3rd Gen vs 4th Gen - Pros/Cons

[H20skier70]

Hey guys, I have been going back and forth on what it is that I want to do. I tried to do a search and didn't come up with anything. I have looked over tons of other Guys/Gals builds and there are so many things I like about both generations. So here we are.

First off, I sold my 01 DC Tacoma (very hard to do, I loved that truck) a couple months ago and bought my 03 T4R. I have always liked the 4Runner and I realy envied the power the V8 had to offer. Now that I own one there are some things that have begun to bug me. More so some of the "high-tech" things that my T4R has vs what the 01 Tacoma had. I still really like my new to me 4Runner, but I keep wondering if I bought the right one for me. It sounds really stupid and I'm sure that I just haven't given the runner enough of a chance. So that is why I pose this question;

What are the Pros and Cons of the 3rd Gen and the 4th Gen?

The two that I am considering is the one I currently have (03 Limited V8 4x4) and a 99-00 Limited w/ Rear Locker.

Mostly just looking to see what other people like or dont like about the two Generations. Thanks and I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say!

 

[NJshadow93]

In a nutshell, 3rd gen has better stock ground clearance and an optional locking rear diff, 4th gen has better everything else.

 

[BlazeRunner]

4th gens have dash cracking issues they're all trying to get Toyota to stop ignoring, have yet to see a 3rd gen with a cracked dash personally.
3rd gens look better IMO, more like a truck

 

[H20skier70]

In a nutshell, 3rd gen has better stock ground clearance and an optional locking rear diff, 4th gen has better everything else.

I agree. But the ground clearance and Locker are pretty nice features.

4th gens have dash cracking issues they're all trying to get Toyota to stop ignoring, have yet to see a 3rd gen with a cracked dash personally.
3rd gens look better IMO, more like a truck

Yeah, I have a cracked dash as well.

 

[NJshadow93]

Both are things that can be added such as a lift, an FJ e locker retrofit, air locker, etc. 4th gens have way more power, a stronger frame, more comfort, more room, etc. Things that can't be added relatively cheap. Looks are subjective as well, I think both look good and you'll find people of both parties that prefer the looks of either one.


Cracked dash is limited to the 03, and possibly a handful of 04. Toyota redesigned the dash after that.

 

[t4r4life]

4th gens
Pros
better engine performance and MPGs
more room

Cons
purchase price
mods cost more
no locker
wider and longer compare to 3rd gen
Heavier than 3rd gen
No manual


3rd gen
Pros
lockers for limited models
better wheel base
cheaper purchase value
Cheaper parts
comfortable interior
5 speed manual for some sr5

Cons:
low MPG
Axle seal problem
LBJ problems
Tranny cooler problem

i know i missed a few but if you want to have a rig that you don't wheel much but still capable get the 4th gen.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Lockers can be had on any 3rd gen but are more common on higher trim levels coupled with the V6.

 

[Ol'Blue]

Now I have a 3rd Gen and there are pro'c and con's to each that I can see.

The biggest one for me in a 4th Gen is the option of the V8. Having that in a 3rd gen is just a dream and allot of $$$$ to do a swap.

I love the 09 Trail Edition in the 4th Gen body(not sure if it had a V8 option with that one or not). You get an E-Locker factory on that one. Throw a lift,Sliders, and bumpers and you are set. Just my .02 on the matter.

Blue

 

[H20skier70]

Both are things that can be added such as a lift, an FJ e locker retrofit, air locker, etc. 4th gens have way more power, a stronger frame, more comfort, more room, etc. Things that can't be added relatively cheap. Looks are subjective as well, I think both look good and you'll find people of both parties that prefer the looks of either one.


Cracked dash is limited to the 03, and possibly a handful of 04. Toyota redesigned the dash after that.

You have me intrigued wit this FJ locker swap. Going to have to search on that one. Do you think that the dash on the 05 - 09 would fit an 03 cracked dash? cuz I can get OEM parts relatively cheap through my father-in-law.

4th gens
Pros
better engine performance and MPGs
more room

Cons
purchase price
mods cost more
no locker
wider and longer compare to 3rd gen
Heavier than 3rd gen
No manual


3rd gen
Pros
lockers for limited models
better wheel base
cheaper purchase value
Cheaper parts
comfortable interior
5 speed manual for some sr5

Cons:
low MPG
Axle seal problem
LBJ problems
Tranny cooler problem

i know i missed a few but if you want to have a rig that you don't wheel much but still capable get the 4th gen.

And RUST! That was the main reason I got rid of my 01 Tacoma.

 

[NJshadow93]

You have me intrigued wit this FJ locker swap. Going to have to search on that one. Do you think that the dash on the 05 - 09 would fit an 03 cracked dash? cuz I can get OEM parts relatively cheap through my father-in-law. .

It absolutely should. Not many people typically bother replacing if they're paying for it because it's just cosmetic and it tends to be pretty pricey when you factor in the dash, airbag, etc.

 

[H20skier70]

It absolutely should. Not many people typically bother replacing if they're paying for it because it's just cosmetic and it tends to be pretty pricey when you factor in the dash, airbag, etc.

More than likely wont, but it is one of those things that I look at everday. Depending on the cost it could be worth it.

 

[SR5Runner97]

4th gen looks like a minivan.

 

[vipergrhd]

Hhhhmmmm

What i don't like is the front facia the fake looking fender flares and the lack of lockers.

I love the V8 option,towing capacity (V8) and optional 3rd row seat.

 

[TNRunner99]

I just hate the rear end of the 4th gen and that awkward rear bumper. The V8 is nice, but the 3.4 is a solid motor and hard to beat plus the styling of the 3rd gen is way better.

 

[black4vcobra]

4th gen looks like a minivan.

Umm, no.

 

[Hepar]

Just a few for me:

Pros 4th gen:
-More interior room
-Better engine options
-Easier to find ones in good shape
-When built they look like beasts

Cons:
-Not a fan of the stock styling
-As previously stated, stock ground clearance isn't the best
-Increased size can be more cumbersome

3rd gen pros:
-I think they are the 2nd best body style behind the 1st gens
-Perfect size for trails and daily driving
-Super capable stock
-Plenty of mods for both the interior and exterior

3rd gen cons:
-None!

Just kidding
-They are getting old. Even the newest version is now over 10 years old.
-Rust most definitely can be an issue depending where they are from
-Engines could use more power. Especially if you add weight.
-Harder to find good clean examples of them for sale
-Fetch a premium price in certain areas

 

[SubAlpine]

It is all about foot print. The 03+ are nice, spacious, powerful. They are also big. No Ford Expedition(what I trade in), but they are not small. I went from my Ford, to get into tight spaces(giggity) that larger vehicles just can not.
Now, the 3rd gen is no Wrangler, but for what I needed(wanted) a Wrangler is just to small.
Life is a compromise.

 

[macoyle]

4th gen looks like a minivan.

I don't think this looks like a minivan:

 

[SR5Runner97]

I don't think this looks like a minivan:

it's almost like they're twins.

 

[macoyle]

it's almost like they're twins.

hahaha nice!