The Toyota Hilux (Ute / pick-up version) with the 4.0-liter V6 1GR-FE is specc'd 5W30 or 10W30 in Australia.
`18 4Runner review
- Thread starter zfasts03
- Start date
- Status
I just bought a new '18 4Runner last weekend. I only have about 250 miles on it so far. I have not noticed any engine noise yet, it seems quieter than my 2010 Tacoma V6.
Originally Posted by zfasts03
So far my `18 4Runner has been great. No "problems". A very solid vehicle. Truly feels tough and will last for many years.
I have about 500 miles on it and 2 things stand out as a surprise.
1. The turning radius of this vehicle is horrible. I have driven Jeep Wranglers and many other vehicles and with a relatively short wheel base I never thought that would be an issue, but it is!
2. The 1GR-FE 4.0 engine is very noisy, especially while warming up. I have talked to 2 owners of Tacomas with this engine and they say the same thing. Sounds like there is no oil in it. They said it has sounded that way since new and the one owner has 9x,xxx miles and is still noisy. So I guess that is how they are?
Otherwise the vehicle is great! If anyone knows what oil tends to reduce engine noise in this engine I would like to know. I will be forgoing the free maintenance and am willing to go thicker than 0w-20. I already have 2 TRD filters on hand.
You forgot to mention the front seats are horrible after spending any length of time in them, that the dash board looks like something out of the 1970's-and the "on-street" ride is horrible-which isn't unusual for a vehicle "tuned" more for off-road.
If anybody is interested-my son just traded his (2016-SR5) in with 19,000 miles on it(it's looks brand new)-and the RAM dealer has marked it down twice-and they can't sell it. It's still under Toyotas factory warranty. Located in West Valley City, Utah.
So far my `18 4Runner has been great. No "problems". A very solid vehicle. Truly feels tough and will last for many years.
I have about 500 miles on it and 2 things stand out as a surprise.
1. The turning radius of this vehicle is horrible. I have driven Jeep Wranglers and many other vehicles and with a relatively short wheel base I never thought that would be an issue, but it is!
2. The 1GR-FE 4.0 engine is very noisy, especially while warming up. I have talked to 2 owners of Tacomas with this engine and they say the same thing. Sounds like there is no oil in it. They said it has sounded that way since new and the one owner has 9x,xxx miles and is still noisy. So I guess that is how they are?
Otherwise the vehicle is great! If anyone knows what oil tends to reduce engine noise in this engine I would like to know. I will be forgoing the free maintenance and am willing to go thicker than 0w-20. I already have 2 TRD filters on hand.
You forgot to mention the front seats are horrible after spending any length of time in them, that the dash board looks like something out of the 1970's-and the "on-street" ride is horrible-which isn't unusual for a vehicle "tuned" more for off-road.
If anybody is interested-my son just traded his (2016-SR5) in with 19,000 miles on it(it's looks brand new)-and the RAM dealer has marked it down twice-and they can't sell it. It's still under Toyotas factory warranty. Located in West Valley City, Utah.
Originally Posted by CKN
If anybody is interested-my son just traded his (2016-SR5) in with 19,000 miles on it(it's looks brand new)-and the RAM dealer has marked it down twice-and they can't sell it. It's still under Toyotas factory warranty. Located in West Valley City, Utah.
Here it is:
https://www.dodgehq.com/inventory/u...-4wd-4wd-sport-utility-jtebu5jr3g5367250
If anybody is interested-my son just traded his (2016-SR5) in with 19,000 miles on it(it's looks brand new)-and the RAM dealer has marked it down twice-and they can't sell it. It's still under Toyotas factory warranty. Located in West Valley City, Utah.
Here it is:
https://www.dodgehq.com/inventory/u...-4wd-4wd-sport-utility-jtebu5jr3g5367250
Originally Posted by zfasts03
AMSOIL Signature Series 0w30 is in it now and is noticeably quietet. I changed out the factory fill at 1500 miles. There was noticeable metal sparkles at the bottom of the filter housing. It was good to get the factory fill out.
