I have 2007 4runner and the dealership said never change transmission fluid so around 170k miles at 35-40 mph and driving like an old man..lol.. it would shimmy pretty bad and it freaked me out. Transmission shop said Toyota is wrong and fluid needs changing but they did not recommend a full flush so what they did was (not sure of the process) replace 6-7 quarts of fluid and they may have added a tube of transmission lube stuff. After that the transmission ran great for 1 year then they did same procedure a 2nd time and it's been 2-3 years with no problems. So once the old fluid is diluted enough with the new fluid it is fixed. Cost was about 100.00 plus 7 qts of toyota fluid. So long story short, get your transmission fluid changed regardless of what Toyota recommends. The fluid does get old and needs changing.
Thank you for sharing your experience Jerry! I’ll pin this comment so people would read this. My hope is that they take my word and yours and change the fluid every 60k or 6 years
@@TheCarCareNut Each time I had 4runner serviced I asked tech if transmission fluid needed changing and I always was told no it never needs changing. At slow speeds my 4runner would shudder, really bad, and I thought it was a major issue. Dealership mentioned replacing torque converter or possibly the transmission so I went to transmission shop who knew how to fix it. Said transmission shudder is pretty common and usually refreshing the fluid fixed the problem. They said people have this process done all the time as opposed to replacing high dollar parts. I researched 'transmission shudder' on internet to get informed and try to find low cost option which made me get 2nd opinion. Transmission shop did not recommend a full flush due to possibly pushing any debris into other parts of transmission and possibly causing other issues.
Yes Lexus also tried to tell me the same BS about trans fluid that never needs to be changed....even tho it's only 1 bolt to drain ai and 1 bolt to fill with fluid....it's almost like they want the trans to break so you have to buy a new one....hmmmm 🤔🧐🤔 I change the trans fluid every 80k or so, the fluid is not cheep but it's worth it. My Lexus has 200k on it now and runs strong AF! Change your trans fluid...don't flush just drain and fill
About to look at a 2023 trd-or today. The newest car I have ever bought was a 2010 focus in 2017 I bought cash for 3k. This gentleman is making me comfortable investing with money and maintenance in a 4Runner for the long term. It’s about 6x more than I have spent on any vehicle before lol
I dont give a rats backside about old school or new. What i want is a vehicle that can get me there and take me back home. My 4 runner never disappointed me. I am now closing in on 300K with nothing but routine maintenance That includes about 100K of towing
@@clos6613 North Carolina but every time I think about selling one, I drive one ( they all have names) then the thought quickly self terminate. I did get a new Tundra 1794 4x4 last yr an need a vehicle or 2 gone.
This information video is the very reason myself and my entire family have purchased and owned Toyota vehicle now for over forty years, nothing in the automotive industry can even come close to the quality, dependability, reliability and workmanship of Toyota cars, trucks & SUVs!
My first Toyota was a Toyopet Stout, that was back on the 60's. Ever since then I have own many Toyota trucks, all were work horses and reliable. Currently own 3, 1 Tundra & 2 Tacomas one is a 3rd gen, the most disappointing truck ever owned. Sadly the current quality is not was it used to be.
I fully agree. I am quite deep into car reliability topic and I can confirm that Toyota's car are the most reliable cars that have the longest lifespan. All that with a regular fairly cheap maintenance. I was a fanatic of German cars, since I saw how many problems they cause and how stupid and costly malfunctions experience right after rolling out the dealership, I decided to become a lifetime Toyota driver. One thing should be noted, Toyota is also very responsible manufacturer and they admit to the failure and fix the car for free easily. Try this with VAG group (at least in Europe). The warranty policy and handling warranty issues does not exist and in US would result in huge amount of legal cases. If you want to have just normal, reliable and robust car - buy Toyota. As a bonus you won't lose much money on resale due to high cars' after market value. Btw. I suggest making video about how Toyota cooperated with BMW. BMW delivered diesel engines to European Toyota cars. Due to numerous issues Toyota regrets this decision.
Just su ck out A few quarts! Thats what I did .The last vehicle I owned the motor just blew with scheduled maintenance done per the book.When vehicles get old they can quickly die!
