3rd gen vs 4th gen

[RoyB]

has anyone traded their 3rd for a 4th? the 4.0 power numbers are amazing compared to the 3.4. adds 200 lbs, but the power should make up for it.

what i dont like is the added size. i liked the 3rd gen because of the size. they added quite a bit to the width and overall. im looking at the 4.0 now because of the power.

any insight? regret your upgrade? the 3.4s are nice because they are in my price range. i dont really wanna splurge for the 4.0 unless they are REALLY worth it. i havent driven one yet to compare, just the 3.4

 

[Thai]

Drive one and you will see the BIG difference. The ride is much better. If you are into off-roading (a lot), then you can make some arguments (a bit weak) about 3rd gen's superiority. However, on-road, there is no comparison...4th gen rides like a luxury SUV.

 

[RoyB]

its also double the price

ill have to try one out to compare.

im looking to replace my DD which crapped out. i like the utility of the 4 runner, but i hate having a big suv. i already had a tahoe for a couple years and its nice but sometimes just too big.

 

[animator]

I'm kinda torn. At first, I hated the 4th gen body style. Then it kinda grew on me. Then I took one for a test drive. I absolutely loved driving one. I loved the interior, but still didn't care for the exterior as much. It wasn't bad, it's just I liked the 3rd gen body style much better.

But when it came down to it, a 3rd gen was what I wanted. I had wanted a 3rd gen sport edition from the first year they were introduced, and that was what I was going to get.

I just preferred the overall body style of the 3rd gen. In a perfect world, I'd have the interior of a 4th gen on the body of a 3rd gen. But that's just my wishful thinking.

 

[Thai]

I do like the '06 and '07 4runner exterior.

 

[TheBlueWave]

Drive one and you will see the BIG difference. The ride is much better. If you are into off-roading (a lot), then you can make some arguments (a bit weak) about 3rd gen's superiority. However, on-road, there is no comparison...4th gen rides like a luxury SUV.

I agree with Thai on this one. The only argument that favors the third gen is possibly more aftermarket performance parts/off road parts available. But more and more good stuff for 4th gens is available every day.
Either way, you'll get a tough, reliable vehicle.

 

[Falls]

I love the 3rd gen. but why would you say the 4th gen. is weak off road. What would be the weak point besides a little less clearance , which is easily fixed for a few hundred bucks.

 

[Thai]

I love the 3rd gen. but why would you say the 4th gen. is weak off road. What would be the weak point besides a little less clearance , which is easily fixed for a few hundred bucks.

Are you asking me??

 

[RoyB]

I'm kinda torn. At first, I hated the 4th gen body style. Then it kinda grew on me. Then I took one for a test drive. I absolutely loved driving one. I loved the interior, but still didn't care for the exterior as much. It wasn't bad, it's just I liked the 3rd gen body style much better.

But when it came down to it, a 3rd gen was what I wanted. I had wanted a 3rd gen sport edition from the first year they were introduced, and that was what I was going to get.

I just preferred the overall body style of the 3rd gen. In a perfect world, I'd have the interior of a 4th gen on the body of a 3rd gen. But that's just my wishful thinking.

yea im with you man. i like the body of the 3rds a lot better. styling and like i said before, size. im trying to keep my budget in check- under 15K for a third car lol. 3rd gens can be had close to 10K which is nice. maybe i will just get a third gen and wait a year or 2 and see if the 4ths improve or come down in price. i just hate the fact that EVERY suv is getting bigger. compare any current one with a 90s model year and its like wtf, they are all on steroids. maybe they did it to open up the compact suv market a little more <shrug>

 

[Uneek]

I do like the '06 and '07 4runner exterior.

Me too.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I like the 4th gens for everyday ride and power which the 3rd gen cannot compete but stock for stock for stock off road with all the available equipment the 3rd gen will go further. Ride height and locker make a big diff and the 3rds are cheaper and easier to mod but on road 4th gens are much better and comfortable.

Throw some money into a 4th gen and they are very capable off road too but will we be able to say that about the 5th gens? 4runners are getting further away from their off road roots.

