You Need To Know THIS Before Buying a Used Toyota 4Runner!

[@The_Mister]

Most don’t understand that an SR5 in 4 low, will still crawl. You control it with the sequential shifter - select 1st for crawling steep down hill, 2nd, 3rd etc…your SR5 has crawl control. You’re just not relying on a computer to do it for you.

[@Offshore1977]

As well as having ATRAC

[@kimbuck-2]

At what point would it shift into 2nd gear when you are in 4Lo? I would think it would stay there. Are you saying the Crawl in my Pro can be replicated in my SR5?

[@The_Mister]

@@kimbuck-2with the sequential shifter you set the highest gear the truck can use. So if I have it limited to 3rd, it will shift like normal up to third gear, but will not go into 4th. This allows you to take advantage of a higher rev range and more torque when accelerating onto a freeway for example, but then you manually give it 4th when you’re ready for another gear. You aren’t mechanically doing the shifting, just telling the truck what gears it can use and when. If you are descending a steep mountain trail in 4 low…limit it to 1st or 2nd and it will crawl downhill very slowly limited by your transfer case and gearing - you don’t need to ride the brakes or use hill descent assist. If you are in 4 low on flat ground or even a slight incline, it will crawl - even up a gentle slope, without putting your foot on the gas. You’re just limiting the highest gear it will shift into. If you’re in Drive, in 4 low, it will want to use all 5 gears, but you should not be in 4 low if you’re going fast enough for the truck to shift into 4th or 5th. In 4 low, you are in a very low RPM range, but it still shifts automatically - limited only by the highest gear you’re giving it. I will usually give it up to 1st or 2nd coming down a steep trail, 3rd gear when I can go a little faster. If the RPMs scream for 4th….that’s when I know I need to be in 4 hi, not 4 low anymore. Mechanically, the different trim levels are mostly the same truck…they just have extra computers to help you do things you can do manually if you know how to use the mechanics of the SR5. The TRD models do have a locker, different suspension, etc…but for most situations the SR5 is the same vehicle, especially if you use A-Trac.

[@eartha911]

Thanks for the validation. I was forced to retire after an injury, and I immediately bought a new 2016 Trail, (now called the TRD OFF ROAD). I lived in snow country then, so I immediately put on BGF KO2 All terrains, and never shoveled an ounce of snow. She's probably my last car and I feel so great every time i drive her. She only has 11,500 miles, so it's wild that she is worth almost what I paid new.

[@somethingaim]

long live the best 4runner ever to live also the limited is very capable and easy to live with

[@crbourret]

I went from owning three previous Jeeps to a 2018 4Runner, absolutely love it!

[@michaelptm2269]

How was the reliability of those jeeps?

[@HuangHangLo]

My Jeep had the transmission replaced at 48K miles. 3rd gear fault. Lost a lot of faith in Jeep after they were trying not to honor the warranty. Traded it 2K miles later and got a 4runner. Loving it so far. Jeep was fun. But terrible reliabilty. Electronics were always buggy.

[@michaelgartman3118]

Welcome to Yota ❤️​@@HuangHangLo

[@ookjai]

I'm about to make the change as well. My JGC had transmission clunk recall, failed fuel injector, failed thermostat, failed ball bearing, failed overhead cam (some seal part) that leaked oil, A/C condenser fail, heater actuator fail, radiator leak that was replaced, side plastic panel that came off behind passenger seat, EVAP fail, and now P420 code indicating low threshold bank 1 relating to failing catalytic converter. Should have moved on long time ago but wanted to get the most out of this before I jump ship. I suppose over 10 years all cars break down here and there but this 4Runner seems like all it needs is oil change.

[@oldblue83cj]

I did Imogene Pass in my stock SR5 with Michelin LTX/MS tires. That car was a beast.

[@old_guard2431]

The fact that an off-road rental company uses these vehicles speaks a lot. You are going to get some not-my-car neophytes in the mix of renters.

