Thinking of getting a 4Runner?

Bay0 · 05-08-2024, 07:28 PM

https://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/4runner/

I've never owned a non sports car. Getting into my 30's now and I'm starting to feel the tug of an SUV.

They're high up off the ground, don't have to worry about curbs, speed bumps, better mpg, towing, camping, more usable all around.

I live in the PNW, and half the time we don't go on hikes or camping in certain spots because Google Maps road view shows me uneven dirt roads and other horrors an M4 shouldn't experience.

For an SUV, I want something utilitarian vs. luxury. It's supposed to get used and dirty. Sort of the opposite of our cars. The new 4Runner looks like more than enough.

I'm guessing for a lot of you here, the M4 is your secondary car, or you at least owned a truck/SUV.

Am I glamorizing it? Will I feel suicidal?

vasillalov · 05-08-2024, 07:31 PM

No, you need to switch drug dealers

Bay0 · 05-08-2024, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasillalov

No, you need to switch drug dealers

Thank you for setting me straight.

beaver9ght · 05-08-2024, 07:46 PM

We can see why bmw makes more and more boring toolbox these days. Why on earth you get a m car if you can tolerate a Toyota? Too rich to drive Camry

user12464 · 05-08-2024, 07:57 PM

Add an X3 or X5 to the stable. They will handle the uneven dirt roads.

4 Runners are fine and good for serious off road, but it's gonna feel like driving a school bus after the M4.

Burrcold · 05-08-2024, 08:04 PM

Getting into your thirties? You have a lifetime ahead of you of SUV ownership. Enjoy the M4 as long as you can.

Bay0 · 05-08-2024, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beaver9ght

We can see why bmw makes more and more boring toolbox these days. Why on earth you get a m car if you can tolerate a Toyota? Too rich to drive Camry

I'm not sure that I can, that's why I'm asking. Probably should just test-drive one but that won't tell me how it feels over time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by user12464

Add an X3 or X5 to the stable. They will handle the uneven dirt roads.

4 Runners are fine and good for serious off road, but it's gonna feel like driving a school bus after the M4.

X3 is ugly which is a shame because otherwise, it's perfect. X5 I've thought about it, but it's still a BMW. It's supposed to be clean, shiny, sort of a prince. I wouldn't feel the same way thrashing a 4Runner. You almost want it to get scarred. 4Runner's have vented seats and Apple Carplay which is about all the technology I require.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burrcold

Getting into your thirties? You have a lifetime ahead of you of SUV ownership. Enjoy the M4 as long as you can.

kgelfen360 · 05-08-2024, 08:16 PM

Look there is nothing wrong with 4Runner but where I live in PNW it’s like Tesla or 4Runner. I can’t look at either.

Needsdecaf · 05-08-2024, 08:50 PM

Wrong forum dude.

vbb · 05-08-2024, 08:50 PM

Between my wife and I, we've owned a number of Toyota trucks and SUVs over the years, usually alongside some sort of sports or sporty car, but never as my only vehicle. I'm talking 2 tacomas, 2 tundras, 2 highlanders, a Rav-4 and a 4Runner. Obviously I am a big fan, and it's the manufacturer we've owned the most, not even counting a number of Lexus vehicles. The new 4Runner, Land Cruiser and especially the new GX550 all look great, IMO. But "fun to drive" they are not. If I was only going to have one vehicle, I'd rather sacrifice a little extra utility to have a little more fun. I do think it'd make a great compliment to the garage though. I'm very much considering replacing my current Jeep Wrangler with one once the markups and craze dies down a bit and/or I'll pick up a used one. But the M4 stays.

Prossx · 05-08-2024, 09:14 PM

Get married, make your wife drive a Forerunner or better yet, a Highlander. Problem solved.

mjj · 05-08-2024, 09:14 PM

I have had a sports car & off road combo for the past 15 years. Only this past year I have been without a sports car for the first time.

I love both. Some days I love driving my Bronco Wildtrak especially with the top off. Other days it feels laborious and boring. I need to have both types of vehicles to keep me satisfied. Then again I am not 30 and have enough disposable money at this point in my life.

If I had to choose one,…get a Wrangler 392.

