The 4Runner Problem

"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful)
05/12/2020 at 12:20 • Filed to: None

I just received my ToyotaCare post card in the mail, and a voicemail from the dealer yesterday, too. I haven’t gone to the dealer since they refused my last ToyotaCare appointment due to the lift/tires (the 5000 mile appointment, I watched them explicitly due nothing to the vehicle, then tell me it was done). Anyway, I digress, that’s not the problem with the 4Runner. It just served as a reminder as to how long I’ve owned it.

The problem with the 4Runner is that it’s exactly at the ownership tipping point for me. If you average out just the daily drivers I’ve owned since 2000, I tend to keep them for only about 18 months. Since 2000, I’ve had a 1996 Yukon, 2002 Tundra, 2003 Mustang, 1989 K5 Blazer, 1990 Saab 900 Turbo, 1985 Ramcharger, 2005 Mazda 6i hatch, 2004 RX8, 2001 Volvo V70XC, 2012 Tundra Crew, 2014 FoST, 2015 Tacoma DCSB, and the 4Runner. (If you add the 79 MGB, 92 Miata, 67 Cougar, and 99 Civic Hatch, I’m almost 20 for 20!)

The pupper likes the 4Runner, especially with the back window down!

I’ve been window shopping lately. Nothing serious, but I really need to get a project of some sort before the 4Runner becomes a casualty. It seems once I hit the 2 year mark, vehicles tend to have a longer stay...but in the DD category, I’ve only kept 4 vehicles over two years, and only 2 over four years.

The 4Runner isn’t perfect by any stretch (steering wheel telescoping JUST a bit further, height adjustable passenger seat, AND I’d delete the sunroof if I were buying again), but it should be a good long term reliable vehicle. If only I didn’t have a second dark blue SUV making it feel redundant...

DISCUSSION (81)

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 12:25

I saw your name and thought, “Ooh, it’s that time again!”

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 12:28

I think your dog has the stronger argument here.

Nothing > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
05/12/2020 at 12:29

I’m trying to be patient, I have a vehicle in mind (not a replacement) but it’s not available until next month. I have to wait a WHOLE MONTH! It’ll most likely end up out of my price range, though. My father in law is selling his minty 2001 Chevy regular cab stepside , but to be honest, unless I got it dirt cheap (free), I don’t have a ton of interest in it as a third vehicle. The reason he’s selling it? He bought a ‘97 T100.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 12:33

Haha - at least for 3 of the last 4 you picked ones with great resale!

HammerheadFistpunch > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 12:35

I tend to keep cars until they literally force me to sell them.

Nothing > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
05/12/2020 at 12:37

Even the FoST was good...I bought it when they had $4k rebates. I paid $19,400 for it, Toyota dealer gave me $19,600 for it a year later.

Nothing > SBA Thanks You For All The Fish
05/12/2020 at 12:38

I agree. He likes riding in it. The people smiling when they’re behind me and he’s just looking at them with the back window down is priceless.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 12:40

Damn! Well done.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 12:41

I’ve ridden in several 4Runners of this generation and there is quite literally no rational reason to EVER get rid of them, though they do retain their resale value well. I have a friend whose dad is quite rich and until recently he was still driving an 01 Sequoia with only 200,000 miles before he bought a new 4Runner TRD. The 4Runner really isn’t too far removed from that and they are expected to last forever, but clearly you don’t want just one forever vehicle, which is fine. I say if you are going to lose some cash every 2 years on a new DD, at least have the most fun you can with it. Those Velosters look mighty tempting to me, but I would just say go with your heart. Have fun.

Nothing > HammerheadFistpunch
05/12/2020 at 12:43

That is what I want for the 4Runner. It will be nice to have a vehicle that’s paid for and still under its original warranty! Not much longer...

The Jeep’s Mopar warranty expires in December.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 12:45

I’d get rid of that FCA thing before it depreciates any further...

Nothing > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
05/12/2020 at 12:49

I do buy cars for the wrong reason....why go ultra reliable if you only keep it a couple of years? Anyway, I do hope/plan to keep this. I bought some oil filters in a 5 pack last year, so that alone will last me past the vehicles payoff date.

I just need a vehicle I can tinker with in the garage. I don’t have any plans for the 4Runner beyond what I’ve already done. I have to decide what I want and how much work I want to do on the next project.

