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New buyer question

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Mean Gene, Nov 3, 2017.

  1. Nov 3, 2017 at 12:59 PM
    #1
    Mean Gene

    Mean Gene [OP] New Member

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    I’m coming from a sedan with a really comfortable ride. My needs have changed and the 4Runner is a fit on paper. I test drive a nice limited today and I just couldn’t figure out why all the online reviews trash its’ interior and ride quality.

    While you can tell where plastics are, the layout is simple and I didn’t feel like I was riding an X terra or a wrangler.
    The ride was decent and even comfortable at times on long stretches of the highway. You can feel big bumps and highway expansion joints but it’s not like riding a wooden rollercoaster. My wife felt like it was too floaty, and it might have been but it’s fine for me. Can a simple shock swap (Fox) solve the float?
    I like the commanding view and the vertical windshield. The leather seats were quiet comfortable, much more than on the stiff leathered Grand Cherokee.

    I like the off-road pedigree and it’s utilitarianism. But how is it driving one long term around town and on the interstate?
     
  2. Nov 3, 2017 at 1:07 PM
    #2
    TedRCASC

    TedRCASC New Member

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    :canada:I've never driven a Limited, but I can tell you that our '16 4R Trail suits two old timers. I'm 84, the wife is 70, and the 4R is our only ride. But it is, far and away, the most comfortable, best riding, and best equipped 4x4 out of the many we have had. - Cheers, Ted,
     
    99inBC, 114616288 and Bob like this.
  3. Nov 3, 2017 at 2:44 PM
    #3
    brochacho

    brochacho New Member

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    Limited's come with what is called XREAS suspension (don't ask me what it stands for) but you cannot replace the shocks without bypassing the entire system. Feeling the big bumps on the Limited's is more product of the lower profile tires on the 20" wheels than the suspension itself. I'm sure someone with a Limited will chime in on your long term question...

    Welcome to the site!
     
  4. Nov 3, 2017 at 3:34 PM
    #4
    j cat

    j cat New Member

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    massachusetts
    spacer lift front 1inch
    I have sr5 2016 . the seats I find a bit too stiff. my other vehicles a 1996 GM sedan a real full sized sedan and a 2000 LT silverado ext cab .. those have very comfortable seats. the 96 sedan does ride much smoother and will out handle the toyota ... the 2000 GM truck rides a bit harsher than toyota .. toyota does bounce more , it is narrower than the truck so it will wobble more on a uneven road.

    gm truck gets about 18MPG.. toyota gets 20 MPG... toyota on hills will drop down to 4th gear on hyway....truck NO...

    also I dinged the rear bumper because the toyota rolls back on a slight grade when shifting to drive when stopped ..hit the Boat trailer ...so be careful when on a grade it will rollback in gear !!!
     
  5. Nov 3, 2017 at 6:13 PM
    #5
    rsimi72

    rsimi72 New Member

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    I have a 2017 SR5 Premium. I traded my 2017 Tacoma for the 4Runner. I like the extra interior space and the overall higher quality fit and finish. The tech is ready for an update for sure. And as your wife noticed, mine does float a bit at freeway speeds and be sure to test drive at 60mph on a couple different surfaces to check for the wheel wobble at that speed. Otherwise I really like it. As long as you accept that it’ll feel more like a truck than a SUV or sedan. That part is a bonus for me. And the interior cargo space is awesome.
     
  6. Nov 3, 2017 at 8:06 PM
    #6
    Riding Dirty

    Riding Dirty Sinner; saved by grace

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    Is plasti-dip a mod?!
    My pro is great in all driving conditions. I traded my 16 Tacoma for my 17 runner, the only tech stuff from the Tacoma I miss is the individual tire pressure readout on the display. Overall the 4runner is a way better truck than the taco, IMO.
     
    rsimi72 likes this.
  7. Nov 4, 2017 at 2:33 PM
    #7
    Spanky

    Spanky New Member

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    I have a 2017 limited that I picked up in February. Just over 12,000 miles so far. I couldn't be happier with the ride, the handling, the view, the ice and snow capability... I was too busy with major life events to do any summer off-road driving, but I think we all agree that the 4Runner's capabilities there are just fine.

    I run a set of factory 17" wheels with Blizzak DM-V2s in the winter and I can tell you that this is by far the most capable and comfortable 4x4 I've ever driven (out of 20 or more I've used over the years).

