Hoping to revive a dead thread, I'm looking to buy a 4runner to build this summer (if I make enough $$ treeplanting). I'm pretty set on 3rd gen, seems like a really solid design and bulletproof, but can anyone give me some reasons not to?

Why shouldn't I buy a 3rd gen?

No reason not to really. I wanted a V8 so I went 4th, but the 3rd gens can be built up really well and are tough as nails.

the lack of power is the biggest reason. The 3.4 motor is super reliable but it is turtle slow and can barely pull its own weight up a hill. I love my 3rd gen but the 4th gen is just as reliable and has a ton more power and equally as offroad capable. The 4.0 motor in the 4th and 5th gen is just all around better motor than a 3.4 3rd gen. The 4th and 5th gen ride much better than a 3rd gen. You get them loaded up with dogs, people, gear and head out to the mtns you will love that 4.0 motor.

Would you say the 4th gen is as reliable as the v6 in the 3rd? Part of the reason I'm leaning more towards the 3rd gen is that I'll be using it for some overlanding and want my rig to be reliable and simple to fix in the field if I break down.

How much more complex is the 4th gen motor compared to the 3rd? I'm okay with it being a little underpowered, but if the 4th gen isn't too much more complex (more computer control, mainly) I might have to look into it more. Thank you!

My 4th gen which is now my sons vehicle has 270 000 miles on it's motor & transmission and other major parts have continue to work as new. The only thing we had done was modified the suspension with 5100 bilsteins and fix a head gasket issue at 250k miles. After 12 years of use simple regular maintenance and a $1700.00 head gasket fix. The 3rd gen went to 300k miles before the head gasket went. I was going to overland our 3rd gen but lack power under stock told me to forget it. Trying to head to the mtns in a under powered 3rd gen was too much for me. A supercharger is the answer for most people but I hate dealing with boost power especially on a 25 year old vehicle. The 4th gen motor and transmission is rock solid and it already has plenty of power for overlanding and mtn trips. It is very offroad capable as well.

That is easy. 3 Gen or die

V8 baby!

you get find some great deals on the preface 5th gens 2010-2013 years. I agree the 4.0 motor would benefit you more when loaded down.

I like my 4th gen, then again it's the only one I've owned.

I've only owned 4th and 5th gens. It's a mixed bag for me. With the exception of the bulbous headlights, I like the 5th gen exterior styling better. I didn't care for the tall fender flares or the shape of the C Pillar on the 4th Gen. From a mechanical (miss the V8), build quality and quality of interior materials standpoint, my 4th Gen was better than my 5th Gen.

I've owned a first gen, 3rd gen and now I just picked up a 4th gen V8 4WD. I loved my first gen, but it was very under powered. Extremely unique though, got lots of attention.

Loved my 3rd gen. Had a TRD supercharger in it. Unfortunately, wife got into an accident with it and rear ended a Jeep Liberty. Insurance totaled it.

So now I have a 4th Gen V8. Hopefully this one will serve me well. Time will tell.

4th Gen all day! No but seriously, much more power (especially the V8) and nicer looking all around IMO.