Looking to purchase a 5th gen 4rnr.. my 4th gen, fell in love with a tree question i have for anyone in this forum. Any specific years NOT to get, Been doing some research, and read that 2013, 2014 has problems with electrical and something called death wobble?? Any truth in that... Any recommendations on a specific year. Got roughly 30k to spend. Thanks

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We have a 2013; purchased new in December of that year. No issues. We don't drive that much now being retired with about 40K miles total. Just returned from a 2500 mile trip - 4Runner ran fine all day at 75-80 MPH.

would try for a 2020 used one saw a few around 33k

My ‘15 Trail has been rock solid. Only repair beyond wear items was the needle bearings. But, it’s lifted and I wheel it a few times a year.


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It's been the same vehicle since essentially 2010, so take your pick.

10-13 - Different look and "older" interior
14+ - Facelift and nicer "newer" interior
20+ - Gets apple car play and Toyota Safety Sense stuff, if you want it. Also LED headlights on some. 20+ would be tough to find at your price point, however

I'd be looking for a 2016 or so Trail/TRD Offroad if you can find one in your budget.

Love my 2019 SR5 Premium. Old school without complicated bells and whistles. Paid $42K (total) with 17K miles about 2 years ago.

I've had my '13 since September of that year with no electrical or death wobble issues. (I've never heard this before) I'm at 130,000 miles.

10-13 is superior IMHO. The clock display actually does something, better 12v power port layout. Oh and most importantly... not ugly

Hey now, the 2014 got the updated interior but retained the functional (useful) center clock display!.......buy yea outside, she ugly

Edit: OP as mentioned they are essentially all the same no major design changes other then "refresh" in 2014 and then 2020s added additional features but I don't think that will be in the budget (and personally don't like the features or the giant glossy black plate in the grill)

I think you have to decide if you like the 2010-2013 or the 2014- whatever budget affords choices. I would focus more on trim lines vs year once you get it narrowed down to post or pre refresh. I really like the interior black trim on the Trail/Offroad models and wanted the rear locker and liked the OEM Trail wheels (still run them 8yrs later) so I paid the extra for the Trail vs SR5 - what you want and need (3rd row not offered in Trail/Offroad) is going to be up to you.

Can't go wrong with any 5th gen imho (assuming you can live with the realities of a 4runner - not great at anything but more then passable at everything) - O, and poor MPGs when modified

My 4th gen got humped from behind and needed a new truck. Couldn’t buy used in this hot market so I ended up with a new 5th gen. Got it at msrp so I’m Ok with that. But what I noticed immediately is the difference is power. My 4th gen just felt like enough where as the 5th gen don’t. It struggles thru the same hills I would take the 4th gen on. Guzzle more gas than my 4th gen. All 4th gen has a locking center diff allowing you to drive it like an all wheel drive. On the 5th gen they left that on the limited model. I do like the interior space but other than that. I bought a new old truck that should be worth $100k in 2 years. 😂

the 5th gen is an ancient tank. I have a 2012 and they have changed so little in the last 10 years that people still say 'wow is that a new truck?'. ancient, but still standing, just like the pyramids

I couldn’t agree more. LOL My truck just went up in value as I typed this. 😂

Not much to add but shop around and see what you like. Don't forget to keep an eye on the Classified section on this site. That's where I found my 2014 last year and got a good deal during a very warm market.