We bought my son a 2016 with 65k on the odometer when he graduated high school in 2018. It was in really good shape with highway miles. He drove it all through college and is now right around 160k miles. We have always stayed on top of fluid and filter changes, tire rotation, etc. It still runs great. But he is having to travel all over Texas with his job. Is his 4Runner safe and solid to go long distances still? How long do these things realistically last before it's time for a trade?
What's the realistic lifespan of a 2016 4Runner? (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter TexasHusker
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fjc-man
SILVER Star
If you’re getting good maintenance done besides basic stuff like coolant, gear oil, ATF drain and fill, u-joints greased, lube all hinges, you’ll easily be good for at least another 100,000. Probably can expect to replace the alternator in the interval as well.
Cheapest car you can buy is the one you own. Toyotas in particular. Do the PM. Most of my Yotas are north of 300k miles. Still drive amazing. Some people throw in the towel when a chain of PM things happen. Weather the storm and get at it. You will come out ahead. Take care of the interior. So many dont and it looks like a dumpster fire. Goes without saying you need to start with a used vehicle that was taken care of from the beginning.
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- #4
The car still presents pretty good. The interior is slightly dinged - it survived 4.5 years away at college, witnessing no telling what. Hail, snow, ice, dust, ski trips, fishing, hiking, fraternity retreats, and lots of sun. It's pretty amazing that it is still such a good vehicle.
If it has a V8 its a long running motor. Keep it running as long as you can. Lots of lessons for your kid in keeping up a good used car and not “keeping up with the Jones’s”
I’d keep it until it started showing signs of major repair. It also depends on the type of terrain he’s driving, highway it’ll last a lot longer than right of ways.
It’s not “keeping up with the Jones’s” if he’s using it for making money to get something new or with lower miles. We did that when I worked pipeline, every 100k or so trade the old one in for a new one because if the trucks down that’s lost money.
It’s not “keeping up with the Jones’s” if he’s using it for making money to get something new or with lower miles. We did that when I worked pipeline, every 100k or so trade the old one in for a new one because if the trucks down that’s lost money.
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- #7
This is a V6.
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- #8
He isn't worried about getting a new one. I am just worried for him. That's coming from someone that trades cars every 2 years whether I need to or not.
Of course, the first 50 years of my life, I didn't live like that. Now it's of no real financial consequence.
I think the 1GR is possibly Toyota's best engine ever. There's essentially no known issues. I think a well maintained 5th gen will last until it gets crashed or rust gets it or similar. I think 500k miles would be a very reasonable expectation. For me - I'd plan on a major engine re-fresh about 200 or 250k. Just to change all the hoses and rubber stuff under the hood. I'd expect rear wheel bearings between 200 and 300k. Almost all of my Toyota's have needed them in that range. If one goes - do both of them to save some labor. Probably front wheel bearings about the same time. Probably worth trans oil change at 200k and coolant about the same time. I think you're mostly looking at gas, tires, and oil otherwise.
Highest mileage one I've heard of is a rural mail carrier - dealer tech said that there's one that comes in with ~500k on it for service. I've never personally seen it, but I don't have a reason to doubt it. One of the regulars on the 4R forum has kept a 2014 for close to 400k miles. His list of issues have been minor - a fan clutch, transfer case seal, (all in the 350k range) and he said it's a little slow shifting under some situations so he might swap transmissions around 450k.
Highest mileage one I've heard of is a rural mail carrier - dealer tech said that there's one that comes in with ~500k on it for service. I've never personally seen it, but I don't have a reason to doubt it. One of the regulars on the 4R forum has kept a 2014 for close to 400k miles. His list of issues have been minor - a fan clutch, transfer case seal, (all in the 350k range) and he said it's a little slow shifting under some situations so he might swap transmissions around 450k.
thatcabledude
GOLD Star
There are 4 of those same engines in my family. None are newer than 2011 and all are hovering around 300k. Some just below some above. None have had anything more than very basic routine maintenance. One needed a radiator. Even the ignition coils are factory.
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- #11
All helpful info. Thanks guys.