[@trailrunnah8886]

I just want to note that the 2010 to 2013 Trail Editions (precursor to the TRD Off-road) commonly referred to as the "OG Trails" are actually quite desirable and sought after. The other pre-facelift models, not so much, though their owners love them.

[@SandyMasquith]

Great video, Tommy! Thanks for taking the rain and showing off the new KO3s. I love my 2022 TRD Off-Road Prem. Got it for doing overlanding throughout the US, cna plan to take it all over as soon as retirement will allow me. That being said, it's a great daily driver. I got KO2s on it now, and plan to replace them with KO3s in the future. Good to know Goodrich is continuing the KO line. They are a really good tire for on-road and off-road.

[@johndeere8594]

Toyota is crazy. I would never stop manufacturing the six cylinder engine that’s in this four runner. It’s bullet proof. And so is the transmission.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

@@johndeere8594 they have to ditch the engine due to tightening emissions restrictions/limits in North America.

[@XgsrJohn]

They should have never ditched the 2UZ out of the 4th gen.

[@steve337]

Communism sucks.

[@bsoelman]

​@XgsrJohn you sir get it. The 2UZ is absolutely one of the best engines ever made, they make decent power and run forever and a half.

[@Anomize23]

Thats what happens when a new guy comes in running a company. Is it a Coincidence that the new models are from the new head of toyota?

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

Great video! We still love our 2014 Trail (TRD Offroad). It has 163K miles and like many has a 3" OME lift, 33" Mickey Thompson Baja Boss A/T tires, skid plates, rock sliders and a winch. Being the first year of the current front end style it looks virtually the same as the 2024. We bought it used and almost stock. Our mods have about 50,000 miles on them but are holding up. Now pull a 4000 pound trailer and yes it is slow uphill, but totally reliable for 5500 miles. We are waiting to get a 2026 Trailhunter 4Runner, but look forward to more power, fuel economy and modern tech. We will leave it mostly stock as it will have essentially what our current 4Runner has except the winch and upgraded tires.

[@okniceguy]

I purchased my 5th Generation 4Runner last week Monday! Brand new!

[@justahumbledude]

Got mine last Saturday. new! lol

[@idesignspaces]

Me too! Excited

[@mars7374]

Congrats!!

[@Anomize23]

@@okniceguy congratulations. Had mine 7 years trouble free with routine maintenance and aside from needing a strut replacement recently, it should be a good run for your truck if you do your routine maintenance. Most reliable vehicle ive had.

[@HaileyBouffiou]

This is my vehicle! Super cool seeing it used for this event. Glad it treated you well!

[@slib77]

Just picked up our new 5th Gen TRD OFF Road Premium on Sunday. MY 4th Gen 07 SR5 has a ToyTec lift on it with 285's and Fuel wheels. She has been a great truck. Gonna be sad when I sell her. My first was an 88 my parents bought brand new, sold it about 3 years ago. I really miss my 03 V8 limited. Love the 4Runners.

[@MO-vr1jg]

Only thing I would add is to inspect the frame including crossmembers and control arms for rust…especially if your getting one from snow country..

[@mannymotta2174]

Having my frame repaired on my 2005 with 230k as we speak. Seems the AC drain drips down on the frame and corrodes it. Wish I knew this

[@TheOffroadCamper]

Tommy the original 4runner I believe it came out around 84 was a two door based on the hilux kind of like a bronco or a blazer. The midsize version came out around 95ish if memory serves.

