2002 or 2004 T4R? I'm undecided

[Dacia]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the boards and hopefully will be a new owner of a T4R in a few weeks. I've been doing a little research and I think I'm leaning more towards either a 2002 or 2004 4runner. Naturally, I'd want to stay clear of any year that has had multiple or major problems. I will be doing absolutely no off road driving whatsover, but I am not interested in any of the other Toyota SUV's.

So...with that said are there any suggestions/recommendation for a newbie going forward in her quest to become a T4R owner?

Oh...one more question. I have seen that on the 2004 T4R there is this wingy looking think on the back of it. Spoiler maybe? Not sure, but I don't really care for it at all. Is this something that can be removed without a whole lot of work (cost).

Here's a picture of one with the wing on the back.

’04 Toyota 4Runner Limited for sale in Virginia | Arlington Used Cars Classifieds at LemonFree.com

Thanks

~Dee

 

[S p a r k y]

I'm prob not the best for this answer, but im bored waiting on a meeting so here we go.

2002-2004 is two totally different vehicles. First decide which you like better. 2004 has two different motor choices, v6 or v8. These two vehicles also ride different, have different space and cost is a little different. 04 stock has a better "road" feel I believe, designed for the "road" SUV vs the "offroad" SUV which the 2002 is stock, atleast my thoughts.

I was in the same boat you are in when I went looking for a T4r. When it came down to it. I looked at what I was spending, if I was getting a great 2002 and a great 2004 they would both be over $10,000 at the time. If im spending that amount of money on a vehicle I want the newer ride with the newer equipment, more luxuries etc. Im glad I went with the 2004 instead of an 02.

Some people will give you much better explanations between the two, but I went with newer.

As far as the wing/spoiler, i like it, but like you some don't. its easiely removed just 2-4 bolts I believe, but others will chime in here.

 

[Jeff T]

Owning an 04 with 135k I'd be hard pressed to say buy an 02! That being said there is a thread I started about some of the issues folks have with their 4th gen 4R's. Yes, it does get a little picky, you can't have everything, but give it a read. Just don't get the wrong impression reading it, I look at it as constructive criticism, I doubt few if any would give up their 4R for the issue or issues mentioned. I wouldn't!

Good Luck!!!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/76945-anything-about-your-4r-just-drives-you-crazy.html

 

[4Beast]

Just to be contrary, I'd say get an '03. You'd get the newer body style, upgraded electronic gizmos, more room, etc, but save a little money over the '02. You might as well look for an SR5 trimmed one if you don't like the wing, as I'm pretty sure some/all don't have it.

 

[MrGaryFish]

It really has to do with your budget, but its kinda a no brainer if you can afford the '04. Bigger motor, less millage generally, more room, etc etc. It is the 2nd year model of the newer generation, so it wont have issues like the '03 like ugly plastic cladding. I think you'll be much better off with the newer generation.

 

[DocMT]

The 2004 gets you a more powerful engine (whether you choose a V6 model or the V8 model, both are more powerful than the 2002 engine). It also gets you a newer body style/updated interior styling and a nicer ride on the road.

Both are great and neither have any glaring mechanical issues. I can't think of any year 4Runner that has had any real problems to be concerned about. These are great vehicles, not Jeeps! :bigok:

 

[Dacia]

Thank you for the responses

I did some research on the 2002 and 2004. I like the look of the 2002, but I also like the little extra's you get with the 2004. This is what has me so undecided. I was set on getting a late year 3rd generation, but then I started reading about how the 4th years have a better ride and a few upgrades from the earlier generation.

I do think I'll go with a V6 because I've never had one before. Yep...all I've ever driven are 4 cyclinders, but I hear once you've driving a V6 it's hard to go back. I'd like to experience that.

I'm going to read up on the link you provided. It'll be good to know what other opinions are out there.