Being a new 4runner owner, glad to have found your 4runner series of videos. We will be retiring in 2023 and we may be having our 2022 4runner for a long time.
I'm a Toyota owner, and a Toyota believer. I like Toyota sedans, I'm not really into Toyota SUVs. Yet I watch the whole video from start to finish just to support this great channel. Thanks AMD.
My 07 4runner transmission has been on its way out since I bought it at 165k miles 2 years ago. Now at 190k miles towed 5000lbs across the US. Raced through the desert, climbed mountains and jumped sand dunes. My transmission is still "on its way out" lmao
You thorough and honest straight shooter reviews are a great contributor to the sales of Toyotas. I hope Toyota offers you a free vehicle for your incredible contributions and help to the community!
So thankful for your new series! I am in the process of buying a 4runner and knowing all this info gives me so much confidence and understanding. Thank you!!!
This is a seriously awesome video series. I love your presentation style and knowledge. I'm a new-ish 4runner owner and it's great learning about my truck. Thank you!
Only difference is the people running the machines to assemble the parts. Engineering is the same and most parts are made at the same factories. Modern car making is not super hands on anymore.
I just googled “Toyota 4Runner for sale”. 😂😂👍. Great video. Like the 4Runner itself, this video will be used and appreciated by thousands of people over many many years.
@@VeganAtmosphere They're complete opposites in a lot of ways. One drives better on the road, one can go off road. One is small and light, the other is big and heavy. One is good on gas, the other is a gas hog. One has a singular purpose; to get from A to B and bring passengers along the way. The other has many purposes; to do the same as the other, but also to haul heavy loads, tow up to 6400lbs, off road up a mountain and back, drive in any climate, sun or snow. That's about the gist of it.
I have drove it and I felt in love! I'm a BMW guy, but honestly, for daily drive, I will go for the 4Runner. AMD is God sent giving us all these precious lessons, thank you AMD!
Thank you AMD, great video. I was convinced the 4RUNNER was well built but after watching this video I am convinced they are overbuilt. God bless you for this great video. Looking forward for your next video. Best wishes from Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦
I still miss my 2003 4Runner V8. Had over 250,000 miles, never had a problem with the motor and transmission. What killed it was the undercarriage rust, on the frame and eventually the hydraulic lines gave out. I still got 20 years out of it, and, had it not been for the rust, I would be driving it today. Loved my 4Runner.
I had a 2005 v8 with 247k miles. Lots of 4 wheeling on beach. Frame was rusting and AC needed to be filled every 2 mos. NEVER had to take it to the dealer or repair shop. The only repair was front CV boots that I did. Bought a F250 in 2019. Sold the F250 yesterday, got tired of dealing with recalls, warranty work and the final kicker was needing a $3000 steering wheel out of warranty. Looking for a red 4runner now
I've owned a 2006 Land Cruiser and two 2010 FJ Cruisers all with the same transmissions and i replaced the fluid in all of them at 100k . Mainly because it had not been done before I purchased them. They all run great . I did a drain and refill on each, every 10k miles until i replaced all 12-13 quarts. (2-3.5 quarts every time) .
I traded in my 07 Fj for a 2021 TRD ORP. But before I did that, I had gotten so used to the Fj’s reliability that when the transmission lines rusted and started leaking oil for over a year, I thought that it was my messy oil changes sometimes. When I eventually took it to the mechanic, he was baffled at how the truck was still running with barely a hand full of transmission fluid left. Not even slipping. The look on his face was priceless. So l 100% agree with the car care nut. Great content and even a better person for sharing this with the Yota nation.
Thank you so much for these videos they are fantastic. I love my 4runner and how reliable it is and how easy it is to change the transmission oil. When you see some new vehicles with 10 speed transmissions and they have belts inside the transmissions driving the oil pump running in oil it does not give you a warm and fuzzy feeling. You know those transmissions will not last as long as the one in the 4runner. I love having a vehicle I know will last a long time that is one of the major reasons I purchased it.
My '06 Sequoia has an A750F transmission that was rebuilt at 178k miles; I bought it at 206k. I suspect prior owners never changed the fluid. I HATE that it is sealed. I have started draining out 4 quarts cold and refilling with 4 quarts cold every time I change the oil.
