I am getting ready to buy a 4Runner, I can't figure out if I should go with a 4th gen (2008 Sport Edition 4x4 V8) or a 5th gen (2010 SR5 4x4 V6), I like them both and want them both but I can't afford two of them. They are both around the same price range (2k diff), both certified pre-owned, the 5th gen has 9K miles and the 4th gen has 30K miles. Thoughts??? Suggestions??? ANY feedback is appreciated... I need help!!!
4th Gen vs. 5th Gen
- Thread starter MAD827
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have you driven both yet?
Yes I drove both and I think the 5th Gen drives a little better and sits up higher than the 4th gen. The V8 on the 4th gen is still stronger and nastier sounding.
blademan
New member
I thought real long and hard on the same quandry - finally I came to the conclusion after reading numerous reviews....there is a reason the T4R with 4.7 v8 is the most sought after used car on the market. It got that reputation honestly. I bought an '07 version and love it! Plus, I save $10K - now whats wrong with that???:trophy:
FourEyedWilly
New member
I say get the 5th. If you don't need the V8 for towing moderately heavy loads, then the 5th will be fine. Newer style, more room inside. This is coming from somone who owned the 4th gen V8. The drivetrain on the V8 is FANTASTIC, but I think you would be happier with the 5th. Just my thought.
yea i think you're better off going with the newest unit. taking the v8 drivetrain off the table, the 5th gen beats the 4th in every category. it's such a good looking truck v. the minivanish 4th gen design.
go get it!
J.A.
Senior Member
While they are both great vehicles and I would own either one without a doubt, you cant say the 5G SR5 the OP was comparing to the 4G Sport beats it in every category. The torsen center diff in the 4G which allows for full time 4WD is a huge variable in the decision making process between these two choices and I would give it a heavy weighting.
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i give 2 yrs and 20K mile newer much, much greater weight which includes the years of R&D Toyota put into it to improve the breed.
then looks and space which, again, the 5th gen wins hands down.
as for the 4x4, is it THAT different between the two or are we splitting hairs here? like both can still drive to the local strip mall and pick up a case of beer right? even in the rain?
Clemsonfan15
New member
I think I would go with the 4th Gen in this case. I personally only like the Trail and Limited version of the 5th Gen.
Like Glock_19 said, the money you save could go towards mods. If you lifted it and put some more aggressive tires on it the entire look would improve.
I guess it really comes down to which one you like better.
Like Glock_19 said, the money you save could go towards mods. If you lifted it and put some more aggressive tires on it the entire look would improve.
I guess it really comes down to which one you like better.
philromero215
New member
depends on what u wanna do, 5th is bigger and not to good for the trails.... if you just want a nice ride and something to put some 33's on and is not gonna see tuff trails, then get the 5th gen.... otherwise, get a 4th. JMO
Clemsonfan15
New member
What would make the 5th Gen SR5 worse offroad than a 2008 Sport Edition?
philromero215
New member
5th gen is bigger, wider, and way too many gizmos... The 4th gen isn't as bulky... Take a 4th gen and put 35's on it with a 3.5" lift plus a 1.5" body lift for tire clearance and bumpers and u got a great wheeler. I ran my 4th gen thru the rubicon when it was still Ifs. I on the rubicon a week after Toyota took the 5th gen thru. I spoke with a guy that took them thru it. He said it was a capable truck but got beat up. It's just too bulky. Plus, why spend 45k on a brand new rig just to beat the $hit out of it. This is just my opinion.
cdoyle
Member
I think there is a big difference between the 4x4 on any 4th gen and the 5th gen SR5. If he wants a vehicle that can be put into 4x4 mode and left there for as long as he needs it to be. Than the 4th gen wins hands down, there is no comparison there. The SR5 5th Gen can only be put into 4x4 mode in icy conditions, and has been stated over and over you shouldn't make any sharp turns with it, while it's in this mode.
And the styling of the vehicle is subjective too, you say the 5th wins hands down. Maybe to you, but I personally can't stand the looks of the 5th gen. When I point out the new 4Runner to friends, they all say the same thing. Ugh, sure is boxy looking now.
