Need a new Truck

It appears that my front rotors are bad again, discovered on the way to work yesterday that breaking at higher than 30 gets some violent shaking.  Think it's time that I get something to replace my old and trusty beater of a 4Runner.  I've tried for a couple years now to think of what the best replacement would be, but always concerned with price, fuel efficiency, and how old of one to buy (new is just too much).  It seems that the best fuel economy with 4x4 and towing capacity is a Tacoma, but I could be wrong.  A Sequoia is very tempting, as they are cheaper than Tacoma's and have more room than my 4Runner.  But the extra fuel costs are concerning to me for a V8.  I don't need to tow a lot, but I would like to tow something a little bigger than my current trailer. I guess other trucks might fit the bill like an F150, although I've trusted that my Toyota will last a very long time. Anyone have something they are willing to part with, or suggestions on other options would be very appreciated!

Seems easier to me to change rotors instead of changing vehicles
Is something else amiss?

I agree with the rotor replacement.  During my recent Subaru Outback 150K service at a local dealer, I was informed that my front breaks needed work and it cost $600 for new brake pads and rotor grinding.    Since I am retired without any income, I decided to do it myself.  The new rotors and pads will cost me around $150 and some minor tools.  I have been watching YouTube and getting ready to do it in the next several months. 

Paul

Yes, there is plenty wrong with it at this point, with several things that are just broken and not worth repairing.  A quick summary of broken things; windshield, sunroof rusted and leaking, door locks (one only unlocks, the other only locks), suspension is super squeaky and should have a front end rebuild, tires are worn and losing air, transmission near end of life but still has 10-25k until it is usually replaced, steering pump could use replacement.  It's ugly and moldy at this point, I'm just delaying the inevitable of needing a new vehicle.

Yer gunna go into shock with new yota prices,  that and the reliability difference today.
You can allways fix decent...
If you decide on new, I have a tech @ the stealership here I can ask ...

Well for $500 I can get the brakes fixed, so I scheduled it. I'd try the brakes myself but I have very few tools to do jobs like that.  I'm happy to change my oil and such, fix small issues etc.  I really feel like getting a replacement though, it just feels like it's time.

Al, Something to consider. My 2010 Sequoia 5.7 V8, 381Hp with over 200k miles is getting 15 in the city and 19 Hwy. The same year Tundra 5.7 V8 381Hp is 15 city and 20 Hwy. The same year Tacoma 4.0 V6, 236Hp gets 16 city and 20 Hwy. There is only a 1 mile per gallon difference and the extra capacity and horsepower are worth it to me.
Kevin

How many miles on your 4Runner? Is the transmission slipping? Besides the transmission and doors those mostly seem like wear maintenance items. If you sell it, you'll likely get a ton of interest. My wife's old 4Runner needed a new engine and it still sold like hot cakes within a couple hours of listing.

I wouldn't get a Tacoma if you are prioritizing fuel economy and towing. Tacoma MPG is pretty terrible for its size, at least up to third gen.

It's at around 280k, which I always hoped and it probably would make it to 300k before the transmission gave out.  It slips a little once in a while, but nothing major and it's done it for a long time so I stopped worrying about it. I overheated a few years ago, and the heads cracked.  6k spent to replace the heads, timing belt, water pump, radiator and hoses.  Engine is in pretty good shape.

Al, Something to consider. My 2010 Sequoia 5.7 V8, 381Hp with over 200k miles is getting 15 in the city and 19 Hwy. The same year Tundra 5.7 V8 381Hp is 15 city and 20 Hwy. The same year Tacoma 4.0 V6, 236Hp gets 16 city and 20 Hwy. There is only a 1 mile per gallon difference and the extra capacity and horsepower are worth it to me.
Kevin

That sounds better than my 4Runners mileage actually, but I've not calculated it in a while.  What I recall is I would get 12mpg average, but that is lower than what websites say for a 2000 V6 4x4 which say I should get 16.  Guess I need to figure this out again to be sure.

It appears that my front rotors are bad again, discovered on the way to work yesterday that breaking at higher than 30 gets some violent shaking.  Think it's time that I get something to replace my old and trusty beater of a 4Runner.  I've tried for a couple years now to think of what the best replacement would be, but always concerned with price, fuel efficiency, and how old of one to buy (new is just too much).  It seems that the best fuel economy with 4x4 and towing capacity is a Tacoma, but I could be wrong.  A Sequoia is very tempting, as they are cheaper than Tacoma's and have more room than my 4Runner.  But the extra fuel costs are concerning to me for a V8.  I don't need to tow a lot, but I would like to tow something a little bigger than my current trailer. I guess other trucks might fit the bill like an F150, although I've trusted that my Toyota will last a very long time. Anyone have something they are willing to part with, or suggestions on other options would be very appreciated!