[@domhuft1620]

90 actually, 95 is when the hilux became the Tacoma in the US

[@Bot944]

Picked up a new SR5P back in 2021. At the time I would have liked a TRD Off Road, but it was hard enough to find the SR5…my local dealer had one single SR5 Premium at MSRP, so I went for it. The premium was more important than the TRD for me, as I couldn’t imagine paying $40k+ for a vehicle without heated seats LOL It’s been awesome and tackled a little bit of off-roading over the years on stock tires. At 50k now and it will be getting a set of wheels and Falken Wildpeaks. Excited to see what a nice set of rubber will do for it. The KO3 looks amazing, but they didn’t make a load range C in a 275/70r17 and it didn’t seem that they focused on improving the rain/snow performance which the KO2 lacked in. Either way, the SR5 is fantastic and in my personal opinion offers 90-95% off what a TRD is for less money. Sure the resale isn’t as great, but I don’t plan on selling mine…

[@eddieayala2997]

The last reliable vehicle of 2024

[@Offshore1977]

I had a 1.5” front and 1” rear cornspacer spacers installed when quite new and it rides and has ridden like stock since. Super happy with the look and increased stance. Also to note I have KDSS and absolutely no issues or lean.

[@idesignspaces]

Keep it stock and get the best tires for a smoother ride

[@hp-fx9pv]

“Be honest with yourself people, don’t buy your off-roaders if you never take them off-road” lol, facts! That’s probably why the prices of these have also skyrocketed the past years!

[@djcan9503]

People Buy them for resale value. And why not purchase the capability of you have the funds? Good advice but wrong thoughts.

[@ookjai]

The TRD Off Road just looks cooler. And ready for natural disasters just in case you need to go up hill off road. I think it's the best trim.

[@luis.capsalot8124]

Awesome video, Tommy ! This summer I bought a used 2018 4runner limited in white with 66,000 miles and I'm just in love. I live in Connecticut, so I'm waiting for winter to arrive to see how well it rides in the snow.

[@gt_outdoorexcursions]

Pretty much what I've got myself, 18 limited with 64k miles, riding ko2s and 17inch wheels and it checks off a lot of my forest service road capabilities just fine.

[@user-vb1gl7tn8y]

Inflation made these things so expensive, maybe once they’re well used I could finally afford one.

[@IIIXIIIIIIIIIIIIIXIII]

Na just make more

[@vex-nh]

The Limited's full-time 4wd may be better in snow, but then Toyota went and put a front fascia that hangs low to the ground which is not good for driving on snowy roads that haven't been plowed.

[@garretlewis4103]

I am with you on finding a stock vehicle. Some vehicles are much harder to find in stock form than others. One example is a Jeep TJ Rubicon.

[@MO-vr1jg]

Nice job with the general overview of the Gen 5 4Runner.

[@aquatiqz4810]

Just got a new 2024 2 days ago!!! TRD off-road premium in midnight black

[@maverick1367]

I love the last 2024 4Runner trd pro.❤

[@zackdemundo]

Excellent info, Tommy!

[@WW-wf8tu]

#1, You used to promote the TRD OR over the other trim levels. Just saying. ;) With all the good reasons you got to here. #2 However, it should be noted that if you are trying to buy one in stock form that has that just a bit more capability both on and off the pavement, look for a TRD OR with KDSS. Cannot find that in an SR5, nor the PRO or Limited. I agree that the occasional off pavement driver should opt for the the SR5 for less $. It is ok. Unless you want that KDSS option. I would never pick a Limited, because in that class, you can buy a lot of very nice, better riding, better looking, better everything frankly vehicles for that price range.

[@zackdemundo]

Re: #2 like a GX.

[@MCGaar]

Adaptive cruise control came standard on my base model SRV 2021

[@matthewschiebout7384]

the first gen 4Runner had a solid front axle...and Tommy hasn't ever reviewed one...

[@jtstanley26]

I wow. I saw you heading north on the Glenn yesterday (09/23)

[@TopHatGent]

The problem nowadays I see from some comments are people are so fiercely fan boying they can't admit faults on their favorite car brands. If they did owners could fix said issues or avoid them and everyone wins. It can also help to push Toyota to make improvements.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

This! The 4Runner has some serious downsides if you live somewhere where the roads are salted. Not only is the frame prone to rust but so is the hatch. That's ridiculous for a vehicle in this day and age.

