Should I purchase a 4Runner?

2005 4runner purchased new from dealer lot in 2005. Best most maintenance-free vehicle ever. 150,000 miles. The only failures were the starters (2 times). They last 4 years and fail - including the OEM.

Cheap replacement off Amazon for $99 works great too - and fails at 4 years. Two bolts to install.

Original WP and alternator. That's amazing for a 15-year-old truck with 150,000 miles on Bahamian roads. Annual temps range from 60 degrees to occasional 100 degrees. It's "hot, hot, hot."

1 front wheel bearing replaced. Bought a full replacement off Amazon for the next time! Amazon.com: DTA Front Wheel Hub Bearing Full Assembly NT5150402WG3 Fits Front Left or Right Toyota 4Runner Tacoma FJ Cruiser Hilux 2WD Only, Will NOT Fit 4WD. Replaces Dorman # 950-004: Automotive

Don't replace just the bearing. Big mistake and three hours of labor.

 

They've readjusted transmission tuning to try and make the best of it, but the problem is fundamental. The 1GR engine in Toyota trucks (prior to the 3rd gen Tacoma) had been developed specifically for a longitudinal truck platform, with a focus on low-end torque (and less on efficiency). The 2GR platform was developed primarily as a transverse-mounted engine for FWD applications, which are more suited for higher revving to make power (and better mileage while cruising).

The 2GR-FKS in the Tacoma is tuned specifically to be in a truck, but will still need to rev higher to make power. It's coupled to an automatic transmission that wants to keep shift points low, for better economy. That's why the truck constantly feels at odds with itself- it's shifting to the next gear before it even gets into the powerband, and hunts gears at the slightest incline.

There were other compromises in adopting the 3.5L as well- such as oil burning when the truck is inclined too long (for example, up an off-road hill climb). Overall I think it was a less-than-perfect implementation by Toyota and should be revisited. Plenty of people happy with their trucks though.

 

All good points. Personally, I love the 4Runner even driving around town for all of the reasons you mentioned. I also feel like many of the downsides of the truck melt away when you get it into its element. It feels so worth it when I switch into 4HI and drive past others on the hill putting on chains, getting me a little closer to first chair. Or getting the family out to a campsite after a long day on the road.

Still though, I seriously considered an AWD Sienna for many of the same reasons...

 

The closest I've come to off roading my Runner is a few dirt roads and one short but very steep gravel-coated hill (on which the 4R was incredibly confidence inspiring -- to your point about the feel of the truck in its element).

I expect to put it through a lot more than that. But so far it's mainly done duty as a long-haul vehicle transporting people and stuff. For example I did one day trip of about 900 miles and 15 hours with a passenger and the cargo hold loaded to the gills. I was really pleased at how comfortable and relaxing it was on a trip like that. And two of my prior four cars were a BMW sports sedan and sports coupe. I even did a hair better than 20 MPG despite long stints of 70s and 80s MPH, the weight of the cargo, a bunch of hills, and one epic traffic jam.

In other words, I had bought it for the reasons mentioned in my earlier post but ended up impressed with it as a daily driver.

However, I also bought it assuming it would never be the only car in the household. That there would always be something sporty and/or more economical for a commute or routine errand. But if I knew I could only have one vehicle? Hmmmm, not really sure but it might still be the 4R.