Guidance From the experts

Hello all,

I'm 72 years old, retired and have just recently moved to Utah. I've been into photography all my life but now have the opportunity to go out and seek some spectacular shots in this beautiful state. I've driven off-road before but that was 40 years ago so I consider myself a novice when it comes to 4-wheeling. I've pretty much decided that some version of a 4Runner is what I'll need to access some of the more remote areas but it's not obvious to me which trim would be best suited for my needs. I'm leaning towards the Limited with a lift kit and 17" wheels because it's full time 4-wheel drive may be safer on paved roads for general use and in snow/ice (based on what I've read). I originally thought I wanted the TRD Off Road Premium but we are so used to driving AWD vehicles I became a little concerned about having to manually switch modes in slippery conditions (as I understand it). Here are some guidelines:

1. Use would be about 60% paved roads and 40% off-road exploring.
2. I don't plan to do any rock crawling or highly difficult terrain but would like to feel confident in moderately difficult situations.
3. There will be times when my wife will need to use the vehicle so safety and handling on paved roads is essential.
4. A comfortable ride on long hauls is preferred but rougher ride is okay as long as it's not extreme.
5. My budget is around $45k for the vehicle.
6. Additional budget for mods would be around $3-4k

I appreciate any input offered. It's been a long time since I've been on a forum so I apologize if I've made any missteps in my post.

Thanks!
George

 

Sounds like a Limited is up your alley. Less to mess with the 4wd system. As far as comfort there are better vehicles for that but they cost more (Lexus GX) with the same offroad capability.

 

Go for it!
A good AT tire and a 4 tire deflation/inflation system with a portable air compressor will be easy and cheap mod for the 40% off road you want to do.


There is a big difference between AWD and full time 4WD.

 

I second what @whippersnapper02 said. A Limited sounds perfect for your wants/needs. You can downgrade the wheels to a 17 inch and put really aggressive tires on it. Many on this site have done it before.

Or you can keep the stock 20’s and put slightly aggressive tires on it. Many on this site have done that also.

 

In the 4Runner world I'd recommend a brand new 6th Gen SR5 over a used 5th Gen Limited unless you constantly deal with ice and snow and really don't want to have to switch between 2WD and 4WD. I live in a lake effect snow area and don't mind having to switch. On pavement you typically only need 4WD to get the vehicle moving. I'm not a hard core offroader but my vehicle goes offroad frequently and year round and my stock SR5 is extremely capable. Spend your money on extra wheels and winter tires if your area justifies them. 6th Gen rides better and is less trucky than 5th Gen which you'll appreciate and so will your wife. Just my two cents.

 

I'd say the chances of any new 6th gen being within the OP's budget are slim at best.

Conversely, there are at least 3 Limited models for sale near me with <45k miles in the $32k - $36k price range. This one is in Utah:

https://www.carmax.com/car/27736693

More with less miles in the $45k range.

 

If you would rather have the FT 4WD so you, or your wife, don't have to worry about shifting in/out of 4WD in snowy/icy conditions - I think the Limited trim would work great for your described use. I have a FT 4WD Limited and I really like it. I'm nowhere near off-road exploring 40% of the time - but nearing retirement, so who knows. Like what you describe, my off-roading is driving on dirt/gravel roads/trails to trailheads, rivers, etc... for fun/recreation. Some of these roads/trails are not in great condition so the 9.6" stock clearance is probably more important to me than the 4WD. As you describe, I'm not rock crawling or mud bogging either - but if you need to put the Limited in High 4 Locked or Low 4 Locked its 4WD system is just as capable as the other 4Runners. Doesn't have a rear locker - but it does have ATRAC and that should get you out of anything you get into in your described use. I also live where we get a fair amount of snow in the winter - the FT 4WD is great for that. The XREAS suspension is great on pavement - but probably not the best for offroad use 40% of the time. However, you mention lifting it, so you'll be removing the XREAS and going with a normal off-road suspension. With your budget for the vehicle, you may be looking at Limiteds that are not too far from the end of life of the XREAS system anyway - I've heard of people having to replace XREAS at 60K miles and I've heard of people with 150K miles and XREAS still working fine (think it depends on how hard you are on the vehicle). Good luck with your vehicle search and purchase.

 

Welcome

 

I have a 2020 TRD Off Road and a 2005 TJ Unlimited. The Jeep outperforms my 4Runner in every situation off-road.

While I think you would be happy, and infinitely more comfortable in a 4Runner, you should consider a TJ or LJ for your photography adventures.

The two major disadvantages of the 4Runner off-road are weight and IFS. A TJ or LJ is going to weight about 1,000 lbs less than a stock 4Runner and the solid front axle is not only much stronger but also provides a lot more up and down suspension travel.

You could probably find a built 2005–2006 LJ Rubicon for less than half of your 4Runner budget. The LJ Rubicon has plenty of room and stock Dana 44 axles with lockers front and rear.

