Looking at picking up 4runner.
number one priority is reliability, and longevity. number 2 is upgradeability.

I want to pick up one of these and be able to run it to 200k miles plus with little or no worries of a engine or transmission failure.

I am looking for a mid mileage vehicle with around 100k miles on it.

Basically looking at the pros and cons of the two generations.


Thanks for your replies

IMO, it really comes down to your usage. Both are very reliable and will take you to 200k+ easily if maintained. As for upgrades, if I had to guess I'd say there's more for the 3rd gen, but not enough to be a deciding factor.

3rd gen pros: Cheaper, better off road in stock form, optional rear locker on some models
4th gen pros: Much better on road, way more power (v6 or v8), no timing belt if your comparing 4th gen v6 to 3rd gen v6, more room, can be on par with the 3rd gen off road with a few minor mods.

I've had both, and unless you're going to see a lot of off road, I'd get the 4th gen hands down if it's in the budget. Even off road, a 3/2 lift and good tires will take you a long way, it's not 'that' far behind the 3rd gen, it just sits lower from the factory.

Some of my pros and cons from my perspective. I base my opinion on my 3rd gens and my moms 4th gen.

3rd gen pros: Available manual transmission. Easier to fix and work on. Cheaper to own, cheaper to mod, cheaper to maintain. J-shifter T-case is mechanical instead of electric (I love mechanical stuff). All around durability without worry about age and mileage. E-locker availability on most models. More truck, less car.
3rd gen cons: Naturally aspirated = lacking. MPG sucks, especially if you don't have a 5-speed. Outdated, but not obsolete. Also, typical model specific problems.

4th gen pros: Nicer seats, more electrical doodads to play with, more power, better for towing. Nice drive on road. Toyota reliability. Late model 4th gens are fancier looking. MPG is good.
4th gen cons: Lots of plastic, Automatic transmission only, expensive to buy, more expensive replacement parts, more expensive to have maintained. Doesn't feel like a truck to me (stock). TPMS won't STFU if you don't like stock PSI, E locker = very limited availability. Also, typical model specific problems. Headlights turn yellow fast and the gauge cluster scratches like no ones business.

You can see why I like to off-road in my 3rd gen while my mom loves to drive her 4th gen. Two satisfied owners with two radically different tastes. It's always to be kept in mind that with the right mods, anything is possible for both generations.

Pretty much everything has been said. I agree with it all except the TMPS thing because my 4th gen (03) doesn't have that system, other than that their right on key. One thing that wasn't mentioned tho, how tall are you? I'm 6' 5" @ 200lbs and I found the 3rd gen to be a bit tight on space with not much headroom, altho that was a model with a sunroof which does take up alot of space. My 4th gen with sunroof is a bit more confortable/spacious but dont get me wrong both are great vehicles. Don't hesitate to take either gens for a test drive, but be careful as soon as you get in one, you won't want to get out lol. Good Luck

No manual on 4th gen, and 4th gen is less attractive, other than that it's the 3rd gen as more of a utility vehicle and a 4th gen as more a soccer mom car, but both good off road.

He said pros and cons, not opinions. (4th less attractive= opinion). I disagree with that.

This is a discussion forum. John is allowed to share his opinion.

I happen to share that opinion about stock 4th gens, but there are plenty of stock 3rd gens I don't particularly care for either.

That's exactly why we mod them.