2000 3rd gen or 2004 4th gen

[simonsay]

Ok, so I've owned three 3rd gens...all have been great. Every time I sell, I get the urge to buy another. This time I've come across 2 in interested in.

1. 2000 3rd gen limited 4x4 with a little over 100k. No accidents, clean in and out, minor surface rust. 3" spacer lift and 1.5" body lift. Looks pretty good. Never used f Ir offroad.

2. 2003 4th gen limited AWD with 155k miles. This one has the 4.7 v8 and full suspension upgraded. This one has a branded title. Broke an axle and had to leave it in the middle of no where for a few hours. When he came back to get it someone had used it for target practice through the back. Insurance branded the title... anyways, no frame damage or anything like that.

I've attached images, so you have an idea of my dilemma. As you can see, the 4th gen rear had been modified into a truck. Since it was all shot up, he figured to take advantage of it. I think it looks pretty awesome.

 

[Nathana92]

I'd go with the third gen hands down. That 4th gen gives me shivers just looking at thinking about what gremlins it may hold.

 

[JET4]

I have a 3rd gen and a 4th gen, like them both. I like the looks of the 3rd gen better but the 4th gen has more room.

 

[simonsay]

I'd go with the third gen hands down. That 4th gen gives me shivers just looking at thinking about what gremlins it may hold.

What type of gremlins? I've always had the 3rd gen and never had any issues. But I really like the way that 4th gen looks with that back end customized. My last 3rd gen was a 2002 and looked almost exactly like this 3rd gen.

 

[oljedi11950]

He favors the 3rd gen because that 4th ain't a 4r any more ! No prices ? What's better for you ?

 

[ASUMTNEER]

3rd gen looks sweet! The rust is my only concern there. Great mileage! Not a fan of the 4th gen you got there. I'd go 3rd.

 

[ebg18t]

i like the 3rd gen..

 

[Nathana92]

What type of gremlins? I've always had the 3rd gen and never had any issues. But I really like the way that 4th gen looks with that back end customized. My last 3rd gen was a 2002 and looked almost exactly like this 3rd gen.

Well just that both of the pictures are far away and it's hard to get an idea of the quality of the work on the conversion. I know my interior squeaks to all hell because the panels didn't go back together perfect after I installed a sub. I can't imagine what this thing sounds like. I'd be worried about the rigidness of the body and also if it's going to leak. Since there aren't any up close pics it's hard to say. Overall a clean 2003 v8 is a great truck even at those miles, I know because that's what I drive. Then the issue with the branded title is a no go for me, being in the car business, when a car has this much hair all over the deal I'd much rather just walk away. That's why I'd lean towards the third gen in this situation, not every situation, but this one for sure.

 

[simonsay]

Well just that both of the pictures are far away and it's hard to get an idea of the quality of the work on the conversion. I know my interior squeaks to all hell because the panels didn't go back together perfect after I installed a sub. I can't imagine what this thing sounds like. I'd be worried about the rigidness of the body and also if it's going to leak. Since there aren't any up close pics it's hard to say. Overall a clean 2003 v8 is a great truck even at those miles, I know because that's what I drive. Then the issue with the branded title is a no go for me, being in the car business, when a car has this much hair all over the deal I'd much rather just walk away. That's why I'd lean towards the third gen in this situation, not every situation, but this one for sure.

Tomorrow im actually going to check out the 4th gen. I'll be abke to better determine the back end to determine the quality and safetly. Ive always loved the 3rd gen, and this 3rd gen may be the one to buy, but I think I have to at least get a chance to inspect the 4th gen. It may be a good buy...especially if the price is right.

 

[gaterose]

If that 4th gen hadn't been chopped I'd say 4th gen all day because of the v8, extra room, and more refinement... But I'm with Nathan, with that kind of modification there's no telling what kind of minor dilemmas you may run into with leaking and squeaking.

If you can be sure of the quality of the work then that'd be a sweet one of a kind 4th. But I'd look for a non-chopped 4th personally.

 

[simonsay]

He favors the 3rd gen because that 4th ain't a 4r any more ! No prices ? What's better for you ?

I really like both. Always had a 3rd gen... but that 4th gen has the v8. One thing I always wished my 3rd gen would have. ...more power.

 

[oljedi11950]

As senior members have stated ^^ if it's been REALLY professionally done ya sweet ! Have seen several on 4wdowner mag. Done right yes !

 

[simonsay]

As senior members have stated ^^ if it's been REALLY professionally done ya sweet ! Have seen several on 4wdowner mag. Done right yes !

Its home is portland, so as far as leaking im sure I'll be able to tell right away. Im no expert, so im taking it to one down there to give me his opinion. It definately looks nice, but obviously im not going to sacrifice looks for safetly, integrity, or quality of the build. If it turns out to be a bucket, I'll turn around in a heart beat. I'll keep you guys posted tomorrow afternoon. Take some close up shots and maybe he has some of thw build process to see how well it really was made.

 

[oljedi11950]

It might be the one I saw in 4wdownermag. if so yes .

 

[simonsay]

Here's a couple more of the back

 

[hearno]

That 4th gen is awesome. It has to be the only one in the country. I'd go for that one as long as it checks out mechanically.

 

[simonsay]

That 4th gen is awesome. It has to be the only one in the country. I'd go for that one as long as it checks out mechanically.

yeah, definitely one of a kind. Im hoping close up is looks as good as it does far away. And in hoping they did it right.

 

[gshadow325]

03 ftw

 

[gaterose]

That 4th gen is awesome. It has to be the only one in the country. I'd go for that one as long as it checks out mechanically.

yeah, definitely one of a kind. Im hoping close up is looks as good as it does far away. And in hoping they did it right.

Now, now... While it is unique it's not quite one of a kind.. is it [MENTION=12759]kylebacc[/MENTION] ?

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/gallery/89028-kylebaccs-2003-supercharged-chopped-4runner.html

 

[Nuke]

I've owned a 2nd, 3rd and now 4th gen.

1990 2nd gen: 215,000 miles before selling it to a friend how then put another 200k miles on it. The 3.slow engine was a dog, especially with all the towing I do, but the car gave me very little trouble.

2000 3rd gen: sold to a co-worker at 152,000 miles in showroom condition so I could buy the 4th gen. More powerful with it's 3.6L than the 2nd gen but still tough towing heavy loads.

2008 4th gen: 90,000 miles, 1 set of tires, 1 set of spark plugs (about 800 miles ago). More refined than my 3rd gen and the 4.0 kicks the 3.6 's butt and tow's well.