A Gotta Buy! What makes a '15 Toyota 4Runner so reliable? CAR WIZARD explains 

I have a 2008 (4th gen) with 298k miles. I never buy cars with high miles but took a chance on this one 4 years ago with 206k miles. I got a very good deal on it so I figured if it didn’t last, it would be a lesson learned. Fast forward till now and I have been around the US several times. This is by far one of the best vehicles I have ever owned.

These vehicles will go forever. Our ‘01 4Runner with over 200k mi is running like a Swiss watch. Same with our ‘99 Lexus LX470. The frames were rust protected long ago, and other than regular maintenance handled by our independent mechanic, there’s not much to else add. Truly magnificent machines.

As a former Toyota Mechanic I never get tired watching any of your Toyota reviews!!!

I just traded in a Ford Exploder on a 2016 Toyota 4Runner Limited in pearlescent white on Friday the 26th. Even though the Toyota had 81,000 miles it felt more durable and substantial than the Ford, and with the body on frame it was much quieter than a unibody design. Absolutely love it !

Bought a 2014 4runner last year with 30k miles because the wizard said so. The peace of mind knowing this vehicle will last another decade of worry free driving was worth the extra $$$. Thanks Wizard!

Someone that lives in my area still drives a mid 1990s 4Runner around all the time; they just keep on going if you take care of them, even in a more harsh northern climate like Ontario. But yeah, fully agreed - you have to be understanding that it costs a lot up front to buy into that level of reliability.

We have four 4R in the family - a 2008 Sport (205k miles); 2010 SR5 (150k); 2012 Limited (165k) and 2014 Limited (90k). No problems at all. The 2008 is still on the original everything! I've only changed the usual wear items. We are sold on the 4R for reliability, safety, and durability. The 4.0-L V6 is bulletproof.

Second owner of a 2002 T4R, just passed 350,000 on original motor and trans. Never stranded. Purchased Jan of 2013 with 144,000. Looking for a 2014+ as a replacement and letting my teenagers drive the '02. Wizard, you are right on about these trucks. We've camped, trailed, and hauled with this thing. Easy to work on too. Keep up the great content.

German engineers are replaying this video for the 100th time and they still don't get it

I've only had my TRD Off Road 4runner for 8 months and it's been spectacular. Enough power, decent mpgs for what it is and can pretty much do anything and I can sleep in it!!! Already driven 15000 miles.

283k Miles on my 4.0 v6. Runs absolutely perfect. Routine Maintenance is all it takes.

Around the year 2000, a friend of mine bought a totaled 1997 4Runner which had about 40 to 50,000 miles on it. He repaired the damage, had it inspected, got the "rebuilt" title, then drove it for 15 to 16 years and finally sold it with about 310,000 miles on it. The guy to whom he sold it still uses it today to drive around on his property in the north-Georgia mountains. These are simply un-killable vehicles.

In my area, a 10 year old 4Runner will go for almost as much as a new one.

I was shopping for a 4Runner when I found my 13 GX460. After driving the GX the 4Runner was no longer my top choice. And used the GX is about the same price. Bot are perfect choices.

love Toyotas. Those 4Runners are built in Japan, not the US. I have an 06 4Runner with 259k just as reliable as the day I bought it. 6cyl goes and goes. Always enjoy your honesty and expertise. You do an amazing job. Toyotas are the best.

Bought a 1990 4 runner new sold it in 96 for almost what I paid for it new... Bullet Proof solid vehicle

Thanks for making this video Wizard! We are proud owners of a 2020 4Runner, 2010 FJ Cruiser, and 2015 Highlander!

I just picked up my 3rd 4runner I’ve ever owned. It’s definitely my go to! I picked up a 2014 with 113k for $23k with excellent maintenance records. Everyone thought I was crazy for buying a vehicle with so many miles, but not me! My mom just had a new engine put in her sonata with ONLY 110k. It’s insane!

Makes me feel so much better after buying my mint 2016 4Runner Trail Edition with 100k for $27k. Beautiful car!

I own an auto repair shop in RI and I only recommend Toyota to all our customers. It’s also the only brand me and my entire family drives daily. And I had 100% influence on that. Keep up the great videos and the like mindedness.

I have a 2018. Best car I ever had. I love that it has a little bit of an 80's flare to it, especially the sides. Planning on keeping for a long time.

Great advice from you: when you buy a used car it's always going to need something.

