3rd gen VS 4th gen, which should I by and why?

[nate1438]

So I need the help of all the gen3 and 4 guys on this one. My wife and I are looking to by a good used 4runner but I really need to be pusuaded as to why or if the 4th gen is better than the 3rd. My brother had a 1995 4runner and had head gasket issues with the 6 cly in it so It really turned me off to them for a while. Do the 2000 4 runners have the same enginee with the same issue? Really leaning tward the 4 gen since my test drive of a 3rd gen today. Seem really small inside and not alot of power at all. I have done some research on the 4th gen and they have a lot of changes done to the all the way arround. I just would like some real world experience and advice from people that have had both gens and can compare them accuralty for me. If cost wasn't an issue the 4th gen hands down but cost does have a little to play in the decision.

thanks in advance!!:bouncy::bouncy:

 

[toyota4life1]

3 or 4?

Nate, I have owned a 3rd gen 4runner and a 4th gen, and they both have their pros and cons. I had a 2000 sr5 4runner bought it brand new and owned it till a recent wreck which totaled the vehicle. (4-25-09) It was a terrific vehicle and I never had a problem with it and it had 94k on it. Besides the usual routine maintenance and such, the only bad thing about it was it was a rougher ride than the newer ones. Plus the power isn’t there compared to the v6 of the 4th even though, I now own a 2003 sr5 with a v8 engine, and let me tell you so far this vehicle is so much better than the 3rd gen. It has a much smoother ride, and it has more of a sporty look. It has more features, but the bad thing at least in mine is the cargo space is smaller in the 4th gen than the 3rd. If I were you I would by a 4th gen, because most of them will have lower miles than a 3rd gen. Also the 4th gen will hold their value longer. If you wait around there are some deals to be had. The newer features that have been added to the 4th def out weigh the older ones even with the cargo is small theirs always the back seat. But don’t be afraid of either of them they are both great vehicles and its all what you can afford and like.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Both are great rigs no doubt, but I also say the 4th gen. I had a 97 2wd for about a year, and I really liked it. I ended up getting rid of it because of the 2wd. I got into Mustangs for a while, but I'm finally back to 4runners. I went through the same debate a few weeks back. I really like the look of the 3rd gen, and they really fit my price range better. However, I did have my eye on the 4th gens. After one test drive I knew the 4th gen was for me. I do very little (if any) off roading, so the smoother ride and power of the 4th gen is amazing. I still can't believe the difference in ride quality and handling. It's a completely different vehicle no doubt. I ended up buying a 2003 T4R 4x4 Limited with the v8. The power is there, unlike the 97 which to me felt like the Flintstones rig. I'm absolutely loving my 4th gen, and right now can't believe I almost settled for the 3rd. The only reason the third was in consideration was price. I ended up finding my 03 which is fully loaded with every option available, 123k miles, and good condition for $11500. Deals are out there, you just gotta be patient. The above post made some very good points, so I really don't have much else to ad. Unless you are gonna be doing some pretty heavy off roading, I say 4th gen all the way!

 

[nate1438]

Thanks for the feedback guys, I really appreciate it!! I'm really leaning tward teh 4th gen after hearing your info. I have not diven a 4th gen but will do so for sure when we are ready to buy.

One more question, real world gas millege from the v6 and the v8 would great as well. I like the idea of the v8 better but just wanted to see the numbers, thanks.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

This thread was located in the 4th gen section, but just got moved a day or two ago. Most of the responses are from 4th gen owners I believe, so it'll give you a good idea of what to expect on the v6 4runner.
http://toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=53459&highlight=v6+mpg
I've ran 2 tanks of gas through my 4runner. The first was all interstate pretty much and I got 17.8. The second was mixed half and half highway and city driving and I got 15.7. I'll admit, I've driven with a lead foot most of the time, so it wouldn't be hard to get better. Both of those numbers were hand calculated. The readout shows about 3 mpg more than that.

 

[progress4m]

..

One more question, real world gas millege from the v6 and the v8 would great as well. I like the idea of the v8 better but just wanted to see the numbers, thanks.

My average is around 19 (60 % hwy and 40% city). On my resent long trip to Yellowstone I got 21.6. Driving between 75 and 85 miles per hour.

In addition, if you go with V8 starting 2005 they got extra 35 horsepower (went from 235 to 270) because of VVT-I. So that is something to consider.

 

[toyota4life1]

Thanks for the feedback guys, I really appreciate it!! I'm really leaning tward teh 4th gen after hearing your info. I have not diven a 4th gen but will do so for sure when we are ready to buy.

One more question, real world gas millege from the v6 and the v8 would great as well. I like the idea of the v8 better but just wanted to see the numbers, thanks.

I actually get better gas millege in my v8 than the v6 I had in my old 4runner. Idk if my theory is right, but I think the v8 gets better millege cause the engine doesnt have to work so hard to get up and go.

 

[Spencer]

Neither ones just better...

THe 4th gen are more updated but are also more expensive.. As far as a road only vehicle 4th Gen if EXTREME offroad is a factor 3rd gen, youll have a less expensive vehicle to scratch mod and there a good bit smaller which is a good thing...

But any 4runner will have great reliabilty don't let one persons problem ruin the whole run. If anything 3rd gen engine is more reliable. Its already proven and has less things to go wrong vvti

 

[midnight runner]

I you guys want to compare fuel mileage, and you track it, you might as well post it up for comparisons.

http://www.fuelly.com/car/toyota/4runner

 

[Houston]

The 4th gen is more civilized. I feel that if I had a family I would prefer the 4th gen, and if I wasn't into off road exploring I would also prefer the more performance and creature comforts of the 4th gen.

The 4th gen will do fine in most applications but as posted above, extreme conditions the 3rd gen is more capable in stock form. The 4th gen looks big a bulky, perfect for a family in a country with car accidents ranking high for fatalities every year.

 

[NickB4gen]

My 4th gen is my family car and we routinely go off roading. The 4th gen is the way to go. My 2004 ltd has 201k and still going strong. The last repair was the gas cap though haha. I was pretty upset when my traction lights and check engine light came on.

 

[Fern]

Before I bought my 4th gen I was set on a 3rd gen. Once I sat in the 4th gen I was sold. Newer interior, wider interior space felt less cramped, and the V8 is a monster.

 

[catfishbirddog]

I owned both. Loved my third gen bc it had so many miles on, knew it inside and out. Wasn't afraid to beat it up. When I got '05 I wasn't crazy about the looks and it was fully loaded so didn't want to mod it, just seemed so much more computerized and plastic-ey. Kills me to say it but the 4th gen v8 has been more reliable, obviously more powerful, just as capable off road with a few mods and way more luxurious.

I'd go 4th. Again I loved my '97 but it's apples and oranges.

Edit: I live a mile from office, some weeks barely get it warmed up and can go as low as 14 mpg, low speed, stop signs, neighborhood driving. Can get 20+on highway trips though. Odo/fillup pen and paper numbers, though my mileage computer is usually pretty accurate.