3rd gen, zero rust or 5th gen rust proofing?

[Pilgrimtrucker]

I have a choice;
Both are 200k mile 4Runners, selling for the same price (+/- $1000).
#1) 2000 SR-5 from the desert area southern states. Zero rust. I did all the maintenance items on my current 3rd gen 4Runner at 100k miles (ball joints, valve cover gaskets, etc.) I have no idea if this has been done to this one.
#2) 2010 SR-5 local salt belt driven. Paperwork shows "corrosion protection" at the time of purchase. Photos of the frame look good. I am not familiar with the 5th gen 4Runners, but I believe this generation does not have the ball joint issue the 3rd gen had (my biggest concern).
Which one should I buy? I'm leaning towards the 5th generation, but know very little about its reliability. The 3rd generation (which I am most familiar) is so absolutely clean, it's hard not to consider.
I appreciate any advice.
Thanks

 

[whyzee125]

Both are exceptionally reliable--the 5th gen is probably even more reliable than the 3rd. I have a few friends with 5th gens who are now over 200k and not a single issue on any of them except for a few quirks with the power steps. No doubt, a 5th gen is more car for the money. But you can't beat a 3rd gen and especially given that one is a rust belt car and one isn't, I'd lean 3rd gen, if you're okay paying the same for a much older car.

If you go 3rd gen: Fluid film it like crazy from day 1, make sure your sunroof drains are clear, and replace your LBJs (as you know) and you should be relatively problem free for a long time.

 

[T4R2014]

To daily drive around Minneapolis, I'd go 5th gen. I don't recommend spoiling this 3rd gen by daily driving through northern salt baths. The newer vehicle will simply be easier to drive daily.

 

[Pilgrimtrucker]

Thanks for your replies.
I'm going with the 2010 as long as I can negotiate a reasonable price. I'm in no hurry and happy to walk away if necessary.
Hope to share my replacement soon.

 

[Brian513]

newer platform, more modern safety/comfort, less likely to have the old 3rd-gen ball-joint/wear quirks you worry about, and a desert-owned 2000 with unknown maintenance is riskier despite being rust-free.

Quick must-checks before buying the 2010: frame and rocker rust (salt-belt risk), service records (timing belt/ water pump if applicable), suspension bushings, and a compression/leakdown test. If those check out, the 2010 is the smarter long-term buy.

 

[Lorirle]

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[Pilgrimtrucker]

Purchase made...very happy!

Thanks for all the replies. The 2010 turned out to be an excellent buy. A little haggling brought the final price down to $10k. What makes this an excellent buy?
-Original buyer had the frame and undercarriage undercoated. This was done again in 2023. Inspection of the frame and undercarriage by me and then a third party confirmed the frame to be in excellent condition.
-The following maintenance was done by the person I purchased the 4Runner from in February 2025;
- New stainless steel MagnaFlow Exhaust System from the cats out the back.
- All fluids and (if applicable) filters changed; Transfer case, transmission, brake system, power steering system, front and rear differentials, radiator, fuel induction cleaning.
Invoice showed he spent just shy of $4k for all of this.
The interior and exterior is in excellent shape for all the miles and age. The difference between the 3rd gen and this 5th gen is impressive.
I'm happy to move up a decade for all the creature comforts and size.

Happy wheeling!