Impulse bought one of the Last 5th Gen 4runners

I'm expecting my second child and I was in the market for a 7 or 8 seater SUV. My wife asked me to purchase a reliable vehicle so she doesn't have to live in fear of being one of the people stuck on the side of the highway every time she leaves the house.

I started researching vehicles, and my search initially took me to the Chevy Tahoe. I realized there is a class lawsuit against it due to the valve-lifter technology that disables two cylinders to improve gas mileage.


Then I noticed all new models are stuffed with anti-features like hybrid or EV engines, or other complex mechanical or electronic systems that severely and catastrophically degrade vehicle reliability.

My search brought me to the SR5 and SR5 premium third row 5th gen 4runners. I quickly realized I had the opportunity to purchase one of the last 1GR-FE V6 engine equipped ones, and perhaps one of the last low-tech vehicles available. I immediately fell in love with the 5th gen 4runner. Love at first sight. This vehicle isn't designed for the purpose of carrying a large family, but I made sure I could fit and install child seats in the second and third row. Not ideal, but it works.

I went to my local West Coast Toyota dealership and they initially had all of their 4runners reserved. I looked through every California dealership and found a grand total of three 2024 4runners available of any trim.

Luckily, one of the people canceled their reservation of a 2024 SR5 Premium vehicles, and I found myself the new owner.



Paid just over total suggested retail price for this one. I have a feeling I'm going to enter a hobby I didn't even know existed before looking for a vehicle.

Pleasure to meet all of you!

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

Congratulations on getting one of the last! Wow! I’be never regretted any of my 4Runners, or Toyotas in general. Only regret that I sold them. I think you’ll be very happy. Enjoy!

 

Congrats and Welcome!

 

Welcome

 

Thank you all!

 

Welcome

 

Congrats and great choice!

 

Smart move good sir. This is my second 4runner. The first one had 250k before I sold it and got my 2022. You won't regret it!

 

congrats and welcome from the Sip!

 

You had the presence of mind to realize that this opportunity to own the legendary vehicle fitted with the 1GR-FE would only be attainable on the used market if you didn’t act fast, so you did. Not only reliable but a safe choice for a growing family. This was a good choice you will never regret. Welcome to the forum from San Diego!

 

Congrats… beautiful ride. 2024 new are hard to find.

 

how much longer do you think the first one would
Have gone?

 

Fully agree with your list of "anti-features". My decision making process to buy 4Runner was the same.

Make sure your wife understands that 4WD mode should not be used on dry pavement.

 

It was still running like a sewing machine when I sold it. It was a 2wd SR5. I wanted a 4x4 and saved up the money to treat myself.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

Congratulations and good luck!