Should I buy a 3rd gen now or wait for an '05 4th gen???

Hey Guys,

I'm on the fence about what to do with regard to a new 4Runner. I currently own a '97 2WD 4Runner (3rd gen) that I like very much but I've promised to sell it back to the original owner so I need to think about getting something else and I know I want another 4Runner.

I can't decide whether to get another 3rd gen and save some dough (and possibly sales tax in a private party sale) or wait for the '05's and plunge myself deep into debt but get something that I really want (a more comfortable ride). There are just so many factors involved including total cost/debt, ride quality, creature comforts, engine choices (I would probably opt for a V8 on a 4th gen), etc! I'm approaching 30 and I keep thinking that I owe it to myself to get exactly the vehicle that I want as I've always owned decent used vehicles but have made compromises in the past in the interest of financial wisdom.

I will be using it 98% of the time as a daily driver in the city but will get a 4WD for those small times when I want to go offroad (nothing too challenging).

What would you select and why?

Thanks for the assistance!

Drivie

The first thing I thought, it is kind of a bummer having to sell your 4Runner back. My impression is the 3rd generation 4Runner was (is) a special vheicle, well built, pratical, durable, reliable and built for rugged use, not for the "creature comfort and a more comfortable ride". My hat off to Toyota for building such a great vehicle.

I can't help but love the durable simplicity of the 3rd generation. My vote is to keep what you have, if you can. Barring that, test drive a brand new one, maybe even rent one for a weekend and get a good idea if you want the new "comfortable version" or if you should stick with the old tired and true 3rd generation.:driving:

Thanks for the reply Peter. I'm actually a little disappointed that more members didn't participate but oh well...

At any rate, I probably should have mentioned that I've considered getting rid of the '97 because it's not exactly what I want (or really close for that matter). To begin with, there are a few things that I really don't care for. The cupholders are probably the worst design of all. I live in AZ and having the air vents and controls blocked when a cup is in the holder is asking for death! On top of that, the cupholder rattles and causes drinks to slosh and spill. Also, any cup you place in the holder forms condensation which then drips all over the center console....lousy design! Next would be the fact that it's not a 4x4. For some reason this is important to me even though I've rarely (if ever) needed it. Another thing that bothers me just slightly (and this is personal preference) is that I don't care for the steering wheel. I much prefer the one on the '99 and up runners. It also lacks a decent sunglasses holder which is essential in the Valley of the Sun. Finally, the runner is blue and the interior is blue as well (even though it's supposed to be grey I believe) and the blue has just grown old over time. The ride is pretty rough for a daily driver but I need the cargo space and appreciate the Toyota quality and reliability. Sheesh! Don't mean to make it sound awful because it's not but there are some reasons why I wouldn't mind getting rid of it.

Drivie

hey drivie,

i own a 4th gen v6, and it's a great daily driver around the city. i think that u would not need a v8 since u won't tow and go off-road much. plus i dunno about arizona, but in chicago, the gas prices will kill you.

Get the 4th Gen it is great!!

I think the 4th gen will be even more loved in the future than the 3rd gens are now!!

It is just a question of finances, if you can truly afford it go for it!!

You posted this on a forum frequented by 4th Geners and what answer did you expect? :arrow:

haha. drive the 4th gen for while and you'll never look back. Frow what I've heard hear, the v6 4th gen gets as good or better mileage than the 3rd gen v6 and still cranks out more HP/Torque. The V8 also does a respectable job.

Like you said, you're turning 30 and you've always put your "wants" in check. Sometimes it's good to splurge and get something to please you.

Good luck!

July

Here is my take. In 1997 I looked at buying either a new 4runner or a used Landcruiser, no contest, I bought the used 1995 Landcruiser with 35K miles on it. The Landcruiser had the world class most dependable inline six you could ever want and the Landcruiser was quality built and made like a tank. Drove the 95 LC for a 100K+ miles and decided to get a new ride. I looked at used 2000/2001 Landcruisers and LX470's, I also looked at the New Lexus GX470 and then at the 4th generation 4runner. Found out that Toyota/Lexus is now big into platform and component sharing between models. Bottomline the 4th generation 4runner is a GX470 with different (better looking) sheet metal. In other countries it is called a Landcruiser. The GX and the 4runner are made in the same factory in Japan (it's the same vehicle for less money if you order the V8). The 4runner has the same engine/transmission as the new 2004 Lexus LX470 while the 2000/2001's LX's I was looking at had the older 4 speed transmissions versus the new 5 speed. Was not a hard decision, the 4th generation 4runner is a Landcruiser, it is within a inch or so of being the same size as my 95 FZJ80 (which I liked that size and it is also built like the LC's). I would suggest you get the V8 (it is a world class engine same one they put in the $65K+ Lexus LX470, plus it comes with the 5 speed transmission and AWD) Plus I would suggest you get the Xreas. Just buy a Sport V8. I like my Sport V8 that cost me $33K out the door better than the Lexus GX470 that the Lexus dealer wanted $53K for. I like the cloth interior with aluminum trim more then the dated look of leather and polished wood. I'm not putting down the new 4.0 V6, but when you have the choice why would you get a new design untested engine that is not used in the Lexus high $$$ models over one of the best V8's made??? Plus the gas mileage between the two engines is only a couple of miles per gallon and they recommend you use regular gas in the V8 and premium gas in the V6 that more then makes up for the mileage difference. Well enjoy your new ride whatever you get. Why are you waiting for the 05's? They will have some good deals coming on the 04's at the end of the model year.

