Been tempted to buy a 5th gen

[jicko]

Have a 3rd Gen now. Can't really say one downside besides its still just a truck, everything's perfect on it and still under 100k miles but I would love something a little bigger.

3rd 97 just under 100k!?!??! That's still practically "just broken in"..... you probably can get a few more years out of it.... my 97 got 270k miles on it and it is still kicking!!

If I were you, I will wait for 2017 model, most expect that 6th gen will be out by 2017. Will probably get a new engine and new transmission, as 4th and 5th gen are basically the same, so current engine/transmission is dated (started 2003!!!). 6th gen probably will get better mpg.

Once you know the spec of the 2017, if you don't like it, there should still be a LOT of slightly used 5th gen+ for you to pick from....

Tell you what - I have about 33 years of car buying experience and the BEST car is always the final year of production. By then they have worked all the bugs out (and yes, there are bugs in a totally new design - even for Toyota). My 2002 was excellent and the last year for the 3rd gen. My 2015 has thus far been flawless.

And nobody knows what the 2016 will look like. What if it comes out and its butt ugly like the 2003?

OP - if you like the 2015 go buy one. They are fantastic trucks.

It won't be 2016, most likely 2017 for 6th gen.

I kind of agree with you that the later production year models are better than the earlier ones too (with bugs hacked out)..... so I will be a little wary in buying the very first of a generation (ie. 2017)..... to me, at least the 3rd year ish will be good.....

I do love the mid-generation facelift for our 5th gen tho.

 

[wfo9]

Just one other angle on it.

There is no confirmation there will be a sixth gen and all indications are that Toyota is going in the wrong direction for what many people here want.

I would expect the 3.5L V6 and more ugly plastic crap all over it. I would expect styling similar to the GX 460 with a more aggressive look. Not compatible with a truck IMHO.

 

[Boardmember]

Assuming Toyota is making enough money off the various international iterations, we all are educated to know whenever 6th gen shows up, it'll have well engineered/focus-grouped changes but WONT LOSE BODY ON FRAME. It will have another cog in the gearbox, maybe SofTex Gen III. But they won't screw up the formula.

Right, Toyota...?

 

[Moroney167]

update

thanks for all the info everyone. I got a bit of a game changer (in a good way) this morning. I also have an F250 2008 Diesel as work truck but use to live in it. I am over the big truck so as far as people saying going to a 5th gen will be bigger, that is far from bothering me haha. I am use to plowing and towing goosenecks with a fullsize crew cab short bed. I do LOVE my 3rd gen. My one issue is I deff can afford a new one, and being I do some driving I sometimes laugh when I am driving around in a 18 year old vehicle despite how cool it is trying to cruise on the highway at 70 and tires are humming and trucks swaying. Throw some weight in it and its a handful. Regardless I love rust, and love simple stuff. HOWEVER, that new trail premium is pretty much KILLING me inside how gorgeous and without a doubt after some research I would be nuts not to get KDSS.

Game chagner for me is I was going to be taking my fathers F250 Platinum 2014 from him while he got a new one. So I didn't think buying a new 4runner made sense getting that sweet truck soon. So as of now he said ahh I'll just keep it, Going to sell off two of my other work trucks to just have one for plowing and towing at our shop. With that said, I am treating myself to a badass truck I want. Going to deff find a Trail Premium with KDSS. Either white or the dark grey color. I will probably sell the 1997 I have I hate to see it so damn clean and flawless go but. Life goes on I am very over working on things and touching elbows with a friend when I am just going for a small trip. Sucks I jsut put a lot of new stuff like speakers, head unit, remote start in it but oh well. Keep eye in for sale section for her!

Plans for new one: Quality lift with 285's Duratracs or BFG KO2's. Probably SCS wheels or a nice factory wheel after researching offsets. Tint windows.... enjoy it

 

[marshal]

IMO skip the 4Runner and get a 100 series land cruiser. they're about the same size as a 5th gen and in my opinion better set up. an 05 or an 06 with the 5 speed auto an VVTI 4.7L with less than 100k can be had for around $20,000. way better investment in a depreciating asset if you're trying to avoid a car payment if you ask me.

the only downside is the 4.7L v8 is a bit on the thirsty side

 

[Moroney167]

IMO skip the 4Runner and get a 100 series land cruiser. they're about the same size as a 5th gen and in my opinion better set up. an 05 or an 06 with the 5 speed auto an VVTI 4.7L with less than 100k can be had for around $20,000. way better investment in a depreciating asset if you're trying to avoid a car payment if you ask me.

the only downside is the 4.7L v8 is a bit on the thirsty side

Thanks but deff not something I would want. And if I do anything other than my gem of a 3rd gen I want brand new warranty through roof and clean.

 

[Bond's Rolex Sub]

Have a 3rd Gen now. Can't really say one downside besides its still just a truck, everything's perfect on it and still under 100k miles but I would love something a little bigger. Fit people a little better and be amazing to drive yet alone on highway trips. Smoother and quieter I'm sure. But has anyone else gone one direction or the other and regretted or never looked back. Only downside to a new one is that price tag! Mine was cheap and owes me nothing! But I could get a pretty penny if I sell it I believe.

I would be looking at a TRD pro and just leaving it alone. Or go Trail edition and look into a small lift like Icon Coil overs and 285's regardless. Not sure everyone input on the KDSS of its a must or not. I am yet to test drive one but we do own a 2015 TRD sport Tacoma (wife's) so I am aware they are awesome.

Any input?

Like you I had a 97. Great truck. Went to an 03 V6 then to an 04 V8 SR5. Then went 5th Gen with a 10, and recently a 15. Both Limiteds. It is tough for me to compare the 97 against the 15 because I've been out of 3rd Gen for 12 years. But compared to the 4th gen, my 97 felt smaller, more like a pick up truck with a cab, less refined but much more robust. But for as small as it was, it always felt underpowered. I don't regret at all going to the 4th gen (I still can't give up my 04) and now to the 5th. No regrets. The new one is a better truck in nearly every category but you still have the hallmarks of the 4Runner heritage and provenance.

You won't regret the jump.

 

[MTUFL]

thanks for all the info everyone. I got a bit of a game changer (in a good way) this morning. I also have an F250 2008 Diesel as work truck but use to live in it. I am over the big truck so as far as people saying going to a 5th gen will be bigger, that is far from bothering me haha. I am use to plowing and towing goosenecks with a fullsize crew cab short bed. I do LOVE my 3rd gen. My one issue is I deff can afford a new one, and being I do some driving I sometimes laugh when I am driving around in a 18 year old vehicle despite how cool it is trying to cruise on the highway at 70 and tires are humming and trucks swaying. Throw some weight in it and its a handful. Regardless I love rust, and love simple stuff. HOWEVER, that new trail premium is pretty much KILLING me inside how gorgeous and without a doubt after some research I would be nuts not to get KDSS.

Game chagner for me is I was going to be taking my fathers F250 Platinum 2014 from him while he got a new one. So I didn't think buying a new 4runner made sense getting that sweet truck soon. So as of now he said ahh I'll just keep it, Going to sell off two of my other work trucks to just have one for plowing and towing at our shop. With that said, I am treating myself to a badass truck I want. Going to deff find a Trail Premium with KDSS. Either white or the dark grey color. I will probably sell the 1997 I have I hate to see it so damn clean and flawless go but. Life goes on I am very over working on things and touching elbows with a friend when I am just going for a small trip. Sucks I jsut put a lot of new stuff like speakers, head unit, remote start in it but oh well. Keep eye in for sale section for her!

Plans for new one: Quality lift with 285's Duratracs or BFG KO2's. Probably SCS wheels or a nice factory wheel after researching offsets. Tint windows.... enjoy it

Just came across this thread and am in the same boat. Now that you have had the 2015 Trail Premium how do you like it????

I have a 99 Limited with 117K mi and am thinking hard about trading it in for a used 2015 TEP, but don't want to regret it. I can't keep both because we already have other vehicles and only need 1 4R. Currently I use my 99 4R LE for mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, boating and dog agility (ride my MT bike to work). 4R is the only vehicle for me and I don't want to be disappointed with a newer model. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[Presa Canario]

I don't own either, but wanting to buy. Trying to decide between the 4th or 5th gen. This gave some good info to think about.

 

[ColoradoToyota]

Went from an 04 tacoma to 5th gen. Will never ever regret the move to the 5th gen (moving from a truck to an SUV was a big change in a positive way for me as well) but I often regret not figuring out a way to keep the truck as well. Needed the money out of it to make the switch comfortably but I wish I still had the truck.

As for choosing one as an everyday vehicle and DD and beyond, 5th gen all day.

 

[ColoradoToyota]

Just came across this thread and am in the same boat. Now that you have had the 2015 Trail Premium how do you like it????

I have a 99 Limited with 117K mi and am thinking hard about trading it in for a used 2015 TEP, but don't want to regret it. I can't keep both because we already have other vehicles and only need 1 4R. Currently I use my 99 4R LE for mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, boating and dog agility (ride my MT bike to work). 4R is the only vehicle for me and I don't want to be disappointed with a newer model. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

I use mine for camping, biking, hiking, dog-toting, backcountry skiing, resort-apres, occasional mild off-roading etc and it's the tits. It's basically a little bit bigger, nicer version of what you already have - it will still do all of the things you do but it's nicer inside. I love mine. Like I said in the previous post, my only regret was not finding a way to also keep my old 2004 tacoma because it was also such a great vehicle. But I am happier day-to-day with the creature comforts of the new rig.

 

[MTUFL]

Went from an 04 tacoma to 5th gen. Will never ever regret the move to the 5th gen (moving from a truck to an SUV was a big change in a positive way for me as well) but I often regret not figuring out a way to keep the truck as well. Needed the money out of it to make the switch comfortably but I wish I still had the truck.

