4th Gen vs. 5th Gen For My Needs?

[thomasec]

I know there are a million threads on 4th gen vs. 5th gen, but I was hoping someone could give me some feedback on which gen makes the most sense given my needs.

I live in a city, and don't drive that much when I'm home - maybe 50 miles a week to run errands, or drive my dog to the park. When I get out of town, it's for 4+ hour road trips to either go climbing, hiking, or skiing. I don't know exactly what is considered "off road", but a lot of the climbing/hiking areas that I go to aren't exactly difficult to get to. Maybe some poorly maintained gravel road, and occasionally driving on the dirt.

I basically want a vehicle that I don't have to baby or worry about (I will be parking it on the street), and will be comfortable enough to do primarily normal driving in the city + a somewhat significant road trip every other weekend. If I'm being honest, I probably favor comfort above all else, but I'm willing to give that up if it's significant cheaper, and I don't have to worry about something going wrong.

 

[Elan750]

If I were you, i'd save 10k and get a 4th gen, spend another $800 on a better suspension, bushings, etc. and you wont sweat over car payments or scratches

both seem more than capable for your needs

But hey, im biased and cheap

 

[thomasec]

If I were you, i'd save 10k and get a 4th gen, spend another $800 on a better suspension, bushings, etc. and you wont sweat over car payments or scratches

both seem more than capable for your needs

But hey, im biased and cheap

Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I think a 4th gen V8 makes the most sense for me (i like to drive fast). I guess it's a little hard to justify spending around $15K for a 10 year old car when I could get something much newer for a few grand more.

 

[Elan750]

Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I think a 4th gen V8 makes the most sense for me (i like to drive fast). I guess it's a little hard to justify spending around $15K for a 10 year old car when I could get something much newer for a few grand more.

Around here, theres plenty of 4th gens under 10k, and no 5th gens under 20k..:wacko:

 

[KNorm92]

Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I think a 4th gen V8 makes the most sense for me (i like to drive fast). I guess it's a little hard to justify spending around $15K for a 10 year old car when I could get something much newer for a few grand more.

It was super tough for me to find 4th or 5th gens that were used for a great price. The resale is high for 4Runners. Which was awesome when I sold my gen 4 to get a gen 5. All depends on how much you want to spend. I bought brand new and couldn't be happier. If I were you, I would test drive both gens and see which one is more comfortable for you. I loved my 4th gen and love my 5th gen even more. You can't go wrong either way - just make sure it has all the little things you want on it (heated/auto seats were a must for me).

Happy hunting!

 

[TowMeOut]

I love my 4th gen and I plan to keep it until the wheels fall off (or I snap one off). With that said though it gets terrible gas mileage so thos 4+ hour road trips you speak of are kind of hard on the wallet. It guess it really all comes down to what do you want to spend. $10K-ish on a used 4th gen and at least double (maybe triple) for a 5th gen. That's a lot of cash you could use skiing, hiking, etc. Until I got my truck I was doing sections of the AT and rafting trips with a Hyundai Elantra. Granted, the washboard roads were hell but it got me there and back no problem.

If you're staying on maintained roads, do you really need a capable 4x4 like the T4R? Could you save the cash and go with maybe something like a Subaru Forester or similar.

 

[thomasec]

Around here, theres plenty of 4th gens under 10k, and no 5th gens under 20k..:wacko:

Unfortunately that's not the case in California. I almost bought a 2007 V8 with 100K miles from someone on craigslist, but she got so many emails about it, that she was able to sell it for $3K over her asking price. She listed it at $13K. It's crazy out here, but at least the vehicles are usually rust-free.

 

[TacoRunn0517]

Go with the 4th Gen. I think the key is that you don't do a lot of driving from week to week. For you to find a "good" deal, the Runner will have a lot of miles on it. I wanted to go used myself, but was concerned that with amount of driving that I do, I wouldn't get my money's worth when saving money on the purchase price.

 

[99Runnr]

Unfortunately that's not the case in California. I almost bought a 2007 V8 with 100K miles from someone on craigslist, but she got so many emails about it, that she was able to sell it for $3K over her asking price. She listed it at $13K. It's crazy out here, but at least the vehicles are usually rust-free.

If you are capable of doing some TLC, you can get killer deals. I just paid $6800 for my 08' with 160k miles. Book was almost 14k. I spent one day on some surface rust (wire wheel, no holes, no pitting anywhere), an doing maintenance; oils, fluids, filters.

The interior was like new, someone just took it in for oil changes and drove it. So it had no issues, just overdue on things. It runs awesome. I just bought a brand new lift, wheels, tires, stereo, all maintenance item's, sound deadening, ect ect and I'm under $10k into it.

If you look for a turn key, maintenance history 4runner, you will pay for it. I prefer buying them with a bit of TLC necessary, cause let's face it, one day of my time is not worth paying $5k or more to have the same thing in the end.

 

[Inv4drZm]

I've never ridden in a 5th gen but to me they are like a 4th gen that costs twice as much. You might get a bit better mpg with the 5th gen especially when you compare it to the V8, but all the other amenities you can easily add to the 4th gen and they are 10k cheaper. Find a 4th gen V8 with the timing belt already replaced and you will be set for a while.