Nothing > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
05/12/2020 at 12:53

It’s my wife’s. She has no desire at all to replace it, so I’m not going to try and sway her one way or another. We bought it new, it’s now almost 7 years old and only has 30k on it.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 12:59

At least with my 4Runner, my dog loves it because it’s slow and smooth. Flooring it does not phase her footing.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 13:01

Going ultra reliable does help for resale value, which is important for short term ownership, but usually doesn’t make for the most exciting drive. I know 4Runners aren’t boring either, but there are more fun cars out there. You know what you want, but may be you have just had trouble justifying it.

If you want a tinkering vehicle you could always join the scootisitelock movement for much cheaper. They also make for quick flipping so you never get bored.

Nothing > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
05/12/2020 at 13:06

It’s not much different in the 5the gen. I took out the Husky cargo mat because he slid around on that a bit. On the carpet mat, he’s much more stable.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 13:09

I think a JDM Pajero is in your future.

Nothing > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
05/12/2020 at 13:15

I’d like a bike, but my wife works in health care. No bikes for me. I have a couple of different projects in mind. The biggest thing for me is just messing around in the garage with something, and something that needs no major rust repair. A 4.0 manual TJ is always a strong candidate. My only requirements are 4 seats and a manual transmission...although the transmission requirement may be waived for the right vehicle for the right price (say a crazy good deal on a ‘60s V8 car). But I’ve been across the board....Jeeps, Mustangs, GTIs, Minis, Celicas, C10s....you name it, I’ve probably debated buying one for at least a few minutes.

Nothing > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
05/12/2020 at 13:17

Or a GM RV for $4k! (Not really)

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/boulder-1976-gmc-motorhome-23-transmode/7121300403.html

Kinja'd!!!

Or look...a JDM Pajero!

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/denver-1991-mitsubishi-pajero-4wd-25l/7121034259.html

Kinja'd!!!

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 13:23

It kind of comes down to personal preferences but something with strong aftermarket support and guides that also has that special something and uniqueness seems to be the common thread to those suggestions. Manual swaps are actually a good way to get into some of those too.

If you really are worried about resale, you might go classic Jeep. If you just want something special to tinker with, classic American or even a Mini sounds great. I wouldn’t rule out a Corvair for cruising and being easier on the wallet than the more popular and faster mustangs etc . I like your taste from what I’ve heard, so I'm sure you'll do fine. Good luck.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 13:23

Wow, she drives like me. However , I’d never be able to live with all the little things that are sure to break in that time in one of their products...

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 13:26

Kinja'd!!!

It’s got a 12" kicker!

Nothing > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
05/12/2020 at 13:56

Had I known she’d keep it this long, and want to keep it longer, I probably would’ve gone the Lexus route. I’d have a bit more faith in it lasting solidly another 7 years. Granted as much as this is driven, and the fact that it’s never spent a night outside of a garage, it should be pretty decent for a few more years.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
05/12/2020 at 14:02

Just kicked in yo!

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 14:04

I thought people buy Toyotas to keep for a decade and then sell them for 80% of of what you paid for it.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 14:18

That’s encouraging to see someone asking that much money for that truck. That one is similar mileage and condition to mine, but a couple of years older with a smaller 2.5l engine making about 20 less hp. It also lacks the manual transmission (which most of the big ones do. The manual/4 door/diesel combo is a lot less common ).

Nothing > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
05/12/2020 at 14:23

Or keep em 4 years and sell them for 95 % like I did with the Taco. I am kind of the goofy Toyota buyer. Buying them for a two year reliability period is kind of silly when you’re buying new. Maybe I can be a bit more patient with the 4Runner.

Nothing > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com
05/12/2020 at 14:25

Being in Colorado, I’m sure the seller is also expecting the typical CO 4x4 upcharge.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 14:39

But * I* want a 97 T100

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 14:43

That’s a great photo, by the way.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 14:46

4 seats and a manual... E90 M3? =)

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 15:05

I wish I had the money to buy things when I wanted to :(

Nothing > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
05/12/2020 at 15:12

Thanks, I’m hoping to get a few more like that this summer!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 15:15

Our family reunion at a ranch near Zion has been postponed until next summer... [weeps]

Nothing > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
05/12/2020 at 15:17

An awfully nice ‘67 big block Vette just went down the street...I think it’s a wee bit out of my budget.

