4th gen compared to 3rd gen trying to decide

[hamdog]

ScottM, The more I think about it more i agree you are most likely right that weight in the back most likel will not help with anything. It will decrease traction in the front, decrease mpg, increase stopping distance etc. Taking off isn't the issue but keeping the car on the roadis, it gets pulled around easily. I personally think it is because of the wide tires on the car therfore was thinking that adding weight to the car might increase my traction and ability to cut through slush, heavy snow, etc. The 215/60/16 are the same size tire I had on our malibu maxx adn I ran the same winter tire last year had no problem what so ever, but it is a heavier car.

I don't know, we will see during our next snow storm, or maybe I will have a different rig by then. They are calling for snow next wk.

Thanks Scottm!!!!!

 

[hamdog]

Try playing with the tire pressure, higher is good for stability and lower for traction. 15 gallons of fuel weighs about 100lbs, do you notice a difference in stability with a full tank and/or passengers in the back?

Hmmmmm I will take that into consideration next time.

 

[M1911]

Another option, though it would cost more money, is to try a narrower snow tire.

 

[hamdog]

Another option, though it would cost more money, is to try a narrower snow tire.

I agree, I tried ordering narrower tires 195/60R16 but they would have to special order a set, they assured me I would not see a difference. I should have new better.

I will give them another shot maybe just maybe the roads were worst than I thought during our first snow storm of the year. I was just shocked on how this car handled figured it would have handled better.

Anyway I'm trying to work it out so we can keep the car and still get the 2005 4 runner SR5 with 80K on it for $15,900.

Thanks for the help guys I needed an unbiased place to explain my situation and to get info.

 

[scottm]

You should be able to go with a narrower (and cheaper) tire if you pick up a set of steel rims. Steelies typically run around $50. And it's nice to have a set you can just throw on in the garage.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Take the weight out of the rear of your FWD car,the added weight at faster speeds isn't helping keep your car on the road better and really it's just making the car take even longer to slow down or react on slick surfaces.
Plus heavier weight generates more lateral force and downward force and the extra weight of a vehicle pushing down on ice and snow makes it melt faster thus making the surface even more slick.

 

[Opi]

I'm looking for the pros and cons of a 4th gen compared to a 3rd gen. I was currently looking at a 1999 with 200K miles for $3950, it was sold the night I called on it. Most of all the 3rd gen I have found in the vermont area have high mileage and are going for $6K-$10K matters on year and mileage. Some are in good shape body wise others are suffering from rust.

I'm looking to purchase a 4runner for commuting 100 miles a day to work for the winter months, to tow my side by side, small boat, and take me to my favorite hunting/fishing spots.

I have found a nice 2005 4.7 V8 SR5 with 80K miles and in good shape for $16K. The bind I'm stuck in is I either have to find a 4 runner within $3K-$4k (3gen with high miles) so I pay with credit card or cash or I have to trade in my 2012 focus 5-door which I just bought in May. I would lose my shirt on the trade, but would have a newer 4th gen 4 runner. Then I would buy a older corolla for $3k to rack the miles on back and fourth to work.

So with that said I was wondering what are the pros and cons when comparing the 4th gen V8 to the 3rd gen V6, mileage, maintenance, reliability, longevity, etc?

Has anyone put together a buyin guide for the 4th gen like the awesome one put together for the 3rd gen?

buy my 3rd gen i literally just did every maintenence item you would ever have to do...

 

[hamdog]

You should be able to go with a narrower (and cheaper) tire if you pick up a set of steel rims. Steelies typically run around $50. And it's nice to have a set you can just throw on in the garage.

I'm going to take a look into that. The issue is I already spen $600 on new snow tires. But I guess it is cheaper than losing $2-3K on the trade. Thanks guys!

 

[scottm]

I'm going to take a look into that. The issue is I already spen $600 on new snow tires. But I guess it is cheaper than losing $2-3K on the trade. Thanks guys!

I'm with you on that, just dropped $1k on Nokians. A second set of mounted wheels & tires will help resale, a second set of unmounted tires not so much. Perhaps you can unload the steamrollers on Craig's List?