Toyota Rocks! Just do the maintenance! We have owned Toyota products since 1990. NO REGRETS. Current 2011 RX350, 180,000 miles, 3 batteries, 1 alternator, ORIGINAL ALIGNMENT AND ROTORS, 2nd set of tires and brake pads!! Everything works as it should and you can still read all the markings on the interior controls. Gonna keep to see just how many miles we can get. Our 2000 Camry rolled 300,000 miles 2 years ago, sold it to a friend when we got the RX.

As soon as I test drove our 4wd 2012 4runner (pretty much the same as in the video) I knew I was gonna buy it. Everything is tight and solid on it. I've been a shade tree mechanic a long time and this vehicle is made right. No leaks anywhere and it is just a beast. We live at 9,000 feet and have a set of snow tires for October to May and a set of all seasons for the summer. It is awesome off road and can't be beat in the snow.

My uncle till this day has hit Toyota 4 runner since 1990s he drives that thing 3 times a year from Texas to Guadalajara Mexico since the 2000s there and back and roamed too. I always said damn that’s the oldest car I’ve seen in the family it’s been the only and longest one for them.

This is affirmation that my purchase of the 4Runner is meant to me. ❤ Thank you Wizard! I want to own for the next 20 years.

Great timing! I was at the dealer looking at new ones yesterday. Thanks!

Gotta give Toyota their credit. My bud has an 06' Tundra with a touch over 500k, on the original drive train. It looks beat, from all the use, but still runs like a top.

Greetings Wizard & Mrs Wizard, yes, you can't go wrong with a Toyota!!! My sister drives a RAV4 Limited that she loves & my brother in law drives a Tacoma that he bought new in 08 & it looks like it just rolled off the assembly line. He's been offered what he paid for it!!! These are really good cars!!! Thanks for sharing this fun video!!! 👍👍🙂

Get service records if you can. Toyota's can die too if they haven't been maintained. Like any other car, lack of oil changes will kill it. Watch 'I Do Cars' for examples of engines that died early. Look for frame rust just like the trucks on the older ones. Gas mileage isn't the greatest because it is heavy. All in all>>good vehicle if cared for.

I bought a 2010 4Runner a few years ago due to your advice. I LOVE IT!

I recently got at ‘21 TRD Off Road and love it. It looks bad ass and I know it will last and can get me through most off road conditions. I listened to the Wizard recommendations of the 4Runner and look forward to many more years of driving it.

Bought a 2013 4runner SR5. Made it a tow pig for track use, but it ended up being the perfect family vehicle. Timley oil change is critical for long engine life.

Legendary vehicles! If I wanted an SUV, and could afford one, the 4Runner would be it. I hope the new generation coming will prove to be as reliable as this one. That 4.0L V6 and 5 speed automatic are crazy reliable. Toyota hasn't changed the 4Runner in many, many years, because it is so sorted. I heard that they have to ditch the 4.0L V6 now, because of CAFE numbers and emissions. Toyota doesn't like to change something unless they absolutely have to.

Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Wizard for this very informative video, i agree the vehicle looks great. Take care and have a great week ahead.

Great video. Love the forerunner. I had a 1986 Toyota that I recently sold and I bought the next best thing, 2008 Ford crown Vic P71 in October 2022. It had 66,000 miles. I drove it from Los Angeles to Texas round trip 3600+ miles. Not even a hiccup. Great ride and no problem passing with the Texas 80mph speed limit.

Toyota used to offer these with a 5 speed stick until about 2003. If they still offered them with a manual I’d have a newer one in my garage right now. My stepbrother had a ‘92 4Runner, fully loaded with the 5 speed. Best SUV ever made. Not even close. Styling, performance, utility, reliability, the absolute best of all worlds.

I really liked this episode. The Toyota is Great, Very Very nice looking and it does hide behind the BWM, MERC or MASERATI, it is noticeable on the road passing by. Turns heads. Yes and ofcourse the durability is outstanding. It will not have the usual problems that the rest of the makes and models do. 70K miles, seemed like a breeze, not starting to get worn out to die, but rather broke in just yet. Fantastic.

My 2007 V6 4Runner has 275,000 miles and the most significant maintenance was that the ORIGINAL shocks finally gave up their ghost at 250k miles.

Outstanding SUV! I recently picked up a 2019 SR5 2WD with 33,000 miles. No damage or accidents. I love it! It's not going to win any gas mileage contests, but that's not why I bought it. Super comfortable and a solid vehicle! I highly recommend them.

I always did love these, I was looking at one the other day in grey color. Love the size and the look. Probably by this summer I’ll grab me a 2015 or 2016

Once again, a great video on a excellent automobile. My wife and I own a 2017 Lexus RX 350. It has about 37,000 miles absolutely zero problems. every time I drive the car it’s like getting in a new one. You and the skinny guy do make some good videos. Keep them coming.

