First time poster with a few questions..
First off I'm a Saturn Tech, and do my own maintaince and repairs so I look forward to being a future asset to this forum.

Today I was out looking at Tahoes and Yukons looking for a vehicle with a third row seat option when I came across a 4runner. I'm still split between buying a 4runner or a 99/00 Denali with a easy to work on 350 and 4L65E Transmission and installing a third row seat.

My questions are as follows. I did a search and most of this information is split between different posts which would take hours to decipher.

1.) Does the 4runner have rear shocks or leaf springs? Are the fronts MacPherson struts? How does the ride compare to a Yukon/Tahoe? What makes the 4runner superior to the GMC lineup? Are 4runners built more for off-roading or comfort?

2.) Reliability. Working at a dealer as a tech I know and see everyday that no matter what kind of vehicle you have it will have common problems. If they made all the parts indestructible they would run themselves out of business.
About the only deal breaker is if it has common transmission issues. What about burning oil? Front/Rear main seals commonly leak? I'm not worried about a common leak if it's just enough to cause a residual build up. Any leaks bad enough to leave drops of oil in the garage? ABS problems? Common Check engine light problems? How about the suspension? Sway bar links or control arm bushings common problems? Does the 4runner have a rack and pinion steering or a steering gear? Are outer tie rods a common problem, etc.

3.) Does the 4.0 or 4.7 require more maintaince? I'm guessing they are both DOHC engines. Do they both need drive chains and tensioners replaced at 100,000 miles? I just looked on alldata. It shows the timing chain and tensioners being a 11.5 hour job on the 4.0 and the 4.7 being about a4.5 hour job. My guess is that the 4.7 requires a new timing belt at 100,000 miles and the 4.0 doesn't require a new chain and tensioners unless it rattles?
Any other maintaince differences?

The one I looked at tonight (thru the window since the dealer was closed) was an 03. per the FAQ the 03 model- current is a 4th gen but when looking at pictures the new 4runner looks way newer (nicer) are they the same generation? Can an aftermarket FOLDING third row seat be easily installed on a 2003 model that doesn't currently have a third row seat?

Lastly, what are the towing capacities and how much can you feel the extra weight? My 99 Denali could easily pull my Dragcar. Going up hills and accelerating you could tell you where pulling it, but it didn't bog down to bad.

Thanks and I look forward to your response.

 

bumpty bump

 

vehix.com will help some.

Yes, parts break on all vehicle. It just so happens much more frequently on domestics. Number 3 is kind of a scary question and makes me glad not to support the american auto industry. Its scary to think that those are all common problems on domestics. My 88 has 150k on it and has none of those issues and it does get abused. Its an auto too.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org has better info in regards to the 4th gen. This forum is mainly 2nd and 3rd gen 4runners.

 

You can also try posting in the specific vehicle section to see if you can get more responses. I know there are a few people on this site who aught to want to have this discussion with you.

 

I can’t speak to the 4th gen 4runners, but I have a 1996 3rd gen that has 260K on it and I’m very comfortable with it’s reliability, in fact more so than any other vehicle I‘ve owned. 3.4 V6 is still quiet and smooth as can be. Auto trans is original, only had the fluids flushed. I know because when my transmission guy pulled the pan to do routine maintenance, it still had the original gasket. Compare that to most domestics needing a rebuild by 100k, most certainly by 200k. Trans is still as solid as if it were new.

All of my switches and gadgets still work, except the clock and the power antenna which are common yet not too big of an issue. Personally I go to MSN and look at the consumer reviews. Forget the professional reviews. Sort the consumer reviews lowest rated first. To get a real good idea, check other vehicles for comparison. When it’s a good vehicle, people bitch about cup holders, styling, fuel economy, etc. When it’s a poor vehicle, people bitch about transmissions at 40k, blown head gaskets, etc. Lots of complaining about cup holders on the 96, but very few actual mechanical issues.

After owning a 4runner I can’t see going domestic again anytime soon. Biggest drawback is changing the timing belt every 100k, but at least you “get” the opportunity to worry about it rather than a total rebuild or a new car. Also, the size of the 4runner is great for getting around. Decent on fuel and power.

I have a very high opinion of these trucks. Drive it and see if you like it. If you do get one, the odds are good that it will serve you very well. My only complaint has been the springs, but at 260k you can’t help but expect a little sag. Fortunately good springs are reasonable.

My general opinion is that I would rather get a vehicle where I don’t have to be concerned whether or not it is easy to work on. I’m more comfortable with my auto trans at 260k than a 4L65E with 50k miles. To me the choice would be easy.

My .02