Iv been thinking of getting a 5th gen for a little bit. Right now I have a 4th gen and a 13 accord.
My accord I got because I had a truck at the time and just wanted a nice daily. The truck took a crap and so I just had the accord. A deal came up for a 06 v8 4runner and I got it. Absolutely love it, problem is I got it cheap because It has rust on the frame and one spot was all ready repaired. I was going to use the 4runner as a beater for the beach and camping light off roading. But I fell in love with it. I barely drive the accord unless I'm going on a long trip and want to save gas. I owe $4k on the accord and $4k on the runner. Thinking about selling both and just getting a 5th gen. My payments are about $365 for both. If I trade them in I can get a nice used 5th gen and keep my payments low but have longer until pay off.
couple options:
1) keep both cars pay them off and just drive the 4th gen until the frame disappears.
2)Sell the Accord and 4th gen and use that for down payment on a used 5th gen.
3) Sell the accord and get a 5th gen and use the 4th as a beater until the frame rust out completely

I vote for #2.
You’ll like it. And less cars to insure.

#3 doesn't really make sense because it seems like you only have 2 cars to save on gas. If you have 2 4runners both of them are going to be inefficient in terms of MPG, there wouldn't be a need for 2 gas guzzlers. Either go with #1 or #2.

If you have money go with #2, if you don't go with #1. Either way, test drive a 5th gen and see if you like it more than the 4th. Good luck

I'm always for keeping 2 cars so one is back up. So I'm for #1.

I have a 99 Accord as my dd. If it goes down or my wifes ever goes down we can use the 4R.

The rust is a concern I wouldn’t want to deal with long term. Depending on how bad it can make easy maintenance and upgrade projects most costly.

I would go with #2 if I were in your shoes. That said, I do like having multiple cars/trucks, but it is expensive to have that luxury/diversity (car/suv/truck).

I don’t know how much you drive but my commutes are short and gas cost does not really play into my decision making. If the 5th gen ticks all the personal use boxes, then I would dump the accord and the 4th gen.

I'd sell both! I say this because of the 4Runner rust issue, less cars to insure, less tags to buy/cars to register.

I think you would be happy selling both and having more money to put down on a 5th gen for sure, especially since you drive the 4Runner most of the time anyway.

Once you get that 5th gen paid off in however long, then you can buy you a cheaper, better gas mileage car if its something you just can't live without. You will figure that out while you are paying for the 5th gen.

Just my 2 cents! Good Luck!

My commute is short less then 5 miles. The only thing really stopping me is I can beat on my 4th gen and not worry about it. scratch the paint on some branches off road no problem. Also going on the beach, right now the 4th gen is rusted. I take it on the beach at least once a week. IDk if I would want to do that to a rust free truck.

Then go with option 3. I originally said 2 because I thought your goal was to save money based on your original post.

You certainly dont need to convince me about owning 2 4Runners... I have a 5th gen and a 4th gen & I love them both for their own uses.

My 4th is my modified off-road / beater truck and 5th is a completely stock 4wd Limited which is mostly a street SUV, but will eventually take the place of the 4th after it ages. This is in addition to a passenger car and a truck. None of which are expensive or new, but are older and well maintained. Between the wife and I, we like the diversity of vehical and are happy to pay the premium for it.

This is just my humble opinion, but I have 4th Gen, V6 SR5. No big deal. Was ready to trade mine in, trip to Colorado came up, rented a 5th for a week. Came back home and was glad to be back in my 4th. The lack of power in the 5th really turned me off. The 5th is far more refined, but to get the damn thing going you have to practically floor it. Hoping my 4th lasts until the 6th Gen is introduced. Again, just an opinion.

Interesting input as I have also owned both. Both modified oversized tires etc etc. I feel as if the 5th has more get up and go? Idk maybe our butt dynos are just different. I do miss the size of the 4th at times with how much I work in and around downtown. The 5th feels a little more lumbering at times but I am 6'3 and truly appreciate the space of the 5th as compared to the 4th. Also have a 3rd FINALLY! I vote sell both and get a 5th, but thats just me.

This is always a very subjective topic.

I recently traded in my 2007 4Runner Sport for a 2018 Offroad KDSS.

I wish I kept my 4th Gen.
-More power
-Better Handling
-4th Gen was perfect size for me
-Transmission felt smoother in the mountains

There really is not much updated tech in the 5th Gen if that is important for you.

Give the 5th Gen a real long test drive and you decide.

Well I was under mine today and a I have a couple holes in the frame already. I think im going to start looking at 5th gens. I love my 4th gen but I really cant deal with the rust.

Just got back from test driving a 2018 sr5 premium. I like my 4th gen a lot better. I guess its time to start looking for nicer 4th gens

What did you dislike about the 5th Gen after your test drive?

I test drove a 2018 sr premium.
I didnt like how much of an angle the windshield and pillers are. Looking out the rear view felt small. Felt more top heavy then mine. I have a rtt it felt like driving with that on even tho nothing was uptop. My friend said to try the trd offroad with kdss says it feels better. Might just have to do a long test drive with that.