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Toyota 4Runner 2WD vs 4WD

16 messages,  Last post on Jul 06, 2012 at 8:35 AM

You are in the Toyota 4Runner Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota 4Runner, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 2

#7 of 16 Re: 2WD vs 4x4 [alohaboy] by illinoiscentra

Feb 27, 2010 (12:29 pm)

Replying to: alohaboy (Feb 23, 2010 3:58 pm)
Sorry for the delay,
 
I am considering the Outback too. Hesitant about the first year of a CVT, and the lack of folding mirrors. Bigger backseat then the 2002 Forester, that's for sure.
 
My biggest problem is the closest Subaru dealer claimed my Forester needed new head gaskets. Just to make sure, I bought a compression gauge, then searched the internet how to actually do it. Wrong order - you need various lengths extensions on your sockets, maybe a swivel, and you need to remove something to get access on one side. I decided to just take it to a garage. They came back with all over 160 psi, and did not see any leaks.
 
Honda Pilot is another one worth taking a look at. Just not sure how their AWD stacks up, something about its FWD above a certain speed, and a button to lock the center diff, but only below that speed. The stinky part about them is here in Illinois, you have to get leather seats and all this other crp to get a (factory installed) backup camera. I was checking out this PEAK brand wireless backup camera but it seems I would have to drill a hole in sheet metal at some point, a no-no where there is salt spread on the road. It mounts on the license plate (on the gate on a Pilot) and needs to tap into the back up light (not on the gate).

#8 of 16 2WD vs 4x4 by alohaboy

Feb 27, 2010 (12:54 pm)

It's funny that you mention the Pilot because I just spent the last 20 minutes researching it a little bit. My mom's '06 was pretty nice, but I like the look of the '10 much better. It looks much more rugged than the previous version and certainly tough enough for what I'd be doing.
So now I'm looking at the Outback, Pilot, XTerra and 4Runner; decisions, decisions. I guess having more possibilities is good instead of getting stuck on one particular model like the last 2 times and being slightly disappointed when I couldn't get exactly what I wanted. I'd better be sure this time since I plan on keeping it for probably 8-10 years.

#9 of 16 Re: 2WD vs 4x4 [illinoiscentra] by mikesmurano

Mar 01, 2010 (12:31 pm)

Replying to: illinoiscentra (Feb 27, 2010 12:29 pm)
Hi "illinoiscentra",
 
I previously owned a 1996 4Runner sold it in 2005 for a Nissan Murano (which had the first Japaneese CVT offered). A couple of thoughts:
 
CVT's have proven to be problematic for all mfgrs. (especially Nissan). The concept is great but they are still riddled with design flaws; very expensive to maintain; and can only be serviced by dealers not third party compaines (AAMCO, etc.).
 
I just got rid of my Murano for another 4Runner. I like 4WD but a 2WD 4Runner is just as fine.
 
The reach into a 4Runner is no worse or better than a minivan (we have had two Chrysler mv's).
 
With the market loaded with good used cars U may consider a model several years old.
 
You can't go wrong Honda. I just bout a used '05 Acura for $11,000 that is in excellent shape and I love it. The cross over SUV's are trendy and expensive.
 
A minivan will get way better gas mileage than a 4Runner. A 4WD will get way worse mileage than anything 2WD.
 
Whatever you choose, don't buy any Nissan product. They will be next to testify before congress. They have death related problems with their vehicles also.
 
Good luck.

#10 of 16 2WD vs 4x4 by alohaboy

Mar 01, 2010 (4:26 pm)

Interesting, I hadn't heard that about Nissan. The biggest reason I'm steering away from the XTerra is the fact that it only has 5 more cubic feet of room than my current '06 Outback Sport, so it's hard to justify a new car for not much gain.
I don't have a daily need for 4WD, but it's nice to have it just in case I need it on one of my mountain, desert or beach road trips.
After pricing the Pilot, it may be a bit out of my range unless I can get a really good deal.
I have no desire for a crossover, that's my wife. She wants a Venza for her next car.
Thanks for all of the info.

#11 of 16 Re: 2WD vs 4x4 [alohaboy] by illinoiscentra

Mar 01, 2010 (11:16 pm)

Replying to: alohaboy (Mar 01, 2010 4:26 pm)
You guys kill me.
 
