Anyone own a Toyota Forerunner?

Just looking for some local feedback. I have seen the reviews online.
They seem outdated BUT they are one of the few true 4×4 SUV’s left on the market.

I ran a 2006 4Runner for 4 years. Nice vehicle, really liked the 4 wheel drive, you could feel the shorter wheelbase when pulling a trailer, not a gas mileage champ. I had the small V-8 engine which ran super smoothly, but had issues with exhaust manifolds. I would recommend the vehicle but not the V-8, because of the exhaust manifold issues.

We looked at some 2012/2013s last summer. I really liked them, but coming from a Sequoia, my wife finally convinced me that I’d regret downsizing.

Do you mean a 4Runner?

Ralph Wiggum wrote:

Do you mean a 4Runner?

Yea. I pushed my wife into a Nissan Murano after her Grand Cherokee was totaled by an idiot. I thought she would appreciate the AWD and tech but she longs for higher seating and 4 bygod 4. I cant blame her because that’s all I will drive.
The only SUV’s that fit that category are the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep GC and 4Runner. They each have major pluses and major minuses.

Have driven them for work once in awhile. The premium w/leather very comfortable. the cloth sr5 with no premium is like sitting on a piece of plywood. For an suv it is more truck than anyother suv. pretty poor gas mileage for a 6 cyl.

If you care about the fuel and comfort I’d get the grand cherokee. If you like the wranglers. they can be a good buy regarding they hardly drop in value.

Personally traded our last suv in on a crewcab pickup truck. not sure if your wife would appreciate driving a pickup. My wife preferred it over an suv. gas mileage was similar if not better than the real 4×4 suvs and it was cheaper.

I have tried nudging her towards pickups but no go. We have had Jeeps for 25 years but I just dont know about them anymore. I am very disappointed they abandoned true 4×4 in their Cherokee and other line’s. You confirmed what I have read about Toy. Bad mileage and low power are enough to turn me away. The process is just beginning so we’ll see.

Had a 2005 4runner sr5 v-6. Loved it but had to get rid of it this past fall. Like the other say mileage was not great even for an SUV. 180k miles on it and the head gasket went and was starting to nickle and dime on the maintenance. Nothing major just parts started to fail and rust out with all the salt use here. Overall a good vehicle for the older models but when I looked and researched the newer ones to replace it they changed the suspension, frame, put in a smaller engine and lowered towing capacity. More I read the more I heard that is has lost some of its past 4X4 feel. After research I went with the Tundra Crew Max cab and glad I did. Even the wife thought it was a better fit. Especially considering the price points they wanted for a 4runner and what you got! Take a look at the trucks (what ever brand you like). You may be surprise as what you can get into and the feel, ride, performance compared to the 4runner is like night and day.

I have switched back and forth between 4runners and Jeep Grand Cherokees since the late 1990’s. I just went through the decision about which one to get again last year and ended up with a Grand Cherokee – primary reasons were better gas mileage, crash safety, lower center of gravity and step-in height.

Down side of Grand Cherokees is much less reliability than the 4runner. Decision maker was that I am leasing the Jeep and so it is under warranty – I’m less concerned about all the re-calls and PIA issues with Jeeps. Believe me I’ve had them and all the industry reliability ratings re: Jeeps are dismal too.

If I was buying and planned to keep a long time – no brainer with the 4Runner. They just last and last and last…

Thinking about getting a Pilot-opinions?

I know someone who has almost 400k miles on a mid 2000s model.

I had Jeeps for years and bought an F150 last year for pulling capacity. The longer wheel base makes for an incredibly smooth ride! I have the super crew cab and the back seat area is bigger than most if not all SUV’s. There is no transom hump in the back so when you fold the back seat up you get a nice flat are to lay down. 53″ x 33″. Made a foam mattress for my wife and she loves it on long trips. My 5.0L gets 21 MPH. Mostly Highway miles.

Wont hurt to test drive. Don’t let the length and inexperience of driving a pickup dissuade you. I got used to it really quick. Wish I would have bought one sooner!

Dealers are dang near giving away Durangos. The GT is priced right and has a strong V6.
(Just sell it before it starts to rust!)

Suzuki any news ? Are you looking new or used?

chris-tuckner wrote:

Dealers are dang near giving away Durangos. The GT is priced right and has a strong V6.
(Just sell it before it starts to rust!)

These are nice.Had one for a rental(Pentastar V6),and it drove very nice.0 issues on hills.Overall avg MPG was about 25,driving from Charlotte,NC to Cristiansburg,VA and to Martinsville,VA.Lots of hills.Did not have the crazy shifting a lot of vehicles have.

I would not mind having one,but not in the budget.But they do not hold their value.4Runner would be the leader there.

suzuki wrote:

I have tried nudging her towards pickups but no go.

I don’t blame her for this one. I’ve got a love hate with my Silverado. In Brainerd it’s all love. In the cities with the horrible turning radius I cringe in certain parking lots. Especially at the airport last week. Been following this thread as a 4Runner has always interested me.

patk wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>suzuki wrote:</div>
I have tried nudging her towards pickups but no go.

I don’t blame her for this one. I’ve got a love hate with my Silverado. In Brainerd it’s all love. In the cities with the horrible turning radius I cringe in certain parking lots. Especially at the airport last week. Been following this thread as a 4Runner has always interested me.

The Twin Cities parking thing is the only thing that keeps me from a full sized pickup. Grand Cherokees and 4 Runners aren’t a bad compromise if you can live without a big rear bed.

Well the 4Runner is off the list. Test drove yesterday and didnt make it past the building before we knew the power was not what we are looking for. Salesman seemed bummed that we knew exactly what we wanted. Otherwise I think they are sharp vehicles with great off road potential.
Looks like its down to Grand Cherokee or Durango. There are a metric Sh** ton of used GC’s around here so I think we will shop for a slightly used one. That’s what she had before and loved. Only reason we didnt jump right back into one is because Jeep really bent us over when the leased one was totaled by someone else.
Worst case scenario she drives her Murano this winter but with snow tires added.

I bought a 4runner in Indiana and towed my camry on a dolly behind it. For a v6, the power seemed decent. We had a durango, and replaced it with the 4runner. As long as your okay with a 100k Mile vehicle, and poor resale value, Durango or Jeep are a decent choice.

There is always the occasional nicer Jeep GC out there with the v8 also. would add to longevity in my opinion. although more upfront initially.