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?

My GF's dad just sold his 4th gen (07 I believe ) to get into. a new 5th gen limited. His was the V6, 4wd no Xreas. He had no issues over ~8 years, just routine maintenance. If It was me I would personally go for the V8 though just because of the better power.

Here is the thread for the V6 vs V8 debate:

Here's the break down: The V6 vs V8 info center

This is another good thread:

Pre-Purchase Info, Modifications, Write-Ups, Quick Links, and FAQ's

I'm not sure about the V6 actuator issue if that is something different but in almost any 4wd if you don't "use it you lose it" kind of thing. I have an 08 V8 limited 4wd and when I bought it, it wouldn't go into 4lo (V8 is full time 4wd) and needed a new actuator.

I have also owned an 06 V8 limited 4wd and both of them had the rear propeller (drive shaft) clunk that a lot of them get if they are not serviced-there is a TSB about it.

V8 also has a timing belt that needs serviced, V6 has a chain.

A majority of the cracked dashes should have already been fixed under the recall they had.

I agree with the 06-09 being the best years (they added a gear I THINK between 05 and 06 so slightly better mpg, says the specs) but if you get a 4th gen I'm sure you will absolutely love it

I have a 4th gen V6 Limited, entering my 6th year of ownership.
Bought it at 79,000km and it currently has just shy of 170,000km. I've had no major component failures so far.

Had to replace shocks as they were leaking around 100,00km. Front wheel bearing changed around 150,000km. All expected issues as I have a different offset from factory and wheel it offroad every now and then.

Other than that I have had zero issues. Been on synthetic fluids since 100k.
Oh yea, some of my interior dash lights have finally started to crap out on me.

when I moved to southern Oregon, the 3rd Gen's look to out number the 4th Gens. Tons of T-100's here and all kind of early Toyota Trucks. One time at a company parking lot, looking for my ride, I realized all 5 gen'sin the front row.
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2007 SE V6 titanium

Wow that V6 vs V8 thread has tons of valuable info.

I guess the pre VVTi V8 (03-04) doesn't have some of the issues that the newer V8 has. There is an '03 Limited V8 4WD with 186k miles for sale near me for $8800. No accidents, 2 owners. May have to go check it out although I've been test driving V6 3rd generations, and the smooth power of the 4.7 liter might push me into doing something rash

I would go for a V8 4th gen. Too bad they don't have that option anymore.