M3 would be fun, though. The last BMW I’ve been in was my buddies old 540 6 spd, about 15-16 years ago! It’s been even longer since I’ve driven one.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 15:18

Test drives are free. =)

Under_Score > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
05/12/2020 at 15:59

In my case, I lost 80% of my value.

Under_Score > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 16:03

Going through something similar. I have the chance to buy my first “me” vehicle if I want to, but my RAV4 is still perfectly reliable. It’s also worthless for what it is: 2012 Limited with 102,500 now (appraised with 101,000) appraised for $5,500 at CarMax. The fact that a newer Toyota that was nearly loaded for the time (& $30,000 new), even with two wrecks and desirable features, is worth that little bothers me.

Oh, and parents refuse to engage in private party.

JBT > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 16:08

What about spending weekends in the back country instead of the garage? That’s why I’ve kept my 2015 4 runner for going on 6 years now. I’m bored. Looking for something new. But I keep coming back to the fact that it’ll take me through the Rubicon and then drive the 700 miles from the trailhead home without a hiccup and still gets 17-18mpg . The vehicles that would replace that are so few that I keep coming to the conclusion that I need to spend more time on the back country or at the l a ke and less in the garage.

I’m really hoping the new landcruiser is really what they're claiming; off road oriented and a lot cheaper. Add a twin turbo v6 and I might jump ship.

Nothing > Under_Score
05/12/2020 at 17:24

Man, that sucks. A similar 4Runner in age/mileage would be $15-20k.

Captain of the Enterprise > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
05/12/2020 at 17:27

Or you’re like me and buy them used for around $5500 and drive them into the dirt.

Captain of the Enterprise > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 17:33

I really like these but test drove one and it felt really slow compared to my 2011 Camry 2.5. It might be that you have to use way more throttle in the 4Runner to get going. I’m still tempted by them though. Your color and wheels are fantastic. If you do sell they hold their value pretty well.

Nothing > JBT
05/12/2020 at 17:35

A little of both would be great. Once the snow melt hits the mountains a little more here, I can get out a bit. I like going solo but not getting stuck in snow.

Messing around in the garage was great when my wife had some errands to run and I had kid duty. I just like doing that stuff, too. At one point, I had considered picking up an a 1st gen 4Runner, but a non rust bucket is more than I want to spend...for an old 4Runner, at least.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Captain of the Enterprise
05/12/2020 at 17:58

Yeah you can do that with Toyotas and Hondas.

Under_Score > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 18:02

Two bad wrecks, though.

Jbird > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 18:13

Local Toyota dealer in Orlando Florida refused to rotate and balance our tires on our 2019 TRD offroad 4runner. They said they could not help us since we put oversized tires on. The tires are the 265/70r17 Goodyear duratracs that came on the vehicle as part of the xp package from the dealer. I argued with the service lady for 30 mins before going out on the lot and taking pics of other stock 4runners with the same size tires. She finally said "well I just haven't seem tires that big on a 4runner before". Although every sr5 on the lot has the same size tires, only one that doesn't is the limited due to the 20 inch wheels. What a kook

Nothing > Captain of the Enterprise
05/12/2020 at 18:15

Fast, it ain’t. It feels slower than my previous ‘15 Tacoma. I’m used to it now, though, since I don’t drive anything else. If I didn’t have a desire to get a third vehicle, I could easily see going crazy and getting a supercharger for it.

Elevator matt > Under_Score
05/12/2020 at 21:30

Carmax is known for low trade values, and values of used cars are down due to the virus

Under_Score > Elevator matt
05/12/2020 at 21:36

Yeah, I know they’re down now. That’s why I kind of want to move now because I’m worried the market will tank. Sales are doing well around here, but there’s still a bunch of used cars. Used cars aren’t getting the 0% deals.

Jim Ellis is offering $500 more, but $6,000 still seems kind of low.

BadMotorScooter > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 22:07

First , should have kept the Saab 900 Turbo.