I recently bought a pre-owned 2019 4RUNNER Limited 4WD and truly enjoying the drive. It is my first SUV and have been driving cars for 3 decades. The only thing to remember is drive slow and keep the speed limit you will get great gas mileage, if you drive it like a car (jack rabbit) style then gas mileage will be as posted by Toyota other than this is so amazing on gas for what it is. This vehicle weighs so much heavier than a car and to give the gas mileage I am getting it is pretty impressive and hidden gem.
@@Thankyou_3 what are you getting for gas mileage? And you're right if one even drives a vehicle midly aggressive it will get %10 less fuel mileage than if you drive it grandma like. Keep your revs lower save fuel.
AMD, thanks for another great educational video. I told my wife to let me know when her 2016 4Runner hits 60,000 miles because it is going in for an ATF drain and refill. I would have started this series with the foundation since the 4Runner is the only SUV left that is body on frame construction. Looking forward to your next video.
these vids just make me more and more happy that i bought my T4R...the ONLY upgrade i would want/buy from here is a Land Cruiser 200...which also is over built, and designed and constructed to last for 15+yrs
Thank you for this greatly informative video! Had no idea it was essentially unchanged since 03’! Also didn’t know they changed to “no tranny fluid change necessary” I have long way to go before 60k miles on 21’ 4R but certainly will follow the 50-60k rule! Thanks again🙏
You have a long way to go with your 3rd gen. I have a 2000 4runner with over 334000 miles and still going strong. Also had a 2004 gx470, sold to my brother and now I have 2019 gx460. I'll only buy 4Runners and GXs. Best machines ever. If they mess up the 2024 model with some hybrid turbo crap, I'll get a 2023 4Runner TRD Pro instead.
@@TwinTurboOnly I’m looking at a 2015 sr5. $26k with 107k miles. Checked the car fax and history religiously and seemed like it was take care of with oil changes every 3 months and occasional servicing at the dealer. Even was driven less than 15k miles a year . You think it’s a good deal?? Seems to be the lowest I can find
A couple months back my wife and I bit the bullet and bought a 2021 SR5 Premium. Our 2013 escape was about to need a transmission and steering rack at 70k miles so we dumped it while it was still worth some sort of money. My parents still have their 87 4Runner that they bought new. My brother drives my grandparents old 86 4Runner. My mom has an 08 Tacoma V6 with 180k and no issues. Love Toyota!
Top reasons we bought our '17 - it looked cool, it was red, it was a good deal, we wanted to do light off roading. 😂 As we near the one year ownership period, it's obvious we lucked into a great purchase! Love the old school simplicity.
Excellent information! I have a Toyota 4runner 2003, on very good condition I just painted last year, 195 K, miles on it, and still running good. The transmission still good.
Ahmed. Another great one. Toyota is smart to continue to use the old 5 speed. It just works and built to last. I have a buddy with a 2005 4Runner with the 4.0 V6. That car has over 200,000 miles and it still runs like a top. Awhile ago I had a 4 cylinder 2005 Camry that had the 5 spd (of course diff from the one on the 4Runner). My point is though I love my 19 Camry which has been great and gets great mpg, the new 8 speed transmission, at lower speeds it isn’t as smooth shifting as the older 5 spd was. Something to be said about the older Toyota Trannys.
The 2005 to current Nissan frontier is also like the 4runner...it still uses the same 4.0 V6 VQ series engine since 2005 with the same 5 speed auto transmission.....both the engine and transmission are known for being very reliable and pretty powerful even today in 2021....
Actually to correct myself the 2021 Nissan frontier has a new engine and transmission but it rides on the same old body.....still a bad ass powerful dependable old/new truck..
Right I had lexus es300 sold at 200k miles on it, I never needed to change the transmission fluid, never turn black it was red the whole time, I even ask my mechanic if it ain't turning black you don't need to change it, and it always shifted smooth
@@charlesjackson1700 dude I never neglected it like I said I checked mechanic, and he said keep driving it and it's fine, like I said transmission never had any shifting problems, and I always kept up with The maintenance never neglected it
Been waiting for this video. Love hearing how reliability and durability was THE most important thing in the transmission as well. Looking forward to the 4WD video!
