Best Year Model of 4th Gen??

BigRogers

BigRogers

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I have a 3rd gen, and looking to add a 4th gen to the family. Curious if there are any year models that seem to be better than others, for instance my 2001 included the trac control systems that the 2000 didn't have, imo i hate it but that is a whole other thread.

I am aware of the basics V6 vs V8 option, and would like to get opinions on the 2, but i am looking for the smaller differences that most people wouldn't notice.

Just curious to get your opinion on the subject.
 
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just do a search of the v6 vs. v8 threads, there's TONS out there... it gets ugly every time. IMHO if you don't need to tow over 4500lbs. stick with the V6 as it's plenty peppy and gets better mileage.

My brother and I both have 04's and love them. If you're looking at doing suspension work (lift/leveling kit) then don't get XREAS as it just makes the work tougher to replace, if you're leaving it stock, then look for the sport with XREAS suspension (search for the term if you haven't heard of it) or some limiteds have it.

The 06 and up has LED lights, not sure if you care on stuff like that.
 
2008. I don't care for the 2009s, IMHO they cheapened them up a little...moving the rear window switch from the dash to the center console was a good idea, but they didn't execute it well. The knockout in the dash would drive me nuts! There is a soft spot in my heart for the 03's with the plastic body cladding, though.
 
KB084RUNNER said:
2008 because I own one.....:banana:
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I own a 2007...but 2008 is better.
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I'm not intimately familiar with the changes from year-to-year but I originally owned a '90 2nd gen, then a 2000 3rd gen and now an '08 4th gen; all V6's and I tow frequently. I love my '08.
 
Anything after the mid-cycle refresh will be better than the 03-05's because of the projector headlights and led tails. I have an 07 and haven't had any problems with it. However it looks like 08 is the way to go
 
2004 since it was the last year the TRD dual exhaust was offered for the V8 =P. But I do prefer the look of the 06-09 models
 
I own an 08 and 04. Both V6. I agree with galatic 04 on the towing/engine. My favorite of all the years is the 06-09 Sports. They have Tube steps and tube roof racks and hood scoop. They stand out front the rest and just look better IMHO than the other style running boards and roof racks. I like the older non-"humped" spoiler. 05 V6s & up have the 5 speed tranny. I like my 08 better than my 04 by far, but that wouldn't have anything to do with the SE, lift, tires, and spacers on my 08 vs my plain jane 04 SR5 - only 3 options are Leather steering wheel w/audio controls, roof rack, and 17" wheels. :wink2:

I also believe 09s will be very hard to find since there were not as many made. Although there is the 09 Trail edition with the electronic rear locker that I wouldn't mind having. Only Thing I don't like about that edtion is the 16" wheels, But that is easily fixed with ebay or craigslist!!! ;) A neighbor has a white one.
 
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Some time after I had purchased my 2006 Sport Edition, I discovered that the 2008+ models had the button to turn traction control off and I was a little bummed, but now that there is a mod available for $60 to add that functionality to the 2003-2007's I can get everything I wanted! I do kind of like the reflectors in the rear bumper of the '03-'05's and love it when guys wire bulbs into them.

The only other thought would be the 2009 Trail Edition.

Good luck shopping!
 
Heres the 2 main reasons why I picked 2006:

1. 5 years old, higher probability of off lease low miles.
2. first year of the refresh (oldest still with LED tail lights, projectors etc)

IMO best bang for your buck year
 
06-08 was the peak as mentioned above. 09 shows a dip in quality on CR - tail end of a model can sometimes be like that - my guess is the distraction of retooling for a new model can impact the last year's production.
 
DaveS said:
06-08 was the peak as mentioned above. 09 shows a dip in quality on CR - tail end of a model can sometimes be like that - my guess is the distraction of retooling for a new model can impact the last year's production.
Click to expand...

I have a 2009 SR5 4WD V6 -- has 52K on it now -- nary a problem. the same traditional Toyota reliability that I experienced with my previous Toyota Highlander has been my experience with my '09 runner.
 
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