4th Gen year questions

[El Capitan]

In the market for a 4th gen for my son and can't decide on a year, so I need some help....I've narrowed it down to a 2007-2009 based mostly on some of the added safety features and minor changes on exterior. We really like the sport and are trying to get it with less than 80K miles( I can't believe these are still in the $18-21k price range!!). We're OK without sport as long as it's 4WD.

Would someone please share adv/disadv on these years...or a link where I can find more information (new to forum obviously).

Problem 2 - now I want one of these awesome vehicles!!! Though, I can't do that to my son, so moving forward for him.

Thanks

 

[paperchasin]

I believe that 2006 was the first year the minor changes were made, I.e. Projector headlights, etc. You didn't specify what your target price point was, but I can tell you from my search here in CA, it was nearly impossible to find one with your mileage preference.

 

[Bossman]

Here is a "sticky" thread with lots of good information.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

 

[mrpurplepenguin]

Check out here for a breakdown of major changes made throughout the years. Also, paperchasin is correct; they made a few changes to the 4th gen starting in 2006 (not 2007), so consider including that year in your search as well.

Advantages of these years: interior and exterior body lines were slightly updated, projector headlights / LED taillights, both the V6 and V8 have VVTI (although I think that had already happened a couple years prior) and 5 speed transmissions (again, couple years prior I think).

Disadvantages of these years: nothing major really changed, but they seem to be slightly more desirable (or maybe just younger / less miles) and cost more as a result.

Finding an 06+ with <80k for <$18k might prove a bit difficult. Consider downgrading to the SR5 (base model) or upgrading to the Limited just to widen your search options if you're not absolutely set on the Sport Edition (which pretty much gives you 17" wheels, the tubular roof rack and steps, nonfunctional hood scoop, different seat cloth, and XREAS suspension which will likely need replacement shortly after 80k anyway). Also, these trucks last a loooong time with proper maintenance; if you find a well cared for example with more miles, don't cross it off your list!

Finally, since you mentioned 4wd is a must: when looking in person, be sure to engage 4wd hi and lo (must be stopped in neutral for 4lo) as well as the center diff lock. The dash lights will flash then go solid if shift went OK, it can take many seconds. The actuators can seize up from a lack of use by the previous owner, it's a $2500ish fix if it's stuck (or sometimes just a few taps with a hammer to get it freed up, but not always).

 

[Drunner97]

I believe that 2006 was the first year the minor changes were made, I.e. Projector headlights, etc. You didn't specify what your target price point was, but I can tell you from my search here in CA, it was nearly impossible to find one with your mileage preference.

This. I paid 21k for my 2007 SR5 4wd with 87k on it in Irvine. Granted I paid a little higher because it was at a Carmax, but they replaced the actuator since 4low and the center diff weren't working so it was worth the few extra for the brand new parts. Also took me 2 months to find one with decent miles and it's super clean inside and out. Good luck on your search, but the price for under 100k is a premium.

 

[paperchasin]

This. I paid 21k for my 2007 SR5 4wd with 87k on it in Irvine. Granted I paid a little higher because it was at a Carmax, but they replaced the actuator since 4low and the center diff weren't working so it was worth the few extra for the brand new parts. Also took me 2 months to find one with decent miles and it's super clean inside and out. Good luck on your search, but the price for under 100k is a premium.

Little OT, but was this the red/burgundy one??

 

[Drunner97]

Little OT, but was this the red/burgundy one??

Galactic Grey, it wasn't listed for very long. I jumped on it the same morning it appeared on the website, then had to wait almost 2 weeks while they got the actuator issue situated. That red one was up for awhile and I was tempted, but I really didn't want red if I could help it.

 

[paperchasin]

Galactic Grey, it wasn't listed for very long. I jumped on it the same morning it appeared on the website, then had to wait almost 2 weeks while they got the actuator issue situated. That red one was up for awhile and I was tempted, but I really didn't want red if I could help it.

Oh cool. I was gonna say that I never saw that one listed, but now I know why. I believe the red one was in Costa Mesa and it had quite a bit more miles on it.

 

[J.A.]

In the market for a 4th gen for my son and can't decide on a year, so I need some help....I've narrowed it down to a 2007-2009 based mostly on some of the added safety features and minor changes on exterior. We really like the sport and are trying to get it with less than 80K miles( I can't believe these are still in the $18-21k price range!!). We're OK without sport as long as it's 4WD.

Would someone please share adv/disadv on these years...or a link where I can find more information (new to forum obviously).

Problem 2 - now I want one of these awesome vehicles!!! Though, I can't do that to my son, so moving forward for him.

Thanks

Toyota 4Runner History

 

[El Capitan]

Here is a "sticky" thread with lots of good information.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

Great Link....Thanks

 

[Xrider237]

OP- id reconsider picking up an '03-05 if you found a good one- the updates on the '06+ were nice for sure but all 4th gens imo are very solid reliable...it would also help to stay within your budget...

 

[R242]

In my search I came out with an '05 v8 4x4, 118k miles with documented maintenance. Of importance to me was the vvti 2uz engine, which started on the '05 model and bumps your hp/tq roughly 35/35. Being last year of the early 4th gens, it's the most economical of the stronger v8 powerplants, though having the 03-04 without vvti is bulletproof too and well proven, I had 2 in Tundras :thumb: