2004 Sport Edition vs 2007 SR5

[luckyluke]

Hi All,
I've got a naive question. I'd like to buy my first 4Runner, imported from the US and got two cars to choose from about the same price:
-V6 Sport Edition 2004, 162k miles, 4WD, X-REAS Suspension, sunroof, 17-inch wheels, A340F 4-speed automatic transmission
-V6 SR5 2007, 106k miles, 4WD, very basic specification, 16-inch wheels, A750F 5-speed automatic transmission

Are there other significant differences that I haven't noticed, like e.g. more comfortable seats in Sport Edition (both are material) or safety features like STAR SAFETY SYSTEM in 2007 ?
I'd like to have X-REAS and sunroof but is it worth knowing that 2007 is newer and have better transmission?

Thanks a lot.

 

[salong53]

I would go with the 2007 if I were buying it. Wheels and suspension can be upgraded later on. You can't subtract mileage and age, though. Not to mention that 5 spd trans is much better than the 4 spd.

 

[xxaarraa]

Is this even a serious question? 5 speed tranny, projector lights alone make the 2007 a no brainer. Don't hesitate OP, go with the 07.

 

[drewm]

Hi All,
I've got a naive question. I'd like to buy my first 4Runner, imported from the US and got two cars to choose from about the same price:
-V6 Sport Edition 2004, 162k miles, 4WD, X-REAS Suspension, sunroof, 17-inch wheels, A340F 4-speed automatic transmission
-V6 SR5 2007, 106k miles, 4WD, very basic specification, 16-inch wheels, A750F 5-speed automatic transmission

Are there other significant differences that I haven't noticed, like e.g. more comfortable seats in Sport Edition (both are material) or safety features like STAR SAFETY SYSTEM in 2007 ?
I'd like to have X-REAS and sunroof but is it worth knowing that 2007 is newer and have better transmission?

Thanks a lot.

Both seats are the same. But you probably want the later V6 as the earlier V6s have been known to blow head gaskets.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

No known problems on the 4 spd trans, other than it being 4 gears. While older V6's have been known to blow the HG only near the #6 cylinder, I wouldn't be too worried as long as it has good maintenance records. If it were me I'd be looking for a newer V6 (V8 is a very solidly built engine) for the fuel mileage alone. Gas right now in Atlanta is $3.69 and it's killing me (I have a 2003 SR5 V8) but the newer bumpers and headlights/taillights do look nicer. Less mileage is always good but if the 07 was driven hard and the 04 was babied on the road the 04 would be a better buy. You just never know :bluejump: