4th vs 5th

alaskaman

alaskaman

Senior Member
I admit I don't like the 5th Gen nearly as much but have been getting "the itch" to go down and look at one.

I think I give up the now famous burger tray. Any other take aways from the 4th to the 5th? Especially interested in members who have traded up and the driving characteristics change.

Thanks
 
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alaskaman said:
I admit I don't like the 5th Gen nearly as much but have been getting "the itch" to go down and look at one.

I think I give up the now famous burger tray. Any other take aways from the 4th to the 5th? Especially interested in members who have traded up and the driving characteristics change.

Thanks
Click to expand...

I know that [MENTION=97032]hearno[/MENTION] just traded in his 4th gen for a 5th so maybe he will give his impressions. I personally like the exterior of the 5th gen but NOT the interior and thus is my reservation from trading up. I'm actually looking to purchase an '09 V8 and drive that into the ground, instead.
 
I own both so here is what I notice.

No soft close tail gate on the 5th gen.
No burger tray on 5th gen.
Pain in the ass to change oil on 5th gen compared to my V6 4th gen.
5th gen is heavier and actually feels a little slower.
Non matching spare wheel on 5th gen.


Much better ride from the factory on 5th gen vs 4th gen
Much better insolation from road noise on 5th gen.
Switches, instrument cluster and controls better lit on 5th gen.
The TE has a real transfer case shifter.
The interior is much nicer all around on my TE vs my 4th gen SR5
5th gen is a little bigger all around and feels like a bigger vehicle.

Those are just some things that come to my mind right now. There is probably much that I missed. Overall, I really like my TE. Since July I have put 10k miles on it. Very comfortable, even on long trips. I do wish my 5th gen had more power though. A V8 option or supercharger would be nice. That being said, the transmission does a good job of making up for the slight lack of engine power. This newer version of the 1GR-FE V6 in the 5th gen feels like it wants to stay at the upper end of the RPM specture much more than my 4th gen. On the freeways in CO, going through some mountain passes, my 5th gen had no trouble keeping speed though. I do get about the same mileage in both 4runners though, roughly 19 mpg.
 
Test drive them a lot. and in a quiet enviroment if you can. I too had the itch about 2 months ago and I traded my 4th gen in for a 5th gen LE. It never "felt" right. The build quality is definitely less on 5th gen. I actually noticed that the sound insulation was less on the doors and roof on the 5th gen. Less than a month later, the dealer still had my 4th gen, I bought it back I was so unhappy with the 5th gen. and took that financial mistake and loss with a smile on my face once I got back into my 4th gen.
 
CNJ Runner said:
Less than a month later, the dealer still had my 4th gen, I bought it back I was so unhappy with the 5th gen. and took that financial mistake and loss with a smile on my face once I got back into my 4th gen.
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That says a lot!!!

I, too, was starting to get the itch, but naw. I appreciate our 4th gen more and more every time I read about the 5th gens (horrible time changing oil, all the things that were removed, baby spare tire, etc, etc).
 
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I just traded from 3rd to 4th. :\ I do like the 5th gen. But cannot justify the extra 20k. I feel like I can beet my truck up a little and be alright.

It is nice to have something new. But I'd be too worried about putting scratches and parking it next to other cars.

Also would miss the v8.
 
[MENTION=89791]preacher35[/MENTION] is correct in that I traded my 2005 sport in on a 2014 TE a few months ago. My mission had been to find an extremely clean 2007/8 V8 Sport but after months of searching, I could not find exactly what I wanted. I decided to take the plunge and start fresh with a brand new vehicle. Two months and 1200 miles later, I'm not looking back. The front end has grown on me and I love the interior upgrades over a 4th gen. Most of all, I know everything about my truck and its history. I've put all but 5 miles of the miles on it. I used to smile every time I drove my 4th gen as I truly loved that truck but I know the smile is bigger now. The likes/dislikes will be subjective and dfferent for everyone. Spend some time in a 5th, I've seen some dealers that will allow you to take an extended test drive and bring one home for a few days. I do know this though... someone around here said it a few weeks ago. Once you start looking at a new vehicle, it's like inception. You will not be able to get it out of your mind.
 
The 5th gens are a compromise between improvements and decontenting. They're not bad, I actually like the exterior (save for the "refresh" on most of the 14+ models), but the interior doesn't feel as comfortable as my 4th gen. The lack of the V8 and the lack of a true manual 4WD system (even on the TE) didn't really sway my vote to them either. Personally if they offered a 4.6L 1UR-FE motor like the GX460 I would have bought one and forgiven the transgressions, but they didn't so I am still "it's nice, but I don't know if I want to own one" feelings towards it.
 
i love the 5th gen body so much more than our 4th gens, but i like having no payments. That supersedes anything that could be an improvement.
 