 

[GatorGreg]

They are both great, and your price range of 15K is right in the tweener range between primo specimens of the 3rd gen and some of the older 4th gens. Tough choice. If it's just for a 3rd vehicle though I think I'd lean towards getting a 3rd gen and save a few bucks - especially if your happy with the size. For that much money I'd expect nothing less then a low mileage Limited or Sport Edition 4x4 in excellent condition. I've driven several 4th gens and while there is a definite improvement it's not as pronounced IMO as the difference between a 3rd gen and a 2nd gen.

 

[Northof49]

Tough call. The biggest draw to the 4rth gens for me are the new motors and better suspension/on-road handling. The 3.4 is an awesome motor, but a bit of a slug by 2007 standards. The newer 4.0L or 4.7 V8 with the 5spd autos will give seemingly double the power, while using less fuel to boot.

Outside of that it's really a wash for me. 3rd gen's smaller size is nice off road, the interior is just as comfy, although narrower and a little less modern. I actually preffered the leather seats in my 3rd gen to those in the 4rth...more lateral support bolstering. Optional rear locker was nice, higher stock clearance, optional 5spd stick was nice, no gay traction A-TRAC, VSC systems on 2000 and prior 4R's was nice,....I live happily without that stuff to be honest. Looks wise, both look awesome IMO; the 3rd gens have a little more character if anything.

Tough call, but the newer motors and driveline are hard to pass up once you've driven one.

 

[Falls]

I always wanted a 3rd gen. just like them.

I too could do with out the VSC , except the Atrac I love , but would gladly sacrifice for a rear locker.

My 4th gen is by no means a hard core off roader , but it has taken me through things and places I've never been able to go with any of my 4wd trucks. I've been very impressed with it both on and off road.

As far as Atrac , I hate the bells , buzzers ect... but it does work very well. It has its pro's and cons. Atleast it gets me traction to all 4 wheels when i need it to. better than nothing I guess.

 

[RoyB]

well i may just stick with a third gen then.

local dealer has 2 im interested in.

'99 SR5 with 80K for 10,900

'01 limited with 80K for 15K

i called and asked about the prices, he didnt want to deal over the phone. he said they wont take thousands off but will deal. guess i will see what they mean by that.

 

[p nut]

I also love the exterior of the 3rd gen more (esp. with the hood scoop), but like the 4.0 better than the 3.4....BUT not enough to trade in my 3rd gen. I still have not gotten used to the 4th gen body style. I'm hoping I will like the 5th Gen when they come out, but I'm holding on to my rig until then.

I would love to have that 4.0 V6 in my 3rd gen, though. But, if all you're looking for is power, I got two words--TRD Supercharger.

 

[RoyB]

I would love to have that 4.0 V6 in my 3rd gen, though. But, if all you're looking for is power, I got two words--TRD Supercharger. [/B]

i may have to look into that

 

[RoyB]

well picked up the '01 limited. 80K miles. asking 16,000- paid $14,500 & they are putting brand new tires on. 1 owner and looks well maintained. silver with tan interior.

not sure if its a good price or not because they seem to be all over the place. oh well. no turning back now lol.

it was a tough choice between the 99 and 01. i hate the electronic features of the new ones, but like the throttle feel better. plus heather leather seats+winter makes me happy

 

[p nut]

well picked up the '01 limited. 80K miles. asking 16,000- paid $14,500 & they are putting brand new tires on. 1 owner and looks well maintained. silver with tan interior.

not sure if its a good price or not because they seem to be all over the place. oh well. no turning back now lol.

it was a tough choice between the 99 and 01. i hate the electronic features of the new ones, but like the throttle feel better. plus heather leather seats+winter makes me happy

Nice. Since you've got VSC and TRAC, you will want to do the Andy Mod. That's one of the first mods that I did when I got my 02 Sport.

 

[RoyB]

Nice. Since you've got VSC and TRAC, you will want to do the Andy Mod. That's one of the first mods that I did when I got my 02 Sport.

i hope that is a way to disable it i bought it in hopes that there was lol.

me: does this mean i cant do donuts in the snow and goof around
dealer: basically
me: well that sucks.