    Buy the 4Runner and if you don't end up liking it, sell it for just about what you paid for it... Highest resale value of anything I've ever owned (or considered owning).Pro
     
    Riding Dirty likes this.
  8. Nov 6, 2017 at 5:18 AM
    #8
    karmatp

    karmatp New Member

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    Trevor
    Arizona
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    2016 SR5 4x4
    TRD wheels, Firestone destination at 2’s, Bilstein 5100's .85
    I think the reviewers forget to state that the 4Runner is still body on frame like a true off road SUV should be. They compare the 4Runner to unibody suv's that drive like sedans.

    I love my 4Runner and find it more comfortable and a better ride down the road than my wife's Highlander.
     
    Riding Dirty likes this.
  9. Nov 6, 2017 at 10:48 PM
    #9
    Clay

    Clay 4 RUNNIN

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    Clay
    Auburn, Wa
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    I just made the change from a 2010 Camry to a 2018 4R - Could not be more delighted with the ride - and the quiet. Driving down the road the loudest sound was the spray hitting the fenders! We also drove the RAV's (Big step down from a Camry) and the Highlander (Designed for a big family with big kids)...that one left me cold. I've been driving for almost 60 years and this is the nicest machine I've ever driven (next to a big Lexus). For those that try and compare it to a Tacoma - Shame on you...This thing is in a different league. I will keep my Taco as it's great for hauling dirty stuff and it's high-winding 3.5 coupled with a 6 speed manual is a blast to play with. (Not that old)
     
    Riding Dirty likes this.
  10. Nov 16, 2017 at 6:02 PM
    #10
    knowonecares

    knowonecares New Member

    Joined:
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    LB
    Vehicle:
    2018 4Runner TRD OR Prime
    TRD Pro Grill, N-Fab Nerf's
    I moved on to my '18 T4R OffRoad-P from a very reliable and worn '98 Taco TRD PreRunner, and it was worth all of the waiting! I did months of online research but only test drove a 4Runner, the one I bought. Didn't waste my time on other makes etc, online reviews are very informative. My brother bought a '17 Ridgeline cuz he's a dad, and it drives like a Pilot. No SUV's compare to the 4Runner, PERIOD. Sport Utility Vehicle. Madly driving late to Soccer practice ain't no sport. There's nothing else like it. I would love to buy a Ford or a Chevy to support my fellow countrymen, but those makers don't make this, sorry. I can't compare the ride to anything other than the Turd and a few loner Camry's etc from the Stealers. But, I love it. On the streets it's heavy and slow off the line, unless you gun it, then it's fine. Yes, the front lifts and rear rises when you accel and decel, it has offroad suspension, it better! I don't usually gun it unless gunning is necessary, I baby my babies so they last a long time. However, when the freeway buttheads need a little education...and that's daily in SoCal... the 4Runner excels! 80? 90? No prob, no shakes, nice and smooth and very quiet. The momentum is something I had to get used to, but it glides forever. Going downhill on Highway 15 from Mojave, I just coasted and braked a little to keep from bashing into the Piusssses , I really loathe them Prius'es. Anyways, I bought it on a Friday after work. The day before, I stopped in to see OffRoad 4R in real life, but all they had were SR5's, I wasn't going to mod it myself, I wanted Premium or Pro. After I left, two Premiums showed up from the dock, one Gray Metal and the other was White. The Stealer called me and told me, I chose Gray and said I'd be there the next afternoon, another stealer on the same lot chose the white one for his wife. Friday, I pulled in, and 2 hours later cleaned out my Taco Turd, gave her a pat on the Sienna Beige Ass and drove away in the Gray Metallica. It had 5 miles on it. Saturday morning drove her to the Mojave for a weekend of land speed racing and never looked back. (Black Interior really shows the dry lakebed dirt, but hey she's not perfect...and everything cleans up easy and nice) So Mean Gene, I'd test drive that Limited again on the highways etc, and then buy that beauty.
     
    Riding Dirty likes this.
  11. Nov 17, 2017 at 7:04 AM
    #11
    j cat

    j cat New Member

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    spacer lift front 1inch
    with your drive info on your new 4runner you best check the rear diff gear oil @3K miles..
    takes about 500miles for the rear diff gear teeth to break in.. long drive at high speed over heats the gear oil/teeth as the metal goes though the hardening process..