 

[oljedi11950]

Well since I own both :doh: , say live in city most of us do ! Do you spend lots of time in traffic or no ? None of the above are very fuel efficient so there's that 2nd if your in traffic make sure your ass is comfortable , do live where you can let out the V8 & do it justice or not ! V6 is plenty quick if not loaded down with STUFF ( lift , armor , roof racks) . Next I would say it comes down to cash & how much YOU feel is ok to spend . I like both & drive both seats are better in 5th but I used the washer fix on 05 seats & they're decent on long drives . You gonna doing any lift or tires or whatever ? Think it thru lots of good ones out there :humble:

 

[amalik]

If you are capable of doing some TLC, you can get killer deals. I just paid $6800 for my 08' with 160k miles.

Lucky you, Denver is basically 1.5 to double (in some rare cases) compared to what you paid.

In CO, there's a Toyota premium you have to pay (all-season), then a 4runner premium on top of the Toyota one (all-season), then a 'winter' premium (Only like now, in Winter, you just HAVE to have that 4WD for the 10 days a year it snows, don't ya!?!?!, what's funny about this one is I saw this in the news "Last year ended as the third least snowy in Denver history")

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2008-toyota-4runner-sr5-4wd/6448141916.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/d/2008-toyota-4runner-srs-4x4/6449844697.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2008-toyota-4-runner/6419417817.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/d/2008-toyota-4runner-sport/6445010634.html

The only way you're going to spend $10k flat or under is if you want to pick up a rig with 200k miles. I'd only do that if the maintenance history was completely detailed and completed, even then, that's a tough buy to swallow.

 

[jrm]

Same situation

I live in Oakland and rarely use my 4th gen. Basically it sits in the driveway all week and i really only use it on the weekends to run errands, haul crap or road trips.

In my experience is that it pays to pay a bit more for a 4runner in good condition with low miles. b/c if you end up not putting many, if any miles on it b/c they hold there value so well in California. Ive gotten really good resale on my previous two 3rd gens 4runners and hope that this trend will continue with my first 4th gen.

I went with a 4th gen b/c i figured i could spend between 10 and 15k, install a a mild build and do so with out creating any mid or long term debt doing so. Its expensive enough living here and if i want to continue to save and invest
what little i make so i figured why leverage myself out on a car payment if i dont have too. Just need to keep current on the maintenance.

Like you mentioned the market for 4runners in California is pretty crazy. Especially when sellers come to acknowledge the demand for a 4th gen. Best advice i give you is, have some cash on hand for deposits to hold vehicles and for pre purchase inspections. Be prepared to travel and act quickly. Good luck man..let me know if you have any more questions..

 

[99Runnr]

Lucky you, Denver is basically 1.5 to double (in some rare cases) compared to what you paid.

In CO, there's a Toyota premium you have to pay (all-season), then a 4runner premium on top of the Toyota one (all-season), then a 'winter' premium (Only like now, in Winter, you just HAVE to have that 4WD for the 10 days a year it snows, don't ya!?!?!, what's funny about this one is I saw this in the news "Last year ended as the third least snowy in Denver history")

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2008-toyota-4runner-sr5-4wd/6448141916.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/d/2008-toyota-4runner-srs-4x4/6449844697.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/2008-toyota-4-runner/6419417817.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/d/2008-toyota-4runner-sport/6445010634.html

The only way you're going to spend $10k flat or under is if you want to pick up a rig with 200k miles. I'd only do that if the maintenance history was completely detailed and completed, even then, that's a tough buy to swallow.

Yeah, I hear you on the weather fearing buyers lol. Anything to make a sale, that sucks about your market. My buy was not for everyone, not all people want to attack "rust". I found out the guy had one person before me take it to Toyota for inspection. I was able to get the report printed, while brief, it stated something like, "needs 90k service, all fluid's dirty, major rust will cause problems in the future, 4wd high works but not 4 low". They wrote up an estimate for thousands and thousands of dollars to that person.

I spent one day doing undercoating and about $65. Then did all fluid services with Amsoil and OEM plugs, ect for about $300. Cycled 4wd a bunch and got 4 low working, so "thousands" and a rust bucket in one hand, turned to cured and under $400 to another.

Now I see all the mod's I bought as "free" since I didn't cough up the extra cash for the rig to begin with.

OP; I scan KBB, Edmonds, Nada, Craigslist, Autotrader daily until something jumps out. Either a dealer trying end of the month blow-out sales, private party who don't understand Toyota market an list it cheap, just gotta be FAST cause someone (like me) is always looking.

 

[pjbrownva]

Unfortunately that's not the case in California. I almost bought a 2007 V8 with 100K miles from someone on craigslist, but she got so many emails about it, that she was able to sell it for $3K over her asking price. She listed it at $13K. It's crazy out here, but at least the vehicles are usually rust-free.

I know that California has the CARB, so I don't know if that limits you to CA cars only? If not, widen your search area. Services like uship can ship cars anywhere in the country for a reasonable fee.

