Hello,

I'm interested in some opinions from other 4Runner owners. I have a '04 Limited V8 4WDwith 187k miles. It's going to need new brakes this summer, and timing belt sometime in the next 2 years or so. I just got new tires. I've found a '00 Limited V6 2WD with 103k miles, one owner. I figure between selling mine/buying the other I've got approx. $1500 or so to do a new timing belt and brakes if needed on the '00, and I''ll have a car with a lot fewer miles. Also, I'm going to investigate putting my new Michelin tires on the '00 (not sure if they will fit).

Does this sound like a smart move overall? Or am I being foolish for trading for a car that's 4 years older? BTW~ I'm a student and bike commute so this vehicle is primarily used for road trips.

Thanks for any input you might have.
Cheers!
Teresa

Pro's
Less miles
V6 should give better MPG than the V8

Cons
It's 4 yrs older
you don't know it's history
it's 4 yrs older

is the 04 2WD too?

Seems like a really bad idea. It's entirely possible that your 187K 4R is in better shape and will last longer than the 103K one. Being 4 years older on top of that...what's the point?

The '04 is 4wd but I've used it exactly 2x in the 5 years I've owned it so the fact that the '00 is 2wd doesn't bother me.

Yes, the 4 years older is a concern, but I really like the idea of fewer miles.
Thanks!

Coming from the comfort and power of the 04 V8, you will be really disappointed by a 3rd Gen. Make no mistake, I LOVE my beat up 3rd Gen and wouldn't trade it for anything. But there again, I've never had a newer, more luxurious vehicle so I've never had to deal with stepping down in comfort/luxury.

Mileage on these engines is like comparing megapixels in a DSLR... or like measuring your pecker: What the hell's the point.

I'd trust a higher mileage engine that I know has been cared for over a lower mileage engine that could have been abused. Lower miles =/= better miles.

If the 4th Gen has been maintained well, I don't see why 187k is too much? There's members getting easily 300k+ out of their 4th gens when taken care of. My own personal '04 is just bumping up on 115k and going strong.

You're welcome to get the 3rd gen if it makes you feel better, but its older technology that might not be as great as what you have now. I would imagine while the 5VZ-FE (3.4L V6) is decent on gas, it's probably not that much better compared to a 2UZ-FE (4.7L V8.)

If your solely concerned about the amount of miles on your 4th gen, I would say don't worry about it. These vehicles do plenty well if you take care of them.