As for choosing one as an everyday vehicle and DD and beyond, 5th gen all day.

I had a 1997 Tacoma ext cab 4X4 before I bought my 1999 4R LE. I never regretted that sale because I love having the room inside for my dogs and gear. Just not sure about exchanging a 1999 to 2015.

I think right now I am going to stick with my 1999.

 

[jrandom]

I think right now I am going to stick with my 1999.

I had a '99 SR5 in desert dune, pretty much stock. I loved it, to be frank I wish I would have kept it, regardless of buying my 5th gen. I loved that truck.

 

[jahdai42]

<--- 2002 Sports to a 2016 Trail, I miss the old truck because of what I put into it but this is a way better vehicle.

 

[MTUFL]

<--- 2002 Sports to a 2016 Trail, I miss the old truck because of what I put into it but this is a way better vehicle.

Can you tell me why you think the 2016 Trail is a better vehicle?

 

[jahdai42]

Can you tell me why you think the 2016 Trail is a better vehicle?

Dont get me wrong the 3rd Gen is an awesome platform for building a rig and if the engine didn't blow I would still have it. Here are just a few things I like the 5th over the 3rd.

1. 3rd gen frame rust issue
2. Strawberry Milkshake
3. Tiny brakes
4. more HP for same mileage
5. better stock ride height,
6. more space, (6'4" driver here)
7. Rear locker vs center locker

 

[007Tacoma]

Can you tell me why you think the 2016 Trail is a better vehicle?

Having gone from a 2003 SE 4WD (with the 4spd transmission) to a 2015 Trail Premium...

1. Crawl Control / Terrain Control (never used, but I have them)
2. Available KDSS
3. More refined engine control
4. Simpler AC Control
5. Dash Light Color
6. Interior Space and Storage
7. Fuel Economy
8. Better Cupholders (actually my largest complaint about my 4th Gen)
9. Heated Seats
10. Better Brakes
11. Better Visibility
12. More Aggressive Looks

 

[jspagna1]

Went from a 1997 T4R to a 2011 T4R. Bought the 97 new and had it for 16 years and 170,000 miles. My daughter drove it for about 2 years.
I purposely waited because I wanted more cargo space and the 4th gen just did not have it. As soon as the 5th Gen came out I was sold.
My old truck was a beast and I would have kept it but already have 5 cars at the house and no room for another.
I am very happy with my 5th Gen. Now just hoping it will last as long as my 97 did????

 

[wadle5]

Having gone from a 2003 SE 4WD (with the 4spd transmission) to a 2015 Trail Premium...

[*] Better Cupholders (actually my largest complaint about my 4th Gen)
[*] Heated Seats
[*] Better Visibility

[/LIST]

Just a couple quick questions? Whats wrong with the cupholders?
You could get heated seats in the 4th gen Limited model?
Visibility, what about those blind spot mirrors in the rear of the 4th gen those are a god send!

 

[007Tacoma]

Just a couple quick questions? Whats wrong with the cupholders?
You could get heated seats in the 4th gen Limited model?
Visibility, what about those blind spot mirrors in the rear of the 4th gen those are a god send!

Excellent questions!

I did not want the Limited because of the leather seats (which oddly enough is probably my top complaint about my Trail Premium).

Cupholders in the 2003 (first year of the 4th Gen) had these clips that would "hold" a cup or bottle for the driver and front passenger. 2 Problems: First the clips would break down and barely hold and empty cup when off-road - let alone a bottle of water. Second they are far too close to the vertical dash panel (where there is a "bin") and too close to each other. Large or oversized cups and bottles wouldn't fit next to each other. I ended up making a wooden insert to fix the first problem, but the second was still frustrating.

Cupholders in the 2015 (second year of the 5th Gen version 2) are oversized round holders with a rubber insert that are far from each other. I can fit my 40oz Hydro Flask (vacuum insulated stainless steel water bottle) in the 2015 cupholders with the rubber insert removed, and having two of those in the cupholders in the back seat (same insert size) makes for easy grab of cold water. Is it a perfect system? No, but it is leaps and bounds better than the 2003 was.

I actually never really used those "around the corner" mirrors in my 2003 because I installed a rear-view camera in the spoiler. As a matter of fact, you don't need them in the 2015 with the wide-angle rear-view camera. You can see much more and much clearer on the dash than through those small mirrors. Although the 2015 and the 2003 were roughly the same size and "pretty much the same" frame, the 2015 does better for all around visibility with window placement and sizing. Also, I added the Rav4 heated mirrors with the blind spot convex mirrors in the corners. It was fine without them, but they are more helpful than I thought they would be.

The only two things I liked better about my 2003 were the cloth seats and the ceiling height with the sunroof option, but I am only 5'9". So, it isn't an actual problem as much as a perception. It could also be due to the roof line being so much further forward than the 4th Gen.