4R 3rd gen vs. 4 gen vs. Explorer

[David in NC]

That should get our attention.

I'm lurking over here from the Explorer forum and would like to know how 4Rs compare to Explorers. I have owned 2 Xs and am considering a replacement for the one I wrecked.

My overall impression is that the 4R is a more reliable more solidly built truck that is more expensive to buy but cheaper to maintain.

So if I was to step up to a 4, what should I look for? I've done a little searching, but don't know the buzz words to search. Please give me some help.

What are the problems to look out for? What are the models to avoid? What is the best engine/trans set up? What are the features to seek?

I am looking for a comfortable daily driver that is also good on the highway. I need to carry clients in it. I don't tow anything or need or want 4wd/AWD. I would like decent gas mileage, but don't want to drive a slug. I think I like the look of the older Runners, but that's not the main thing, is it?

TIA, David

 

[brian2sun]

Honestly if you don't want or need 4wd, I wouldn't buy a 4runner or an Exploder for a DD. There are a lot of sweet cars out there that get waaaay better mpgs and are just as comfy. I got a 4runner to haul my friends, my band's shit and other junk, and to be able to get around in the snow. Little by little it has become a pretty mean off road machine. To each their own though.

Reliability is off the charts compared to Ford (at least up until this and last year) and the resale values reflect that. I'm partial to 3rd gens over 4th gens strictly because of the looks, but the 4th gens are more powerful, a little bigger, they have nicer interior, and they're easier to find in great condition since you'll be hauling your clients around. I would avoid 2nd gen 4runners as they are grossly underpowered even with 6 cyl (aka the 3.slow).

 

[Spencer]

I am looking for a comfortable daily driver that is also good on the highway. I need to carry clients in it. I don't tow anything or need or want 4wd/AWD. I would like decent gas mileage, but don't want to drive a slug. I think I like the look of the older Runners, but that's not the main thing, is it?

TIA, David

Hey if an SUV is your thing as it is mine, then your not looking for good gas mileage or fast getup.

1ST.. Dont buy another exploder PLEASE.

2ND I averaged 18MPG week after week with my 3rd Gen 4runner. [MOSTLY highway]

3rd 4th gen will have more room overall and be better for passengers, it will also most likely have a good bit more pep, and get slightly better gas mileage.

The 3rd gen is basically a slug. It doesn't accelerate comfortably. I never had the 4th gen 4.0 engine but I had the nissan 07 4.0 engine and there was a HUGE difference.

 

[brian2sun]

The 3rd gen is basically a slug. It doesn't accelerate comfortably. I never had the 4th gen 4.0 engine but I had the nissan 07 4.0 engine and there was a HUGE difference.

I agree with everything you said except the last statement only because you can't really compare a vehicle/engine that was designed 15 years ago to one that's only a couple years old. Compare a 3rd gen to a late 90's Pathfinder and the Nissan will lose. They aren't known for speed, but they weren't slugs for their time like the 2nd gens were.

 

[SamSter0077]

I got 20mpg city driving with my Stock 4runner 4x4. I wouldn't call it a slug, but it is not exactly quick either.. it's very capable offroad, and runs and runs and runs great. If I were you, look for 3.4L Auto.. I think the later 2001,2002 models have a sagging back end problem.. but I love my 97. Enough to give the 09 Tacoma DC 4x4 to the wife.

 

[Spencer]

I agree with everything you said except the last statement only because you can't really compare a vehicle/engine that was designed 15 years ago to one that's only a couple years old. Compare a 3rd gen to a late 90's Pathfinder and the Nissan will lose. They aren't known for speed, but they weren't slugs for their time like the 2nd gens were.

Re read it, I said I never drove the 4th gen with the 4.0 but the nissan 4.0 was VERY quick so Id consider the toyota 4th gen to be similar.

 

[brian2sun]

Oh ok. I still don't think the 3rd gen is a slug though. Try out a 22R in a 2nd gen for a week and you would kill for a 3rd gen 3.4. It was actually considered pretty remarkable in the power dept back in '96 (especially compared to other compact Asian trucks at the time).

 

[David in NC]

Thanks for the input.

I like the style and utility of an SUV. (I once moved a washer and dryer in my X with the hatch closed.) I know SUVs not quick or thrifty, I just don't want to get a gas guzzler or a slug that can't get out of it's own way. 18-20 mpg is okay. I only drive 12k a year.

I've also got a Volvo wagon, but they have their own problems.

I don't think I'm ready for a minivan in spite of their utility. If Camry had a wagon, I'd have one.

So keep the good advice coming. Thanks

 

[zcruiser]

If I was going to be carrying "clients", I would go for a Land Cruiser.

That's livin', baby.

 

[Uneek]

The 4Runner can't do gymnastics. :

 

[JohnsD90]

Thanks for the input.

I like the style and utility of an SUV. (I once moved a washer and dryer in my X with the hatch closed.) I know SUVs not quick or thrifty, I just don't want to get a gas guzzler or a slug that can't get out of it's own way. 18-20 mpg is okay. I only drive 12k a year.

I've also got a Volvo wagon, but they have their own problems.

I don't think I'm ready for a minivan in spite of their utility. If Camry had a wagon, I'd have one.

So keep the good advice coming. Thanks

The Range Rover is hard to beat for comfort, and with there terrible depreciation rate they are very affordable for a used model, and to some they are unreliable but seeing as you come from exploder's the Range will seem like a toyota hilux.