I was at the Nissan dealer checking out the Xterra Friday night, the new ones were outside and a 2008 was inside, so I checked that one out. And in my opinion, too tight in the back seat front to back.
 
I want to go check out the Mitsubishi Outlander too.
 
Personally, I would pick the Outback over a 2WD 4Runner. I can't see why I would want to put up with all the heft and $ of a SUV without AWD or 4WD to get me out of the snow. Might as well get a Fusion or an Avalon.
 
Duly noted on the opinion of CVT. That Outlander has a CVT on the 4 cyl I think.
 
My first vehicle was an F-150 short bed RWD, piece of cake getting that thing stuck in the snow, had to put four tubes of sand to get any traction out of it. Never got stuck in the snow, never got stranded because of car problems by the Forester.
 
I still don't have a real clear idea on how the Pilot's AWD works other than its a tad better than than the CR-V or Highlander.
 
Another opinion, watch out for the run flat tires on the AWD Sienna. Back in 2008 I was searching the internet and found all sorts of people complaining that they are only good for some 100 miles, then you have nothing - try explaining that to your wife on a Sunday night that the minivan you bought has tires you can't get fixed at any old gas station.
 
The Venza has a full size spare INSIDE the car, like the 2002 Forester.
 
The person that posts with the handle ''wwest" made a claim that the AWD system in the four cylinder Venza is better than that in the V6, didn't look into it myself.

#12 of 16 Re: 2WD vs 4x4 [illinoiscentra] by pjc1

Mar 02, 2010 (8:29 am)

Replying to: illinoiscentra (Mar 01, 2010 11:16 pm)
Right on with regard to the runflats on the sienna.....
 
My wife has a 2007 sienna limited awd and after the inability to have repaired and the several day delay in getting a replacement for the one that could not be fixed we went to the old fashioned tubeless tire you fill with air and can have repaired or replaced in a day.
 
What's more you needed ear plugs to ride in the van after the first few thousand miles as they were the loudest tires I have ever driven on....
 
there is no and I suspect there will never be a deep market for the runflat technology as long as spares do not become extinct....

#13 of 16 4WD or 2WD by mikesmurano

Mar 02, 2010 (11:56 am)

I agree "illinoiscentra" with much of what you say on your points.
 
You also raise good points about tires. In addition, to those interested, remember, SUV's based on truck frames"in general" will have standard tire sizes. 4Runners, Explorers, Durangos, Tahoes, e.g.
 
Crossover SUV's, like Murnaos, Rogues, CRV's, FX35's, etc. use oddball tire sizes that are designed specifically for that vehicle. These tires and sizes are VERY expensive.
 
A set of tires for my Murano cost $700+. I can get a brand new set of 16" tires for my 4Runner for about $200 cheaper.
 
Just another point to keep in mind.

#15 of 16 2WD in snow? by ana13

Jul 06, 2012 (1:08 am)

I am thinking about buying a 05 limited 2WD 4runner. Does anyone on this forum have experience driving the 2WD on snow? I live in the Pacific NW and go up to the mountains occasionally for skiing or out on the beach.

#16 of 16 Re: 2WD in snow? [ana13] by wwest

Jul 06, 2012 (8:35 am)

Replying to: ana13 (Jul 06, 2012 1:08 am)
I have owned 2 Jeeps, rwd/awd/4wd/4x4 modes, an '85 and a '92, the last I knew the '92 was still doing stellar duty on a ranch in the missouri breaks area of MT.
 
In all the years of ownership, some of those living in the backwoods, 2 miles gravel/dirt road, I never had need for the 4X4, low gear range, mode. Whenever the 4wd mode was used I found it much easier going with rear tire chains added.
 
Somewhat my fault. Most of the time the Jeep served as a daily driver with no need for winter specialty tires, so I always ran with nice and quiet, comfortably riding "summer only" tires. Still do.
 
So my advice would be....go for it.
 
For the past 10 years I have driven an '01 F/awd RX300 which has absolutely NO "awd" functionality other than the TC, braking, capability. Rear tire chains on a few times over the years.
 
Redmond/Woodinville.
 
Skiing, beach, trips to Yakima, MT...
 
PS: For wintertime adverse roadbed condition use, given a choice, I would always choose a RWD 4runner, or most any RWD vehicle, over ANY FWD or F/awd, with the sole exception of the Honda/Acura SH-AWD system.

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