10 years ago I bought a new Tacoma TRD Off Road, I did the first repair late last year, it needed an air conditioning compressor. Still on the original brakes, original clutch. So far its just been tires, wipers, oil changes and similar. Its getting a little dinged up from all the off-roading, but overall just a really reliable truck. It has the same 4l engine as the runner in the video, just with less power. I bought my Taco truck for less than the 8 yo runner in the add.

I took your advice wizard, we had a 2021 Chevy trail boss, we were coming to the end of our lease, so we decided to on a Toyota TRD Pro 4 runner, I think this will be a life long vehicle for us as long as we take care of it, Thank you for the advice Mr Wizard and Mrs Wizard.

I had a 2010 limited and also a 2016 limited 4Runner in the "blizzard pearl" paint. ...they are Tanks! Bulletproof! I would drive one still if I didn't need a truck (tundra).

We were looking at used 5th gen 4Runner's, but ended up with a Lexus GX460. The GX is similar in size, but has a V8 and a long list of standard features that we wanted (4wd, leather, 3rd row, etc.). Yes, we could have found these things on a 4Runner, but the used GX's go for about the same, if not less, than a comparably equipped (well, as closely equipped as you can get) 4Runner.

Wizard, I purchased one in 2017 and have not regretted it. Good presentation!

Original owner of an 04 4Runner V8 4x4 now approaching 350K mi and no plans to replace. Absolutely bulletproof. Daily driver in CA. From commute traffic to Tahoe snow, this is the most reliable vehicle I’ve ever owned.

Great SUVs, we have a ‘17. Our only qualm with it was the XREAS suspension system. Developed a leak at 70k miles, swapped out the shocks for Bilsteins and we’ve been happy ever since. We expect ours to be a lifelong vehicle for our family.

We have a 2010 Highlander with 220,000 miles and follow the maintenance schedule, no issues. We recently test drove a new 4Runner, but because of the ride, bought a new 2022 Highlander with the V6…no turbos for us 😅

I have a 99 4Runner with 377,000 miles original power train, and will take you absolutely anywhere you want. I also have a 99 Toyota Tacoma TRD Prerunner with a 112,000 miles. I begged the old man that owned it for years to buy. Just did timing belts water pumps, etc on both of them. Both have the 3.4 V6 the Tacoma being supercharged. Only thing I found wrong with the Tacoma was the valve cover gaskets, and the cooling system needed a serious flush. I live in the south, so I live the rust free life. Both vehicles are rust free.

Year after year Wizard improves his oration skills...He is now VERY ARTICULATE & VERY WELL SPOKEN.....Good for your Wizzard...I like when you hammer your words like a carpenter would hammer his nails...A JOY to watch!

right before covid, i had a choice. 03 Highlander for $5k with 120k miles, or an 03 4Runner for $8k with similar miles. I chose the highlander. I regret not choosing the 4runner after learning so much about them. The highlander hasn't been bad, its given me no problems and is in very good shape. It should last 300k easy, but looking back I kick myself for not jumping on that 4runner.

I have a 99 4runner that has been driven extremely hard and its at 340k KMs (210k mi). Other than replacing ball joints, sway bar links, and u joints, has needed no repairs just maintenance. And doing those things were cheap and easy to do. My dads fiend has one over 600k KM (374K mi) and he doesn't even maintain it properly. Only replaced the spark plugs on one side because he didn't feel like removing the air intake. Still runs fine. These things are not only reliable, they'll handle abuse.

Man I drive an 05 rx330 had all the fluids changed recently & it’s the best car I have ever owned! We bought it as a pup hauler & he loves it! 2000K on the clock & everything including the gps works👍I love it more than my 2010 corvette GS😊 no hesitation in buying another 1 for sure! Toyota knows how to build a reliable car/suv for sure

Just bought a 2019 limited nightshade edition and I’m obsessed! Nice review!

I bought a ‘15 Trail Premium with 150k miles. It is in perfect condition and was never off-roaded and never towed anything. It has zero rust and zero leaks- not even seeping places! I plan to keep it forever and put about 5,000 miles on it traveling this year. I love the way it rides and how it looks. Thanks, Car Wizard, for affirming that I made a good choice! UPDATE: 14,500 miles in a year, 7,300 of those are road trip miles, and about 500 of those were on gravel, snowy mountain backroad, or off road totally. Amazingly comfortable, too. We love it!

They've been making this generation with small changes through the years, for 14 years and counting. Most of the platform and mechanicals date to 2003-2005. I got on a waiting list at my local dealer to get one in October. I was 55th on the list. Today I'm 15th. Desirable vehicles, because of the dependability.