MaC-N54-E82 · 05-08-2024, 09:28 PM

Huge Toyota SUV and truck fan here. Have always owned one as they are the perfect compliment to a BMW. Have or currently own a FJ60 Land Cruiser, Sequoia, 4Runner and RAV4. Also have a new LC250 set to be delivered later this month. All that said, I couldn’t own one without a fun car.

cryan · 05-08-2024, 09:57 PM

You should drive one. I’ve had 6 different 3-series cars between an e30 and now g80. I’ve also had 3 different Toyota suvs (3rd gen 4 runner, 5th gen 4 4Runner and now a 200 series Land Cruiser). You can get a lot of enjoyment about being able to explore places that you otherwise would miss out on. The other thing I’ll mention that hasn’t been said yet is that Toyota has great enthusiast forums for mods, meet ups, etc which is one of the things i enjoy about bmws as well.

3002 tii · 05-08-2024, 10:44 PM

I’ve always wanted a 4runner but actually decided to go with the last year Lexus GX for the v8, truly awesome car. It replaced our F10 550i and is the main family hauler. Super comfortable, good useable space, amazing build quality. Love the higher seating position (actually feels like truck vs suv).

Only complaints are mpg and have to run premium, sucks but comes with territory. Outside of that, probably one of the nicest cars I’ve owned.

For reference, I also have an F15 X5 with n55. The X5 handles better, but doesn’t absorb the bumps like the GX. And the GX just feels like a friggin tank, period. In general I’d imagine the 4Runner and GX have similar road dynamics and quality.

SteVTEC · 05-08-2024, 10:45 PM

4Runners are definitely nice, but why stop there? Lol

Kids, dogs, bikes, and whatever else, all at the same time.

RM7 · 05-09-2024, 12:33 AM

This is why the sports cars are dying.

But anyway, it's likely that a Rav 4 or highlander will be a better vehicle, UNLESS you are really going to use that 4runner capability.

chassis · 05-09-2024, 05:43 AM

Yes, the latest gen 4Runner is on the consideration list as a next vehicle in a couple of years.

I had a 4th gen 4Runner and ran it over 200k miles. It was an amazing vehicle. I have zero doubt the 2025 4Runner will be anything less than amazing, and as close to perfect as it can be, for its intended use case.

Alfisti · 05-09-2024, 08:21 AM

70% of people who buy a 4Runner would be better off with a RAV4.

Burrcold · 05-09-2024, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfisti

70% of people who buy a 4Runner would be better off with a RAV4.

70% of people who buy a 911 would be better off with a Miata.

CB2001 · 05-09-2024, 08:32 AM

I have an M2 and a 21 4Runner and it’s the ultimate duo!! Don’t sell the M2 for it though..

carguy138 · 05-09-2024, 08:38 AM

This video summaries it well.

< FBO E90 335 6MT AND 5th Gen 4runner owner. Absolutely love the 4runner.

Enjoy the 4runner for what it is. It is a blast in the snow in 2WD with the traction control fully off. It is also a dream on rough roads with the Fox suspension. Super plush and comfortable but really firms up if you hit a huge pothole.

Totally different experience than driving pretty much any BMW but oddly I'm finding I like it more every day.

