First post here. I am looking for a second vehicle for my family. My wife will be the primary driver. We have 2 kids and a big dog. Our current vehicle is a diesel Sierra Crewcab, which we use to haul our trailers. We will keep this vehicle for all our towing needs.

Previously I owned a 4 cyl Toyota pickup, 4 cyl 4runner, Landcruiser 60 series 4 cyl diesel, and 80 series 4.5L 6 cyl and am familiar with their non-flashy performance.

I've done some reading on the 2003-4 4Runners but don't know which way to go. From what I've read, the 6 cyl 4 litre is an aluminum block with the 4 speed auto, and the 8cyl iron block has been around for a while. I'm looking for economy and reliability. This will not be a tow vehicle.

I understand the V8 combo has F/T AWD like my 80 series did. I don't need this, but I want a P/T 4WD as a minimum. I understand the V6 truck has the P/T transfer case and does no have the viscous coupling like the V8 model. I assume the FTAWD setup can impact mileage.

1) Are the manual transmissions super rare? It seems I shouldn't bother looking.

2) Is there one engine that stands out from the other or are the both known to be good?

3) Knowing these are 7 year old vehicles and that now have a reliability record, would I be stupid to buy one vehicle over the other?

4) Finally, was there an electric locker for the rear diff made available in these years? I can't find any info on this.

5) Considering this will be a second vehicle for the family that will see mostly highways, what would you buy...


Thanks in advance for all your input.

Cheers.

If I were in that situation, I would go with a v6. I'm not too familiar with the changes from year to year of the 4th gens, so no input from me on that. there is not an elocker available for the 4th gens.

look under years> http://www.top4runners.com/runhist/runhist42003.html

1. No manual transmissions for the 4th gen. 2003-04 V6s have a 4 speed, 2005-09 V6s have a 5 speed. All V8s have a 5 speed.

2. Both engines are just as good. The V8 have been around longer, since 1998 and it's a bulletproof engine.

3. As mentioned, 2003-04 V6 have the 4 speed transmission and 2005-09 V6 have 5 speeds. The 2003-04 V8 were non VVT-i and the 2005-09 V8 has VVT-i giving it a bump in HP and torque. In 2006, the 4Runner got a face lift, adding projector headlights, LED taillights, different bumpers, cladding and flares.

4. E-locker is only on the 2009 Trail Edition 4Runner, it's a 4WD SR5 V6 with different goodies.

5. I personally would look for a 2008 or 2009, because VSC off was added from the factory. Side and curtain airbags were also made standard for the 2008 MY. I like creature comforts, so naturally, I would look at a Limited.

Thanks for your help... It'll be a V6. I just wish they had the locker option and the 5 speed.


Cheers!

u can, just get an 09 trail edition.

That's a pretty rare bird.

Doesn't really impact your decision, but just to clarify, the two transfer cases are virtually identical. The V6 has an automatic disconnecting front differential that allows it the extra option to run in 2wd, but it can run full-time, too, and the center diff is upgraded from a viscous coupler to a Torsen locking diff.