    I had to change my gear oil rear @3K miles it was black ..
     
    knowonecares likes this.
  12. Nov 17, 2017 at 8:14 AM
    #12
    RonT4R

    RonT4R New Member

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    Virginia Beach
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    See^^^^:thumbsup:

    And if you end up buying a 4Runner welcome to the family!!!!:)
     
  13. Nov 17, 2017 at 11:59 AM
    #13
    Mean Gene

    Mean Gene [OP] New Member

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    Thanks everyone for the feedback and encouragement. I’m about to head to the dealer and put a deposit down on a silver limited. A part of me is really going to miss my trade in (‘15 E class) but life is dictating that I make a change. It’s been a hassle to worry about parking and children in the car. As the children are growing it’s becoming harder to reinforce the “no shoe or snacks in the car” policy. My entire family would feel liberated by this choice, but I will surely miss my the acceleration and overall refinement of the Mercedes.
     
  14. Nov 17, 2017 at 9:34 PM
    #14
    Clay

    Clay 4 RUNNIN

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    Auburn, Wa
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    As a new 4R owner - (2 weeks) you will love this machine. I have the SR5+ - The options and goodies list beyond that point did not thrill me so I stopped there. I replaced a Camry LE. The only things I miss are - 1) Manual Trasmission 2) Hand Operated Parking Break. As you can see from the picture, I sill have my Taco that has both.
     
  15. Nov 18, 2017 at 5:20 PM
    #15
    Mean Gene

    Mean Gene [OP] New Member

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    Looks like I lost out on a limited. It they are offering a good deal on a off-road premium with KDSS and sunroof.

    I’m a little apprehensive because it has softex (mixed review and I’ve yet to read one where the owner loves it) and no JBL, which I think I’ll miss. Besides auto 4wd would I miss out on anything else?
     
  16. Nov 18, 2017 at 7:58 PM
    #16
    knowonecares

    knowonecares New Member

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    TRD Pro Grill, N-Fab Nerf's
    Toyota Land Cruiser seems more like the E-Class taste
     
  17. Nov 18, 2017 at 8:07 PM
    #17
    Mean Gene

    Mean Gene [OP] New Member

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    It’s overkill...too big for my taste and again I wanted something I wouldn’t obsess about with young rowdy kids (paint, interior). Plus I didn’t want to be belly up on my trade.
    Which is why maybe the Off-road Premium with softex maybe the better choice.
     
  18. Nov 19, 2017 at 7:27 AM
    #18
    billnourse

    billnourse New Member

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    Bill
    Bloomfield, NM
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    2017 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium
    Toytec Ultimate lift, SSO Slimline bumper and 10,000# winch, emblem blackout, hood scoop wrap.
    I have a 2017 Off Road Premium and the wife has a 2017 Highlander Limited which is similar to a sedan. I prefer my 4 Runner, but the Highlander has nicer suspension as I'm guessing the 4 Runner Limited does. It also has some features that I find desirable.
    Things I would like on the OR that the Highlander has: blind spot alert, JBL entertainment with big screen, auto dim lights, radar cruise control, dual automatic climate control, memory seats. I find no problem with the softex seats. If you didn't know, you really can't tell them from leather. Would be COOL if they had ventilation like the Highlander. As far as auto 4wd, that is not a plus as far as I'm concerned in a vehicle like the 4 Runner.

    Things the 4Runner OR has: rear lockers, crawl, Atrac, high ground clearance, KDSS, part time 4wd.

    As far as ride goes, the 4Runner is a body on frame truck. You cannot expect it to ride and handle like a sedan. If your needs are just for more room and an SUV style vehicle rather than a dedicated 4wd vehicle, the Highlander might be a choice.

    Bill
     
    Bob likes this.
  19. Nov 19, 2017 at 9:00 AM
    #19
    Mean Gene

    Mean Gene [OP] New Member

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    I’ve taken an extended drive in the limited several times now and I’m very pleased. My commute to work is only twice a week 40 miles each way, the rest of the time the truck will see family play time, which makes it a good match compared to a crossover. My wife already has a big crossover anyway so it’s pointless to have 2. How’s the Entune stereo on the Off-road Premium?
     
  20. Nov 19, 2017 at 11:14 AM
    #20
    billnourse

    billnourse New Member

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    Toytec Ultimate lift, SSO Slimline bumper and 10,000# winch, emblem blackout, hood scoop wrap.
    The Entune stereo in the Off Road sounds really good to me, but the JBL in the wife's Highlander is better. The screen in the Highlander is definitely better, but the one in the 4 Runner is adaquate.
     
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2017

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