  Ford ranger has by far the best MPG and Towing for the class.. 7500lb and 22mpg mixed daily driving (that's what I've gotten commuting from Redwood City to San Jose weekly and visiting my partner in Davis weekly. over the last 47k miles). Plus its 7k less expensive for comparable trim.  The seating is also much better with the tacoma like a car and ranger truly like a truck.  I like my ranger.

Odd... Today it appears the shuddering over 30mph is gone.  I don't know what to think now, it for sure felt like warped rotors yesterday while driving home. I'm sure there is something wrong, but not sure what it could be now.  Could something like low brake fluid cause one caliper to pres while the other doesn't or something?  I tried as many times as I could but only had a short distance to drive, couldn't get it to repeat.  I tried pumping the brakes and then braking didn't seem to make a difference, except feeling harder to brake.

what year? details about what you're workin on ?
First knee jerk reaction
flash rust on rotor
garbage on pads/ pads shot/ rotors at limit
needs bleeding
loose wheel bearings
Harder to brake after pumping sounds like a booster issue

It appears that my front rotors are bad again, discovered on the way to work yesterday that breaking at higher than 30 gets some violent shaking.  Think it's time that I get something to replace my old and trusty beater of a 4Runner.  I've tried for a couple years now to think of what the best replacement would be, but always concerned with price, fuel efficiency, and how old of one to buy (new is just too much).  It seems that the best fuel economy with 4x4 and towing capacity is a Tacoma, but I could be wrong.  A Sequoia is very tempting, as they are cheaper than Tacoma's and have more room than my 4Runner.  But the extra fuel costs are concerning to me for a V8.  I don't need to tow a lot, but I would like to tow something a little bigger than my current trailer. I guess other trucks might fit the bill like an F150, although I've trusted that my Toyota will last a very long time. Anyone have something they are willing to part with, or suggestions on other options would be very appreciated!

  Ford ranger has by far the best MPG and Towing for the class.. 7500lb and 22mpg mixed daily driving (that's what I've gotten commuting from Redwood City to San Jose weekly and visiting my partner in Davis weekly. over the last 47k miles). Plus its 7k less expensive for comparable trim.  The seating is also much better with the tacoma like a car and ranger truly like a truck.  I like my ranger.

This right here. If I didn't have 3 kids and a golden retriever to take places, I 100% would have a Ranger. As is, we got an F150 and it is fantastic.

Odd... Today it appears the shuddering over 30mph is gone.  I don't know what to think now, it for sure felt like warped rotors yesterday while driving home. I'm sure there is something wrong, but not sure what it could be now.  Could something like low brake fluid cause one caliper to pres while the other doesn't or something?  I tried as many times as I could but only had a short distance to drive, couldn't get it to repeat.  I tried pumping the brakes and then braking didn't seem to make a difference, except feeling harder to brake.

Did you brake hard at some point recently? What a lot of folks feel as warped rotors is really build up on the rotor, and a good hard braking can wear that off.

When was the last time you replaced the brake fluid? Old fluid can collect moisture over time, and that can lead to squishiness in brake system. If you have a leak you would lose all brake pressure pretty quickly. 

No, I didn't have any hard braking or critical stops in quite some time.  I think that I had the calipers replaced about 5 years ago, probably last time fluid was changed. 

flash rust on rotor:

Hum, I do recall when I finally started it up after it sat for almost two months that when I first put it in gear to pull up my driveway it felt like it was stuck and then I gave more thrust/gas and it seemed to pop free.  At the time I thought hum, that might be rust on the rotors, and I did some soft continual braking for a bit to make sure that it got ground off. 

But I'm still left wondering how it could have been fine on the way to work, and then on the way home shudder like that.  Only to be gone after it sat overnight.  Only guess I have is that maybe when things are warmed up that the issue will return.

I'm on the fence now about taking my trailer to Droan this weekend because of it.  But my only other option is to bring a tent, and I have no way to cook or be warm.  Since it wasn't shuddering today i'm tempted to push my luck but I know that's a bad idea. 

Warped rotors will shake all the time. I wonder if you are having wheel speed sensor problems causing a false abs brake activation. upgrading your toyota is a great Idea. Even if it's the same one. less miles and easier life can cost less than the fixing up. Any used vehicle you get will have it's own problems. trading just for repair savings is kinda risky as whatever you get will have problems too. If you are ready for a change though, that is the best reason to do it. Past sins, dents, SMELLS all gone. Look around and pull the trigger. So many choices out there. prices will probably be dropping due to Trump's actions. let me know what advise i can offer.