Thanks for sharing this great series of videos referring to the 4Runner. I traded my 2017 Jeep for my first 2019 TRD ORP 4Runner and have no regrets. The more I learn about it, the more I enjoy driving it. Right now I'm waiting for the dealership to change out the recalled low pressure fuel pump. Maybe at some point you can mention a thing or two about this issue. Thanks again, I'll be following along for sure.
I got a 2016 4Runner. Had it since it had around 28k km. Now has 84k km. Solid car. Needed nothing but oil changes and brakes. I will be needing tires soon but no complaints at all. It still works just like the day I got it
thanks Mr car care I bought a 2013 4 runner 186,00kms last november and have this problem for the last 3 weeks of the low speed shudder, I did request the transmition be changed before purchase and they didnt do it saying I didnt ask for it, anyway thats another , I have searched and searched for info on this situation and am glad I did, I now have the knowledge to talk to a mechanic on what I want done, a drain and flush, maybe drop the pan and change the filter, I will probably do a drain and fill myself and see if it solves the problem , Ill keep you posted thanks again for all the education
The A750F (4WD) came out initially on the 2003 V8 4Runner, 2003 GX470, and 2003 Land Cruiser/LX470. The 2003 to 2004 V6 4Runner retained the 4 speed from the 3rd gen 4Runner. The 2005 and up V6 4Runner came with the 5 speed A750E/F. 2003 is the only year model with the transmission dip stick. All subsequent year models came without the transmission dip stick...
I recently missed an opportunity to get a 2017 4Runner Limited from a women I know. She bought it new and got rid of it with only 52K miles on it and traded it for a new 2021 Jeep Wrangler warlock hellkitty something or other because a bunch of other people in town got them Jeeps and they all wanna be cool. All I want is some of that sweet sweet Toyota reliability and I just missed it. But my 04 Subaru still runs good and my 07 Tundra is still mint so I'm good for now.
Hi! I just found your channel! I have a 1996 LX450 with 361,772 Miles and counting (I put on 200,00+ of them since 2009) My biggest issues are the door handles crumbling away!! I replaced the heater core and the cylinder compression was checked and very good! I also have a 2021 Ford Bronco I reserved a long time ago sitting in my garage that I am going to sell to get a new 4Runner. This is a great video series, and I also watched your 2015 Camry engine breakdown. I change my oil every 3-4k miles in my cars, and now I am glad I do. God Bless ya and be safe!
I have a 2009 and I go to the dealer to do drain and fills periodically. I usually bite the bullet and go to the stealer for anything involving ATF or diff lube or coolant or transfer case oil change or driveshaft or whatever ... the indie guy is fine for most things but I just trust the actual Yoda techs to do the more exotic fluids in the car.
Love this series! You've clearly done you research and speak from experience. All this information makes me appreciate my 4Runner and FJ Cruiser even more.
Hello because of your knowledge and expertise I went out today and bought a 2021 4 runner limited with 20000 miles not really worried about gas just durability you have me sold
Nice vid! Would love to see a similar deep dive on the Tacoma 6spd. It’s my thought that the 6spd is a good unit mechanically, but Toyota essentially made an “eco mode” the default, which is why it can hunt for gears and feel lackluster. It seems to perform quite well in ECT mode. I get it, I get really good fuel economy in my Tacoma.
I have a 2016 trail and the neutral safety switch went bad at 20thousand miles. Thru a bunch of lights on the dash and shifter felt stiff, service writer knew what it was before having the mechanic look at it. Still not a job for the home mechanic to fix because of the recal safety checks! Love the sport shift mode, those 3grand shifts really wake that motor up!
Changing frequently is actually bad. This mechanic recommends one drain and fill only every 60000 miles or 6 years. Use original Toyota fluid. No need to change transmission filter
Bought a 2013, SR5, this week, with genuine 90,000km. I'm impressed after owning a Series 76 Land Cruiser, with a 1HZ. Only curious why Toyota put smaller tires on on the Gen Market version. 245/70 R17, vs the 265/70 R17 for US market, with same gear ratio. Great video, thank you.
