Kinda off topic here, but size matters less than you think in crashes. It's more about design. Crash standards have come a LONG way since the 90s.

1998 Corolla vs 2015 Corolla
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ttkVRwOtVE

1959 BelAir vs 2009 Malibu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joMK1WZjP7g

Honestly, from what I've read, our 3rd Gens really aren't all that safe compared to most modern cars, even compacts.

As cool as the 3rd gen 4Runners are, they are probably not that safe compared to the newer cars and SUVs. BTW, newer Honda Accords are quite large and wide. Thus, it is noticeably harder to park it than the 4Runner. Still, I got 38 mpg today driving to work during my long commute.

I personally really appreciate the quality of Japanese cars and SUVs made in the 80s and 90s, but they are not that safe to drive. In term of size, I happened to have a 1-ton diesel 4x4 dually truck with crew cab, but honestly I feel safe driving the Accord, because it is quite nimble and sure footed also. No doubt I will fair better in the truck if I get hit by someone, but it is cumbersome to drive a big truck when I don't need to haul something.

So, in terms of the safety, it is generally better to have more size and weight, but newer cars especially those that were made in the last a few years would be considerably safer than the older ones.

Although not apples to apples the 3rd gen vs new small economy car, I agree with your comments on commuting. However comparing a 3rd gen T4R with a new one; there's a huge difference in price. The new T4R's are quite a bit bigger.

The Japanese cars made in the 90's are well built; especially if made in Japan but they are still over 20 years old. They can be restored to like-new condition though and last another 20 years. Parts and engines/transmissions are still available. The coolest thing is we can actually work on the older cars. Not so much on the newer cars with some of the fancy computer systems.

I did just that for the same reason - Second 3rd gen [re]build for my daughter

Late last fall I scooped up a 2nd 3rd gen for my daughter (now 14yo). It's a '98 limited auto. with really minor front end damage for $2500. It was originally sold in New Mexico and eventually made it here to CO, so zero rust belt problems. The plan was/is to use it as an educational tool so my daughter actually has a good understanding of how things work. We'll replace the front end parts and give it the full engine maintenance treatment by the time she is able to drive it (legally).
So far, we found and replaced the fender/headlight/corner and just need a non-fat-lip bumper. Then it's on to the engine and maintenance.

They are when you upgrade their frames :P.. Being 6 3 tall, I don't fit well in the compacts.. 3rd Gens weigh 2 tons. More metal around us. However, Like you said getting off topic some which was not my attention :[

I just say I rather be in a vehicle with a frame like 3rd Gen 4 runner when on the Roads Tri Axles fully loaded then in a car. Granted you have a point in the technology changes. By even with these changes physics laws still apply.

A Corolla doesn't stand a chance between 2 fully loaded Tri axles or Tractor Trailers on the roads as these vehicles are on the same roads we are. Which would you rather be in a Toyota Yaris or a Toyota Tundra? I know which one I am picking.

The OP asked us our Opinions on which one and for me it would be the one with a frame. To answer the questions on how they hold up in wrecks just look at the junk yard photos of the parts mobiles. You will see that 90% or greater of those wrecks the people walked away from with minor injuries.

Being I was in a 35mph crash when someone pulled out in front of me in a 1991 Camry and how I felt afterwards as it took 4 months to fully heal back up. I just would suggest people look at bigger rides is all. That decision is up to the individuals though.

Well the stars aligned and I got a high miles 2011 SR5 4x4 White... exactly the same as my 99. Got it for $13,700 from a Toyota dealer. Just got traded-in and the sales manager let slip it was his first day at this place so I guess he wanted his first sale because I worked them down to basically wholesale. Still not sure how I feel on the 5th gen yet.

The good:

• I got a pretty nice 5th gen for 13,7 with what I pray is a good motor.
• Has a history of regular synthetic oil changes.

The bad:

• They had covered a huge rock chip in the windshield with a sticker which I ddidn't notice. And I thought the windshield was just dirty but it is completely sandblasted with tiny rock chips. It's the original Toyota window, the Chinese replacement one on my 99 held up way better than this?? Went through 2 cracked Toyota windshields on the 99.
• It has a timing cover leak and valve cover leak I can live with for a while. When I the have time I'll dig in and do all those together with some PM. Valve covers, PCV, spark plugs, timing chain, pulleys, water pump, etc.
• I noticed an annoying whine that sounds like it's a hybrid or something, like an electric motor. Didn't notice on the test drive but they changed the oil before I picked it up and I read the oil filter can cause this on the 4.0. I've heard it before on other Toyotas and will hopefully go away when I do timing chain and all that.
• Someone used power steering fluid instead of dexron.

The ugly:

• Once I got underneath it at home it has more rust than I thought but not too bad for this area. But need to take care of it.
• The radiator was replaced when someone did an overhaul at 100k but it's not OEM, the cap says "TVS". Dunno if it matters.
• It's really quite sluggish.
• It drives like a refrigerator and looks like a minivan on its first steroids cycle.

Nice addition to your fleet. I hope its exactly what you were after. :] Once you get some TLC in, hopefully all will go smooth with it

Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk

Sounds like a great deal. Congrats!

Just an update after having this for a bit. I'm quite impressed with how solid these are and how well it has held up because it wasn't babied from the looks of things, pulled about 20 lbs of soil, rocks, twigs and stuff from the undercarriage. I'm having a hard time to find stuff to work on. Oil changes at 10k, spark plugs at 120,000... not that much to do. The interior has held up extremely well too, much better than a 4th gen, dare I say better than a 3rd gen with as many miles. Sounds like a fan behind the radio is making a noise, that's about it. It's also really easy to work on, everything is bigger and better thought out... Japanese kaizen at work.

The valve covers "seep" and something happened at some point around the timing chain inspection cover, but it's not dripping, another "seep". Hopefully it's just the inspection cover and not the timing cover although it would be kind of fun digging that far in are learning this vehicle.

The outer tie rods and lower ball joints look original and are another thing seeping. The LBJ are pressed in to the LCA but you can buy a boot kit so I'll do that soon.

Starting to appreciate how quiet it is to drive, feels like driving a tank. I'd say it's a worthy successor and it will be a lot of fun in a few more years when 5th gen prices get to quasi beater status especially with all these TRDs. These really do seem to hold up well.

Yep I'm familiar with Toyotechs we are super lucky to have such a place. The owner drives a 4th gen and graciously humors my fanboy ramblings about 3rd gens and I always see 2 or 3 4runners being worked on when I'm there. Gonna have them weld up the eimkeith PCK bracket at some point.

I keep an eye on craigslist and stuff and 3rd gens seem to come in bursts, I'll see 3 or 4 really nice sport editions or 2000s with the e-locker, then nothing months. Spring time is probably better.

Actually I totally forgot about this while I was looking but Adventure Motors down in KC always has some good ones All vehicles for sale in Lee's Summit, Missouri | all

Did your 2011 come with a manual transfer case? Not sure about 2011, on our 5th gens I programmed the computer with Carista. Turned off seat belt buzzer. Changed a few other odds and ends. I bought the one week license. Used it on various friends and family Toyotas.