Are 4runners Worth The Money? Are They Expensive? [ We Answered ]

As an established automobile brand, Toyota continues to deliver value to its loyal customer base with robust and high-performing SUVs. The legendary 4Runner, noted for its excellent off-roading capabilities, comes from the same brand. These robust cars retain their resale value even after cruising over 100,000 miles. In fact, owners who use this SUV for the very purpose that the manufacturers designed it, i.e., off-roading, find it an amazing asset.

However, even the used 4Runners come with an expensive price tag, often startling car enthusiasts. It’s natural to wonder why the Toyota 4Runner surprises buyers with its hefty pricing.

Remember, Toyota 4runner has got an established record of steadfast performance and long lifeline.  Let’s explore the core reasons for this expensive pricing of the popular SUV. Besides, you will get to know whether it’s worth purchasing a new or used 4runner.

Are 4runners worth the money?

So long as you can afford a Toyota 4runner, the car is worth your money. The manufacturers justify the high price tag with long-lasting, reliable, and low-maintenance cars. No wonder, why the demand for 4Runners refuses to fade away. The fact that 4Runners hold their value long after the sale makes the used cars so expensive. Acquiring a Toyota 4Runner would be a fruitful investment. The high mileage and reliability happen to be other factors that explain the high price.

Compared to other SUVs, 4Runners happen to hold their value better. This value often reflects itself in terms of a high purchase price. New 4Runners would cost you almost the same as an average SUV. While the Kias Terrlide comes at prices starting at $32,790, the 4runner comes at $36,765. There’s no basic difference in price for new cars. However, the price difference becomes visible when you decide to settle for a used car.

Why Are Toyota 4Runners So Expensive?

Let’s explore why 4Runners turn out to be so expensive even for used car buyers.

1. High reliability

Thanks to the dynamic mechanics that Toyota configured, 4Runners are insanely reliable. A brief scan through the online forums reveals that there are several of these cars that have already clocked 400,000 miles! Well, some of these cars are still performing impressively with a few occasional glitches.

Even one of the owners claimed to have covered more than 720,000 miles with the car. Toyota has an inherent reputation for manufacturing reliable and long-lasting SUVs and trucks. The 4Runner happens to be just a good specimen of the brand! In a nutshell, Toyota builds 4Runners to last long. As per Consumer Reports, the 4Runner bagged a reliability rating of 5/5 every year starting from 2010. Only the 2015 model, with a 4/5 rating, turns out to be an exception. No wonder, why these truck-like SUVs continue to demand high resale value even after years of service.

2. 4Runners hold high value

Well, if you are wondering why used 4Runners are in high demand, the answer lies in their ability to hold value. As per CarEdge, in the first five years, these cars tend to lose only 35% of their value. Naturally, 4Runners make their way into the list of the best cars, regardless of the class, to hold their value.

The high resale value often prompts buyers to get new 4Runners. This automatically fuels the demand for these cars, and the manufacturer manages to sell thousands of such cars at that high price.

As 4Runners undergo a relatively slow depreciation, the used cars draw more value in comparison to other SUVs.

3. The demand and supply equation

A report from CarandDriver reveals that in 2020, the Toyota 4Runner was among the top 25 extremely popular vehicles in the market. Thanks to Toyota’s legacy and the high performance of the car, this demand ceases to dip. No wonder, why Toyota owns the license to increase the price tag of the 4Runner periodically.

Current demand trends reveal that most of the new owners will retain their vehicles for several years to come. This implies that the second-hand market would have fewer cars than the demand for used vehicles. As you see, the demand for used 4Runners naturally surpasses the supply, inflating the price further.

4. Low maintenance costs

Well, high maintenance costs continue to bother used car owners. However, that’s now what you should expect when you go for a second-hand 4Runner. The low maintenance and repair costs of the legendary Toyota 4Runner make it one of the most-sought used cars. In fact, this car is one of the cheapest SUVs in terms of maintenance costs.

Midsize SUVs have an average maintenance cost of $573 annually. Again, the average maintenance cost of all sorts of vehicles is $652. However, as per RepairPal, owners need to shell out just around $514 annually for maintaining a 4Runner.

Additionally, a strong aftermarket makes the spare parts for a 4Runner easily available. Evidently, you need not drain your resources hunting for expensive parts.

Are 4Runners expensive to maintain?

Forking out $514 annually for a reliable SUV, you don’t call it really ‘expensive’. Comparing this expense to the average maintenance cost of $573 for an SUV, the answer is simple. 4Runners are not expensive to maintain! They are one of the most cost-effective SUVs in terms of maintenance in the market.

Let’s take a look at the standard repairs or replacements the average 4Runner demands.

1. Windshield motor replacement

On average, replacing a windshield motor of a 4Runner would require around $254. As the name suggests, this motor is responsible for controlling the wipers on the windshield. Whenever you find your wipers malfunctioning, go for an inspection to check whether you need to replace the motor.

2. Valve cover gasket replacement

Replacing the valve cover gasket costs around $309. Although the car offers exceptional durability, at some point, you need to get this part replaced. It keeps away chances of engine oil leakages. The cover helps the gasket retain its compression. Therefore, the oil stays as it is until the heat of the engine starts loosening the bolts.

3. Replacing exhaust gas recirculation valve

This valve goes a long way in mitigating the exhaust gasses in your 4Runner. Replacing this valve would cost you around $285. As soon as your 4Runner travels 50,000 miles, make sure to get the valve replaced. Failing to do so might lead to compliance issues related to emissions.

4. Engine oil change

While replacing the engine oil is vital for any car, it won’t hurt your wallets. From time to time, you can get the engine oil for your 4Runner changed for around $102. Toyota has specified the mileage after which the car would need an oil change. You will find the dashboard light indicating whether or not you need to get the engine oil changed.

5. Replacing car battery

Replacing the car battery for your 4Runner would cost you around $241. The interval at which you need to go for this replacement depends on how much you use the car. You need to go for this replacement once in four years on average.

Now, you have an idea of how the maintenance costs sum up for your 4Runner. Of course, you won’t be investing in all these replacements at a time. However, at some point or the other, your 4Runner will need these replacements. Some other maintenance overheads include replacing spark plugs, power steering pumps, and cooling the system flush.

Do 4Runners have a lot of problems?

You might be wondering whether an SUV as reliable as the Toyota 4Runner should have its share of technical glitches. Well, every brand has its flaws. Now, whether car owners should be comfortable with these issues depends on the intensity of these problems. Considering the standard parameters, Toyota 4Runners does not have too many problems.

However, some 2017 models had issues with the brake system. This issue was also evident in the 4^th generation cars that Toyota produced between 2003 and 2005. Some of the older models also experience issues with automatic transmission. Also, once the vehicle crosses 150,000 miles, rust and corrosion issues become obvious and acceptable.

Conclusion

J.D. Power rated the 2020 4Runner 82/100. The consistent performance and long lifeline of the Toyota 4Runner explain why the used cars claim so much value in the second-hand market. If you are ready to fork out the initial expense, 4Runner will loyally serve you for years. Of course, investing in a Toyota 4Runner would be worth your money.