05-08-2024, 07:28 PM	#1
Bay0 Private 199 Rep 93 Posts Drives: XDrive M4 Comp Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Thinking of getting a 4Runner? https://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/4runner/ I've never owned a non sports car. Getting into my 30's now and I'm starting to feel the tug of an SUV. They're high up off the ground, don't have to worry about curbs, speed bumps, better mpg, towing, camping, more usable all around. I live in the PNW, and half the time we don't go on hikes or camping in certain spots because Google Maps road view shows me uneven dirt roads and other horrors an M4 shouldn't experience. For an SUV, I want something utilitarian vs. luxury. It's supposed to get used and dirty. Sort of the opposite of our cars. The new 4Runner looks like more than enough. I'm guessing for a lot of you here, the M4 is your secondary car, or you at least owned a truck/SUV. Am I glamorizing it? Will I feel suicidal?
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05-08-2024, 07:31 PM	#2
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose 1178 Rep 5,452 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i E90 [8.00]	No, you need to switch drug dealers
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05-08-2024, 07:46 PM	#4
beaver9ght Private 64 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 2023 G80 X Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	We can see why bmw makes more and more boring toolbox these days. Why on earth you get a m car if you can tolerate a Toyota? Too rich to drive Camry
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05-08-2024, 07:57 PM	#5
user12464 Private 84 Rep 50 Posts Drives: G05 X5, G80 M3C Xdrive Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Northwest iTrader: (0)	Add an X3 or X5 to the stable. They will handle the uneven dirt roads. 4 Runners are fine and good for serious off road, but it's gonna feel like driving a school bus after the M4.
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05-08-2024, 08:04 PM	#6
Burrcold Brigadier General 6343 Rep 4,559 Posts Drives: 2024 M3 Comp xDrive Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	Getting into your thirties? You have a lifetime ahead of you of SUV ownership. Enjoy the M4 as long as you can. __________________ Current: 2024 BMW M3 Competition xDrive \| 2022 Audi Q7 Gone: 2022 Audi RS5 \| 2020 BMW M340i \| 2019 Audi RS5
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05-08-2024, 08:16 PM	#8
kgelfen360 Colonel 2543 Rep 2,224 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	Look there is nothing wrong with 4Runner but where I live in PNW it’s like Tesla or 4Runner. I can’t look at either.
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05-08-2024, 08:50 PM	#9
Needsdecaf Major General 8131 Rep 7,398 Posts Drives: 2024 G80 Comp xDrive Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: The Woodlands, TX iTrader: (0)	Wrong forum dude.
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05-08-2024, 08:50 PM	#10
vbb Major 2258 Rep 1,011 Posts Drives: 2022 M4 manual Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: present iTrader: (4)	Between my wife and I, we've owned a number of Toyota trucks and SUVs over the years, usually alongside some sort of sports or sporty car, but never as my only vehicle. I'm talking 2 tacomas, 2 tundras, 2 highlanders, a Rav-4 and a 4Runner. Obviously I am a big fan, and it's the manufacturer we've owned the most, not even counting a number of Lexus vehicles. The new 4Runner, Land Cruiser and especially the new GX550 all look great, IMO. But "fun to drive" they are not. If I was only going to have one vehicle, I'd rather sacrifice a little extra utility to have a little more fun. I do think it'd make a great compliment to the garage though. I'm very much considering replacing my current Jeep Wrangler with one once the markups and craze dies down a bit and/or I'll pick up a used one. But the M4 stays. __________________ Previous notables: '05 S2000 \| '07 335i \| '09 ISF \| '08 911 Turbo \| '09 911 C2 \| '15 Cayman \| '15 RCF \| '17 MX-5 RF \| '17 C7 Corvette
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05-08-2024, 09:14 PM	#11
Prossx First Lieutenant 326 Rep 394 Posts Drives: 21 G82 6MT SPY/YMB Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Chiefs Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Get married, make your wife drive a Forerunner or better yet, a Highlander. Problem solved. __________________ 15 F80 YMB DCT - retired 14 F30 MSport MG/CR 6MT - retired
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05-08-2024, 09:14 PM	#12
mjj First Lieutenant 658 Rep 348 Posts Drives: 2025 M4 Comp Verde BR Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Home of #22 iTrader: (0)	I have had a sports car & off road combo for the past 15 years. Only this past year I have been without a sports car for the first time. I love both. Some days I love driving my Bronco Wildtrak especially with the top off. Other days it feels laborious and boring. I need to have both types of vehicles to keep me satisfied. Then again I am not 30 and have enough disposable money at this point in my life. If I had to choose one,…get a Wrangler 392.
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05-08-2024, 09:28 PM	#13
