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4Runner checks in at Downieville

1433 Views 9 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Francis Cebedo, Jul 2, 2009

bustamove

Discussion Starter · Jul 1, 2009

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We used a Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition for our annual trip to the Downieville Gathering this year. Usually, I'm lukewarm when it comes to Toyota products because they are on the bland side. Functionally, they are great but not much character. The 4Runner turned out to be an excellent vehicle for our purposes of hauling people, bikes, and camping gear. And it didn't drive like a bread truck when we got into the twisties on Hwy 49. The XREAS suspension setup isn't just marketing hype. The engineering really works. Click on the link or photo to read my review of the 4Runner.

2009 Toyota 4Runner Sport Review - a standout amongst the sea of midsize SUVs

The 4Runner has a very nice ride when carrying a little bit of weight (even better when fully loaded) and it handles darn good for a truck. On Hwy 49, when the road got curvy and one of our passengers got motion sickness, the truck was very predictable, didn't have any excessive body roll, and was barely working hard on the uphill portions.

3 dudes, their bikes, and camping gear fit snugly in the 4Runner. Nothing was left behind.

Can you believe that we got 20 mpg on the hwy when fully loaded with gear and bikes on top?

More photos of the Toyota 4Runner Sport w/Urban Runner package in the CarReview gallery

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redmr2_man

· #2 · Jul 1, 2009

its the sport with the urban runner package? I thought you got a different badge with the urban runner package, along with all the goodies.

Have you tested an XREAS susp runner vs a regular susp T4R?

I'm in the market for a new one (97' owner here) and it seems that when XREAS goes out (and it does, often earlier than normal) its VERY expensive to replace since you have to do BOTH front/rear/

Thoughts?

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Obi

· #3 · Jul 2, 2009

bustamove said:
...3 dudes, their bikes, and camping gear fit snugly in the 4Runner. Nothing was left behind

Correction..nothing but preconceptions.

Cough..told 'em so?

What? No RoofTop Tent?

https://www.campinglab.com/

Let me know if/when you get one and I'll refer some tech for you. *

*Now go out and try the AWD Venza V-6 for grocery runs.

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bustamove

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 2, 2009

redmr2_man said:
its the sport with the urban runner package? I thought you got a different badge with the urban runner package, along with all the goodies.

Have you tested an XREAS susp runner vs a regular susp T4R?

I'm in the market for a new one (97' owner here) and it seems that when XREAS goes out (and it does, often earlier than normal) its VERY expensive to replace since you have to do BOTH front/rear/

Thoughts?

Ours had the "Urban Runner" badging since it had the Urban Runner package.

I have driven JustJeff's 4Runner and his truck handles really good. I don't think his truck has the XREAS suspension, but it couldn't hurt to ask JustJeff which suspension setup he has on his 4Runner.

Simpler is better, IMO. Pass on the XREAS unless you have some special need for it.

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redmr2_man

· #5 · Jul 2, 2009

I've test driven 3 urban runners. They cost so damn much! The stereo blows. The tomtom is older.

Besides that, it has everything I want.

So who's buying me one? LOL thanks for the review man!

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bustamove

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jul 2, 2009

been there, done that

obionespeedonly said:
*Now go out and try the AWD Venza V-6 for grocery runs.

For a grocery runner, the Venza is great. One of the highlights was how the Toyota engineers gave the driver a commanding view of the road (similar to an SUV), without the high step in height. Getting into a Venza was no different than getting into a Camry.

2009 Toyota Venza Review - We dare you to call it a station wagon

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bustamove

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 2, 2009

redmr2_man said:
I've test driven 3 urban runners. They cost so damn much! The stereo blows. The tomtom is older.

Besides that, it has everything I want.

So who's buying me one? LOL thanks for the review man!

I hated the TomTom so much, I wanted to rip it out of the dash. One of the most annoying and unfriendly nav-systems I have ever used. There is no way to disable guidance until you reach your destination, which means listening to the turn by turn instructions forever. Plus, iPod integration was terrible. The darn thing had to read in my library each time it was powered on. Arrrgh! :madman:

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MSH

· #8 · Jul 2, 2009

bustamove said:
....Usually, I'm lukewarm when it comes to Toyota products because they are on the bland side. Functionally, they are great but not much character.....

Agreed...very boring, but aesthetics, etc aside my '95 4Runner just died recently after 250K miles. Best car I have ever owned (although not my favorite...that distinction falls to my beloved 2000 BMW M Coupe..now that's a car with LOTS of character :thumbsup: ...and was an awesome track toy...oh do i miss it so

)
Anyway, I always said when the '95 4runner died I would replace it with another 4runner, which I did. I'm sure the new one will go as long as my old '95. Can't recommend the 4runner enough.....

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rensho

· #9 · Jul 2, 2009

Jeff's has Xreas. It really works. I had an 2003 without Xreas, and it handles worse than Jeff's for sure. There is way less body lean on his, without giving up ride quality.

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Francis Cebedo

· #10 · Jul 2, 2009

This car was boring to drive but it's exciting to own. It's kind of vanilla but everything works... except of that nav Tard-Tard. But it lasts forever and the resale is good.

In Hawaii, you see a lot of these old ass 4Runners and Toyota pickup. How they last so long in those conditions is a testament!

fc

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4Runner checks in at Downieville

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