My other [more reliable?] Bronco is a 4Runner

[GPPBronco]

I bought a Bronco thinking I’d drive it for decades until the wheels fall off. Didn’t know at the time I would need less time than that for the same outcome. But as many of us here know, the 6G Bronco comes 95% built from the factory, and it’s only through TSBs and recalls that we get to about 98%. The remaining 2% is what makes each of our Broncos unique (in my case, weather stripping that had to be reapplied because the passenger side top panel was installed incorrectly at the factory, missing firewall plug/grommet, and loose body mounts that took my Ford Service department 2+ weeks to track down). Meanwhile, my dad - who retired from Ford and has only driven FoMoCo since the early 70s - is dealing with a 2023 F-150 that decides to randomly lock/unlock, and the tailgate lock often just plain won’t release. The dealership he retired from can’t figure out the problem. Spell it with me: J-U-N-K.

I truly hope my Bronco lasts decades because it’s such a fun and capable truck - even in the Base trim. It’s been my favorite vehicle by a large margin. I’m rooting for it. I really am. And I’m babying it and keeping up on maintenance with the long-haul in mind.

So, when our other Ford (my wife’s 2019 Ford Transit Connect with only 65k miles) needed $3,600 in brake and emissions-related repairs in the past few months, it felt like a good time to replace it with something more reliable, more capable, and more interesting. We didn’t even think about a Ford. I say that as someone from a Ford family who has personally owned eight FoMoCo vehicles. But you can’t reward mediocre engineering and poor quality control, even if you live in Detroit and want to support the “home team.”

So now, we have a ‘23 4Runner at about 23k miles and a ‘23 Bronco at about 27k miles. 4Runner will be my wife’s daily until about 100k. At that point, I’ll inherit it as my daily and I hope to get another 200k out of it. Will be interesting to compare the reliability of our two 2023 vehicles. Any predictions…?

I never thought I’d be driving a Toyota. Also never thought a Toyota would feel like a luxury vehicle compared to a Ford.

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[V1Rotate]

I thought this section was "Bronco vs. the competition"? All I see is something the average teenage girl would drive. Not mine.. she prefers something a little more rugged. Also 6th gen Bronco (especially a base) and "luxury" don't relate to each other, no wonder the 4Runner seems nice.

 

[BroncoDymond88]

I drove a rented 4Runner for a bit, nowhere near as fun as driving the Bronco. Good luck!

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

Sorry for your luck. Mine has been perfect.

 

[Patrickgault]

Total chick vehicle. Sorry bud. Have fun.

 

[BigBlue7]

4Runner, unless heavily modded, is closer to an Explorer than a Bronco - especially in terms of interior and refinement

 

[Mikey1287]

Awww...that's cute

 

[bkfit]

GX550 would be my luxury offroad choice, after lift & 35s lights bumpers spare tire swing out.

 

[DrewBronc21]

I’m a Toyota fan. I’ve had 4 Runners, pick ups, Corolla, Camry etc

If the top came off the 4 Runner and it had a manual like 1st Gen, I wouldn’t be here.

 

[Valhalla]

So take them both to an offroad area and drive both across the same terrain....

 

[tock13]

Wow, tough crowd!! I’ve owned a bunch of Toyota 4x4s over the years. Still driving my ‘94 pickup with 320k in it. People can Ford fanboy up all they want but truth is truth, that gen 4Runner was updated over its span to near bombproof status and i don’t see it being any different than a stock Big Bend or OBX. Not so sure the newest gen 4 runner will reach the same status though.

I absolutely love my bronco and have no desire for any other make 4x4….except maybe a ‘68 international stepside…but I’m not going to even try to pretend it will last anywhere near as long as that 4Runner.

 

[Valhalla]

I've got a buddy that has a great Taco. It is lifted and a couple of small mods as it was locked front and rear from the factory. If you took my stock badsquatch and put it against the Toyota I'd make it further without body damage. However we are both modified and highly capable. Saying tough crowd on a bronco forum seems odd to me. Of course we are biased to our preference. At the end of the day all major companies make great one offs and all make turd one offs. When you buy an early model of a new generation of products there will be problems. Anyone who doesn't know that should take heed.. I work in automotive manufacturing. You want reliable buy 4th year. That way problems are starting to be addressed.

 

[userdude]

I like 4Runner's (and seen some mod'd capable ones for sure). Too narrow at the shoulder inside for me, and the new ones will have to grow on me. I think it could be fun to get an old Taco and build it out.

Do you have a 2dr or 4dr?

 

[SoDak1623]

Is there something about buying a toyota that just makes some people have to announce it to all when no on asked? This post isn't even really Bronco related other than OP whining about some minor things that seem to have been addressed.

 

[Owl]

Does the Toyota engine still go with timing belts instead of chains that need to be replaced... like @ 100K, or do they now uses chains? That'd be a couple of grand if they still use timing belts.

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