Signature Series? Heard of it but don't know the specs. Is that their top-of-the-line, extended-drain-approved oil?
AMSOIL Signature Series 0w30 is in it now and is noticeably quietet. I changed out the factory fill at 1500 miles. There was noticeable metal sparkles at the bottom of the filter housing. It was good to get the factory fill out.
Signature Series? Heard of it but don't know the specs. Is that their top-of-the-line, extended-drain-approved oil?
Originally Posted by SatinSilver
Originally Posted by CKN
If anybody is interested-my son just traded his (2016-SR5) in with 19,000 miles on it(it's looks brand new)-and the RAM dealer has marked it down twice-and they can't sell it. It's still under Toyotas factory warranty. Located in West Valley City, Utah.
Here it is:
https://www.dodgehq.com/inventory/u...-4wd-4wd-sport-utility-jtebu5jr3g5367250
That's a lot of coin for a basic car.
Originally Posted by CKN
If anybody is interested-my son just traded his (2016-SR5) in with 19,000 miles on it(it's looks brand new)-and the RAM dealer has marked it down twice-and they can't sell it. It's still under Toyotas factory warranty. Located in West Valley City, Utah.
Here it is:
https://www.dodgehq.com/inventory/u...-4wd-4wd-sport-utility-jtebu5jr3g5367250
That's a lot of coin for a basic car.
^ Yes, especially at a Dodge dealer.
Originally Posted by Silverado12
Originally Posted by SatinSilver
Originally Posted by CKN
If anybody is interested-my son just traded his (2016-SR5) in with 19,000 miles on it(it's looks brand new)-and the RAM dealer has marked it down twice-and they can't sell it. It's still under Toyotas factory warranty. Located in West Valley City, Utah.
Here it is:
https://www.dodgehq.com/inventory/u...-4wd-4wd-sport-utility-jtebu5jr3g5367250
That's a lot of coin for a basic car.
actually that's a pretty good deal compared to what they command up here in the NW
Originally Posted by SatinSilver
Originally Posted by CKN
If anybody is interested-my son just traded his (2016-SR5) in with 19,000 miles on it(it's looks brand new)-and the RAM dealer has marked it down twice-and they can't sell it. It's still under Toyotas factory warranty. Located in West Valley City, Utah.
Here it is:
https://www.dodgehq.com/inventory/u...-4wd-4wd-sport-utility-jtebu5jr3g5367250
That's a lot of coin for a basic car.
actually that's a pretty good deal compared to what they command up here in the NW
Originally Posted by Silverado12
Originally Posted by SatinSilver
Originally Posted by SatinSilver
CKN said:If anybody is interested-my son just traded his (2016-SR5) in with 19,000 miles on it(it's looks brand new)-and the RAM dealer has marked it down twice-and they can't sell it. It's still under Toyotas factory warranty. Located in West Valley City, Utah.
Here it is:
https://www.dodgehq.com/inventory/u...-4wd-4wd-sport-utility-jtebu5jr3g5367250
That's a lot of coin for a basic car. [/quote
I know what the trade in was. And I can tell you if they don't want to lose money there isn't a lot of "haggle" left with that price.
Last edited:
Wish I bought this instead of the Highlander.
Yes Signature Series 0w30 Amsoil in the 4Runner along with the TRD filter.
The seats are fair for long rides, but I think they are still better than most vehicles.
The 4Runner has been flawless, just characteristically stuff to get used to.
Used 4WD the other week. Goes in and out of 4 wheel drive HI very easily and smoothly.
The seats are fair for long rides, but I think they are still better than most vehicles.
The 4Runner has been flawless, just characteristically stuff to get used to.
Used 4WD the other week. Goes in and out of 4 wheel drive HI very easily and smoothly.
Last edited:
Originally Posted by zfasts03
Yes Signature Series 0w30 Amsoil in the 4Runner along with the TRD filter.
The seats are fair for long rides, but I think they are still better than most vehicles.
The 4Runner has been flawless, just characteristically stuff to get used to.
