Looking to buy

Hey guy,

Long time Tacoma guy here. Wife is looking for a 4Runner. We’re just not sure if we should get a used older model, or a new model.

I’m not fond of a 4 banger turbo vs the good ol V6, but I’ll admit I’m bias and know nothing about the new engines.

My gripe is that it will lack initial go power power and turbos may need repair/replacement down the road.

Just want a solid vehicle for my wife and 2 young kids.

Looking for some guidance or a direction.

Thanks!

 

The 6th gens feel like a compromise. It's still a toyota but they feel cheaper and smaller than the outgoing 5th gen.

The 5th gens have crazy resale, but if you're willing to get an older one 2014-2016 there's no real changes except the radio.

Because you live in Cali you don't need the limited AWD model, you could buy an SR5 model, put an updated headunit in with carplay and it would be good to go for 20 years.

The Limited/AWD models are having issues with the expensive xreas shocks, but they can be replaced with SR5 shocks.

The Offroad models are having issues with the KDSS now which cannot be replaced without a special tool, its the sway bar tech thats a bastard to work with.

So if used and older, SR5. If new just pick one in a colour she likes lol.

 

We were eyeballing a 5th Gen SR5 with 40k on the OD. You may have provided me the tilt to go check it out.

Thanks for the write up my guy! We appreciate it!

 

Test drive one of each and see what you think.
The 4.0L is pretty much bulletproof even if it isn't the most powerful or fuel efficient, the 2.4L hasn't really been around long enough to see what long term reliability is gona be but with all the plastic parts I suspect it won't age well.

 

My dad just bought my stepmom a 24 TRD OffRoad Premium that had 16k on it, I think it was like $43k but it's like brand new.

 

You don't have to worry about corrosion, nor does socal, but the KDSS pump is under the drivers running board and its what fails.

I'd be tempted to spray it with a wax if I owned one long term.

 

No vehicles don't rust here unless they live down by the coast.
What is this KDSS you speak of and is there any PM that can be done to prevent failure?

 

I've owned a magnetic grey 2017 SR5 4x4 and a metallic black 2020 TRD OR Premium. The SR5 had equal power and sound from all speakers and thicker/better quality paint. A lot more body roll on the SR5 suspension. Didn't care for the cloth seats on the SR5; too soft and spongy.

The 2020's paint was very thin, almost like it never cured fully. The rear speaker power/sound was non existent much like the tacoma's. The 2020 off road premium was more planted on the road, through the curves and rode better overall. Tried and true generation 4runner. Will go for miles and miles; very reliable. Gas guzzlers though; thirsty pigs.

I leased it and sold it to a dealer after a couple of years. Broke the lease early, made my money back due to pandemic/inflation. The 2020 had an msrp of 43k ish and I got it for 40k otd in part to trading the 2017. I sold it for 46k with like 5k miles. Big mistake. Not just because of how much cheaper it was compared to the new ones, but it was a very well built vehicle from Japan. I still wish I had kept it.

Both non sun roof models.

I've seen a handful of clean 5th gens and yes they still demand more than new asking prices. Crazy. Up to you if you want to pay that.

I've driven the new 2025's. trd or premium trim. I like the black and green. Very nice, a lot more get up and go from a stop off the line, but noticeably underpowered when floored on the freeway. Ride quality was questionable. Seemed like I could feel every pebble in the road. Interior space is smaller, feels a lot more cramped. Don't knock the 4 banger. I don't like them as well, because they're smaller and don't ride as smooth. They're brand new though.

Haven't driven the new Landcrusier or any of the new Lexus suv varieties. You might want to compare those to see if you like them better.

 

Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. Upgraded cost. Neither of mine had that. I didn't want it.

 

The sway bar disconnect, take a look at its sway bars next time you see it.

 

I'll have a look, I need to take it to work next week one day and change oil on it.

I find it interesting that a Premium OR 4runner has a manual shift transfer case but Tacomas are all electronic.
Also that you have to get a Limited to get auto headlights, climate control, and remote start, the only thing "Premium" about it it seems is the leather seats and what your saying about the swaybar system.

 

Limited has xreas, not kdss, which is linked shocks, its old tech that prevents brake dive.

The 23 offroad has a lot of rear rake, and they brake dive easy compared to the limited. You'll see the control arms sit almost like its sagging, as if it was intended to be taller factory.

 

I looked up that KDSS, I saw something like that on a GX460 that I put an alternator on a couple weeks ago I was wondering what it was about.
Looks like a crazy setup for a swaybar.

 

We've got a 23 SR5P, it's my wife's daily and our road trip/family wheeling vehicle. We both love it, my only complaint is the price and that the suspension is softer than I'd like, but I've got Radflo shocks on my Tacoma so I'm spoiled. When the 4Runner's shocks go it's getting Radflos too.

For what it's worth, you should look at the Lexus GX 460, 470, and potentially older Land Cruisers. They're all relatively similar, and they have V8s