Long-Term ownership “How-To”

Yep! It's easy to forget to exercise the actuator. And, from what I've read, it seems like they're more likely to fail if they don't get exercised regularly.

The nice thing is that 4hi can get exercised any time you're driving in a straight line below 50 mph. You have to stop and shift into neutral to get into 4lo, though. This is fun to exercise at home while the neighbors watch you drive back and forth in the driveway.

 

I have a limited and xreas is awesome. If it leaks or you want to lift it not so awesome unless you have money to burn.

 

I honestly think the Limited is the best trim level for me. However, I have heard a few people warn me about the XREAS suspension. Most notably Car Care Nut.
However, I have to wonder: how often do these fail? Could you go 200k miles with no issues, or do you normally have to replace it around 100k or so?

 

I don't have a 4R thats at 200K but have had other vehicles that lasted that long. With toyotas and hondas its easy -- regular fluid changes. That's it! Literally nothing else needed.
I had a X5 way back when, and it was such a nightmare to maintain. Stupid things that should not fail, would, in a new vehicle. No more! I vowed never to *purchase* a non-japanese vehicle.

 

I agree with you. The limited AWD and the ride difference between the limited and ORP I test drove made the decision that was right for me. My wife drives a Subaru AWD and figured I didn’t want her fussing with part time 4wd. I had a cj 5 4 speed granny low and manual locking hubs I let her drive once In the winter. Only once.

 

Great advice. For the best reliability, less is more.

Some options can increase the potential for unplanned repairs. For example, models with XREAS will require shock replacement sooner than other models. KDSS is a nice reliable system that is generally maintanance free, but it’s a hydraulic mechanical system that has the potential to fail if steps aren’t taken to control corrosion. KDSS repairs can be very expensive, especially since the vehicle might be older when it fails, so it sucks more to repair lol.

If I were looking for “nuclear cockroach” levels of reliability, I might be tempted to get a 2wd 4runner SR5.

If I wanted most reliable, but easiest to use, I’d get a Limited trim because of the Full-Time 4wd system (as opposed to part-time 4wd in SR5, Off Road, and Pro trims), and I would avoid the XREAS option.

In either case, once you start modifying suspension, upsize tires, etc, you are now an “experimental” vehicle, which means you will need to accept the fact it won’t be as trouble free and shortened component life is likely. So don’t mess with anything if you want reliability.

 

Don't all Limited trims come with the XREAS option? If so, then I'm a little confused by your statement.

 

Yes all limited come with xreas, even nightshade

https://www.4runners.com/threads/identifying-an-xreas-equipped-runner.28352/

 

Ah, I wasn’t aware…It appears so. Not the end of the world however, since you can address xreas failure by swapping out to the OE regular non-interlinked shocks from the sr5 and Off Road trims, or any other aftermarket shocks. That’s not a huge deal financially. It only gets expensive if you want to replace the xreas functionality.

 

There's a video from Car Care Nut where he touched on the XREAS system, but on a GX460 and yes he says it's a very expensive replacement.

I consider myself lucky I don't have KDSS.

 

Why?

 

One less mechanical problem for later on lol I don't do crazy flexing off-roading to absolutely need it.

 

Follow up question: Consumer Reports shows reliability issues with the 2020. I’m seriously considering a 20 ORP. Any big issues for 2020 owners?

 

Just that consumer reports decided to review the runner.
What issues does CR say the runner has?

 

Brake issues and something with the fuel line. I figured if those are the worst of concerns then I’ll take it. Better than the sh!t I’m dealing with with this F-150.

 

I have a 2007 that I bought in 2014 with 96K miles. The X-REAS was ready for replacement by about 150K miles. But at least on 4th Gens, it’s not that big a deal, you can just take out all of that gear and replace it with regular shocks and springs. I used Tacoma TRD Offroad takeoffs from Facebook Marketplace along with some FJ springs the first time. Grand total? $200.

Now I have Eibach all around and it’s golden. Just turned over 252K yesterday. From a trail ride a few weeks ago:

 

The 5th generation 4Runner came out in 2010 and has made no mechanical changes to the engine or transmission in the 14 years that it has been in production (that I’m aware of), so there shouldn’t be any reliability issues with a particular year that isn’t inherent in other years. Unless the reviews are talking about some type of safety / technology features that have been added i.e. adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring etc. But those features don’t affect reliability.
The lack of multiple engine and transmission options is considered a drawback to many potential customers, but for so many of us that own and love our Runners, it represents bulletproof reliability and trustworthyness. I tell my wife that after nuclear Armageddon the only things left will be cockroaches driving around in 4Runners shooting their AK47s out of the rolled-down tailgate window

 

LOL. Sounds like CR just needed "something" to critique. There aren't any common fuel line or brake issues with the 2020 (or any Gen5) Runner.

 

What year, model and engine is your f150. I looked at a 2019 5.0 the other day. It seemed like a really nice truck and they only wanted $26k with less then 50k miles.

 

2022 Lariat Powerboost. I would avoid any F-150 like your life depended on it.

 

There was a fuel pump recall for some of the '19's, and possibly other model years. It was a simple fix, but some people had an issue where an o-ring was installed improperly and they ended up stalling eventually. This could be what they're referring to.

I have no idea about any brake issues other than our parking brake sucking. Does it provide any details? Or, is it just a vague reference to "brake issues?"

 

The 5.0 is generally a solid engine. Have you tried cruising F150 forums to look for potential issues?

What problems are you having? I know a few people running Fords, and they don't seem to be having a lot of problems. But, they're not driving hybrids.

 

Catalytic converters are broken. Bed light melted. Starter/alternator, battery, and tensioner were all busted. I am a member of the F-150 forums, and all we discuss is the stuff wrong with our trucks.

 

Just referenced brakes in general.

 

First time 4 runner toyota owner, but many times a High milege vehicle owner. I put just under 300,000 miles on a 2005 jeep liberty, 152,000 on a jeep Cherokee, 187000 miles on a jeep wrangler that I still drive everyday and 342,000 documented mile on a 1984 Honda civic. Not sure if my high mileage motorcycles would count, but the point of this information is that I've almost always practiced standard preventative maintenance, regular oil changes, and any other items such as timing belts at the regularly specified time periods and been very pleased with the efforts. I expect the same mileage from my new 2024 4 runner based on their record of dependable vehicles. If wondering why I changed from jeeps to a toyota, I just got tired of driving jeeps, aND wanted to try something different. Ha! My solar Octane orange reminded me of my first car out of service back in 72, a 1972 orange volkswagon super Beatle. And no, I didn't get high mileage out of that first car, but learned the hard way about preventative maintenance. But it sure was a fun car to shake out the jungle rot from my bones and make me feel alive.

 

That sounds frustrating. Once you switch over, you can join us nitpicking the logic of the steering wheel radio buttons, wondering what the little compartment on the console is for, and complaining about the glare from the fake hood scoop.

I wouldn't worry about it. I haven't noticed anything around here regarding brake problems.

FWIW, the brakes on my '19 have been flawless. The rear pads were replaced around 70-80K and the fronts made it even longer.