Used 4WD the other week. Goes in and out of 4 wheel drive HI very easily and smoothly.
Can you see in the pictures of the 4Runner listed for sale how thin the seat cushions are? You must have better padding "in other places" that I do.
Yes Signature Series 0w30 Amsoil in the 4Runner along with the TRD filter.
The seats are fair for long rides, but I think they are still better than most vehicles.
The 4Runner has been flawless, just characteristically stuff to get used to.
Used 4WD the other week. Goes in and out of 4 wheel drive HI very easily and smoothly.
Can you see in the pictures of the 4Runner listed for sale how thin the seat cushions are? You must have better padding "in other places" that I do.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Originally Posted by StevieC
Wish I bought this instead of the Highlander.
Highlander is a rocket compare to 4Runner. Unless you need true off road capabilities, there is no argument for 4Runner.
My friend got it and while I was driving it I started to suspect that I might be running quarter mile faster.
Wish I bought this instead of the Highlander.
Highlander is a rocket compare to 4Runner. Unless you need true off road capabilities, there is no argument for 4Runner.
My friend got it and while I was driving it I started to suspect that I might be running quarter mile faster.
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by StevieC
Wish I bought this instead of the Highlander.
Highlander is a rocket compare to 4Runner. Unless you need true off road capabilities, there is no argument for 4Runner.
My friend got it and while I was driving it I started to suspect that I might be running quarter mile faster.
THIS^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
It does off-road great-and the rest of it is 15 year old mediocrity - at best.
Originally Posted by StevieC
Wish I bought this instead of the Highlander.
Highlander is a rocket compare to 4Runner. Unless you need true off road capabilities, there is no argument for 4Runner.
My friend got it and while I was driving it I started to suspect that I might be running quarter mile faster.
THIS^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
It does off-road great-and the rest of it is 15 year old mediocrity - at best.
Quaker State Ultimate Durability, Pennzoil Platinum, Pennzoil Ultra - 3 oils that tend to run quiet.
I have to disagree with the "horrible" on road comments. We just took ours down to San Antonio for a trip to watch the high school band. 5.5 hours each way, and it was incredibly comfortable. No complaints from us at all. Cruise control set on 80mph most of the way. We LOVE ours!
Currently running Pennzoil Platinum 0w20 in ours. It's a little noisy at cold startup, but after that it's fine.
Currently running Pennzoil Platinum 0w20 in ours. It's a little noisy at cold startup, but after that it's fine.
Last edited:
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Originally Posted by K20FA5
I have to disagree with the "horrible" on road comments. We just took ours down to San Antonio for a trip to watch the high school band. 5.5 hours each way, and it was incredibly comfortable. No complaints from us at all. Cruise control set on 80mph most of the way. We LOVE ours!
Currently running Pennzoil Platinum 0w20 in ours. It's a little noisy at cold startup, but after that it's fine.
I think on interstate is not as issue, but as any truck based SUV curves are not darling of those vehicles.
I have to disagree with the "horrible" on road comments. We just took ours down to San Antonio for a trip to watch the high school band. 5.5 hours each way, and it was incredibly comfortable. No complaints from us at all. Cruise control set on 80mph most of the way. We LOVE ours!
Currently running Pennzoil Platinum 0w20 in ours. It's a little noisy at cold startup, but after that it's fine.
I think on interstate is not as issue, but as any truck based SUV curves are not darling of those vehicles.
True, but it is a truck and not a crossover. It drives like a truck and it did when we test drove it. No one should be surprised by that.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Originally Posted by K20FA5
True, but it is a truck and not a crossover. It drives like a truck and it did when we test drove it. No one should be surprised by that.
Of course. I find it ridiculous when people buy 4Runner for snow. In snow you really do not want that weight and lack of anything that resembles dynamic.
True, but it is a truck and not a crossover. It drives like a truck and it did when we test drove it. No one should be surprised by that.
Of course. I find it ridiculous when people buy 4Runner for snow. In snow you really do not want that weight and lack of anything that resembles dynamic.
- Status