Thanks again

~Dee

 

[cdoyle]

I did some research on the 2002 and 2004. I like the look of the 2002, but I also like the little extra's you get with the 2004. This is what has me so undecided. I was set on getting a late year 3rd generation, but then I started reading about how the 4th years have a better ride and a few upgrades from the earlier generation.

I do think I'll go with a V6 because I've never had one before. Yep...all I've ever driven are 4 cyclinders, but I hear once you've driving a V6 it's hard to go back. I'd like to experience that.

I'm going to read up on the link you provided. It'll be good to know what other opinions are out there.

Thanks again

~Dee

I have an 04 V8, absolutely love my 4Runner. I have just under 90k on it right now. I bought it new, and it's never had to go back to the dealer for anything. I will this summer be taking it in for the timing belt and other major maintenance items. But other than that, I've never had any issues at all with it.

Is there a reason you're only looking at the 04 though? In 06 you get projector headlights, and LED tail lights, and some other nice features the earlier years didn't have. In 05 the V8 got some improvements too.

 

[galactic_04]

I have 100k on my '04 v6 and haven't had any issues with it. The big thing for me was when I was looking was 184Hp on the 3rd gen vs. the 245 with the new V6. They did a lot of improvements and the suspension just felt smoother to me. It was worth it for me.

I don't know if I could handle having 184Hp - the same I have in a 1.6L Toyota 4 cylinder!

 

[Dacia]

I have an 04 V8, absolutely love my 4Runner. I have just under 90k on it right now. I bought it new, and it's never had to go back to the dealer for anything. I will this summer be taking it in for the timing belt and other major maintenance items. But other than that, I've never had any issues at all with it.

Is there a reason you're only looking at the 04 though? In 06 you get projector headlights, and LED tail lights, and some other nice features the earlier years didn't have. In 05 the V8 got some improvements too.

I'd be choosing the 04 for cost reasons. It is more in line with what I've budgeted to spend. While projecttor headlights and LED tail lights sound great, I have absolutely no idea what are. I really just like them cause they are puuurty:lookout:.

I do like the interior design in the 2004 moreso than the 2002.

~Dee

 

[Foosmatrix]

Having owned both a 3rd and 4th gen. 4runner I will say that the level of refinement in the 4th gen is FAR above that of the 3rd gen. The 3rd gen. In my opinion still had the 80's like cheap Toyota interior just seemed plain and well, cheap. The 4th gen in my opinion does not feel like that at all. It's very comfortable and refined as the next gen of a vehicle should

 

[2005v8sport]

Having owned both a 3rd and 4th gen. 4runner I will say that the level of refinement in the 4th gen is FAR above that of the 3rd gen. The 3rd gen. In my opinion still had the 80's like cheap Toyota interior just seemed plain and well, cheap. The 4th gen in my opinion does not feel like that at all. It's very comfortable and refined as the next gen of a vehicle should

I totally Agree, I have owned all generations of Four Runners, 1985,1987,1991,1995, 2000, and my latest and 2005. Hands down this is so much better in every way. The Power, after driving all the anemic 3.0 V6's this V8 engine(event the V6 is nice) is sooo much better. The interior quality is far superior and much more spacious. The ride and handling is 10 times better. There are so many more cool bells and whistles. Toyota finally got it right.

I will have to admit the only Thing I was hesitant about was the actual look of the 2003-2009 4runner. But now that I own one it grew on my and it looks so much better than the previous 3rd gen.

My vote is 4th gen all the way. If you don't like the rear wing just look for a SR5 model as the model you referenced in your link is a limited. Both the sport and limited come with the rear wing.

 

[gptoy96]

The interior quality is far superior and much more spacious.

I spent 6.5 years with my 3rd gen (96) and currently on 2.5yrs with my 4th (04). I agree the 04 interior is much nicer, but I wouldn't say it was a quality difference. The 96 (which for the OP would be very similar to the 02) was very well built and high quality, but it was designed and built for a different era. The 04 is definately more modern and with that more modern look/feel/features. The difference is in the timing, not the quality.

