Curious about 4Runner problems.

Few? Have you seen the trucks that came with the wrong stickers on the bed, there was a picture of a guy who had one with one off road fender flare on a sport on the dealer lot, yes build quality on the new Tacoma's is not even close to build quality of the 4 runners that are made in Japan, same can be said from my 2000, 2008, 2011, 2015 and now 2016, each year's had more issues as time progressed, my 2000 and 2008 were solid, 2011 had a diff seal go bad twice, 2015 had pulley issue and then the rear camera went out, 2016 diff howl so far.

 

I had a problem free 2012 T4R that I traded for my Tacoma. I really like my Tacoma, but my heart belongs to the 4Runner. If I didn't need a bed for fishing, hauling, house stuff, etc, then I'd been in a T4R in a heart beat!

 

Did you have the trans TSB done; or grease your U-joints? Or maybe it's that 3-inch lift with humongous tires?

 

Build locations does have an impact in quality. Japanese vehicles are just built better. Their culture has an extreme attention to detail.

 

A little off the subject, but so different than here. Strange, but I guess some things are going right in Japan. This would never happen here. The teachers would be sued by outraged parents.

 

A

Truck was doing all this before the lift and tires. TSB was done 3rd day I owned it. I was so unhappy with the truck, I told the dealer I didn't want the lift. They refused to refund my money on the lift and clear bra. I traded my jeep rubicon 30k and financed the rest. I financed around 15K remained balance, lift, clear bra and extended eight year warranty.

 

I worked for a Chevrolet - Toyota dealer in 1989 and 1990, no comparison in workmanship. Chevrolet has come a long way but still doesn't match Toyota. A Toyota representative told me then that at the end of the assembly line in Japan when the vehicle has its final inspection if anything is wrong with the car the person responsible is called out and required to fix the mistake, here they let a lot of things go and hope that the dealer will fix the problem or it will go unnoticed. I don't know if it's the same now with American cars but I bet it's still the same way in Japan.

 

Feel your pain... in 2010 I bought a new FJ with dealer installed 3" lift, 33" tires; had to have it. The vehicle constantly downshifted on the highway. I only kept it six months. Re your thread, I currently own a '16 Tacoma and a '13 4R and am happy with both.

 

When you say people bitch about the 3rd Gen, do you mean 4R or Taco? Ireally have no complaints about my 3rd Gen 4R at all. I've had 1 unexpected main't problem ($400) in 8 yrs. anything else was on schedule & even those have been few (2-3? averaging $500/ea). I have far more invested ($15k+) in upgrades. My 4R (aka HiLux Surf) was built in Nov. 1999 in metropolitan (Hamura) Tokyo.

Where are Toyota vehicles built for the U.S. Market?

 

Taco.... I was wondering if 4Runner's had same issues. I'm thinking of trading my truck for a 4Runner. Most likely I'll be stuck with the truck and get it Regeared.

 

Ah, that would be the new (2015- ) 6th Gen 4Runner. I have zero experience there. Personally, I don't like the look of them. The front end vaguely reminds me of a grinning clown & to me clowns are creepy.

 

2 dimensional & flat, doesn't work the same way. Although like this it does resemble a Kabuki mask (grumpy Samurai?) which is rather cool.

 

The Limited looks really good.

 

The front of them always reminded me of the predator. I get mine in november, and can't wait!

 

Bought my 2014 new in April of 2014 and have put ~90k miles on it since then. It's a great vehicle and I've had ZERO issues.

 

The only problem I've ever had with my 2016 4Runner Trail were the stock tires which were quickly changes to BFG AT KO2's. I can't speak for 3rd gen Tacoma's, but I really believe the T4R is as good as it gets. It gets me everywhere I need to go on and off road. The cargo area is perfect for our GSD and Husky. The ride quality is good, and it had enough power to get moving if you put your foot into it. The super conservative computer shift points on the T4R when you don't put a little more effort in the pedal is why it gets complaints of being too slow. Once you realize that, it's not big deal. I came from a Supercharged 2nd gen and I will say the T4R is by far the best vehicle I've ever owned.

 

The 5th gen 4runner is the best to date, decent power from the dual VVTI 1GR, smooth ride, 5 or 7 seat choices.

Plus they are still made in Japan! Very few recalls or quality issues on 4Runners. The only major concern that I ever see is timing chain stretch on the old 1GR.

 

I bought a 2016 TR4 SR5 Premium in MGM. I have zero complaints. I really wanted a new Tacoma Access Cab TRD Sport. However, I need something that is going to be reliable.

 

That is one fine looking 4Runner. I like my Taco but I think I might go back to a 4Runner in a few years. I have a 14 LX470 that I love driving but it only gets about 16 mpg, 10 when I pull a horse trailer.