2003 or 2007

J

Jimmer12

New member
Gang,

I am narrowing in on the vehicle. I am looking at a 2007 ltd V8 69K miles $24,500, and a 2003 ltd 65K miles for $19,600. See links below...

My main question is aside from the obvious things like Nav what am I missing out on between the 4 years of production? Were there any major changes made in the 4 years that make it worth the $4 Grand?

2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited in Charlotte, NC- 7801592 at carmax.com

Cars for Sale: 2007 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 Limited in Clayton, NC 27520: Sport Utility Details - 302836654 - AutoTrader.com
 
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07 has more HP due to VVTI in the v8. 07 has projector headlights and LED tails. Fenders are different as well as fogs.

That is extremely high price for an 03 in my opinion and I'm sure others will say the same.

This all depends on what your willing to spend really..

But if it was just between these two. Definately go 2007. Or shop around for some others around the 03-04 range.
 
A major difference is that the V8 comes wtih VVT-i on the 2005+, where as the 2003 model did not have VVT-i. You also get updated projector headlights, more valuable 18" wheels, and memory seats.

It also has a bodystyle change, so it's love or hate there. Personally, the newer ones are nicer looking. They get rid of the reflectors in the rear, and sharpen it up a bit.

The VVT-i is a big one, it gives you better power over a wider curve, and improves fuel economy.

It comes down to saving money, I suppose. If you need the 4WD and the V8, by all means, go for it. I think the V6 for most people, even some towing involved, does just fine.
 
I Just went through a similar situation. I was looking and looking. Found some nice 07 and 08's but were all around 26k with 60+ thousand miles. None had the combination I wanted. Leather was a must and nav was a plus.
One day I was browsing and found an 04 limited v8 with nav with only 33,000 miles. I paid about what the asking price was for the 03 you listed. I did not feel bad about it. Would I like the projectors and vvt-i? Sure. Was it a deal breaker to not have it? No. The extra 6 plus grand I saved was more than worth it to me! If it would have been a 3 grand or less difference I probably would have gone newer but found a great truck in great condition with only 33,000 miles! Hard to pass up!

I think you will be happy wither way.

How much difference is there in the fenders between 03-05 to 06 and later? I Haven't noticed a big difference. I know the grill is different and I actually prefer the fog lights on 03-05 to the round ones on 06+. Love the newer projector headlights though!
 
Way high on the 2003. I bought mine (it did have 95K on it) for $10.5 and it's very good condition with a perfect maintenance history. It would be excellent condition if not for cat scratches in the dark blue paint. I've only had it for two months. A great vehicle.
 
I'd get the 2007 personally. I know it's listed at $24.5k but if you look at the carfax it's been for sale since July. I bet you could get them down to $23ish. On the flip side of that coin, it's been for sale since July. Might want to have a prepurchase inspection done to make sure there's not something wrong with it.
 
Id go with the 2007. You might get it for close to or above the same price as the one from carmax since they have their "no haggle price"
 
JimKW said:
Way high on the 2003. I bought mine (it did have 95K on it) for $10.5 and it's very good condition with a perfect maintenance history. It would be excellent condition if not for cat scratches in the dark blue paint. I've only had it for two months. A great vehicle.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I bought my 03 3 months ago limited optioned out with 91k for $12k

But it is at carmax and not a private sale...but still
 
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I tell you one think I really don't like about my '04, and it's very, very minor. I just can't turn off the traction control or stability control. There are times in the snow when I want to goof off a little and that pesky computer overrides my fun. If I recall, the later models have a switch to turn off these systems.

Chris
 
hullinger said:
I tell you one think I really don't like about my '04, and it's very, very minor. I just can't turn off the traction control or stability control. There are times in the snow when I want to goof off a little and that pesky computer overrides my fun. If I recall, the later models have a switch to turn off these systems.

Chris
Click to expand...

The 2008 and 2009 were the only 4th gens to have the VSC off switch from the factory.
 
I just bought a 2003 SR5 V8 2WD a week ago today for 15,748 with 57,777 miles at CarMax, man do I love it. I would go with the 03, yes more miles and all but after all you are just getting the same frame, interior design etc etc.
 
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