5. 4th Gen Toyota 4runner

The 4th-generation 4Runner is the vehicle that started my entire YouTube journey, and after spending more time with these than anyone probably should, I’ve developed a pretty deep appreciation for them. They can be incredibly reliable under the right conditions, but in regions that use heavy road salt, they can quickly become a nightmare. Both the 4.0-liter V6 and 4.7-liter V8 are excellent engines, with the V8 being the clear choice for serious towing and lifted applications. The V6 uses a timing chain, while the V8 uses a timing belt that requires replacement every 90,000 miles. Known engine issues include head-gasket failures on some early V6 models and cracked exhaust manifolds on the V8.

The biggest concern, however, isn’t the engine—it’s the frame. Unlike certain Tacomas and Tundras, 4Runners were never covered by Toyota’s frame replacement program, and severe corrosion can eventually make the frame unsafe. I know this firsthand: we performed a complete frame swap using a replacement frame that we towed up from the South, and it was an enormous undertaking. If you’re shopping for one, a thorough inspection for rust should be your highest priority, and if you already own one, applying a quality rust-prevention oil can go a long way toward protecting it.