Carmax, as another example, lets you pay a fee to transfer a vehicle to a location near you.

As for 4th vs 5th gen, I have no idea :shrug: ... but I thought my comment might help anyway.

 

[p nut]

You probably don't want to hear this, but honestly, for what you need, a Subaru Forester or Outback would be just fine. Smaller than the 4Runner (except the new Outbacks are almost as big), more fuel efficient, and will get you to every trailhead and ski resort you need to get to.

If that's not your thing, you should also look at Lexus GX470's as well. Prices seem to be at or BELOW V8 4Runner prices...

 

[MightyP]

You probably don't want to hear this, but honestly, for what you need, a Subaru Forester or Outback would be just fine. Smaller than the 4Runner (except the new Outbacks are almost as big), more fuel efficient, and will get you to every trailhead and ski resort you need to get to.

If that's not your thing, you should also look at Lexus GX470's as well. Prices seem to be at or BELOW V8 4Runner prices...

Beat me to it. I was thinking GX470, based on what the OP said, but Subies are great.

GX470 is basically a V8 4th Gen with more comforts, available for $12k and has almost as much aftermarket support. More in some cases. (Seriously, how'd the GX get a snorkel???).

 

[duffdog]

You probably don't want to hear this, but honestly, for what you need, a Subaru Forester or Outback would be just fine. Smaller than the 4Runner (except the new Outbacks are almost as big), more fuel efficient, and will get you to every trailhead and ski resort you need to get to.

If that's not your thing, you should also look at Lexus GX470's as well. Prices seem to be at or BELOW V8 4Runner prices...

4runners are a special purpose vehicle for people who would like to tow things, go offroad and not die in an accident. So obviously they are less "fuel efficient" because they are not made of aluminum foil like a Subaru. If you have ever seen a Subaru after a collision, I bet you would not buy one. I for one do not wish to be paraplegic after a traffic collision, so I will stick to vehicles made of metal like the 4runner.

 

[p nut]

4runners are a special purpose vehicle for people who would like to tow things, go offroad and not die in an accident. So obviously they are less "fuel efficient" because they are not made of aluminum foil like a Subaru. If you have ever seen a Subaru after a collision, I bet you would not buy one. I for one do not wish to be paraplegic after a traffic collision, so I will stick to vehicles made of metal like the 4runner.

Just curious if you've actually done any research on this before making assumptions? Just because a vehicle is a BOF, does not make it safer.

Case in point, take IIHS's tests:

4Runner
2018 Toyota 4Runner

Outback
2018 Subaru Outback

Out of the two, the Outback is the one with the Top Safety pick, and scored same or higher in every category (albeit they only show moderate overlap vs small overlap).

By the way, your model year faired even worse.
2005 Toyota 4Runner

 

[aika1]

I'll weigh in with what is likely an unpopular opinion: if you're going to get a 4Runner and not some other make and model of car, get the 4th Gen, in a V6. It's better. OH! Now the internet will explode...
some background- my Family CURRENTLY owns:
1st Gen 4Runner, lifted 6 inches, lockers, etc.
3rd Gen 4Runner LImited V6, TRD Supercharger, exhaust and Headers, 3 inch Toytec lift
4th Gen 4Runner V6 SR5 (My daily driver)
5th Gen 4Runner TRD Pro
5th Gen 4Runner SR5 premium, stock

the 4th gen wins for me for a few different reasons:
I'm a massive human being- the 4th Gen doesn't hit my shoulder while driving, while the 5th gen rests against my shoulder with the B pillar. it's simply smaller inside
the 4th gen is a better 4wd system for skiing. unless you buy a limited 5th gen, you won't get what is essentially AWD in your 4Runner. great for going to Tahoe. you can run it in 4WDhi all the way to 90 if you want. not with a 5th gen.
the 5th gen controls layout is foolish. whoever thought to stagger the cupholders and put the 4wd electronic controls adjacent to them is a fool. 4th gen has some other nice things too, like auto-close rear hatch (not a necessity by any means), no antenna mast (embedded in a window), etc.
Cost. I bought my 4th gen when it was current, but now they're definitely cheaper than the 5th gens.
Engine choice. 5th gen V6 and 4th Gen V6 are essentially the same engine. same mileage, same power, 1GR-FE. Great engine.
V8 vs. V6: I have a friend with a V8 in his 4Runner, and I used to have that 4.7 in my Tundra. it's a nice engine. the V6 4.0 is better in the 4Runner. The V8 gets about 2MPG WORSE than the V6, for only something like 20 more HP. AND you have the wear and tear on your4WD system because the V8 is full-time AWD, unlike the V6 which has selectable AWD/4WD. AND major maintenance is greater on the V8. ever replaced a timing belt? not fun vs. the lifetime chain on the V6. the V6 does have a drawback: 30k spark plug maintenance intervals. but that job takes me literally 45 minutes start to finish, and ~$36. If you tow, the V8 will get you to 7k lbs. the V6 to 5k.
If you have to have the new, get the 5th. if they still offered the 4th brand new for sale, I'd buy it over the 5th gen for the same price. I'm sure there are folks shaking their fist at their computer right now. Oh well!