So I've found an 01' limited with 65k miles for 15,500.
But, i've got to pull the trigger in the next day or two if I want it.
Prior to that I was looking at 05/06/07 SR5's with 20-40k miles in the $19-21,000 range.

I never really wanted the limited package, and its probably a big chunk of the 15,500 i'd be paying, vs maybe 13500? for a similar 01' sr5.

Given that condition is equal mechanically and cosmetically between the 01' and any 4th gen sr5's with the above mentioned mileage and price, which do you guys think is the best choice.

Very very moderate off roading, as I've never done it before. I've always longed for a 4runner but couldn't get one, but I'm graduating and have a job lined up so its time to "splurge" a lil....

Could you guys give some advantages/disadvantages of each route????

Thanks!!!

If you do not care about the Limited features, then i would get the 4th gen for two reasons:

1. You don't do much off-roading, which is really the only tiny tiny advantage of having a 3rd gen...and i mean tiny!

2. The 4th gen is literally infinitely more comfortable on-road and is roomier...so, it can expand with your life (e.g. wife, kids, long distance travel, etc.). Engine power is better too in the 4th gen regardless of engine choice.

Good luck.

I was also lookin at 3rd gen before I bought the 4th. It felt alot more roomier to me in the 4th gen. Also the jump from 3.4 to 4.0 in the v6 was really noticable. All the 3rd gens I drove had power, but the 4.0 is really a gem of a motor. Got some nice torque and pickup for what it is. But really can't go wrong with either.

I was in your exact boat about a year and a half ago, and I splurged on an '05. I don't regret it at all...

Both are good, but if you had some pictures that might help.

Thanks all,

I went with the 3rd gen. I have wanted one of those since before the 4th gens even came out so I'm sure the 4th gen was the more logical purchase, but I'm also just starting a new career after college, so the extra 3-4k bucks was a factor too.

I've had it for about a week and sometimes I do wonder if I made the right choice...but I'm one of those guys that thinks about things too much, unfortunately...

But there are some things I like and dislike about both of them, so whatever. I've got a 4runner, finally!

Good to hear that you are a 4runner owner...welcome.

What are you unsure of or dislike about yours ? You bought the 01 right ? Those are great trucks man . I know I will get an ear full about this but one of the main reasons I like the 3rd Gen's is I dont care for the new style flares . To plasticy and modular looking . I think the 3rd Gens are just better looking rides . BUT thats my opinion

I definitely think the 3rd gens are more rugged and timeless looking...no offense to any 4th gen owners, they're just opinions.

But having something that looks new and up to date/comparable with all the other new cars on the road is appealing too.

Obviously the smaller engine is a downside to the 3rd, though I have been completely satisfied with its power during the first week. The sound system leaves a lot to be desired, but I'm sure a 4th gen sr5 wouldn't be much better. And, I think the rear folding seats give you better "sleeping room" in the 4th gen, plus they look better given that they're flush and you don't have to take the headrest off (I think..)

People say the 4th is roomier, but I like my drivers seat in the 3rd as I'm kind of a skinnier tall guy, so it holds me in place over rough terrain- plus I don't want to feel like I'm driving a boat. Don't know how my rear passengers will feel on a long trip though....

On a side note, does anyone else's 3rd gen "roar" a lot more when you first start it up until you shift out of first for the first time? I'm assuming its just some kind of warm-up feature...just curious.

Oh! and I hate the non-auto-close sunroof and the hitch in the middle, plus the non auto rear window....and why does my remote open the rear window, but theres nothing i can do to close it until I get in the car....or is there??

Perfectly normal...it was that way on my '02 4runner.

Great choice on the truck, I don't like to sway people towards the 3rd gen as most people will prefer the extra luxury of the 4th. But as others have stated there is just something about the 3rd gens that I love, such a great looking truck. I also agree on the size, I am a fairly skinny guy and I get in these new cars and the seats must be designed for a 300 pounder, I slip and slide all over, the 3rd gen is perfect for me. Stop over thinking your decision, you can't go back and you have a great truck, so quit worrying and start enjoying.

Gen 3 uses more fuel to generate less power

The sunroof and rear windows aren't auto up as a safety feature but now most newer vehicles incorporate this but also have jam detection system which prevents little fingers being squished.

Toyota didn't have jam protection avaialble on the rear windows or sunroofs then.

If you really off road alot the 3rd gens have a little more wiggle room on tight trails and the seats aren't made for fat americans like the 4th gens are so when you get a good lean going on the trail the seats (and the "oh sh#t" bars are helpful but absent on 4th gens) hold you in place better.

Maybe because the 4th gen are less likely to roll over?? 4th gen is better on lateral slopes than 3rd gen.

On our trails in Colorado I'll take the skinny since tree rash is more common than getting too lateral on a slope. Plus I actually like my paintfree valence since it takes alot of abuse during the approach.

I'd love a 4th gen but I don't think it would go off road till I got ready to deal with the wear and tear on it's nice paint;I've been over that for a while with my '99.