MaC-N54-E82 S58 Love 552 Rep 454 Posts Drives: 2023 M4 Competition xDrive Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: OR iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW M4 Competi ... [10.00]	Huge Toyota SUV and truck fan here. Have always owned one as they are the perfect compliment to a BMW. Have or currently own a FJ60 Land Cruiser, Sequoia, 4Runner and RAV4. Also have a new LC250 set to be delivered later this month. All that said, I couldn’t own one without a fun car. __________________ MAC Current: 2023 G82\|BG over BLK Prior: 2008 N54 E82\|AW over CR Also: FJ60, Volvo Recharge
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05-08-2024, 09:57 PM	#14
cryan Private 111 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Austin iTrader: (1)	You should drive one. I’ve had 6 different 3-series cars between an e30 and now g80. I’ve also had 3 different Toyota suvs (3rd gen 4 runner, 5th gen 4 4Runner and now a 200 series Land Cruiser). You can get a lot of enjoyment about being able to explore places that you otherwise would miss out on. The other thing I’ll mention that hasn’t been said yet is that Toyota has great enthusiast forums for mods, meet ups, etc which is one of the things i enjoy about bmws as well.
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05-08-2024, 10:44 PM	#15
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2453 Rep 12,669 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (100) Garage List E86 Z4 M [10.00] F15 X5 xDrive35i [9.17] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.56] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [8.93]	I’ve always wanted a 4runner but actually decided to go with the last year Lexus GX for the v8, truly awesome car. It replaced our F10 550i and is the main family hauler. Super comfortable, good useable space, amazing build quality. Love the higher seating position (actually feels like truck vs suv). Only complaints are mpg and have to run premium, sucks but comes with territory. Outside of that, probably one of the nicest cars I’ve owned. For reference, I also have an F15 X5 with n55. The X5 handles better, but doesn’t absorb the bumps like the GX. And the GX just feels like a friggin tank, period. In general I’d imagine the 4Runner and GX have similar road dynamics and quality. __________________ Follow for latest mods
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05-08-2024, 10:45 PM	#16
SteVTEC Lieutenant 413 Rep 514 Posts Drives: '11 335i vert Join Date: May 2006 Location: DC burbs iTrader: (0)	4Runners are definitely nice, but why stop there? Lol Kids, dogs, bikes, and whatever else, all at the same time. Attached Images __________________ 2022 G05 X5 40i Phytonic Blue / Ivory \| 2011 E93 335i Deep Sea Blue / Oyster \| 2012 E70 X5d Deep Sea Blue / Sand Beige (ret) 2018 Chevy Suburban Premier 4x4, Pepperdust / Cocoa, Adaptive Cruise, HUD, 3.42 gears (my DD & full circus long-hauler)
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05-09-2024, 12:33 AM	#17
RM7 Brigadier General 3021 Rep 3,627 Posts Drives: Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alaska iTrader: (0)	This is why the sports cars are dying. But anyway, it's likely that a Rav 4 or highlander will be a better vehicle, UNLESS you are really going to use that 4runner capability. __________________ Current: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE, 2023 Colorado ZR2. Former: BMW 428i Gran Coupe.
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05-09-2024, 05:43 AM	#18
chassis Colonel 7898 Rep 2,485 Posts Drives: 9Y0 Cayenne S Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Einbahnstraße iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Porsche Cayenne S [7.69]	Yes, the latest gen 4Runner is on the consideration list as a next vehicle in a couple of years. I had a 4th gen 4Runner and ran it over 200k miles. It was an amazing vehicle. I have zero doubt the 2025 4Runner will be anything less than amazing, and as close to perfect as it can be, for its intended use case. Last edited by chassis; 05-25-2024 at 11:52 AM..
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05-09-2024, 08:21 AM	#19
Alfisti Brigadier General 6885 Rep 3,224 Posts Drives: 2008 Saab 9-3 Combi Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	70% of people who buy a 4Runner would be better off with a RAV4.
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05-09-2024, 08:32 AM	#21
CB2001 New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: BMW M2 (2017) Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Columbus, OH iTrader: (0)	I have an M2 and a 21 4Runner and it’s the ultimate duo!! Don’t sell the M2 for it though..
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05-09-2024, 08:38 AM	#22
carguy138 Second Lieutenant 147 Rep 296 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: NH iTrader: (0)	This video summaries it well. < FBO E90 335 6MT AND 5th Gen 4runner owner. Absolutely love the 4runner. Enjoy the 4runner for what it is. It is a blast in the snow in 2WD with the traction control fully off. It is also a dream on rough roads with the Fox suspension. Super plush and comfortable but really firms up if you hit a huge pothole. Totally different experience than driving pretty much any BMW but oddly I'm finding I like it more every day.
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