I own a 2016 4Runner limited. Currently has 108k km no issues so far but I just replaced the battery as it was cranking slow. Changed the tires not too long ago. The brakes do wear relatively quick imo. Roughly every 50k km gotta do brakes all around

Thanks for sharing mate, just bought a SR5 2017, cool whip so far. Hi from Honduras

I agree with you Wizard. Putting the car on the lift sounds easy, but it's bloody hard work with all the bending and crawling around, and getting up and down to make sure the car is safely secured is no joke. We had a lazy mechanic at the shop where I worked that would just kick the lift's arms under the vehicle, and just lift it not caring where it pressed underneath. I hate mechanics like that.

The first generation 4Runners are very popular because the rear axle and the top comes off. My brother-in-law has 300k more miles on his when he sold it. Only sold it to get a 4 door for the family.

just retired My 05 tacoma same motor and probably 5 speed auto trans. I put 100k miles in a couple years, at 170k, only oil changes, tune up and I changed all other fluids, front brakes. that truck was amazing. now I'm rocking a gx460. very happy with Toyota. and because they are slow to change body style this clean 2015 looks like a 2022

Make sure the diff/tcase fluids are replaced at 60k. I have a 16 limited. Love it. That 4runner you showed shows the drift shaft has been greased which a lot of people over look. 4runners can go a million miles if maintained.

4Runner is by far the best SUV ever made. You change the oil and it will literally run 500k miles...I've done it lol. The only problem I've heard of is if it has the X-REAS suspension system.

Cant wait to get a 4runner but will say the best second option to it, especially if your not off-roading is my Honda Pilot. My 2012 bought used with 65k, 7 years ago has given me 100k plus miles with no maintenance issues and has taken my family and me to places off-road most wouldn't take it. And it only cost 18knwhen bought.

I have a 13 4Runner Limited and it's durable, capable, easy to drive and has plenty of room inside. I've owned 2 other 4Runners over the years. The 2001 I had for a long time was still going strong at 300,000 miles when I sold it. These things are indestructible! Change the oil regularly and do basic preventive maintenance and they'll go forever. The only small drawback is middling gas mileage of around 18 mpg combined. And good advice, Mr. Wizard, on the difference between short-term vs. long-term savings on vehicles.

I wish Mrs Wizard had an ASMR channel to listen to her voice. She could read tech manuals and it would be relaxing! I'm not going through grade school again, so if she put out a video of reading even a children's book, I would subscribe. Thanks, and keep up the good work, Wizard - I have learned a lot.

Carcarenut just posted a video boroscoping the cylinders on a newer 4Runner with lower miles and a shot engine versus an older one with higher miles and a perfect engine to make the point that it isn't about age or miles but whether it was properly maintained.

Every time I see him rip on the Acadia or Terrain, I crack a smile due to how many times he mentions those throughout his videos

We bought 2019 TRD off-road premium a couple years ago with 15k on it and we love it.

Another great video from the wizard. Keep it up

My favorite current day SUV. I loved it the moment I first saw it. It is absolutely flawless. Toyota made a home run with this generation 4Runner.✌🏻🇺🇸

01 seqoia with 350k miles original motor transmission and 4wd

I love my 05 4Runner that I got a year and a half ago. Mine wasn’t as nice as this one, and needed some work, but it hasn’t had a major failure or problem yet

My sister has the identical twin... she recently drove it from San Angelo, TX to Spokane WA for her 1st grandaughters birth... (her son is Air Force!) She LOVES it...bought it to replace her previous earlier same model with 300,000 miles before the trip!!!

I took delivery of a 2023 4Runner LTD AWD similar to this one to replace my 2016 Tacoma last November. I really enjoy it and I'm averaging 19.1mpg at the pump over my first 3500 miles. Just need to be cautious on all 2010+ Limited or newer TRD Sport models with X-REAS suspension, it is expensive to fix if there is a leak but fortunately there is a bunch of more affordable aftermarket suspension kits.

I warned my sister and nephew, but they basically scoffed at me. One got an Acadia, the other got an Equinox, so much cheaper. We'll see if cheaper matters when they're sitting on the side of the road. Meanwhile in Toyota land my 07 Avalon looks and runs like new and other than regular maintenance, not a single problem.

Please more 5th gen 4runner videos if you have the time. Appreciate it!! Great job with video as usual.

I just sold my 2021 Fullsize Bronco and picked up a 4Runner Limited. Love it!