And as for the spoiler, I beleive that if you buy one with it and want to take it off there may be holes in your tailgate that you'll probably want to get filled. I could be wrong, hopefully someone can verify this.

Either way they're both great trucks, my thoughts are the 02 is smaller and more truck-ish, but that in itself is very appealing to some (like me). And the 04 is smoother and more spacious (as 2005v8sport mentioned) . From a 100% on-road perspective like you stated the 04 may be a better fit.

 

[S p a r k y]

My best advice for you and I did this exact same thing, and highly encourage others. Go sit in and drive both, start with the 02 and then go to 04. You will know which you want after that. Looking on net and asking advice only go so far.

 

[DocMT]

If you don't like the rear wing just look for a SR5 model as the model you referenced in your link is a limited. Both the sport and limited come with the rear wing.

Actually, the rear spoiler was optional on all models. It also seems to vary a lot by locations. In my area, it was very rare to find a Sport without the rear spoiler, but the SR5 and Limiteds were hit or miss. Some have the spoiler, some don't.

 

[Glock_19]

No brainer, go with the 2004.

Also, based on that link I'm assuming you're in Arlington too?

 

[Dacia]

I will definitely test drive both. I did test drive a 2000 4Runner a few weeks ago and it did seem a little "truckish". Haven't had a chance to test drive a 2004 yet.

@Glock 19...I am in the DMV area. I reside in Maryland, but if you're familiar with the area you know it's just a hop, skip and jump away from Arlington.

I've been browsing the dealerships to see what's available and I'm surprised that it's taking longer than I thought to find something that meets my requirements. Granted I do have a hefty list, but my goodness. I didn't think I was being that picky, but I may need to re-evaluate some of my must haves.

Here's my list of my ideal T4R:

1.) Silver or Gray exterior
2.) Prefer leather seats, but will settle for Cloth as long as it is in good condition
3.) Relatively low mileage
4.) 4WD (snow last year kept me trapped in the house for a week!)
5.) Under $15,000
6.) V6
7.) 1-Owner (I'd prefer not to have a vehicle that has been through multiple owners) Just another preference of mine.

Long list I know, but I've learned my lesson in the past about settling for something I don't really want.

Thanks again for all the responses.

 

[S p a r k y]

I will definitely test drive both. I did test drive a 2000 4Runner a few weeks ago and it did seem a little "truckish". Haven't had a chance to test drive a 2004 yet.

@Glock 19...I am in the DMV area. I reside in Maryland, but if you're familiar with the area you know it's just a hop, skip and jump away from Arlington.

I've been browsing the dealerships to see what's available and I'm surprised that it's taking longer than I thought to find something that meets my requirements. Granted I do have a hefty list, but my goodness. I didn't think I was being that picky, but I may need to re-evaluate some of my must haves.

Here's my list of my ideal T4R:

1.) Silver or Gray exterior
2.) Prefer leather seats, but will settle for Cloth as long as it is in good condition
3.) Relatively low mileage
4.) 4WD (snow last year kept me trapped in the house for a week!)
5.) Under $15,000
6.) V6

Long list I know, but I've learned my lesson in the past about settling for something I don't really want.

Thanks again for all the responses.

That list isn't long, its what you want, and your gonna pay for what you want. How are you searching? There are several good seach engines for cars. Like I am telling the fiance now, look further out that you feel comfortble ex: do a 200 mile search, you can get great deals that way.

Autotrader.com
Vehix.com
cars.com
carmax.com They will ship a car from one dealer to another for a slight fee, so u can search the country

 

[KBToys]

I might be a good person to give my .02. I have had my 04 runner for 2 months since I traded my 02 4runner in. The thing I like about my 04 is that it is much more comfortable driving. There was an issue with the tranny on 01-02 4runners using weaker planetary plates. The 02 does seem to have more cargo room and it felt more like a truck. I think the gas milage is about the same.

 

[ATB]

Confused on why you skipped 2003 4runners! ;(