 only. To me, first through third gear was too high and fourth through sixth were basically over drive. Not a good combo in the mountains. So I traded up to my ‘16 T4R. Sad about the automatic only choice though.
    Fucking bean counters and nanny button geeks. Don’t they know that a manual trans is lighter and more dependable than a E controlled auto stick. Arrggg!!
    Still a Toyota fan though, ever since my first one, a ‘73 FJ-40, bought in ‘78 with only 28,000 miles on it. I’ve owned Toyota’s ever since.
     
  24. Dec 1, 2020 at 9:04 AM
    #54
    762Nato

    762Nato New Member

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    I have had my 04 Limited V8 for over 15 yrs, pushing 246K. The only time we took it in for repairs was to have the dashboard replaced under recall.
    A few weeks ago was the first time I have had to do anything substantial to her and it was only intake gaskets. Upper & Lower OEM gaskets delivered in 2 days only cost me $73.70.
    Follow the maintenance schedule and your good to go. I'd buy another without hesitation!
     
  25. Dec 1, 2020 at 9:32 AM
    #55
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

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    I've never driven a 2nd gen Taco, but one test drive of a 3rd gen cured me of any desire to own one.

    Honestly though, the 4R is only slightly better. It still needs to downshift at least 1 or 2 gears depending on the grade, and it sounds like a blender full of ball bearings at higher rpm. Lots of engine noise and clattering make their way into the cabin. At idle it sounds like it's about to shoot a rocker through the hood. I'm definitely in the minority here, but I think the 4.0 is garbage. It makes no low end and sounds like it's self destructing. It's the worst thing about this vehicle BY FAR. But yes, it's reliable.

    I'm no expert, but I think the 2nd gen Taco has a different version 4.0, one without the VVTI nonsense that's tuned to make tq lower in the rpms. I looked it up once, IIRC it made its tq peak close to 1k rpm lower than in the 4Runner, which puts the power much closer to where you want it.

    I'd drive a 4R, take a long test drive and try to hit the areas where your Taco bugs you, and see how it does. You may still be dissatisfied.
     
  26. Dec 1, 2020 at 9:36 AM
    #56
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

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    It's not the regulations, it's how Toyota goes about meeting them.

    Toyota sticks a small high strung V6 in a small pickup, and it can't get any better highway mpg than a 4x4 Silverado with a 5.3V8?
     
  27. Dec 1, 2020 at 10:16 AM
    #57
    Boonedoggle

    Boonedoggle New Member

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    After owning my 2012 Tacoma in after a year of ownership for a 2014 T4R, I couldn't be happier. I slightly agree with the gripes the OP had, but ultimately traded it in to better fit the growing family without sacrificing much in terms of capability. I'm so happy with the T4R that I'm giving all of my extra money away to fabricators and Amazon for every accessory.
     
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  28. Dec 1, 2020 at 11:12 AM
    #58
    alittleoff

    alittleoff New Member

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    A large part of it is Federal Regulation.
    And comparing a V6 to a V8 is, not.
     
  29. Dec 1, 2020 at 11:14 AM
    #59
    ShayBrah89

    ShayBrah89 New Member

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    I owned a new Taco for a few months and hated it. Horrible automatic transmission, uncomfortable seats, anemic engine. That being said, I absolutely LOVE my 4Runner. Night and day difference. Better transmission, more comfortable, etc. I’d say test drive one and see how it feels. There are few higher quality vehicles than the 4Runner tbh
     
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  30. Dec 1, 2020 at 5:04 PM
    #60
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    I figured we would hear of issues in the early model 3rd gen Tacomas, being first/second year models...from your post, the 2021 models are still the same. What's pathetic is it seems Toyota is not listening to those pointing out the 3rd gen Tacoma drivetrain issues with the automatics, if they're still showing up 6 years in.
     

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