Second, I know I’m in the tiny minority on this, but I think the 4runner and Taco are hot garbage. I’ve driven both in current years and just do not get the infatuation. Bad ride, handling, brakes, tech, power, mpg, even the seats aren’t great. Oh and they’re priced like made out of gold. I get the reliability I guess, except for the ones that have the frame rust out from underneath. I do hear they are unbeatable off-road, except for Wranglers and Defenders and Raptors and Land Cruisers and ZR2s and Rebels and a few others. I dont mean to piss in your Wheaties just saying I can see why you might be a bit bored with it.

bubblestheturtle > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 22:23

I normally keep mine for ~100k miles, but after a year with my Jeep GC, I am already wo ndering what’s next. The V6 GC drives like crap. Seems like the trans is just poorly implemented . Constantly trying to figure out what gear it wants to be in, takes two downshifts to accelerate slightly, looses its sh*t, if you don’t come to a complete stop before accelerating, and sometimes when accelerating just going around a corner. Really disappointing . Other than that it is fine how ever.

G$$ > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 22:32

I suffer the same disease but I got smart about it very young and buy used. I do have have some regrets, 2003 M45 and 2000 S2000, I should have kept those 2. But I’m glad I got out of 1 before it was to late, 2008 Audi S4. It’s only $$$ and you can’t take it with ya

Nothing > BadMotorScooter
05/12/2020 at 22:59

I loved the Saab. Best $900 car with a complete service history I’ve every bought (the Civic comes in a close second for the best $900 car with a complete service history). The transmission went kaput, and I sold it for $500. I sold the roof rack that came with it for another $100, and the second set of wheels and tires for another $100. $200 for a couple years of driving was a great deal, and it was a really fun car.

Kinja'd!!!

Two reasons I bought the 4Runner: midsize SUV with a third row that is capable off road. Overall, I like it, not love it. It also left me a little extra budget compared to buying, say a JLUR or Raptor to get a third vehicle. I’ve yet to fill that void, though.

Ray Peltz > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 23:05

If you do decide to sell it, let me know. I fell in love with 4runners after driving them for 2 years in Afghanistan. We drove local vehicles to allow us to blend in while completing our missions. The oldest in our fleet was a 1999 with over 200k miles and the newest was a 2004 with over 170k miles. Some were stick shift and some with automatic. We beat the snot out of them and they were lucky to get an oil change twice a year. They got us through flooded out roads, snowy roads and up the sides of mountains without ever leaving use stranded. As soon as I got back from Afghanistan, I started shopping for one and bought a 2006 4runner sport edition with the 4.7l. being from the snowbelt, I have had to replace some rusted out components, i.e. a new stainless cat back exhaust, doug thorley stainless headers, new factory take off 17in wheels, transmission cooler lines and replaced the leaking xreas shocks with new Bilstein 5100 shocks. Aside from those and some new Cooper at3 tires, I've only really had to change the oil, air filter, transmission fluid and filter. I have even taken mine down trails that the Jeeps in my off-road club wouldn't go down. The ride is pretty comfortable, especially after changing the shocks. The 4.7l v8 is more than fast enough after adding a pedal commander and setting it to sport+ mode. My 4runner is well taken care of and it hasn't let me down. It does suck for fuel economy but I knew that going in. I'm sure that the aggressive tires and lead foot have something to do with that ;)

Nothing > bubblestheturtle
05/12/2020 at 23:06

The 4Runner is a good vehicle, it’s just not terribly exciting. The rest of my family isn’t quite as excited to go for off road drives, which makes owning it a little less, well, necessary. Unless, of course, I just go do off road stuff without them.

My wife loves her Jeep, so I’ll let her decide when she wants to replace it. With only 30k miles in 7 years, it’s probably not going anywhere anytime soon. It is, however, a rocket ship compared to the 4Runner.

Nothing > G$$
05/12/2020 at 23:12

At least with high resale vehicles, the hit isn’t bad. My last 4 vehicles have been new, but with great resale. The previous 15 (other than the ‘02 Tundra) were used. Well, previous 23 if you want to include all of em.

Nothing > Ray Peltz
05/12/2020 at 23:15

I wish Toyota would’ve offered the 4.6 in the 4Runner, too, instead of only in the GX460. Comfort wise, everything is great. If it was either the V8, or the V6 with a 6 speed manual, I’d probably be in heaven.

