It's indestructible!
I've had the 4Runner for a good 11+ years. The first years were inexpensive, until 6 years later or so, when I had replace the transmission.
I have no negative complaints! It can always keep up, great performance & reliable.
Fuel is somewhat pricey, but for the most part, it's a sick truck!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th September, 2013
If you have the cash for gas, an OK vehicle
The head gasket just blew, which is probably normal for this many miles, but I take good care of my vehicles. I really don't know what to do with it now, as it really isn't worth much, except for the almost new tires I just put on it!!
I HAVE had good luck with the truck, besides replacing things like starters and alternators.
Not sure I would buy another Toyota 4runner, just because the ride is so bad in this vehicle. It really IS built more like a truck than an SUV.
I have owned 6 Toyota vehicles in my life, and they can nickle and dime you to death if they are not very carefully maintained throughout their lives.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 18th February, 2011
Extremely reliable, and great for poor people!
I had to have the top end of the engine rebuilt at 124,000 as others have stated. But that is it. Everything else works.
Two things bother me, and I will soon fix them.
There is a serpentine belt squeak, and the fan under the hood rubs up against the plastic frame, but it isn't enough to make me go out tomorrow and fix them, if you get my drift.
My uncle was the original owner, and put 100k on it, then gave it to my dad. My dad put another 88k on it, then gave it to me.
It has black bumpers and handles, but ironically it has leather interior. The driver's seat is just now starting to see wear marks.
I put smaller tires on it, and they make a huge difference. I also change the oil religiously every 3 months or 3k miles, whether it needs it or not.
There also has only been 3 sets of tires, of which the ones I bought will last until 230k because I check the tire pressure once a week.
I live in California where the weather gets hot, and the air conditioning works fantastic.
My 2000 VW Jetta VR6 made it to 133k before I refused to dump anymore money into it. Basic engine stuff, nothing major, but still expensive.
Okay, people say these 4 cylinders are slow... Compared to a VR6, yes, but really they aren't that slow. I also have to admit I don't have the 4wd, which would add weight and cause it to be slower.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 8th February, 2010
Original Poster again.
233,000 miles, and nothing wrong, I also haven't had to change the tires yet! Only complaint is the squeaks coming from the serpentine belts when it's cold. This is a common problem even with newer Toyota trucks though, so oh well.
Original Poster again. Here I am 6/28/2013 and Betsy has over 250,000 miles. Same tires as mentioned before.
A couple of things so far.
My A/C button fell off and I lost it for several weeks. This was quite annoying due to the BRIGHT light behind it; thankfully I found it when I tore the seats out. I used a piece of scotch tape to put it back in place.
Also, the u-joints went out and some a-hole stole my cat converter. Replaced u-joints & cat for $300.
The only other problem I see is a weird vibration at around 70 mph. Nothing bad, but not normal. I don't use Betsy any more as my daily commuter, but I am still amazed at how everything works after so many miles.
I need to replace the front windscreen because it's original and has so many nicks from freeway driving.
I'll never get rid of this great machine!
12th Apr 2011, 09:29
Original poster here for an update.
My truck now has 220,306 on the odometer and it's still running strong. No problems at all. I also want to note that I get an extra HP or two and several lb ft of torque when I use premium fuel. It ticks and knocks horribly when I use 87 octane fuel.
I also want to compliment Toyota for putting such a smooth shifting autobox in these trucks, or at least in the four cylinder models. I don't know if they are all reliable like mine is, but my transmission shifts effortlessly and without any hesitation. It is reluctant to downshift only because of how it's programed for better fuel mileage, but can get annoying when you feel like you have to really press on the pedal for a downshift.
My fuel mileage taps out at what the EPA states a 4 cylinder model could get 20/24. I also only use two types of fuel; Costco or Shell.