 

A few other options:

1) look at a new Honda Passport or Ridgeline. They won’t rock crawl but you are not either. They have a great V6 engine and AWD and they are unibody so frame rust is not as a concern

2) consider finding some Utah friends to take you out off roading and take some pics. See if you like it before dropping the cash

 

From what you have described, any 4WD 4runner will work for you. You won't need any of the bells and whistles of a Limited, Pro, or Off Road. But if you want them, more power to you. I would just look for the best kept vehicle you can find at a price you can live with.

 

This is really good advice from BLKNBLU. I have found that the FT 4WD system is great if you live were you have to drive on snow a lot in the winter - especially if you are transitioning from snow/ice covered streets/parking lots to cleared roads/highways frequently. However, I got by just fine with a PT 4WD Tacoma for over 12 years before I got the 4Runner. If you see a great deal on any 4WD 4Runner you like - grab it. As far as one 4Runner trim being more comfortable on long hauls - there is really not that big of a difference between a SR5, Limited, Pro, etc... As BLKNBLU said, for your use description, any 4WD 4Runner will do what you want.

 

I have a Limited and got it specifically because I don't want to mess with engaging/disengaging 4wd when driving in the winter. I have 17 ORP wheels with Wildpeak A/T tires for summer, Blizzak tires on the stock 20" wheels for winter. It has Bilstein 5100 adjusted to 1.75" lift. These were put on when the XREAS shocks failed. I drive on forest roads of varying quality almost every weekend when I go hiking and it does fine. I don't need anything more. I think Limited is a great choice for what you want to do.

 

Also good options and would ride better on the street than a Runner.

 

Welcome

 

Question to those of you who are Limited owners, are you still exercising the 4H and 4L periodically?

 

These are also easily in that mid $40k mark brand new.

 

Yes, I have a reminder set on my phone once a month.

 

I mean a new Runner Limited is 60K. I don't think OP wanted new though.

 

Yes. Try to do it monthly, but probably more like quarterly.

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

I think the Limited would be a great choice for you, and I don't even think you need to lift it, just do the 17-in Wheels with good all-terrain tires. These are quite capable even in stock form.

Another choice would be the Lexus GX 460, it's basically a fancy 4Runner with a nicer interior and a V8. There are some other differences as well, but that's the gist of it. It is also all-wheel drive.

Also, congrats on the retirement and the move to Utah! You're living my dream, I would love to live out there and not have to worry about work.

 

Wow! The response from you guys is exactly what I was hoping for. Great insights and recommendations. I did look into the Passport and although it's a great performer, there may be issues with clearance that concern me. I think I'm going to stick with a used Limited. I'm going to take Trail Runnah"s advice and forget the lift and just go with the 17in wheels. Shooter 1231 opened my eyes on the XREAS suspension. Hopefully I can find one with relatively low mileage that's within my budget and hope for the best. If I have to go with an aftermarket replacement down the road it won't be the end of the world. Again, thank you all for your input!

 

Sounds like a solid plan. Fortunately you are out West here and any of the 4 corners states should have a decent supply of rust free specimens. Watch out for the big national dealers that like to bring their rust belt junk out here thinking we won't even think to check the frame... I've seen that scenario with some regularity.

 

Yep. On my way to work I have a stretch of 35 mph road that is dead straight for about 2 miles. The first of every month (although I sometimes forget) I switch into H4L for this two mile drive - and then when I get to work I go into L4L and drive a short straight distance in the parking lot where I work. With the FT 4WD you don't need to drive the recommended 10 miles/month in 4WD that the owners manual recommends for the PT 4WD system in order to lubricate the front drive components (they get lubricated every time you drive the Limited). In fact, in the owners manual section for the FT 4WD system there is no recommendation to periodically shift into H4L or L4L. I think it is wise to do so to keep the actuators from seizing up - but probably not necessary to do it every month.

BTW - had a PT 4WD Tacoma for a number of years. I would periodically put it in 4WD throughout the year - but never came close to driving it in 4WD for 10 miles every month. Gave it to my son when it had ~150K miles on it and the 4WD worked perfect - never had an issue with it not wanting to go in/out of 4WD. I think the 10 miles/month recommendation is a little overkill.

 

5th Gen limited with low(ish) miles and no rust issues.
17" wheels with good AT tires. 32s or 33s. No need to go very big on tire size.

Use the rest of your budget on maintenance items. The stock suspension will ride great and it will be more than capable enough. Enjoy the journey!

 

I know this thread is a bit old but I figured I’d throw in my experience since I just went through a similar decision making process. I hope this helps anyone who is on the fence about trims.

I live in the mountains of Colorado where I frequently encounter harsh winter conditions and drive mild to moderate trails. I’ve never needed a locker (though I know they’re useful and can save you), and I value the full time 4wd more than a rear locker.

For me, the limited just fit my use case best while also giving me some creature comforts that aren’t available in the other trims like ventilated seats.

 

I'd love to hear what the OP ultimately decided to do, but he hasn't posted since September 24th so I guess he got the info he needed and split.

 

Can I jump in and ask why change to 17" wheels on a Limited? Aren't they stock with 20"?
The OP sounds like he will just be doing basic off road travel.

 

^For myself, I would prefer the additional 3 inches of side wall. Of course, ride and handling is a personal preference. I would also appreciate the $30-40/tire cost reduction of the 17s.