Eric Rinehart Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 I was deciding between a Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 4Runner and was amazed at how much more stuff you could get on the Jeep for relatively the same money. Then it dawned on me - the Jeeps aren't holding their value like the Toys. The other thing I really like about the Toy is that it is still a truck frame and you have a transfer case, not AWD or some variation of it. With traction control and hill descent in low range, this is a nice set up. Like Tut, I was able to purchase the SR5 with the premium package - leather, heated seats, nav, etc. It makes for a very comfortable ride and with a tow capacity of 4700 lbs, might be able to get a nice small camper. Eric Link to post Share on other sites
Dogwood Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 5 hours ago, WPG Gizmo said: I currently have a 03 4th Gen 4Runner with the V8 all wheel drive it is a beast. I fold down the rear seat and put 3 dogs in with no problem mine does not have the 3rd seat. Gas mileage is not great but I get 19 on the highway as long as I dont get into the pedal but when you do you know you have a V8 Some recommendations if you get a 8 change out the exhaust to a Magnaflow cat back it comes out the side not straight back if you tow anything the heat from the straight back pipe will cause damage. A coil lift is recommended if your going way off road it raises the front 3 inches and the rear 2 allowing larger tires. There are some other thing I have done but they are the basic ones. Things to look for they have a timing belt which should be changed at 90K not a cheap job. Brake calipers tend to freeze up. There is a dash replacement recall the dash tends to melt in the heat on some vehicles enough that they issued a replacement recall. I have seen a lot of Commanders for sale Jeep stopped making them a few years ago the Toyota have way more interior room then they do Good advice. Cracked exhaust manifolds are a problem on Gen 4's also. Not sure if the frame rust issues hit these or not; check it out though. Huge T4R Forum with lots of info. Link to post Share on other sites
WPG Gizmo Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 There is the rust issue but it is not covered under the recall. Link to post Share on other sites
rideold Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 7 hours ago, WPG Gizmo said: Things to look for they have a timing belt which should be changed at 90K not a cheap job. The 6 cyl has a timing chain on the 4th generation. Something to consider for long term maint. costs. Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Blair Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 Don't overlook the Lexus GX-470s. Basically same as the 4 Runner. Buying used gets rid of most of the Lexus upcharge. I won't be trading my 2008 GX-470 for a long, long time. Link to post Share on other sites
DAG Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 3 hours ago, Bob Blair said: Don't overlook the Lexus GX-470s. Basically same as the 4 Runner. Buying used gets rid of most of the Lexus upcharge. I won't be trading my 2008 GX-470 for a long, long time. X2 Link to post Share on other sites
Eric Rinehart Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 14 hours ago, Bob Blair said: Don't overlook the Lexus GX-470s. Basically same as the 4 Runner. Buying used gets rid of most of the Lexus upcharge. I won't be trading my 2008 GX-470 for a long, long time. My impression of the GX-470's, based on the body lines, is that they are Lexus's version of the Land Cruiser, not the 4Runner. After watching a couple of youtube comparisons, I see your point. Very nice upgrade to the 4Runner. Eric Link to post Share on other sites
Jim Vander Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 I had a 3rd gen 4runner Ltd with factory electric locker, it would go anywhere. I built drawers for it and mounted 2 kennels in it. When Iwas alone it was all the room I needed. I gave it to my daughter to take to college as I wanted her safe in the snow. At 250K its still running like a top. Some minor sensor replacements and the like along the way. What amazes me is how little suspension work it needs. I did struts because I felt ride was getting little bouncy but my front end guy say all the rest is good as gold. Link to post Share on other sites
sschultz Posted February 15, 2017 Author Share Posted February 15, 2017 Wow this kind of information is what I was looking for. Thanks Link to post Share on other sites
DAG Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 2 hours ago, Eric Rinehart said: My impression of the GX-470's, based on the body lines, is that they are Lexus's version of the Land Cruiser, not the 4Runner. After watching a couple of youtube comparisons, I see your point. Very nice upgrade to the 4Runner. Eric Lexus LX = Toyota Land Cruiser The GX is actually built on the Toyota Prado which is not available in America. Link to post Share on other sites
PointingMutt Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Another vote for the used GX. Was looking at both recently and very happy with my choice. Link to post Share on other sites
sschultz Posted February 16, 2017 Author Share Posted February 16, 2017 Is the Lexus as good off-road as the 4Runner. Link to post Share on other sites
DAG Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 1 hour ago, sschultz said: Is the Lexus as good off-road as the 4Runner. Yes, we've taken ours all over 4x4 trails in colorado. People assume that because it's a Lexus it's a pavement princess but it is extremely capable. 99% of owners have no idea/don't care what a great off-road vehicle they have. Link to post Share on other sites
Dogwood Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Anybody tow with the Lexus and if so how much weight? Link to post Share on other sites
ThomGordon Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 Sat in a 2012 SR5 for approximately five minutes, looked around at the space and immediately headed to the full size truck dealerships Link to post Share on other sites
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