I'm hoping to be in a position soon to get out of my 96 Accord and back into a Toyota 4x4. I've been truckless since I started my own business and we got rid of our beloved, but gas guzzling (my wife commutes 25k+/yr) 2006 V8 4R for a Prius.

I've owned the '06 4R, 2 different '85 4R's, an FJ55, FJ62, and FZJ80 Land Cruisers. I also was President of the area Toyota 4x4 CLb (Yankee Toys) for 2 years.

Needless to say, I miss having a truck and getting offroad.

So.... long story long.... how are the early 4th Gen's holding up? I initially considered a used FJ Cruiser but they only go back to 2007 and their resale values are insane. With essentially the same platform (and known quantity) 4Runner going back to 2003 I'll most likely save the money and go with another 4R.

Any thoughts on the early trucks? Clean, early 4th gens seem to be selling in the same price range as late 3rd gens (another consideration)... around me... in the very low teens, or even lower if you find the right deal.

The truck would stay near stock, minor lift for a slightly bigger, more aggressive tire, skid plates, and that's it. It is our "second car" (I work from home) but needs to do about 8k road miles a year and the more comfortable the better.

Offroad would be mostly New England Class IV roads... light stuff. Camping, fishing, hauling the dogs around, etc.

My last truck was the 80-series LC on 35" Trxus with no AC, a ton of miles, and not something I enjoyed making the car pool run with.

seen quite a few well over 200,000 close to 300,000 miles just takes maintaining. on thing with the early years is the V6 models only came with the third gen version 4speed auto tranny. V8's have the 5speed but to get a V6 with a 5 speed you'll need to look at 05 and up

A co worker has an 04 with 248,000 miles on it, runs like a champ. Nothing serious ever happened, just routine maintenance. That enticed me buy an 04 with 115,000 miles on it 2 months ago for $9500. Just gotta find the right deal, and be willing to drive a little for it.

Thanks guys! Yeah, I'm seeing lots of trucks in the 9-$11k range with 100-140k miles.

Is the older trans in the V6's weaker or a problem in any way? or is it just not as efficient MPG-wise?

no issues with it just more efficient MPG's with the 5speed

cool, that's not a huge issue for my mount of use so I can go older and not worry too much.

Did any of the 4th gens come with a rear locker by any chance?

the 09 trail edition had a elocker but no other years or models do. I went with air lockers

Unless you plan on doing a lot of towing, or plan on doing some serious off roading, I don't really see a huge advantage with the V8. I'm loving the V6. The V6 is lighter, and can get 18-19 MPG consistently with 50/50 city/highway driving. It also uses a timing chain instead of a belt, which is a plus

I got one of the oldest 4th gen you can get (Manufactured 09/02) and knock on wood but its been great. Its a V8 with 130k miles on it with zero major issues. Its got some of the known problems like power lumbar failed, rear air suspension is finicky but still works, headers are cracked. I've only owned it for 10k but I'm not easy on my vehicles and this 4runner can definitely take a beating. MPG's are 19 highway if I nanny it.

I've got an '04 with 155,000 on it and still runs like a champ. Replaced the CV boots and radiator and other than than just routine stuff.

I've got an '03 with 188K right now, it's still holding up well with only standard maintenance. There are a few rattles and squeaks but that's most likely my fault for tearing the interior apart several times and the suspension and tires.

I had some electrical gremlins at one point but I believe it was due to an aftermarket alarm that was installed at the time.

save the money and get an older model 03' most people look at me weird when I say its 10Yr old... and looks and drives like a top. they aren't without issue but you won't find an old truck that you can depend on more...you also shouldn't notice any big differences (2003-2008) once you get it kitted up..

for what your looking to do an SR5 would be a great fit as your gonna redo the sus anyway.

this.

my friends look at me funny when i say its an 03. Interior is 100% immaculate condition and exterior as well. Runs amazing and just had normal maintenance on it when i bought it.

I have an 05 with over 220k miles.

Maintenance is key. If it's properly maintained then it could/should last a long long time.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a vehicle with a lot of miles if I knew it was maintained the way I maintain a vehicle. I'd RUN from one with 40k miles if it was maintained like a coworker of mine.

I have an 05 with over 220k miles.

Maintenance is key. If it's properly maintained then it could/should last a long long time.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a vehicle with a lot of miles if I knew it was maintained the way I maintain a vehicle. I'd RUN from one with 40k miles if it was maintained like a coworker of mine maintains his vehicles...basically he buys a new car every 3 years..and does ZERO maintenance..that includes oil changes. He'll just add oil when needed.