LTDSC said:
i love the 5th gen body so much more than our 4th gens, but i like having no payments. That supersedes anything that could be an improvement.
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finally got rid of my notes after 8 long months and I couldn't agree more! I can't imagine taking on a few years worth of payments but I'm sure when one day if I'm able to I'll pick something new just to have that experience
 
I couldn't make the switch without the V8 or at the least supercharged 4 liter. I really like the new front bumper for some reason. Looks aggressive. Can't imagine how they would ever make a good offroad bumper for it though. lol
 
hearno said:
[MENTION=89791]preacher35[/MENTION] is correct in that I traded my 2005 sport in on a 2014 TE a few months ago. My mission had been to find an extremely clean 2007/8 V8 Sport but after months of searching, I could not find exactly what I wanted. I decided to take the plunge and start fresh with a brand new vehicle. Two months and 1200 miles later, I'm not looking back. The front end has grown on me and I love the interior upgrades over a 4th gen. Most of all, I know everything about my truck and its history. I've put all but 5 miles of the miles on it. I used to smile every time I drove my 4th gen as I truly loved that truck but I know the smile is bigger now. The likes/dislikes will be subjective and dfferent for everyone. Spend some time in a 5th, I've seen some dealers that will allow you to take an extended test drive and bring one home for a few days. I do know this though... someone around here said it a few weeks ago. Once you start looking at a new vehicle, it's like inception. You will not be able to get it out of your mind.
Click to expand...

You hit the nail right on the head hearno. I traded in my 2004 V6 Sport for an 11 Limited. about 2 months ago. I loved my 4th Gen, but the there is no comparison for me. I agree that it was nice to not have a payment, but the payment is worth it every time I get in that 4Runner. I smile every time I open the door to go in to the garage.

To the OP... you should definitely test drive one of the 5th Gens. You might be pleasantly surprised.
 
I'm keeping my 2005 V8 Limited at least another year, likely two, no matter what repair costs pop up. Maybe by then there will be something on the market by some manufacturer or another that gets me excited to buy. Nothing out there yet that I've found.
 
I've owned 2 of each gen and have few complaints with any of them (and the fewest complaints being with my newest 5th gen). The 5th gen is roomier, more refined, equally capable or more so at everything (depending on model), and still has the Toyota quality. I don't understand when the 4th gen guys post that the 4th gens feel/drive like they are better quality. Put some miles on a 5th gen and most won't think that. There are to many (including me) that rush to judgement on things because we want to think what we already have is the greatest. I didn't like the styling when I first saw the '14's rolling out and now I own one of the fugly front 5th gens... and btw, I now think these things look incredibly good. Tons of 5th gen owners felt the same before testing and buying one. Do a search back on some of the 2009-2011 threads and see how many of those guys said they wouldn't buy a 5th gen yet now own one. I'm picking on them, because I'm one of those guys. So here's the deal (ha)... don't do a serious open minded test drive, because I'd bet that you'll end up with one! :thumb: If you don't shop, you have an incredible vehicle already so nothing is really lost. I have no regrets buying a 5th gen. I don't drive vehicles as long as I should, but this one will hopefully be in my garage for as long as anything I've owned... Best wishes!
 
Thanks for the insights...really great. Is it true that the mirrors interior back were eliminated as well? Gosh those help with lane changes.
 
gm350reratliff said:
I own both so here is what I notice.

No soft close tail gate on the 5th gen.
No burger tray on 5th gen.
Pain in the ass to change oil on 5th gen compared to my V6 4th gen.
5th gen is heavier and actually feels a little slower.
Non matching spare wheel on 5th gen.


Much better ride from the factory on 5th gen vs 4th gen
Much better insolation from road noise on 5th gen.
Switches, instrument cluster and controls better lit on 5th gen.
The TE has a real transfer case shifter.
The interior is much nicer all around on my TE vs my 4th gen SR5
5th gen is a little bigger all around and feels like a bigger vehicle.

Those are just some things that come to my mind right now. There is probably much that I missed. Overall, I really like my TE. Since July I have put 10k miles on it. Very comfortable, even on long trips. I do wish my 5th gen had more power though. A V8 option or supercharger would be nice. That being said, the transmission does a good job of making up for the slight lack of engine power. This newer version of the 1GR-FE V6 in the 5th gen feels like it wants to stay at the upper end of the RPM specture much more than my 4th gen. On the freeways in CO, going through some mountain passes, my 5th gen had no trouble keeping speed though. I do get about the same mileage in both 4runners though, roughly 19 mpg.
Click to expand...

This could not be more on the money. I have an '08. My wife drives an '11. She's not the tallest girl out there, so the rear hatch is a pain in the ass for her especially since I lifted it : ). But she loves the truck and I like it more every time I see it. My 4th gen feels light and smaller compared to her 5th. The 5th gen feels like you're in a mini tank, in a good way. All of these comments are exactly how I would've graded them both.
 
Lack of power? That comes as a surprise. I depend upon that as well as the lack of lateral movement (lower profile) on icy roads. Heavier feel could be a benefit but the lack of rear interior mirrors and auto rear hatch close are losses (not to mention the burger tray). I think I will stay with the 4th for now. Just coming up on 100k I think I have some miles yet to go. Repairs so far:

drivers side window motor
3rd brake light
XREAS shock left front right rear

These were all covered by the warranty.

I liked the very light feel of my 97 3rd gen and the 4th gen felt heavy at first but appreciate the weight now that I am used to it, I can't find a reason to move up without more torque.

Those rear interior mirrors are a huge benefit to me in low light conditions and they have saved my tail many times. I estimate that if cared for I have another 100-200k miles.

Thanks for your insights. The interior of the 5th sounds almost plush.
 
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