U guys keep talking about this 'rust'? Idk what ur talking about! Seriously tho Josh just fly out to Cali, rent a u-haul and take one home... On second thought disregard everything I just said.

If I buy one, it's gonna be a west coast truck. And I'm gonna fly out and drive it back. I have faith.

I agree with this. I know for me I was saying IF anything outside of the 1st gens got to that point, it would be a 5spd Highlander. I think it would take quite a while though before it ever got to that point. I think one of the big reasons the 1st gens will only increase in popularity is that there was really no other vehicle like it at the time. The removable top was so unique.

Now, don't hold me to this, but if you were going to try and pick up a vehicle today for a really good price to where the value might increase, I say look for a really clean (and more rare version) of a fox back Mustang. You can get them right now for next to nothing and I do feel they will hit a point where they will be collectible. Look at the 70's/80's Firebirds and Trans Ams. Not too long ago they were considered hideous and outdated, but they have gained huge steam in the collector car market as of late.

4th gen owner here, but I'm not an angry one.

i agree with whats been said, every gen has its ups and downs, and in stock form the 4th gen is probably the least capable 4runner, and in my opinion when they're stock, its also the most soccer mom out of any gen. as far as it being a collectors item, like the 1st gens, highlanders, and any trail editions, its the unique ones that will be in demand, the sr5 4x4s are a dime a dozen, so i don't think you can deem an entire generation that spanned 6 years "collectible". happy motoring

the way I see it... (Yes in that order)

1st Gen- Alpha/Top Dog
3rd Gen- CLD/RLD- Desirable
4th Gen- V8
2nd Gen- Cool, yet very capable Off Road
5th Gen- Awesome looking/Gadgetry/TE Off Roader

I agree with the previous poster who said the 4th gen is the mom'iest of 4Runners.

I think the 4th gen with the unpainted plastic molding is by far the most hideous 4Runner ever to come out Toyota's womb.

ANGRY 4TH GEN OWNER HERE!!! 4th gens all day everyday! 4th gens for lyfe!

Lol, kidding. In my opinion the 1st gens will probably be the collectors item. My least favorite is the 2nd gen. The 4th gens are everywhere, however I think the 4WD V8 versions will hold their value a little better than other generations of the 4Runner, unless Toyota makes another V8 4Runner. It is one of the last body on frame mid size vehicles made that have good offroad capability with a V8.

V8 baby!