Canadian going from Tesla Model 3 to 6th Gen 4Runner Platinum

Yeah, so the title says it all! I know... I'm a weird fella.

I also created a 6th gen waitlist thread for Canadians:
https://www.4runners.com/threads/6th-gen-canada-wait-list-allocations.37887/

Hope to see other Canucks there!

 

As someone who has both a 4Runner (5th gen) and a Model 3: Maybe things will be different with the 6th gen but I would never trade my 4Runner for the Model 3 and I would never trade my Model 3 for the 4Runner. VERY different vehicles. Can you keep both?

 

I could keep both sure (and I might since my 2023 Model 3 value in dropping like a stone). But I feel that with TSS 3.0, 14" screen, Android Auto and HUD, I should be set in terms of the tech that is important to me. I'm not a fan of how Tesla implemented Autopilot (and now FSD with our free trial). I don't think the 5th gen can really compare in those terms.

 

It's funny, both of them are the best cars I have ever owned for what they are. Model-3 is hands down the best commuter I have ever owned and for jetting around town on the cheap it can't be beat (I get free charging at work). 4Runner is hands down the best utility vehicle I have ever owned and for reliability and "fit" for my lifestyle it can't be beat (I do NOT get free gas). I am pretty indifferent to the tech. I have never been a cruise-control kinda guy so the AutoPilot is a bit lost on me. I have tried the FSD on the trial for the novelty of it and, in traffic, it is ok but I keep going back to driving my own car so I would never pay the $$ for it.

 

I work from home and do around 8000 km a year. So, mileage is not a big part of the equation.

Although, I might start dipping a toe in light off-roading with the 4R (because why not). But if I start liking that, then mileage would increase a lot.

In fact, if I could get Full Time 4WD on the Trailhunter or TRD Pro, I might very well choose one of those trims.

 

As a non owner, I didn't think Elon let you out of the cult. LOL. Once you're in, you're in.

And FYI, Toyota comes to your house with a mob and stakes if you get rid of your 4runner. I signed the paperwork at closing.

 

You don't drive a lot, so stay away from the hybrid 6th gen if longevity is your thing.

 

Well, since I normally change vehicle nearly every year. For me longevity would be 7-8 years. I'm not sure I would be able to keep the same vehicle longer than that. At least, I never managed to so far.

Are you saying this because of the added drive-train complexity, battery, etc... ?

 

I'm missing so much the truck-like ride I had on a 3rd Gen Explorer.

I just want to get that type of ride back, but with modern tech...

 

Full-time 4WD will be reserved for the Platinum or Limited hybrid. If you want full-time 4WD in an off-road-oriented trim, you'd need to step up to a Land Cruiser.

 

Hybrid tech is well proven. Worry about the other electrical bits exposed to the elements, like the high-powered electric steering rack and electric parking brake actuators.

 

Yeah, hence why I'm interested in the Platinum. I guess if I really wanted to off-road, I could just mod the Platinum right?

 

^You would have to wait for a rear locker to become available for this generation, then spend $$$$ for a shop to rebuild the rear diff to add the locker.

 

For the past few years I have been driving RWD with Nokian Hakka Studded tires and I had no issues in winter. So there's that.

So yeah I could get a Trailhunter or TRD Pro and drive in 2H most of the time.

It just seems such a shame not to have 4WD in the snow at highway speed. Or maybe I misunderstand how/when we can use 4H?

 

You can switch from 2H to 4H at any point below 60 mph then go as fast as you want. 4H is OK to use any time the pavement is wet, just avoid sharp parking lot turns. Highway on/off ramps are fine.

4H in part-time systems is like having the center diff locked in full-time systems, so it helps with braking on slippery surfaces.

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

Humm, the Land Cruiser's retro style is starting to grow on me. I don't find the interior as appealing as the 4R, but it's really not bad either.

All the tech is available. Could have full-time 4WD without missing on any of the other neat off-roading stuff.

Anyway, I guess I would be much too late to get my hands on a First Edition by now.

 

Welcome

 

Welcome and enjoy the 4Runner......it can open up a whole new world.

 

You've seen the Canadian pricing right? https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/2024-toyota-land-cruiser-canadian-pricing

All prices are excluding fees which add another $2200 or so, before taxes. A First Edition would be around $105k out the door if the dealer doesn't add any "market adjustment".

 

Yeah that is certainly starting to be steep. I could have considered it if that price was including taxes. Because I would expect the 4R Platinum to be around 90k$ including taxes.

EDIT: I see this price does include taxes. But looking at the mid-tier LC at 77k$, I think this one has all that I care about and would end up costing nearly the same as the 4R Platinum.

 

Ok so finally, here's how this all played out. My wife is buying my Model 3, so that's good. We'll still have a low cost long distance option when travelling.

As for myself, I bought a 2020 4R Limited with 70k KMs.

First, I'll play around with this thing on super light trails. If I like that experience, then I'll start modding it.

I'm thinking that the very first thing I should do before doing anything other than super light trails is this:

1. Buy 17" wheels.
2. Buy 265/70 R17 AT Tires.
3. Cut the ugly Limited bumper so that these tires works well without having to lift and to give me more front clearance (and that also exposes the recovery hooks).

Have I got this right?

 

The bumper cut could look like this:

 

Welcome Valtor from San Diego!