Potential new owner

Hi we are looking at purchasing a 4Runner in the near future to replace our Subaru Outback as the main family vehicle. I know a lot about Subarus and what years are best and what to look out for so can I get some opinions about 4Runners and any issues to check for when looking used. It will probably be a 2014-2016 as I am tops looking to spend 30k on one. Thanks for any info!

 

Pretty rough...spending $30k on a 7 year old car. Maybe save up a few more bucks and get a new one at $42K

 

I had 2010 4runner for 11 years, the only thing failed is a neutral/park sensor on transmission, looks like the are corroded and slowly die on many 4Runners after 7-10 years. I didn't baby my truck and I was offroading quite a bit, went though a lot of nasty stuff, dented skid plates on rocks etc, but other than that sensor I didn't have any malfunctions. I think that If 4Runner was maintained well there shouldn't be any issues. I would look for frame rust, signs of being in an accident or maybe very hard offroad and for excessive wear.

 

My daughter has a Forester so I have experience with both platforms. Off-road the Subaru is capable, but it’s not in the same class as the 4Runner, which will confidently take you places your Subaru couldn’t. The Subaru is more modern in every way, and all the vehicle electronics are more refined than the 4Runner’s. (That, though, is not important to me at all.)

My experience is that Subaru is a much nicer company to deal with than Toyota in terms of after sales service. The company and the people seem very genuine about their desire to take care of their customers and their vehicles. At the Toyota dealership I always feel like I’m being hustled.

Finally, I predict that you will miss the Subaru at the gas pump.

If I sound like a big Subaru fan, it’s because I am. But I drive a 4Runner because all-wheel-drive ain’t 4-wheel-drive.

 

Thanks for the reply. We are in between getting another outback and the 4Runner. It’s more the room inside and ride height we like about the 4Runner. We love the outback and would definitely miss a lot of things about it but it is only so big with 2 kids and a dog and all out things when we travel.

 

Also good to know that the T4R isn't fulltime 4WD except you get the Limited version.
Especially coming from a AWD.

 

I read that frame rust is something to watch for were there any better years for this or years to avoid or just something to check for. I live in WI so rust can be a real issue here. Thanks

 

The newer they are the less likely they are to have frame rust that's already developed, but they are all prone to it if you live in an area that has winter weather and uses road salt. And it's not just a 4Runner, basically any Toyota that has a body on frame design is going to have issues.

If you do get one, have it treated with fluid film, or woolwax or a similar prior to every winter season, that'll help prevent rust and preserve the frame.

 

Is it even possible to find a new one for 42K anymore?

OP, other than increased cargo space, what exactly draws you to the 4Runner? Do you do any off-roading? If you're not planning on doing any off-roading, I'll suggest that a Highlander might be something that would suit your needs as well. It's basically better at every aspect of being a daily driver than the 4Runner, the only real negative is that it doesn't have the off-road capability. I believe the Highlander even has a little bit more interior space than the 4Runner as well.

Not that the 4Runner is bad, it's a really solid vehicle that will last for years. The downside is that it's somewhat truck like to drive, and it'll be much less refined than your Outback, as well as being much more expensive at the pump.

 

I think OP must test drive and see if you like the 4Runner mpg, handling, acceleration and braking performance. Or even features part of safety system like lane keeping assist, full speed cruise control, headlights turning with steering, etc in Subaru vs 4Runner does not have it. Since I'm addicted to 4Runners and whole family and many of close friends owning 4Runners I may not be the best person to ask about 4Runners. But I can't resist saying how much I love the 4Runner over Subaru Ascent with 1 - 2 month experience in winter with a heavy snow storm and few minor ones early Feb - end of April.

 

Depends on how you define refined. I expected truck-like when I bought mine, but compared to our 18 Highlander, I actually think my 4runner stock was way more comfy/cushy in terms of suspension feel, and lacks the harshness of a unibody, especially in winter when the plastics rattle and have the little crack sounds on rough asphalt.

The 4runner is smooth, and has cloud-like comfort in comparison to highlander. No joke. And no crack/snap/pops ever, even in winter, and after 37,000 miles and with the aftermarket dobinsons suspension.

 

Ya we do some off roading and also we have driven and rode in a couple highlanders and do not care for them. We actually like a truck like ride and don’t mind less tech. The 4Runner in my mind is one of the last great mid size suvs that is made. We love the outback but are willing to sacrifice the MPG for the added ride height and cargo space. Thanks for all the advice so far I’ll be inspecting the frames very good and treating one if I get it.

 

congrats and good luck with your purchase

 

Yes,

https://www.edmarktoyota.com/invent...-premium-4wd-sport-utility-jtenu5jr5p6099549/