Seattle_SR5
New member
I'm a former owner of a 3rd gen who wants to get back into 4Runner ownership. This would be my second vehicle - my primary is a BMW 3-series that's been an excellent car in the 8 years I've owned it.
Looking to spend no more than $10-12k. I could swing a 5th generation but I don't want to take out a car loan.
I'm familiar with the 3rd generation and the 3.4 liter V6, which isn't powerful but is stupid reliable. That having been said I'd be open to the 4th generation. I've driven an '06 V8 Limited and was very impressed.
As far as I know the 4th generation issues are:
V8:
- Exhaust manifold cracks (any year)
- Starter in very inconvenient location - $$$ to replace when it goes
- Secondary air injection system failure
V6:
- Head gaskets on 03-05 trucks
- Transfer case actuators - getting stuck in 2wd would *suck* - in all fairness I'd probably just leave a truck in full time 4wd and call it good. I like always having 4wd engaged in my Subaru for traction, especially when turning across traffic on a rainy day.
Across the board:
- 0 point calibration issue. This is some Konami code level stuff...
- Cracking dash on early models
- X-REAS
It seems like the "most reliable" 4th generation is an 06-09 without X-REAS. Thoughts? Anything else to consider?
Looking to spend no more than $10-12k. I could swing a 5th generation but I don't want to take out a car loan.
I'm familiar with the 3rd generation and the 3.4 liter V6, which isn't powerful but is stupid reliable. That having been said I'd be open to the 4th generation. I've driven an '06 V8 Limited and was very impressed.
As far as I know the 4th generation issues are:
V8:
- Exhaust manifold cracks (any year)
- Starter in very inconvenient location - $$$ to replace when it goes
- Secondary air injection system failure
V6:
- Head gaskets on 03-05 trucks
- Transfer case actuators - getting stuck in 2wd would *suck* - in all fairness I'd probably just leave a truck in full time 4wd and call it good. I like always having 4wd engaged in my Subaru for traction, especially when turning across traffic on a rainy day.
Across the board:
- 0 point calibration issue. This is some Konami code level stuff...
- Cracking dash on early models
- X-REAS
It seems like the "most reliable" 4th generation is an 06-09 without X-REAS. Thoughts? Anything else to consider?