Chariotoflove > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
05/12/2020 at 23:17

only 200,000 miles

words I’d never heard before Oppositelock.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Chariotoflove
05/12/2020 at 23:25

My dad’s Tundra one year newer is close to 300,000, the minimum I would ever expect to see before they get junked. The dad of a friend actually says someone bought one after seeing his (independent rear climate control in 2001!) and drove it to 500,000 and still at it.

That Sequoia actually looks more like a 150,000 mile vehicle. Those aged super well and I can almost guarantee they will be highly sought after 30 years down the road. I don’t know of anyone who didn’t love them that had ridden or driven in one. To date that Sequoia has the roomiest second AND third r ows of a non minivan I’ve ever sat in.

LarsBars > Captain of the Enterprise
05/12/2020 at 23:29

Fwiw, a lot of the feel comes from the way the throttle is programmed. Something like the pedal commander is great for making it feel more lively around town. As a bonus, you can use it to turn down the sensitivity on trails to give you more control.

Captain of the Enterprise > LarsBars
05/12/2020 at 23:32

That’s interesting, I’ve never heard of a pedal commander before but could see the benefits especially for off roading.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Nothing
05/12/2020 at 23:49

If you buy a Supra, you can visit both the Toyota dealer and the BMW dealer service departments.

Chariotoflove > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
05/12/2020 at 23:54

My BIL is dedicated to Toyotas. And I understand that they are reliable. The funny thing is though, my wife had two Toyotas. The Solara she had for ten years but put less than 50k miles on before one of the cylinders went bad. I sold it for two grand and bought her the minivan.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Chariotoflove
05/13/2020 at 00:01

Age is also bad, but sounds like you bought a lemon. 50,000 miles is like basically new in my mind of 100,000 cars being barely worn in (based on price of course in the lower end of the used market).

Of course highway miles are ines capable in Atlanta, but also those Tundra/Sequoias are so much more fun to drive than they have any right to be that you’ll put plenty of pleasure miles on them as well.

Chariotoflove > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
05/13/2020 at 00:11

I think we just got unlucky, and yes, age is bad.

My BIL’s Sequoia was great for uncounted road trips pulling the family and their boat. He would agree with you.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Chariotoflove
05/13/2020 at 00:15

Cars aren’t wine; they don’t get better with age unless they do.

The Sequoia shouldn't be like wine but it is. It's just good and nostalgia will only amplify that goodness.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Nothing
05/13/2020 at 03:54

jeez, i’ve had my Lancer for 17 years.

Engineer Jaron > Nothing
05/13/2020 at 05:36

What has made you switch so much? Just like different vehicles and want to try them out or are you searching for the perfect one? Also, I get the vehicle redundancy situation, but with owning vehicles, I have the opposite problem. I buy a vehicle, intend to flip it, then get hooked because I got such a good deal on it so I’ll drive it until it’s worth what I paid. I’ve had a 80 Z/28, 01 F350, 99 F250, 99 Trans Am, 02 Civic, 00 Trans Am, 87 4runner, 15 Mazda3, 02 Z/28, and currently drive a 16 Colorado. The only one worth less than what I paid when sold was the Mazda3, but it was totaled and I broke even.

Nothing > Engineer Jaron
05/13/2020 at 09:40

I just like trying different things. Of course, I should vary my vehicles a bit more if I’m doing that. Going from the Tacoma to the 4Runner wasn’t an earth shattering move. Quite a few in the list were beaters...fun, still, but sub-$2000 cars until the past 4 new vehicles, which apparently new doesn’t slow down the turnover either. I do intend to keep the 4Runner, I just need to get another cheap car to play with.

If I had it to do over again, in 2015, I would’ve kept the Focus ST as the cheap fun car, and replaced the Miata with an older 4Runner, GX470, etc. I also wish I would’ve kept the ‘99 Civic hatch that I bought and flipped a couple of years ago. While I’m at it, I’ll take back my ‘67 Mustang convertible, too. Ha.

Nothing > pip bip - choose Corrour
05/13/2020 at 09:41

I guess I learned from my dad, he changed cars every 3-4 years. I just do it a little more often. Haha.

My bird IS the word > Nothing
05/13/2020 at 10:45

I feel like you are wasting alot of money swapping cars that often.