[@TopHatGent]

@@Monkeyseemonkey79 True, salt eats everything up here. I treat and undercoat mine every year. PB blaster max works great for keeping the hitch rust free.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

@@TopHatGent I'm referring to the rear hatch (tailgate). It is prone to rusting out.

[@vaguelyspecific9955]

I agree but this can said for fan boys of any make/model.

[@DB-os7wl]

Looks like the trails on and around Petersville, just south of Denali.

[@tankfighta9000]

It looks like that because it is that

[@DB-os7wl]

@@tankfighta9000 ah ok. Wasn’t sure if it was mentioned in the video but it looked familiar. I’ve spent many days hunting, camping, fishing, and exploring the area. One of my favorite road-accessible places in Alaska.

[@BuenaPapo]

5 speed you easily fix it using gear & ratio pinion for gas saving and more toque response

[@tankfighta9000]

The irony of him discussing that is the specific car he is driving is tuned lol

[@wyattmerrill2588]

Jack of all trades vehicle

[@user-cg7cc7zj3e]

Things to know, Fox suspension loves to fail, good chance your needle bearing will ruin the front differential even from new, windshield cowl will tap and rattle until you fix it.

[@rodjones812]

Stick the biggest tires on w/o a lift and do your maintenance. The front diff will outlast the engine.

[@El_Dusty_]

Terrible advice. Your own personal experience doesn’t mean any of these things are common.

[@user-cg7cc7zj3e]

@@El_Dusty_ nope I have owned two just go look on the forums. Fox suspension components are only place holders to whatever suspension you replace them with

[@TopHatGent]

​​@@rodjones812wellll, actually my 23 came brand new from the factory with a bad front diff and a bad headlight. My 19 pro lost its needle bearing at 30k but that happened after I traded in for the new 23.

[@TopHatGent]

​@@El_Dusty_As someone who has owned a few and has family members with 4runners he is being honest. We can be fans of Toyota and admit faults. It is more so the later models of the fifth generation that were leaving the factory with bad diffs. Mine was one of them. The front diff was full of metal but Toyota replaced it.

[@LionRunner]

My of my wish list, to take my 4Runner all the way to Alaska. Which of my 4Runners I should take? Not sure. 😄

[@BaldyPalPicking]

I've been searching for a ORP in red and an MTM camera system. is the MTM worth the wait?

[@lucwilson1]

Tommy - What size and load range KO3 was on each 4Runner you showed?

[@rossipremier]

Is the suspension of the Limited really any different than the OR or ORP? Especially if you are planning on upgrading the suspension? The full time 4wd would be amazing for the 90% of the time spent on pavement in the PNW where there's lots of rain and enough snow and ice to cause problems

[@trailrunnah8886]

The limited has the XREAS suspension, which will add a level of complexity if you want to lift it.

[@tfeltmat2903]

Thanks for the heads up on the K03. Got a ‘22 Rebel and looking to replace the stock worn Wranglers currently on it!

[@CrippleCreekStudios]

Do you have a link to the KO3 podcast you mentioned? Very interested in those tires for my 24’ 4Runner. Thanks!

[@stevekniess3665]

Awesome thank you Tommy

[@WOWDOWN]

Anybody have a stock trd offroad with kdss? That’s what I want and will ultimately get when my 06 sequoia dies.

[@The67Crucible]

Yes sir, I have 2020 TRD Offroad Premium, white, with KDSS. Purchased new! It's awesome.

[@markspence3750]

I wish TFL would compare the 2021 Land Cruiser to the 2024 Land Cruiser. Which one will be more desireable 10 years from now?

[@trailrunnah8886]

Always the Land Cruiser. Especially the 200, even now they're super rare, you can't go weeks without seeing one while you can't throw a rock without hitting a 4Runner.