But for me and what 2 vehicles he's comparing, that Torsen center diff makes a huge difference.
I just want to thank you all for all the great feedback and comments, this is truly an awesome forum with a lot of folks that know what they are talking about. To answer some of the questions on the posts, I won't be going off-road with my T4R that often, we spend some time every summer white water rafting and camping out in the WV mountains but the trails to get there are pretty tame. I will probably be using it more for inclement weather, snow and ice, and really to get away from sedans. I am sick of having a sedan, I want a truck.
Clemsonfan15
New member
Not really trying to argue, just pointing out the facts. The Trail Edition MSRP is right at ~$36,000, no where near $45,000. The Limited even starts out under ~$38,000.
The ground clearance is also better for the 5th Gens. Trail Editions come with a locker which would make a world of difference.
The 5th Gens are also only about 1" wider, tall, and longer than the 4th Gens.
I would give the slight nod to the 5th Gen offroad, especially with all the new electronics.
One of the things I really like about the 5th Gens may seem kind of unimportant, but it can fit 285's stock, which no other generation could do.
Edit: Just saw where you weren't really taking it offroad. In that case just get the one that feels the best on road.
Ridger
New member
This is something that I will disagree with... and maybe I'm in the minority here but the new look sure hasn't won me over yet. The one's I'm seeing around here (most of which have been SR5's) just don't look that good IMO.
I have yet to see a real TE, but from pictures, that is the only one that I kinda like the look of.
Maybe I'll warm up to it in time, and I have not driven one, but if it was based on looks alone... it would be the 4th Gen for me.
webby
New member
Something no one has mentioned -- the 5th Gen gets better gas mileage than the 4th Gen V8. I don't know your weekly/monthly budget for gasoline, but gas prices are creeping up, and forecast to continue higher. That is the main reason that we recently bought a 4th Gen V6 as opposed to the 4th Gen V8. So if you aren't really attached to the torque of the V8, you might want to think a year or two or three down the road about operating expenses, in which case, the 5th Gen gets the edge in your sweepstakes on that particular issue.
As I said, we own a 4th Gen, but that's basically because we don't buy new cars. I expect we will drive this 2-3 years and probably buy a used 5th Gen. I like the looks of the 4th Gen from the front, but not much from the rear, and I hate the stupid factory front end rake. I prefer the looks of the 5th Gen, and the additional interior space. But bottom line, I don't buy Toyota's for looks, I buy them because of the quality behind that nameplate. If I happen to like the looks, it's just a bonus, LOL.
I agree with others who have said that the Torsen Differential of the 4th Gen is most definitely superior to the 4WD system in the 5th Gen SR5, but for our usage of 4WD, it's not a deal breaker. We still expect to move up to a used 5th Gen a few years hence. We rented one for a long weekend, and really liked it.
Ultimately, your decision between the two vehicles will depend on your personal tastes and usage. But I agree with someone who said that 20K less miles and a newer truck for $2K more is a no-brainer. It would be for me if I were in your shoes. Good luck!
As I said, we own a 4th Gen, but that's basically because we don't buy new cars. I expect we will drive this 2-3 years and probably buy a used 5th Gen. I like the looks of the 4th Gen from the front, but not much from the rear, and I hate the stupid factory front end rake. I prefer the looks of the 5th Gen, and the additional interior space. But bottom line, I don't buy Toyota's for looks, I buy them because of the quality behind that nameplate. If I happen to like the looks, it's just a bonus, LOL.
I agree with others who have said that the Torsen Differential of the 4th Gen is most definitely superior to the 4WD system in the 5th Gen SR5, but for our usage of 4WD, it's not a deal breaker. We still expect to move up to a used 5th Gen a few years hence. We rented one for a long weekend, and really liked it.
Ultimately, your decision between the two vehicles will depend on your personal tastes and usage. But I agree with someone who said that 20K less miles and a newer truck for $2K more is a no-brainer. It would be for me if I were in your shoes. Good luck!