Nothing > My bird IS the word
05/13/2020 at 11:40

Potentially, but not as much as it might seem. 5 of the cars were new, one was sold from necessity (laid off, the ‘02 Tundra, which is when I really became aware of Toyota resale), the rest for “whatever”. The other cars were inexpensive, the bulk of them being under $2k (except the two Mazdas).

For example, the ‘12 Tundra was bought for $29k, after two years, I sold it for $26k. The FoST was $19,400, sold for $19,600. The Taco was $31k, sold for $28,500. Wasted money? Sure, but that equates to roughly $62 /mo over 8 years for driving something new. For 2 out of the 4 vehicles, I’ve had 0% interest rate, the others were sub 2%. Going overly simplistic and just going on car payments, had I kept the Yukon for 22 years, it would equate to $76/mo vs the $95/mo I’ve ended up averaging with the car swapping I’ve done. Would I have saved some on insurance? Sure, but that’s the price of playing.

What I really do hope is that I keep the 4Runner for a good long time, and I find a secondary fun car...ideally to keep slightly longer term, but if neither plays out and the car swapping continues, oh well.

arl > Nothing
05/13/2020 at 16:16

I can’t wait to unload my Mustang. It’s been nothing but a PITA. I’ve grown to hate the seats (they’re sooo uncomfortable), the stereo is blah, the top creaks, it leaks when it rains hard, the Apple Car play works intermittently . I’ve never gone from so enamored to so fed-up in such a short period of time. After the last 10 years I think I need to permanently scratch American and German cars off my ownership list.

Sorry, this turned into a rant!

Your 4runner is a good looking truck. What don’t you like about the sunroof?

Nothing > arl
05/13/2020 at 16:39

The sunroof eats up headroom pretty significantly. I’m fine on the driver’s side, but not on the passenger side. The passenger side seat does not have a height adjustment and sits a couple of inches higher than the driver’s side. After sitting in a non-sunroof model, the headroom difference was quite noticeable. It’s fine, though, I’m never in the passenger seat.

That sucks about your Mustang. One of the reasons I started back down the Toyota path in 2012 was that my father in law had a 2007 Tundra he bought new. By 2012, he had about 125k or so on it, and it was still solid. No creaks, rattles, suspension noises, etc. It wasn’t until about a year or so ago that he had to replace the starter, which was the first repair above fluid and filter changes that he had to do.

In a project, I can deal with the rattles, creaks, etc and work towards fixing them. That would be frustrating to experience in a fairly new car.

Kev > Nothing
05/13/2020 at 18:11

Original owner with a ‘98 Limited 4-Runner that just hit 200,000 miles. Debated whether to put a little money into changing timing belt and manifold gasket or put said money towards a new car. It’s been so reliable that I can’t let it go and decided to do the maintenance and pass it along to my 16 year old. With continual maintenance and upkeep, how many miles and years will I be able to get out of her? What most likely to fail within the next 100,000 miles?

moldysnow > Nothing
05/13/2020 at 19:59

I have just the project you're looking for...a '91 Wrangler with the 4.0L inline 6 with a 5 speed. Only problem is it's my wife's so you have to convince her to sell it!

Nothing > moldysnow
05/13/2020 at 22:07

Sold! I’d take a YJ.

Nothing > Kev
05/13/2020 at 22:10

That’s what I figure. With regular maintenance, this thing will probably last forever. I’d be a great first ride for my son, but something tells me if I keep it that long (which will be here before I know it), I’ll be keeping it for myself.

arl > Nothing
05/14/2020 at 07:21

That’s too bad about the height adjustment on the passenger side. I’ve ridden in a 4runner before, but being short I didn’t notice a headroom issue.

It’s funny how small things get on our nerves with cars. I told my wife the other day, I just want a car that basically “works”. With a new car I expect to get in it and have all basic crap finction as-designed . Hell, my old rusty Mazda B2300 pickup truck was more solid and reliable than this 1 year old Mustang at this point.

Maybe my true car- animal- spirit is a Camry and I’m just now realizing it? LOL!

Good luck on your next vehicle!

Jim Spanfeller > Nothing
05/14/2020 at 15:10

59.8k views. Holy crap, man.

Nothing > Jim Spanfeller
05/14/2020 at 15:14

It’s that 4Runner magic. I feel bad if actual people are reading it expecting something earth shattering.