[@tankfighta9000]

That is apples to oranges. Obviously the 200 will be more desirable than a prado… he should compare it to the GX460

[@jguil4d]

Most Alaska highways are quite low, unlike what you are used to in the Denver area. In fact, it’s an area Andre (or someone) should come explore. Pick a naturally aspirated vehicle to run up the Ike Gauntlet in, then use the same vehicle to do Thompson Pass above Valdez, which is a similarly steep and long grade but at *much* lower altitude. Then do the same with a turbo charged engine, to show *why* turbo is so important at altitude.

[@andrewcolpo7593]

I feel sluggish trying to keep up with Houston traffic.. I can’t imagine trying to keep up in high altitude areas

[@TheAlaskanMike]

I know the person who owns that particular 4Runner

[@CACressida]

The 10-13 Trail Edition 4Runners IMO look way better than the rest of 5th gens. The problem with earlier 4Runners were the ugly milky grey interior panels.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

@@CACressida what's special about the look in those years?

[@CACressida]

@Monkeyseemonkey79 didn't have the ugly bulging headlights, the weird team drop vent with the fog light and the giant diaper for a front bumper. Also, the front end grill styling is Reminiscent of the Mitsubishi Lancer. The 10-13 front end is also a little bit of a throwback to the 3rd gen 99-02 4Runner. Google 2010 4Runner and compare the styling with 2024.

[@trailrunnah8886]

You beat me to it! I actually own a 2013 Trail, I commented that the OG trails are actually pretty desirable. Between the unique front end, black flares, FJ wheels, and arguably the best roof rack to ever be put on a 4Runner, they definitely stand out. I'll also argue that the seat fabric is better than all the other ones too.

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

@@trailrunnah8886 I like the early Trails, tried to find a V8 ended up with a 2014 Trail. It was 2021 and any 4Runner was like gold. Like the front or not, it is kinda nice that ours looks virtually like a 2024. Lots of people think it is new. Wish the frame was in better shape, it came from New York and now is in salty Chicago. Hopefully, it can last a few more years until they sort out the gen 6. Guess we will see. Will not buy the 2025...

[@KristheKoala]

​@@kurtburkhardt5862 Fluid film or woolwax before that frame gets even worse! I got my 2013 that had rust and gave it a good scrape down and every year I'm covering it in woolwax.

[@facepillownap]

“viper cut” is so stupid. Literally does nothing.

[@spartanchirho]

Tfl I love you! But these off road vids where we can't watch the vehicle are definitely NOT my cup of tea.

[@user-vb1gl7tn8y]

Love the full-time option in the limited but it’s too bad they made it so ugly

[@willdembik688]

To each their own. I just color matched that ugly chrome, added a westcott preload collar (until xreas fails) swapped the 20s for some 17" fuel beasts with mickey Thompson baja bosses, and ditched the factory fogs for some DD ss3. I think this thing rocks 🤘.. You do you :)

[@user-vb1gl7tn8y]

@@willdembik688 Different strokes for different folks! That made me feel so old! I think my problem is that I love the look of the standard bumper so much that I’m bummed they’re not easily interchangeable.

[@willdembik688]

@user-vb1gl7tn8y understood, I know what you mean. I watched some videos on swapping the bumper and definitely not worth it to me. Being 46, I think it looks defined and upscale but still has the capability to go everywhere I've needed it to, especially with the simple and tasteful mods accomplished so far.

[@voodooblue6162]

That’s why I'm converting it into a trd pro😂. It’s costly but still cheaper than trading it in for a pro.

[@justahumbledude]

6G is not this fall. try next year.

[@scoobysid04]

Unfortunately people that buy used 5th gen’s aren’t going to worries about all this if Toyotas going hybrid 😂

[@Shota-og8uf]

I am the first to like the video❤

[@zcon]

I really want to see you guys take a limited (5th and/or 6th gen) off-road. I bet it still rocks, probably even better in some scenarios because of the fancy suspension and kdss

[@willdembik688]

The limited doesn't have kdss, it has xreas as I have a 2018 with 22k miles on it. It can't compete with the offroad or pro with their locking rear diff and crawl control, but I've taken it off the beaten path several times without any hiccups (just watch your approach angle) and they're awesome. I chose the limited because for a daily, i enjoy the features it has seeing im on the road 95% of the time (along with the 3rd row option)

[@zcon]

@@willdembik688 Okay. Xreas. Is that the same for 6th gen? Yeah. 3rd row and 4 auto make it a radically better daily imho.

