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Wintery weather and 4wd

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by Tlsings2, Aug 16, 2021.

  1. Aug 16, 2021 at 8:28 AM
    #1
    Tlsings2

    Tlsings2 [OP] New Member

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    TL
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    Hello 4Runner peeps.
    I have wanted to own a 4Runner since the mid 90’s & thinking seriously about taking the plunge & buying a used one. Looking at the 4th generation-possibly a 2008 or 2009. Have located one in Austin, TX, but finding that most of the ones in the southern states are 2wd. I live in wintry Michigan & am on the road a lot, so not sure I should sacrifice awd?
    Any input about that & any other words of wisdom, pros & cons about the 4Runner are welcome! Thanks!
     
  2. Aug 16, 2021 at 8:51 AM
    #2
    iamincrediboy

    iamincrediboy New Member

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    Welcome!
    Reading through this site and you'll find the 4th gens are far less desired than the 5th. Few of us still love 'em tho!

    If you're looking for one for Michigan I agree with your sentiment that having 4wd is highly desired compared to being without it. Plus the 4th gen was the only 4runner model offered with the V8 if you can find it. Woooo!

    As for general info:
    -hit or miss depending on location, but pay big attention to rust on the frame. 4th gens are (so far as I know) not part of the Toyota frame recall due to excessive rust, so if you happen upon one be mindful
    -4runner stock exhaust manifolds will fail. Not if, but when. Could be 80k miles could be 180k. Best bet is to replace them with aftermarket, otherwise a new OEM one is just the same waiting game. Doug Thorley, JBA, maybe one more are the only ones who make headers for us. DT averages about 10-13hrs of shop work to price out if you're curious
    -the interiors are (in my opinion) a more happy medium between having the good ole tactile button feeling and functionality vs. the space ship interiors driving down the road today
    -4th gen headlight lenses are pretty bad at maintaining the clarity through the years, probably need to look at replacing depending on the year
    -pay attention to whether the water pump/thermostat has been replaced ever, and if so when. when it works you don't even think about it, when it doesn't it can grenade your engine. most people adhere to the idea of replacing at maybe 100-150k miles as a preventative measure and not wait till it has already failed

    there's probably way more but here's a decent little start.
    :cheers:
     
    Tlsings2[OP] and Bob like this.
  3. Aug 16, 2021 at 9:49 AM
    #3
    Tlsings2

    Tlsings2 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the input @iamincrediboy! I have a feeling I’m going to get a thorough education on 4runners on this forum!
     
    Bob and iamincrediboy like this.
  4. Aug 16, 2021 at 2:12 PM
    #4
    Spare Parts

    Spare Parts New Member

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    I believe the 4th gens are now part of the rust settlement, I think there is a thread on here about it.
     
    Tlsings2[OP] likes this.
  5. Aug 16, 2021 at 2:16 PM
    #5
    Tlsings2

    Tlsings2 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks @Spare Parts! I will try to find out. May even give Toyota a jingle.
     
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  6. Aug 16, 2021 at 3:48 PM
    #6
    Tlsings2

    Tlsings2 [OP] New Member

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    @Spare Parts & @iamincrediboy-Appears there was a class action lawsuit settlement that only included certain years of the Tundras, Tacoma’s & Sequoias.

    A new rust lawsuit was filed 12/6/18, pointing out issues with the 2005-2011 4Runners. Case# 2:18-cv-03294-RMG. See attached pic for where the NHTSA stands with that petition.
    Thanks for the heads up about paying attention to that as I am looking at 4th gen used!

    54BD3BF5-7913-448E-BC62-2EF1A037AFCD.jpg
     
    Spare Parts likes this.
  7. Aug 16, 2021 at 4:33 PM
    #7
    Ironguy

    Ironguy New Member

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    New pine scent hanger, new sun shade
    Welcome from Arizona!
     
    Tlsings2[OP] likes this.
  8. Aug 16, 2021 at 8:13 PM
    #8
    Tlsings2

    Tlsings2 [OP] New Member

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    @iamincrediboy-I am actually considering a V8, although I know more difficult to find. I just wonder how wise that is with current gas prices (only rising) & the state of the nation!?
    Do you know what kind of gas mileage the 4th gens v8 & V6 get on average for city/highway? Thank you kindly!
     
  9. Aug 17, 2021 at 6:41 AM
    #9
    DRobs

    DRobs New Member

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    Pinstripes, lots of em. Plus a couple dents.
    Yeah you want 4wd in Michigan! Lots of fun off road areas to explore around Traverse City. I have family in Kingsley and Grand Haven.

    Check out used Lexus GX 460 470 and LX 470's. These are based Land Cruiser and Prado body styles. Most have V8's and AWD or 4wd.
     
  10. Aug 17, 2021 at 10:28 AM
    #10
    iamincrediboy

    iamincrediboy New Member

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    They are indeed more difficult to find, and be mindful the 4runner V8 commands a bit of a premium compared to the V6. However @DRobs is right, the GX460 or 470, or LX470 are also very similar to consider for good Toyota V8s. Only thing is, the LX weighs a good 1000lb more stock. My buddy has one and its a whale compared to my runner.

    As for gas mileage, outside of certain feather-footed 5th gen owners, Toyota is not known for their incredible SUV mileage numbers lol. Stock V8 4runner are going to be in the range of 16-19mpg on a GREAT day. For reference though, I have a V8, 2.5inch-ish lift, full steel skids, bigger tires, and usually keep about 200lb of parts/tools/full size spare tire in the vehicle at all times. My daily average mpg going to work is about 15.5mpg. Not stellar, not ungodly awful. But I bought this thing for every reason except great gas mileage. I own motorcycles for that :cheers:
     
    DRobs likes this.

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