I love my Pro. I was just offered $54,360 by a dealer. What vehicle could sell for $2500 more than I paid for it with 18K miles?? I almost pulled the trigger, but I love my 4R.
Traded in a 16 trail for a 2019 Ram Rebel in 2019. Got the ram with a 20% off 4th of July discount. Saw a 21 TRD Trail Premium on a dealers lot last weekend. Went in to see what they would do for a trade. They gave me 3k more for the RAM, than I paid for it in 19😂. So happy to be back in a 4Runner.
Thanks for the detailed review. As a happy 4Runner owner, it's great to be educated on the details of why the vehicle is so reliable. It helps that I am also an engineer. Much appreciated, sir. Sub'd.
Great video AMD! My 2003 V8 4runner still shifts like new. It has 170, 000 miles and I do a drain and refill every 40,000 miles with original filter/screen.
AMD, yet another great 'nuts and bolts' detailed explanation for the layperson. I am currently behind the wheel of a 2002 SR5 Sequoia 4WD with 350,000km. I am purchasing a Tundra next year and have owned an 2008 (lemon) and perfect 2010 (TRD supercharged) Tundra, so I know what to expect. Not sure I want to be a guinea pig for the '22 Tundra, so I am considering a '21 Tundra (if there are any left next year, ha!). Watching your 4Runner videos are really making a compelling case and are giving me cause to re-evaluate. Keep up the amazing work and thank you for taking the time to educate us!
Adding on to @Amanda, I'm also in the process of buying the 4Runner. Priceless information here. Thank you for this series, your time and effort to help everyone. God Bless!
YES!!! Toyota Rocks!!! My first car was my Dad’s 1970 Toyota Corolla hatchback…and I’ve owned 3 Land Cruisers, 4 4Runners, 2 Lexus sedans, a Camry, an Avalon….Just bought a 2015 Tundra, with a 2032 Tundra on order!!!
Im a 10+ year Toyota tech. We routinely recommend flushes on sealed transmissions. We tend to recommend them at around the 100k mark. Never have I told an owner to not flush their transmission ever. Toyota's World Standard ATF is very good stuff, but it gets dirty like all fluids do while in use. It is definitely advisable to flush your transmission, just make sure you are using the correct fluid AND set proper fluid level after. Only time I have seen these transmissions die is when serviced improperly with wrong fluid or not enough fluid...
These videos about the 4Runner make me feel really good about owning one. I have noticed that Toyota dealers in my area do not have hardly any inventory of 4Runners or Tacomas. I had a wild thought, could Toyota possibly be limiting the number of 4Runners they build so as to keep their fleet average fuel efficiency in compliance with government CAFE requirements?
Can you please in the next video explain how to shift an automatic transmission while towing, what gear should the truck be in when taking off and up hills? I pull a camper Weighing about 5000 pounds with my 2010 FJ. Thank you
Hello I live in France and soon moving to Canada I am Willing to buy a seqoia and really apreciate your Channel for all thé explanations and tips Thank’s
Could you do a breakdown of the mechanical quality of 2019+ 4runners vs Tacomas? All the stuff i can find are breakdowns of the interior, why a truck vs an suv and vice versa and people comparing old tacomas with new 4runners and vice versa. Like how you break down why the 4runner transmission is so good even today using older tech. Could touch on how tacomas differ or if it should even be considered? I say 2019+ because you've said 2016 and 2017, and to some extent, 2018 tacomas should be stayed away from. Or at least is made in Japan vs made in Mexico an issue? Thank for the good info you put out
Dear AMD, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, to someone like me is invaluable. question : does the transmission in 2023 4Runner still same as the one you reviewed on this video?
Actully, in 4Runner Owner's Manual under the severe condditon you have to change the Auto. Transmisiton fluid every 60.000 Miles. I think, most people should follow that.
the 03-04 v6's had the old 4 speed. in 04 they switched the trans fluid to ws and got rid of the dipstick. In 05 they got the newer 5 speed. But yes these things are relatively bullet proof. I got my '08 at 150k miles, has about 182k now and did the trans,diffs, and t-case service ~10kmiles ago since I have no idea when it was done before me and I have used it to tow and now have a slight lift with all new suspension and more aggressive tires.
