Rode in a 2019 4 Runner SR5 4WD Premium today

[palmerwmd]

It was pretty nice.

Kinda how Imagine the R51 would have been if the platform had been retained and the interior and exterior been updated over the years.

So back to the 4Runner.
It was pretty nice.. But
It had cost the owner $34000 (plus TTL)!

Was it nice?
yes, but when you can buy a R51 which is broadly similar except with a slightly better motor (VQ40 De) or a lot better motor (VK56de) for a LOT less money it really destroys the business case for it.

A good condition used R51 will cost a tiny fraction of $34000 and after new tires, belts, hoses, etc can be expected to be quite reliable even when older.
When comparing a high end R51 such as an LE4x4 with its leather, Bose stereo, sunroof, upgraded Auto tcase and Nav which costs a fraction of even a stripped 4Runner 2WD the bsiness case for the Toyota product gets even weaker.

Just my 2 cents.

[smj999smj]

$34,000 is actually pretty cheap for a relatively new SUV of that size, these days. My Pathfinder LE cost $36K when new back in 2006.

[silverarrow27]

Don't forget that a lot of people buy the 4runner also for its rear solid axle and factory rear lockers if they go off the beaten path with their vehicle. If mall crawlers only, then you nailed it 100% that the R51 Pathfinder is a better buy.

[palmerwmd]

Don't forget that a lot of people buy the 4runner also for its rear solid axle and factory rear lockers if they go off the beaten path with their vehicle. If mall crawlers only, then you nailed it 100% that the R51 Pathfinder is a better buy.

Only a small minority of 4runner trims have a rear locker.
Usually the ones who start at well over 40k.
The one I rode in certainly didnt.
And yes the one I rode in at been purchased as a good deal (outgoing model year helped)

But the R51 was considered tough and offroady enough by the German army(!) to buy a bunch in the last decade when the Mercedes Gwagon were too steep in price.