 

[brian2sun]

The 4Runner can't do gymnastics. :

clever.

 

[runrunner]

I don't think I'm ready for a minivan in spite of their utility. If Camry had a wagon, I'd have one.

Acura is coming out with a wagon version of their TSX, they look bad!

Also, look into early 00's Lexus IS300 Sportcross. I think they were only around for a few years, but they are pretty cool too.

I for one am a huge fan of wagons. I think when our Matrix wears out, it will be time to step into TSX Sport Wagon...

http://www.acurainthenews.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/2011-Acura-TSX-Sport-Wagon-image.jpg

 

[Jed]

If Camry had a wagon, I'd have one.

There was a Camry wagon for years..... You can still get a Camry wagon today, but now they call it a Venza.

But if you want to switch from an Explorer to a 4Runner, definitely look toward the 4th gen 4Runners. The 3rd gen 4Runners are nice, but they are really underpowered. The 4th gen also has a much nicer ride quality to it. I've owned both (still have my 4th gen) and that's my opinion.

No matter what you choose, the 4Runner should prove to be very well built and very reliable. That's one thing all 4Runners have in common...

 

[topdown4runner]

O.K., here's my .02 cents....

Having owned 2 Exploders, 3 Heeps, 1 Range Rover, 1 1st gen, 1 2nd gen and 3 3rd gen 4runners, I think I can say that the 3rd gen. 4Runner is by far the best in looks, comfort & reliability.
I personally don't care for the looks of the 4th and 5th gen 4Runner.
Ya gotta like how it looks, or you will be thinking of trading it out soon after you bring it home. 3rd gens are the best all around SUV to me.

Stick with what works best for you.

Good luck!

 

[progress4m]

.....

I like the style and utility of an SUV. (I once moved a washer and dryer in my X with the hatch closed.) I know SUVs not quick or thrifty, I just don't want to get a gas guzzler or a slug that can't get out of it's own way. 18-20 mpg is okay. I only drive 12k a year......

I believe 4-th gen will be very satisfactory. It is definitely more refined, smooth and quite vs 3-rd gen. (speaking from experience: I had 3-rd gen for 10 years), it has more space and you will be very surprise how quick it is... especially if you get V8.:
Just test drive one.
:cheers:

 

[chaz]

hey if you dont need 4wd & wouldnt mind a station wagon, how about an 08 highlander? its a camry based crossover, has the 270 hp 6 cyl. thats in the 5th gen. 4r & is quick, handles well with lower step in height, the room is comparable to a station wagon, & can be had in 2, 4 , or AWD. just my 2c http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2007-09-01-highlander_N.htm

 

[gptoy96]

I imagine you'd be happy with either, depending on what's important for you.

I drove a 3rd gen for almost 7 years, just past my 2nd year with my 4th gen.

Both have been crazy reliable, the 3rd gen I bought with over 100K miles on it and put another 60K on it when I sadly sold it. The 4th had 40K on it and just rolled over 60K recently. Both had nothing but routine maintenance. Which is what I was looking for, like you mentioned, that you pay a bit more up front, but there's no surprises or headaches along the road after which is a big plus for me.

The 3rd gen wasn't a dog to me, but it's noticeably slower than my 4th. Although I do have the v8 in my 4th and I have to say I love the power. Surprisingly I'm getting the same gas mileage out of my v8 as my 3.4L did. From what I hear the v6 is also very good. The 4th feels wider inside but almost a bit shorter in height inside than my 3rd did. The 4th's interior is for sure more comfortable and quieter.

Either way, you'll be a happy camper (especially coming from an exploder). Every time I talk to my buddy about his exploder and whatever new problems seem to be happening at the time (tranny going, window falling inside the door, wiper regulator etc.) I can't help but chuckle on the inside. And his is a low mileage, barely driven example at that. Compare any exploder to any of the T4R's on here, especially the higher mileage ones and it's an obvious choice to me.

 

[David in NC]

Thanks for your advice.

I really haven't been disappointed with the Explorer. I bought it in '05 with 83k miles for $5500. It has 145k on it now. I've replaced the a/c compressor and fiddled with door latches, but haven't had an major problems except that the blend door in the ac/heat box has failed. The correct fix is the remove the dash and the heater box, but that is a big job. I'm getting read to cut into the bottom of the heater box to put in a new blend door. Even the weak-ass transmission has been trouble-free. If I found a 2wd V8, I might just re-up.

But I do think that the 4R can run thousands of miles around the Ex.

 

[KidVermicious]

I own a 1986 4Runner (250k) and a 2000 Explorer (150k). The 4.0 V6 in the Explorer is twice as powerful as the Toyotas' 22re, it's a more comfortable ride, it has a bigger tank, and gets better gas mileage. The pushbutton 4WD is nice to have during the winter or when tooling around back roads in the desert. Neither vehicle has presented me with any serious mechanical difficulties in the time I've owned them (which has suprised me, in the case of the Explorer).

Both rigs are common, making it easy to source parts and find upgrades/mods.

But it can't hold a candle to the 4Runner in terms of ground clearance or general off-road ability, and it'd be lightyears away from a 3rd gen with a locking diff.

If you're tooling around town with occasional camping trips and mild off-road, you don't need to pay the premium for a 4Runner.