Hey everyone, I know the debate of "3rd gen vs. 4th gen" has been run into the ground (I did a search) so I want to do one that's different because I'm considering both after I sell my jeep.

I want strictly opinions and experiences. They can be based in fact, theory, specifications, whatever you would like. But obviously when on paper comparing the two the newer generation would statistically look better, and that's why I want the real world opinion from the drivers. If you had a 3rd and sold it to get a 4th and are happy you did, I want to know. If you wish you still had your 3rd, I want to know. Solely based upon you experiences with them on road, off road, maintenance, performance, capability, and general feel. Just not in a statistical sense.

To potentially help the process, I'll tell you guys what I'm needing a T4R for other than general coolness.
I need the cargo space to haul things, potentially a ladder at times. Someday I'd like to ride off road bikes again so a medium sized trailer (6x9) with a gate would be pulled on weekends eventually. I drive about 50 miles round trip to work so the better the mpg the happier I'll be. I do enjoy taking my vehicles off road sometimes but I'm not a serious rock crawler, more like a camping trail or something with a few ruts. 4x4 is a must because when it freezes in Oklahoma the response is awful so the roads are rarely treated properly. I'm looking at it as a vehicle I'll keep for a while and maintain myself, which I'm not a professional but I am fairly proficient under the hood. I'm 5'11" and I have noticed a 3rd gen with a sunroof is a little tight on these bumpy Oklahoma roads as I hit my head a lot.

My opinion is I like the looks of both but I like the 3rd gen utility look a bit more. I like the 4th gen power plants, and 4 wheel disks but the 3.4 is a proven motor. I feel I would need a TRD SC one though.

Anyways I would love to hear everyone's opinions based on real world use and lifestyle. I'm just trying to approach it differently. If this is another annoying post admin please feel free to delete. I don't want to stir up any feathers here.

Er, the 4.0 and 4.7 are "proven" motors as well. Just saying.

Personally I dislike the look of the 4th gen 4runner. I like 5th gen and 3rd gen the most. I own a 3rd gen my self. I work at the dealership here and we see them all on for service they maintain well you cant go wrong choosing either. It sounds like 4th gen may be a better suit for you just because they made them a little larger and they even have larger fuel tanks (23 vs. 18.5) You will be able to find 3rd gens for a little cheaper than 4th gen. Superchargers are also more readily available for 4th gen that 3rd gen. If you are that worried about power the v8 4th gen may be the way to go

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find....20369&id=21591

If you see the previous truck in my sig, I kind of have experience with the 3rd gen 4R as they were almost the same size.
From your points and wants:
If you want good gas mpg and the power of a SC, I would just look for a good 4th gen with the V8. The 4.7 is a proven motor. Plenty to tow with and enough to make the "go pedal" into a "fun pedal". I might be wrong, but don't the SCed ones need premium gas all the time?
In the looks department, the 4th gens do need a little lift to make it look right compared to the 3rds. Plenty of options and generally they end up riding better than stock...as did my DLX 4x4 that had Bilsteins. Look here for options: Lift and Tire Central (pics)... Post 'em Up!
I'm almost 6' and I do fit better in my 4R than the old truck.

Hope this helps.

Yeah you are very correct there. I misworded that.

That does help quite a bit, thank you.

Thank you for your opinion. I do believe you are right.

is that right?

So no one has ever put the trd supercharger from the tacoma on the 4runner?

Had both, loved them both but the 4th gen. Only have the 3rd gen now. You see like you know the pros and cons pretty well so its now pretty much which one do you like better. I kept the 3rd gen because it looks better to me.

I'm partial to the 3rd gen (I've had 2), but whatever.

Main thing here is that you are getting rid of your Jeep. LOL

good luck

i have to admit how surprised i am how many people dislike the looks of the 4th gen runners- i can see some thinking they are a bit bland but not as polarizing as many seem to be- i think all 4runners are sharp, some more than others and thats before modding

maybe for some its a case of 'whatever i have is the best' mentality

4th gen is a big truck with a big engine.

3rd gen is cramped and the V6 is wheezy at best.

*I've had a 3rd and two 5ths, BTW

no idea. I just know ive seen a lot more people talking SC's with the 3.4.....

So I did do some fact checking so I wouldn't look like an idiot. They didn't specifically offer it for the 4th gen 4.0 but the tacoma obviously has it and they share power trains. It was an assumption that people have SC'd their 4th gens. I should have known this before hand though seeing I work the parts counter here at a dealership