Trading it at 500 miles. Car seat fit issue and ride quality bad

[nubbins_]

If ride quality is your main concern for like $1k you could upgrade the suspension to Bilstein 5100s or something. Cheaper than throwing a couple grand in the trash on a trade.

That's probably not gonna make the ride softer like OP wants though. They just want plush. Pretty much all 5100s do is make the ride especially rear end more controlled.

I just think the problem here was still a problem of perspective, from being too accustomed to worn-in GM suspension. Highly doubt the factory's choice of a different brand SL highway tire is gonna be responsible

 

[DangItsDen]

That's probably not gonna make the ride softer like OP wants though. They just want plush. Pretty much all 5100s do is make the ride especially rear end more controlled.

I just think the problem here was still a problem of perspective, from being too accustomed to worn-in GM suspension. Highly doubt a different factory choice of a SL highway tire is gonna be responsible

Fair, maybe not 5100s, but a new suspension absolutely could improve ride comfort. I imagine the sr5 shocks are kinda low-end parts that could be upgraded for less money than trading the whole truck in. At the end of the day this is a body on frame SUV and it's gonna ride like a truck.

 

[rfdj]

I had 2 Diono Radians that came over from my Wrangler, front and rear facing. In both we could put a 3rd person in the middle, but the 4Runner was a huge gain. Rear facing doesn't last forever, but ride quality is pretty permanent. Tough decision, wish you the best.

 

[spyder40]

5100's are stiff. If you want plush need some Fox with DSC's so you can adjust both low and high speed dampening. And maybe UCA's (5th gen needs them but no clue on 6th gen)

 

[rfdj]

I just picked my 4R SR5 up 10 days ago it has Bridgestone (made in Japan). The tire model is a goofy name, “Dueler HL 422 plus”. I have no clue on how good these tires are. My goal is comfort ride across crappy roads ans potholes.

They are 245/70/17.

I was expecting Yokohama.

I am somewhat impressed with the comfort over bumps but can probably do better with a larger tire. I will wear these out first

Would welcome opinions in the Bridgestone.

I have the same tire; very street oriented. No complaints so far. Trying the tires out till they can't do the job or wear out. Then I'll upgrade to an AT.

 

[4runner4]

I dunno that’s kinda crazy buying a car and not test driving it enough to get a good feel for it. And also not bringing a car seat if that is a concern.

Even crazier is signing up to a hobbyist forum to complain about it. Not trying to be rude but I’m having a hard time understanding the mindset and frame to end up in this situation.

 

[Bnaps9]

Currently have 2 car seats in the back.
1 forward facing for my 2 year old
1 rear facing for my 2 week old

often times my wife sits in the middle of both to help out with the newborn if needed while we’re on the road.

Deffinetly tighter than what we came from (2021 ram rebel) but totally doable.
For reference my wife is 5’8 so not exactly short either.

 

[4runner4]

Also I’m 320lbs and 5”11 and fit pretty well in mine so I don’t get the no room comments. But I am coming from a mustang.

 

[balong48]

I’m wondering how tall the OP is, but i can sympathize somewhat on space. Luckily my seating position at 5’11” is just on the limit to have a rear facing car seat behind me without having to compromise. Our 5th gen did feel roomier, which I think it is objectively measured, as did our GX460.

when I was looking at a 6th gen at the dealer one of the sales people suggested there’s less legroom because the 2nd row sits further up. It did appear that was the case and there was slightly more depth in the cargo area. I didn’t get to compare side by side with my 5th gen though. Headroom is less for sure though in the 6th gen.

 

[dc503]

when I was looking at a 6th gen at the dealer one of the sales people suggested there’s less legroom because the 2nd row sits further up. It did appear that was the case and there was slightly more depth in the cargo area. I didn’t get to compare side by side with my 5th gen though. Headroom is less for sure though in the 6th gen.

I think that’s pretty spot on.

 

[Crankpin]

No room in the back seat, 6th Gen. If you have kids, a Sienna would be great. I have had 6
5th Gens, back seat always tight. This 2025 has more room at cargo area, and back seat, just a little more.

 

[bruce]

Ya going to try shocks with tires. Does bilstein even make them yet? Can’t find them available online

 

[MJE]

Took it to the dealer and they’d basically do a swap for a top line Camry (2k less than 4Runner MSRP paid). Fiancé has an SUV so a car would make sense but I’m sticking it out, going to put some bigger plush tires on it and see if it grows on me. This dealer is already tacking on $5k to the land rovers so 4Runners might be next so we’ll be in a good spot!

Good luck giving it a shot! I understand buying the wrong vehicle. Sometimes though sticking it out gives you a chance to either let it grow on you, or make a more informed decision next time.

 

[MJE]

I dunno that’s kinda crazy buying a car and not test driving it enough to get a good feel for it. And also not bringing a car seat if that is a concern.

Even crazier is signing up to a hobbyist forum to complain about it. Not trying to be rude but I’m having a hard time understanding the mindset and frame to end up in this situation.

Far easier than you might think. Speaking from experience:

1. Lack of thought before getting to the test drive about your wants & needs. Or lack of understanding of what your true priorities are & what to focus on.

2. It’s entirely possible to take a test drive & not keep your ultimate wants/needs in mind & trust that the vehicle will meet all of them based on a limited set of wants/needs that it does meet.

3. The time lapse between test drive & delivery could be substantial, and the test drive may not have been in the trim/model you were looking for. So once you sit in the drivers seat on delivery day, your expectations could be different enough from reality that the fit isn’t as good as you’d first thought.

4. Buyer’s remorse can definitely be a thing, particularly if you’ve built up your anticipation & expectations beyond what any car could meet.

Hopefully OP comes around & it works out in the end. If not, there’s another vehicle out there to fit the wants & needs better. It’s always a learning experience, sometimes more about yourself than the car.

 

[Ericd6972]

I have a 2 car seats and it fits fine. Even had a 3rd (booster) in the middle the other day and no one complained.

We also have a rear facing Seat in our ORP and have had zero issues