I have a 04 Sequoia with 203k. Runs like a champ. I bought it salvage title with 132k mi. 8 years ago for $7200. Only get about 17 mpg mixed. This has been my most reliable and least expensive car I've ever owned. I do routine fluid/filter maintenance. Changed out timing belt and water pump ($1,200 job) at 200k miles bc it has an interference engine and I had no idea if it was ever changed so better safe than blow the engine. I love it and will drive it until the wheels fall off. I only put 8k miles per year on my truck. This may be my last vehicle and I'm not even 50 yet. Toyota makes some of the most reliable automobiles.

Just hit 200k on my 06 4runner. Drives like its brand new and all it needs is minimal maintenance. Currently looking to buy another one but with the million mile 4.7 v8.

I have a 2012 Tundra with the 5.7 V8 with 175k miles, and it still runs amazing! Had to do a water pump and that has been it.

Thanks for another great video, Car Wizard. I just realized a 2015 is 8 model years old !

Thank you for this Wizard. Great explanation on why most Toyotas are worth the extra cost and are way less frustrating to maintain for both the owner and their mechanic!

We have a 2018 4Runner. I wouldn’t say the engine is particularly powerful, seats are not really comfortable, fuel mileage not great, however this thing has older proven technology and has been very reliable. I wouldn’t hesitate taking it on a cross country trip towing our Casita travel trailer.

No question, great truck. One thing on my ‘21 limited is that bumper keeps popping out on side where it meats head light assemble. Spent significant amount of time in shop to no avail. Great video by the way!

You are the best ,great content and even better work .

270,000 miles on my 2008 4Runner SR5. Only typical maintenance issues.....CV Boots, S-Belt, Pulleys, alternator, Wheel Bearings and LOTS of Brakes. Seems I am always replacing the brakes and tires but if thats the most problems I have.....I've done ok. Love the 4runner so much I just bought a 2023 Limited in Pearl White with Redwood interior. YES I paid a pretty penny but I know the 4Runner reliability and so does everyone else because they are EVERYWHERE and that is OK with me. I'm not looking to stand out of the crowd. I just want a vehicle that WORKS and I know this one will last the rest of my life. I will follow the maintenance schedule that the Car Care Nut recommends. Had it for 2 months now and still breaking in the Engine with 695 miles so far. 300 more to go then I will give it the FIRST Oil change.

I have a 2006 Toyota Prado with the same engine. I have nearly 300,000 kms on it. All I've ever done is change oil, brakes, engine chain. I do preventative maintenance on it. It still fires on 6 cylinders, hasn't felt like it's lost any power either. We take in the dunes here in Saudi even now. The 4WD system works like it's a new vehicle. Toyotas are forever.

Well done video and facts well stated. I worked in a shop for 8 years and the only Toyota SUV I saw break down was a 89 land cruiser. The only reason was needed hoses all over but as we know with time rubber only lasts 6-7 years before replacement. it was 2014 and it had 345000 miles on it. It was grey. I don't know vin still runs today I see the lil old black lady driving it now and again LOVE TOYOTAS!!!!!

That guy hanging from the rear view mirror is Rip from Yellowstone 😁 Great reviews from you both, keep up the good work 👏🏼👏🏼

I had a 2000 4Runner. Loved that vehicle. Unfortunately the frame rusted out.

We have a '15 GX460, more similar than different except for that sweet V8. Bought used on the weekend I had planned to to buy a new 4Runner. Anyway, I love the way everything is so well done with these trucks! Except for the third row. Nah. That's someone's practical joke-never been used.

My 2006 Scion XB has the same wiper switch. I like how Toyota doesn't fix what's not broken.

Hey I just saw a video on hooves channel and you had a toyota FJ cruiser in your shop wish you do a video on that because I own one and have never had an issue with it thank you for your vids keep it up

Wizard, love your brutal honest reality. Your comparison between Acadia & 4Runner was simply too good. Enjoyed every bit...👋

In 2019 I bought a 2013 4Runner with just under 80k miles. It hit 150k miles 2 days ago, and other than routine maintenance, the only repair I've had to do was have the AC topped off two summers ago, which cost me less than $200. That's it for repairs. Personally, I DO think the 4.0 is down on power, the numbers are good but they occur way too high in the RPM range to be useful. A small block Chevy would have much more torque at lower RPMs.

Thank you Wizard and Mrs. LOVE the 4Runner, a comfortable Jeep Wrangler, offroad worthy but comfortable on-road.

Bought a 2018 TRD Off Road in Barcelona Metallic Red, partially based on the Wizard's suggestion. Paid through the nose, but I'll have it for 20 years as long as the rust doesn't eat it!