Ok Fellas, let me have it! I am seriously considering - like scheduled an extensive test drive today- trading my 2007 4wd v8 with 67K, in on a leftover 2010 TE. '07 is paid off and I would be putting up $17,000 for the upgrade.
Why am I considering it?
1. I like the new looks better,
2. More interior room
3. better gas mileage??? get 18mpg consistently now with v8
4. Trail stuff is cool

Cons: afraid I might kick myself in the gonads for letting the 4.7 v8 go. I do some mild towing (ATV etc.) and moderate off-roading for hunting.

Somebody stop me.....or encourage me

Speaking from a purely enthusiast point of view, get it!!

On the other hand, do you really need it and want the extra monthly payments?

I would keep what you have, I feel you would miss the V8. Before I bought my 08, I test drove the 5th gen and I liked the 4th gen better. I could have bought either but I went with the 4th gen. I thought the 5th gen was nice but just not nice enough to justify the extra cash for it. I also think the v6 is noisier than the v8. If you want something new, I know people on here may kill me for saying this but check out the new Cherokee with the v8.

kidding

I know i might catch some hell for this, but i'll be the one speaking AGAINST your potential purchase of the 2010 4Runner. I know that one of the first arguments out there is the "new V6 vs. the old V8" and the torque associated witht he new V6's. OK ok, I GET IT! I know it has more torque, but i dislike the loss of the V8 and the AWD system that it comes with. I had a 4.0L V6 before, and granted it was NOT a Toyota product, but it was crap. At any rate, i realize it wasnt Toyota so it has no bearing, but if im dropping $35+ for a 4Runner, it better have a V8 option! The Lexus has a 4.6L and i'll be waiting for that before I think about moving towards the new 5th generation.

Also, im not a fan of the "box-y-ness" look of the new 5th gen design. There's a lot of surface area on the front of the new 4Runners. I would imagine if I were to buy one, id immediately bring it to get the 3M paint protection film installed on the entire front.

Im also not a fan of the lack of protection in the wheel well area. I just got fid of a 2010 Sequoia, and there was such a lack of protection where the plastic wheel well area meets the metal quarter panel. After washing the car so many times this messy winter, i saw how much crud kicks up and splatters against that part of the metal. Again, not a fan.

Lastly, i feel that the new 4Runners should come standard with WHEEL SPACERS! It looks like the axles are too short, as the wheels look "tucked in", and its not impressive to me.

But, again, most of the above is my opinion. If you drive it, like it, can afford it and wont have ONE OUNCE OF REGRET, then do it.

Best of luck!

Dont do it. I almost did the same thing, just get something new for yours.

im with most other people on here, stick with what you have, i test drove a 2010 limited, in thoughts of trading in my 07 SR5 V6, and my 07 drove smoother, braked better, has a better seating position, and the new one, though it has dual VVT-i, and a power rating of 270, my single VVT-i has a lot more ooomph. and i dont think id want to give up my projector head lights ;) but on the other hand, id love to have the rims off a limited hehehe

zerowkul98, I couldn't agree with you more!!

Keep hold of your 4th Gen for now if you are happy with it otherwise - if the 5th Gen evolves anything like the 4th Gen did, you can expect more features to filter down to the base model in the future and perhaps more options re engine and transmission, though I wouldn't bank on v8 coming with gas prices the way they are now (I know the mileage difference is small but market perception is v8=gas hog which hurts sales regardless of the facts).

Save your cash and do some killer upgrades to the 4th Gen! Lift, rims, tires, exhaust, whatever. I'd much rather save $300 a month and put it back into upgrades on a paid off, low mileage 4th Gen. Besides, IMHO, the new body style is junk. But to each his own!

A few things for blademan to consider when purchasing the new 4Runner:

- What happens if you do not like the new 4Runner?
- Will you hold onto it and drive something that disappoints you or makes you want to kick yourself in the nads every day?
- Do you own a cup that can hold up to kicking yourself every day?
- Will you try and trade/sell it and potentially take a loss?
- Can you find a used V8 4Runner at a dealer in good shape with options you want for a reasonable price and trade the new 4Runner for it?
- Are you willing to sell the new 4Runner privately and buy a used one from a dealer or privately (if you can't find a used one at a dealer and trade for it)?
- Is your job & financial situation secure so that putting out the additonal money for a new 4Runner is not a concern?

It doesn't have more peak torque. It has more torque at very high rpm, AKA more horsepower.

Totally depends on what $17k means to you.

I do like the looks of the 5th gen, but if it were me, I'd stick with the 4th. In my opinion, the v8 4th gen is still one of the best SUV's and best values for the money.

1) V8 4Runner = GX = LC Prado. 5th Gen is a cheaper built vehicle based on the FJ.

2) No center Diff (The center diff is nice to have, you now need a limited for this option.)

3) No integrated antenna: back to the old whip.

4) No remote fuel door:

5) The no hold starting feature is removed

6) Fit and Finish of a 4th gen is better in my opinion.

Your 4Runner is paid off, why not take some of the 17k and do some mods instead?

I agree with DaveS. The 3rd year should get upgrades - projector/looks, but by that time the 6th Gen will be on its way. I do disagree with most here and I think every generation gets better. As for looks, I didn't like new looks at 1st , but every time I see it looks better and better. I'm just cheap so I would save and skip this gen and wait for the next gen or buy the 5th gen used - as I did with my '07.