3rd or 4th gen???

ARK_SWAMP_RIDER

ARK_SWAMP_RIDER

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I'm in search of a 4runner for my daily driver. I really won't be wheeling that much, I might see a dirt road and some light mud (few inches) a couple times a year. I had a 97 2wd 4runner and really liked it. There were a few small things I didn't like, but almost all have been changed starting in 99. The one complaint I have was that it seemed underpowered. I traded it for a Ford Mustang Cobra, and now it's time to get back into something larger. I'm on a max budget of $12k. I am considering a 03-04 with the v8 to give me the wanted power. However, this will completely max me out. I'm looking at one currently that's a 03 v8 with 104k miles. The dealer is asking $13k, so I think I can negotiate down. However, I really like the body of the 3rd gen better. I was thinking I can spend $10k on a nice 3rd gen with approx. 100k miles, and then have some money to do a few mods. As far as mods, I think a set of 4.56 gears would be at the top of the list. I think I'd be most happy with the 3rd gen, but I really want something with more power. I understand its an SUV and not a sports car, but there have been a lot of times a little more power would have been nice. Whatever I get, I'm planning on keeping for at least 5-6 years. Which would you guys buy, and which motor (3.4 v6 or the v8 in the 4th gen) is most reliable? Thanks for any input!
 
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Testdrive a 4th gen 4runner and you will see that it is light years ahead of the 3rd gen on-road.
 
As a DD I would recommend the v8 4th gen. Its ok if it maxes you out, you can do without mods.
I own a 98 limited 4wd and an 08 sr5 4wd v8, and I can tell you the 3rd gen feels a lot more rugged than the 4th gen, but the 4th gen is smoother, faster, handles better and is an overall better ride.
For a DD I guess that is what you are looking for.
 
half a year ago I had a same dilema. I wanted 3rd gen and was searching for one in very nice condition. Untill I test drove 04 Limited V8 once...
 
Well, I went and drove a 03 4x4 today. I must say I am very impressed. I always thought the newer ones were larger than the 3rd gens, but I didn't notice it when driving. It seems that it fit me perfectly. I'd much rather have a better/more powerful vehicle in stock form (4th gen), but due to budget constraints a 3rd gen with mods seems better. However, the ride/handling was amazing as compared to my old 97. It just so happened when I got in it for a test drive the low gas light was already on, so I didn't go to far, but far enough that I'm working on getting it as we speak (selling my Mustang, just waiting on the buyer to send money). I'm still gonna consider the 3rd gen, I like the rugged look, but for my daily driving the rugged feel isn't something I'm dying to have. Despite other preferences, which vehicle will be more solid/reliable? Thanks everyone.
 
How you doing old HL buddy?!?! :bouncy: I would recommend a 4th gen for everyday driving, no off-roading, etc. My dad has one and it towers over mine in ride comfort and power. If I didn't off-road frequently I would take his any day, I would probably take his anyways, lol
 
Jordan Petry said:
How you doing old HL buddy?!?! :bouncy: I would recommend a 4th gen for everyday driving, no off-roading, etc. My dad has one and it towers over mine in ride comfort and power. If I didn't off-road frequently I would take his any day, I would probably take his anyways, lol
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aweee come on, you forget I drive mine like I stole it, lmao Im even more daring now that I got some armour under her, and the sliders on :dancin:

Im feeling good saying this, my 04 will do as good as my 99, and Im not even close to being done with it, lol
 
I'm more talking stock for stock. The 4th gens don't have the ground clearance, tire clearance, and other off-roading amenities stock as the 3rd gens do. I'm just saying if it were me I would buy a 4th gen for everyday driving and if I off-roaded regularly I would buy a 3rd gen. Your right though, you do drive your 4th gen pretty hard, I remember seeing your running boards flex as you were teetering on a rock, lol

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b0ZELNgzKu9vsImtDUea2A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_-C1I3lU3Q1c/Scg0N0QWfQI/AAAAAAAAAE8/J_QYT7G8Jzs/s800/IMG_0118.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jordanpetry/4RunnerOffRoadColorado?feat=embedwebsite">4Runner Off-Road Colorado</a></td></tr></table>
 
Haha, how's it going Jordan (long time no talk)? It seems like I'm pretty set on the 4th gen now, just gotta get my car sold first (which hopefully will be happening in the next week). What off roading I do will just be some light mud and dirt roads, nothing major so it should do fine once I add a decent set of AT tires.
 
Bump this back up. Here's my delimma. I'm on about a $10k budet. I really want a 4x4. I have a ton more options with the 3rd gen, and I can get a lot of nice things like the leather interior. However, after test driving a 03 v8 4x4, I agree they are much smoother. I'm looking at a 03 v6 4x4 locally, dealer is asking $11k. I think I'm gonna try it out. I do like the 3rd gen because I will be using it some for hunting and fishing, but not very much (or enough to make the decision). Would you guys say the 4.0 v6 is as solid as the 3.4 (both will have 100-130k miles is my goal)? Thanks!
 
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER said:
Bump this back up. Here's my delimma. I'm on about a $10k budet. I really want a 4x4. I have a ton more options with the 3rd gen, and I can get a lot of nice things like the leather interior. However, after test driving a 03 v8 4x4, I agree they are much smoother. I'm looking at a 03 v6 4x4 locally, dealer is asking $11k. I think I'm gonna try it out. I do like the 3rd gen because I will be using it some for hunting and fishing, but not very much (or enough to make the decision). Would you guys say the 4.0 v6 is as solid as the 3.4 (both will have 100-130k miles is my goal)? Thanks!
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3rd Gens are for men... 4th gens are for Soccer moms!! :zoom:

Get the 3rd Gen!! who cares about a soft ride?!?!?

gonna need to make a quick exit after that statement ;):
 
Duhockey said:
3rd Gens are for men... 4th gens are for Soccer moms!! :zoom:

Get the 3rd Gen!! who cares about a soft ride?!?!?

gonna need to make a quick exit after that statement ;):
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And this ladies and gentlemen is why SUVs are becoming more and more like minivans.

3rd gen 4runners have a timeless look.
 
If you like the 3rd gen but want power. Buy a 3rd gen then get a s/c and fuel upgrades. Best of both worlds!
 
Like Ive said, Ive had both a well built 3rd gen. and a stock 4th gen. for a rig thats both a daily driver AND a wheeler, Id pick the 4th gen. With the ATRAC and the CDL, it will go just about anywhere, my 99 did (and Im running STREET tires)
Heres a video from this weekend, remember, Im still running "minivan" tires :hello:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znC9khDbbKc :roadkill:
 
ric said:
Like Ive said, Ive had both a well built 3rd gen. and a stock 4th gen. for a rig thats both a daily driver AND a wheeler, Id pick the 4th gen. With the ATRAC and the CDL, it will go just about anywhere, my 99 did (and Im running STREET tires)
Heres a video from this weekend, remember, Im still running "minivan" tires :hello:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znC9khDbbKc :roadkill:
Click to expand...

Wow, thats good driving man! watching the 2nd part now!
 
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