3rd Gen Vs 4th gen

[RIrunner]

Not sure which forum to put this in but here gies anyway.

I have a 99 SR5 Auto Runner with 76k miles on it and I am thinking about moving up to a 4th gen. Probably a V6.

How does say my truck Vs an 05,06 stack up reliablity wise? Whats better whats worse? Power is better but the 4th gen is heavier, so does it actually feel more powerfull or does the extra weight cancel that out?

How do the brakes compare?

Any extra maintenance items to look for? I believe the 05, 06 are chain driven, not belt driven?

What about the earlier 4th gens? 03 Ect? Anything to worry about there?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

The response I got when I was in search of my rig was that the v6 in the 4th gen is really too new to know for certain about the reliability. Based on the specs and knowing several people who've pushed them over 100k miles, I'd say they will be just as reliable as the other Toyota engines. As far as the 3rd gen vs. the 4th, the 4th gen is leaps and bounds better on road. I started to get the 3rd gen (had previously owned one and was happy with it), but after owning the 4th gen for about a month I couldn't be happier (although I've got the v8).

 

[Will_4R]

I'll agree that the 4th gen is noticeably better on road, particularly at highway speeds. I have not spent a high amount of time in 3rd gens, but I a have borrowed a few and driven them in various conditions. Although this could be a function of the particular 3rd gens I have driven, (tires, aligment, condition etc.), the 4th gen feels much more stable, smooth and controlable at high speeds. The breaks are stronger too (I have the Sport 4th gen, which I beleve has stronger breaks than the SR5). The power in the 4th (I have the V6, '03) is noticeably better, particularly at highway speeds. I found the 3rd gen had a hard time accelerating to pass on the highway, whereas the 4th gen has no issues at all, even under a full load and going uphill. The ATRAC on the 4th gen gives it an advantage over the '99 offroad. The 4th gen has more safety features, and bunch of nice touches to the interior as well. The 4th gen '05 (V6) and up has a 5 speed auto which is suppose to be pretty good too. The '99 has more ground clearance - this may or may not be an advantage to you. I can't comment of reliability between the two generations.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I found the 3rd gen had a hard time accelerating to pass on the highway, whereas the 4th gen has no issues at all, even under a full load and going uphill.

That is THE reason I began looking at the 4th gens, and also THE reason I sold my 97 4runner (in addition to it being 2wd). The power just wasn't there, and I found my self having it constantly floored. From what I've read, the v6 gives the v8 a pretty good run. It has 5 more hp and a flatter torque curve, so unless you do a lot of pulling, the v6 is more than enough. I've been very impressed with my 03 v8 so far.

 

[peter78]

I have both and use them everyday. Yes, the ride is better in the 4th. The bumpy ride is part of the 3rd generations charm. To me the 3rd generation feel peppier, but if you really step on the gas the 4th gen 4.0 V6 will catch up and surpass it, but in day to day driving the 3rd gen. feels more peppy. The brakes in the 4th wins hands down. On my 3rd they shudder somethings and stop OK, but the 4 wheel discs have a big advantage, except of course the cost for fixing them.

For maintenance, I give the 4th gen the nod. All V6 4th gen. have the chain and not to be too blunt, but chainging the oil in the 3rd is the worse car I have ever owned. Still my overall cost has been low on the 3rd. The oil filter on the 4th is great, sitting right on top for anyone to get to. See pictures of the two engines, below.

The verdict on the 4.0 for longevity is still out. The 3.4 still gets my nod for long life.

One other thing you didn't mention, the mileage is about the same. I have a 4 speed in my 4th and the 5 speed on the 2005 or 2006 will get you better mileage. I check mileage and right now it is about .4 MPG better in the 3rd, but recently I have gotten pretty good mileage in the 4th gen. So, I would have to say they are about equal as far as MPG.

 

[Uneek]

The 4th gen is bigger in almost all dimensions over a 3rd, so it's not as easy to squeak by in tight trails off-road. The 3rd's approach and departure angles are better as well.

For apples to apples comparison:
The 4.0 V6 is rated at 240hp/283ft-lb torque.
The 3.4 V6 is rated at 183hp/217ft-lb torque.

The 4.0 gives almost a 33% bump in power. 2005+ V6 got a 5-speed transmission.

The reason I say apples to apples is in 2006 Toyota adopted the new SAE testing procedures, so the HP/TQ ratings are revised and lower as a result. The engine makes the same amount of power, but just how it's tested and acheived is done differently. It would be hard to make a say a 5th gen vs. 3rd gen power comparison due to the change.

 

[RIrunner]

Yea the oil changes are real fun on the 3rd gen. Dropping the skid plates ect.

What I notice with my 3rd gen is this. I drive it every day and it feels like a VERY solid truck. Just taking my kid to school I take a little highway going roughly 50mph and the truck is smooth as can be.

Then I take the truck on vacation where the speed limits are say 65mph and I hit 70-75 mph and it just feels fast in that truck. Like its not very sure footed. It doesn't bounce or sway like anythings wrong but more like its just not made for speeds like that?

Is it just me?

I have taken the truck offroad a couple times in my 16 or so months of owner ship so thats not a huge issue for me. I just want something that inspires more confidence on the highway and occasional can be driven on a trail.

Now I also here the V8 with its fulltime 4wd gets similar mileage? But that has a belt right? 90k mile service?

I would also like to say that I have owned many cars and have been on many forums, and the 4runner crowd wins hands down.