4Runner
Why r/BuyItForLife recommends it
10 mentions from real owners
- #1Oct 4, 2025
Toyota 4Runner.. buy for life?
*Almost* indestructible indeed, unless you rollover 3 times. It will save your life though
View on Redditopen_in_new - #2Oct 1, 2025
What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?
Doesn't really count as it's just a matter of time, but I have a fairly pristine 2005 Toyota 4Runner with the v8 engine (2UZFE) that is bulletproof. Surface rust on the frame but none on the body. 250k kms and the thing just keeps going. Will be spending $2500 soon to have the frame dry ice blasted and rust-proofed. These 4Runners are rare as theyre the only generation (4th gen) to come with the v8 landcruiser engine. Toyota quickly realized that coming out with a cheap v8 model negatively affected their Landcruiser and Lexus sales so they pulled that cord pretty quickly and never offered a v8 4Runner option since 2009.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #3Oct 1, 2025
What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?
I'll be 6 ft deep in a pine box before I sell any Toyota shy of 200k miles. Doesn't get driven as much anymore but my '98 4runner is still going strong with minimal issues.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #4Apr 7, 2025
Me with the Golden Taco the day I bought it vs 4 years later... Still ticking with 530,000 miles!
Dude hell yes! I have a 97’ 4Runner that I got for $750. I’m at almost 375,000 miles and get routine maintenance done. I have the 2.7l - she gets the job done for me! Toyota for life for me.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #5Feb 6, 2025
In an age of things designed to be replaced, what currently-produced 1) trucks, and 2) cars come closest to BIFL?
4Runners.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #6Feb 6, 2025
In an age of things designed to be replaced, what currently-produced 1) trucks, and 2) cars come closest to BIFL?
This guy is awesome. Here are some issues from Toyotas to look for and avoid. As a 4Runner driver who just ripped out his XREAS for OME suspension, he touches on that too. https://youtu.be/EDU5CNpCXUE?si=o-rr34hWaioKJp2k
View on Redditopen_in_new - #7Feb 6, 2025
What brands do you trust to always deliver a high quality product?
I am not loyal to any brand… excluding Toyota I will only ever buy a Toyota (unless their longevity goes to shit, which seems like it isn’t and won’t any time soon). I have seen Camrys go 350k, 200k, kids in high school would drive Corolla’s with 400k+ miles on them. They are simple machines with little to no flair, that get you from a to b and don’t brake, if they do they’ll at least say “don’t worry man we’ll at least get you to the shop” you drive it to the shop and they look at an axel split in half and go “how in the ever living fuck did you drive this 20 miles to get here” and you’d say “I thought it sounded a little funny but it drove fine other than a little rattle” Oh you bought this Camry when your child was one because your BMWs engine blew up when you sneezed on it? Well I hope he likes this car but it’s gonna be his when he turns 16…oh your on your 4th Mercedes? Huh I haven’t bought a car in…wow 20 years maybe it’s time to buy one my 4Runner does have 500k on it, meh it’s still rolling just fine alright see ya later got a 2 week 1000 mile off roading trip in the Mojave desert with this puppy! See ya soon!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #8Feb 6, 2025
In an age of things designed to be replaced, what currently-produced 1) trucks, and 2) cars come closest to BIFL?
They just stopped making them but the 5th Gen 4Runners have proven to easily run 300k miles+ with proper care and feeding. ….once my ‘98 4Runner kicks it, I’ll probably get that next. Or a mid 2000s Land Cruiser.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #9Feb 6, 2025
In an age of things designed to be replaced, what currently-produced 1) trucks, and 2) cars come closest to BIFL?
Toyota 4Runner/Tacoma/Land Cruiser (last generation—not the new ones, at least for now). Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Camry are all top of game for longevity. That said, check out current Volvos. I would favor the T5 models over T6 due to less engine complexity. They also offer an optional comprehensive 12 year 150,000 mile extended warranty on new cars, and at least until recently their CPO cars could get 10 year unlimited mileage. My family has had Volvos since the 1950s, and I find the current ones still have many of the qualities of those cars. They are very solid, well-made, overall reliable, but do have some nickel and dime problems. People on the Volvo forums all like the longevity, reliability and ease of repair of models from the early to mid 2000s, aside from a few years (2014-2017) when they first came out with the current 4 cylinder engines.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #10Feb 4, 2025
What’s one item you bought that has lasted for YEARS and was worth every penny?
2007 Toyota 4-Runner. I bought used for $7000 in 2017 with 150K miles on it. I have put over 100K miles on it myself. Still crushing it. Worth every penny and then some.
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