4th Gen Problems

[kaneman]

My neighbor and I both bought 4runners yesterday from the same dealer. I chose the V8 and they got the V6. They called me today and told me they broke down as they were merging onto interstate 95. Apparently they were changing over to the middle lane and going about 60mph when the engine died. They were able to coast it to the side of the road and call a tow truck. The dealer hasn't called them back so this isn't looking to good. I will keep everyone posted.... Also, I just finished reading the owner's manual today and I thought it was horrible. Some of the stuff in the manual was just confusing. They gave several break down scenario's and what to do if you break down situations towards the end. The whole reason I bought my 4runner was because of Toyota's known quality and reliability. Now, I'm concerned after learning of my neighbor's problem and reading the manual. Is Toyota anticipating these things to fail or are they protecting their arses? I don't remember that much crap being in my Tacoma manual. It's about half as thick.

There is too much electronic crap to go wrong with these things compared to the 3rd gen's. Oh man, I hate having regrets.

[RobXS]

That scenario is exaclty why they say to not buy a vehicle the first year they come out. You are probably better off than they are. Your motor is a proven performer. The V6 is brand new. I am sure toward the end of the model year or early next year the v6 will be typical bullet proof toyota quality, but there are bound to be bugs in the new product.

[kaneman]

I agree and that' s the whole reason I went with the 4.7. It's a proven motor and close to bullet proof what I've read. I haven't heard back from my neighbor yet but they are extremely upset. This is her 1st Toyota and she has very mixed feelings. She told the dealer she wants a new truck or her car back. I would probably do the same if I were in her situation. Also, she is upset because I paid almost $1500 less then what she did and she got the plain SR5 V6. I guess she didn't research invoice prices but that's another subject.

[TundraGuy]

I'm sure we can all understand the disappointment but don't you think you're jumping to irrational conclusions? No car manufacturer ever has been able to produce 100% perfect cars. The defect in your neighbor's car is probably minor and after fixed the 4Runner will be as good as new. There's no need to doubt all 4Runners because one broke.

- Steven

[kaneman]

Your right. I still have that new truck buying regret anxiety. I love it but I often wonder if I made the right decision.... I know I did though because it's a yota. I've owned 3 so far and they were all great. However, this new 4runner is a WHOLE NEW ANIMAL. I've never owned a vehicle with so many electric Doodads and that's what bother's me a little. I know Toyota puts a lot of R&D/E into their products before they release it to the market. If I had my choice I would have chosen not to have many of those features such as the VSC and fulltime 4wd but you can't order them this way. Oh well...

[kaneman]

I have an update on my neighbor's 03' V6

The source of the problem was a bad/defective MAF. I think it's rare that a vehicle rolls out of the factory with a defective MAF and hopefully this is an isolated incident w/ the new V6 models. They have ordered a new MAF and she is going to keep the truck. They did offer her a replacement but it wasn't w/the same color or configurations. So everyone is happy and this doesn't seem to be serious.. Good news for everyone!

[TundraGuy]

See, it was just the MAF sensor. Sensors go bad every once and a while.

If it makes you feel any better the current 4Runner is based on the Prado(sp?) that has been around for a while in Japan so it's not really totally new.

The 4wd system is relatively simple (yet excellent) with the torsen center differential and should prove to be bullet proof and possibly more reliable than solenoid actuated part time systems.

ASC and traction control and all that stuff is just implemented with computer control of the ABS system and as we all know ABS with computer control has been around for a long time.

So, I wouldn't worry about it too much, all the key technologies in the 4Runner have been around for a while.

- Steve

[kaneman]

Thanks for understanding my whiny-*** concerns...haha.. I am bad at making big buying decisions and I always 2nd guess myself after I do. Also, I really really hate having a car payment. I haven't had one for the last 5 years so a big $500.00 a month is a good chunk of change. I guess that's the Average car payment amount these days. Even the Camry's and other cars I priced would have had a similar monthly payment. Oh well I got to have a car to get to work and pay the rest of the bills.