I'd say if you can swing it, go for the 4th gen i think if you get another 3rd gen, you'll always be second guessing yourself. creature comforts, ride etc, is worlds apart from the 3rd gen...and like pitbull said, its basically a lexus but for a lot less $$$

Thanks for the replies guys! I figured the 4th gen would be everyone's recommendation I've driven several 4th gens including two sports and an SR5 and I really liked the Sport. There are a few reasons I was holding out for the '05s (if I do go the 4th gen router). I was hoping that they would get some of the bugs worked out (ie. steering vibration, moonroof rattles, possible improvements to the V8, holding my breath on the availability of NAV in a Sport, etc) and I was also hoping for a different interior color for the Sport. Charcoal is nice but it shows dust, specks and dog hair...hehe! If I do go 4th gen, I will definately be looking at the V8. I agree that it's a proven engine and I can live without the extra 1-2mpg.

Thanks again guys!

Drivie

Pitbull said:

Plus the gas mileage between the two engines is only a couple of miles per gallon and they recommend you use regular gas in the V8 and premium gas in the V6 that more then makes up for the mileage difference.

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Wrong. The V6 uses 87 Octane. For improved performance they say to use 91 or higher, but 87 is still recommended. You could use 91 or higher in a V8 and also receive the same "improved performance."

But at $2.00 a gallon, i'll stick to the cheapest gas possible.

sharp4runr said:

Wrong. The V6 uses 87 Octane. For improved performance they say to use 91 or higher, but 87 is still recommended. You could use 91 or higher in a V8 and also receive the same "improved performance."

But at $2.00 a gallon, i'll stick to the cheapest gas possible.

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Just going by what the dealer told me

Well, this has been a good thread and I'm glad I started it.

As an update, my Dad and I went out today in search of the perfect 3rd gen Limited with all the toys. We managed to find and drive a couple but they were a bit rough around the edges for the asking prices. Also, I was really surprised by how heavy they felt and how the extra weight really killed the power in comparison to my '97 2WD SR5 (which seems like a rocket in comparison). I never dreamed that there would be that much difference but I'm glad I found out.

On another note, we were near a Toyota dealer and decided to drop by and drive another 4th gen while the experience of the 3rd gens was still fresh in our minds.... All I can say is that there is simply no comparison. The 4th gen runners are night and day different (and better) than the 3rd gens (no offense intended toward you 3rd gen owners out there). That pretty much sealed the deal and I've decided to hold out for a few more months to see what changes (however minor) will appear on the '05s.

Thanks for everyone's assistance!

Drivie

:jaw drop: :uzi: :nerd::twak: :xnuts:


:sobbing:

DOH! Sorry dude... :arrow:

Pitbull said:

Just going by what the dealer told me

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Sorry, after re-reading my post it kind of seemed harsh. Take what the dealer tells you with a grain of salt. I knew more about the 4Runner than the salesman.

sharp4runr said:

Sorry, after re-reading my post it kind of seemed harsh. Take what the dealer tells you with a grain of salt. I knew more about the 4Runner than the salesman.

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I know what you mean, my sales guy was pretty good stating things I new were true like the 04's did not have a transmission dip stick, which many people did not realize, so when he told me that my V8 would run best on 87 and that the dealship had problems with many V6's that the owner tried to run 87 and they were recommending owners of V6's run 91. That's where I got it, and since I bought a V8 I did not look any further into this issue. Glad you enlightened me.

drivie said:

DOH! Sorry dude... :arrow:

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Hey, I'll get over it. Plus the forum has spoken, 11 to 1 in favor of getting a new 4Runner. I will also bet you a plug nickel the 05 V8 will have varable valve timing.