If you had to choose a year of the Toyota 4Runner that you think could reach 500,000 miles with minimal repairs and maintenance, what would it be?
Also, if we narrow it down to the last 10 years, which model would be the best for that?
Just pick any year between 1995 and 2024, lol. Maybe avoid the first year of each new generation though.
4Runner
Keagan said:
4Runner
The correct answer is simply “yes”.
The 1GR engine is really reliable in most models, but it isn’t fast or fuel-efficient. The 2UZ in the 4th gen is also very durable, but it’s even worse on gas and has a timing belt, which needs more maintenance than the GR series’ timing chain. Both are great options though.
@Fintan
To be honest, a timing chain won’t last 500k miles either. The idea that a timing chain lasts the vehicle’s lifetime is a myth that started in the days of pushrod engines when the chain was short and cars rarely lasted past 100k miles.
@Terry
You’re right that timing chains do require maintenance, but I’ve seen more belts than chains go out. If the car gets proper maintenance, chains tend to last a lot longer. I’ve seen plenty of cars with over 300k miles on their original chains. I’ve also had to replace timing belts though, so there are pros and cons to both.
@Fintan
Timing belts are typically cheaper and easier to replace than timing chains, especially in newer cars. The problem with timing chains is that they’re often run to failure because manufacturers don’t specify maintenance intervals for them. Timing chains don’t fail suddenly, but if they stretch or jump teeth, they can damage the engine.
@Terry
I agree with all of this. If I bought a car with a timing belt and didn’t know the service history, I’d replace the belt immediately. Chains last longer, but when they fail, it’s often more expensive to fix. If I were to get a 4Runner, I’d probably go with the 2UZ V8 because I like the engine and I can do the timing belt replacement myself, but the GR V6 is also a great option if I couldn’t find a 2UZ.
If they make it to 300 or 400k miles, replacing the timing chain might cost more than the vehicle is worth.
Exactly, many people in car forums don’t understand this. Sometimes it’s just better to move on to a newer car than to fix old ones that have reached the end of their life.
@Terry
Exactly. A lot of people just read specs and repeat what they’ve heard without real-world experience. I work on cars every day, so I know that sometimes it’s just time to let go of a car. If your old car has issues like a stretched timing chain, it’s probably not worth repairing.
They just read spec sheets and repeat what they hear…
It’s true! People often argue about doing things the ‘right way’ even when it’s not practical or realistic in the situation.
Yeah, the 2UZ is definitely a good choice.
A 5VZ or a 3rd gen 4Runner or maybe a 2UZ in a 4th gen would be great choices.
The key is getting one that has the least amount of rust. Rust is the big issue for older models.
5VZ FE engine is a good option too.
If we focus only on the last 10 years: From 2009 to 2024, the 4Runner has the same mechanical setup.
So just pick any year that fits your budget and has the features you want. Look for one that’s been well-maintained.
For models from 2002-2009, you can go for the V8 2UZ – it’ll run forever, but it’s an older vehicle, so repairs and parts can be more expensive as time goes on. Rust is also more of an issue with older models.
@Chandler
So would a 2009 with 100,000 miles that’s been really well taken care of be a better buy than a 2024 with 50,000 miles that’s also been well-maintained? Just wondering. Thanks!
Mica said:
@Chandler
So would a 2009 with 100,000 miles that’s been really well taken care of be a better buy than a 2024 with 50,000 miles that’s also been well-maintained? Just wondering. Thanks!
Technically, the 2009 could have more rust since it’s older, and the 2024 would likely have highway miles, which are easier on the engine than city miles.
I’d go with the 1990s models.