[@willdembik688]

Not sure, but based on toyotas refresh issues as of late, I wouldn't even look at a 6th gen for a few yrs until the kinks are worked out. 4.0 and prehistoric is fine with me ..

[@edsonherald3720]

These US Guys Are Really a Character: They Go To Bed Wearing a Cap, But NOT IN THE RAIN ! ! ! ! HOLY MANIACS ! ! !

[@THX5000]

I'm not a fan of the "Insane Clown Posse" front end styling.

[@trailrunnah8886]

Same. They really should have refreshed the front end from 2018 to 2019.

[@trihall2273]

I have had several jeeps especially for moab utah and overlanding western rocky mountains, I have owned a few toyota Tacoma and two 4 runners, I was disappointed with my 1990 toyota sr5 4 cylinder I broke my timing chain 3 times in a row crossing small creek with 4 ft stream bank lacked power, Every jeep I ever owned was totally unreliable off road 150 miles from town, the jeep will leave you stranded in the desert or mountains and you will DIE!

[@edsonherald3720]

It Looks Like the Boy Swallowed a Record Player Needle ! ! ! ! HOLY TALKING CRICKET ! ! !

[@DUNEATV]

Always thought the front end is ugly and the headlights are hideous

[@1FiftyOverland]

Theres things to know? I thought they are god vehicles, greatest thing since sliced bread?

[@TimeMariner]

They are.

[@1FiftyOverland]

@@TimeMariner lol no no they are not

[@chrisclark7795]

Did you get a tongue piercing or something? You sound funny.

[@Dguallpa98]

They are so expensive

[@ziv2liv]

Hey Tommy, if you cannot afford bringing a video crew with you, at least get a 360 cameras like Insta 360 of Gopro Max, put it on a monopod and stick it to the hood at 45 degree angle, do the same on the back so at least we can see what you're talking about while you're driving on a challenging off-road track... Talking about it, is not enough!!!

[@tankfighta9000]

That is not at all a challenging offroad track lmao

[@ziv2liv]

@@tankfighta9000 That's probably why he didn't want to show it... TFL is becoming more and more about promo video than providing honest opinion...

[@tankfighta9000]

@@ziv2liv what’s funny is they went to *more* interesting areas and I haven’t seen content from any of the people there showing it lol

[@nycmaverick]

Another TFL paid commercial

[@DanielleKing-n7z]

Anderson Sharon Harris Cynthia Johnson Kimberly

[@Bryan-e2n]

Used is buying someone else's problems.

[@willdembik688]

@Bryan-e2n or.... if you do your homework, know what you're looking at, and are willing to travel a little bit, then it's a wise decision in letting somebody else pay the depreciation of a new vehicle. Sure, these deprecated a lot less than most vehicles based on their history and reliability, but I was able to get my 18 limited from southern virginia with 22k miles on it for 35k. Actually, after trading in my 12 tacoma dcsb with 180k miles, it brought that price down to 23k. I didn't buy anybody else's problems, but instead, I hopefully have another toyota product that will last me 10+ yrs / 150k+ miles and still have a decent trade-in value when I'm ready for something a little newer at that point.

[@joeblack1052]

Enough of this nonsense don’t buy an off roader and not take it off-road These vehicles are high clearance 4wd vehicles that are designed to handle unimproved roads and have off-road capability There is no obligation to use it offroad Getting schooled on this by Tommy is laughable

[@trailrunnah8886]

I only take mine off-road a few times a year, but t's great if we get deep snow, and with the terrible roads around here I can just hit anything and keep going, basically. I drive mine 60 mi a day on the highway and it's a comfy ride.