Best overall 4runner

[NJshadow93]

As every 4Runner vs. 4Runner thread has achieved, each generation has its own things great and not so great about it. Personally, I think the 4th generation is the best overall, which is why I bought it over a 3rd generation. I was looking last year and couldn't decide over the 3rd and 4th gens. After test driving, the loads of power the V8 had over the other motors was very obvious, and the legendary reliability to top it sold me. Every review you would find about 4th gens pretty much state "it is better than the previous generation (3rd gen) in every single way." Literally the only thing less "rugged" about it is the inch of ground clearance lost. The 4th gen is way more powerful, has excellent traction control (I know, I know, not as good as a locker but gets the job done 9/10 times), how many of you here knew that the 4th gens had a stronger frame than the 3rd gens?

These threads never get anywhere IMO, and arguing over which 4Runner is better than another 4Runner is useless.

 

[poleclimber63]

These threads never get anywhere IMO, and arguing over which 4Runner is better than another 4Runner is useless.

NJshadow, I don't really agree, because when someone is making a desicsion to purchase, everyone has different overriding reasons for their final choice. as I said ANY 4Runner is a good choice! My overriding choice came down to "can I afford it", "what is the smallest 4Runner that will tow my boat", "does it have good off-road/bad weather traction--- 4x4", "will it last", "can I do most of the repairs" and "does it drink fuel"? Everyone will have a different set of questions.

I just sold a 99' Chevy Suburban---- I was tired of paying $180 to fill the tank (yes, gas is stupidly $$$$ in Canada)! I had big repair bills, electrical problems, door handles breaking off in my hand (not durable!!) and really felt it was time to dump it. Everything was expensive for that piece of scrap!!! It was time to downsize. I also own a Corolla (I've had a couple over the years) and they never really come to the end of their useable lives before I sold them(as long as they're maintained). I did look at a 4th gen but I had a hard time finding a decent one, and they were all over $12K... I paid $7k for mine. For me, my 3rd gen fills all my "questions".

 

[NJshadow93]

I agree, but I think that most people look in their budget anyway. And I also agree that every 4Runner would be a good choice. But what always happens is that some people get carried away, bash other gens of 4Runners, and for what?

 

[rebelbowtie]

IMO the 3rd gen is the best 4Runner because you can get leather, sun roof, rear locker and manual trans from the factory. but I wanted a v8 and some nicer interior so I had to go with a 4th gen.

 

[poleclimber63]

Agreed!

I seriously won't bash any 4Runner.... just personal experience: my boss has an 04' and she's had 2 power window motors and a power lock fail(under warranty, thank god)... she definitely uses more gas (V8).... also a fuel pump...... I admit stuff breaks... I will admit, I've had bellcrank issues (ebrake). All 4Runners are lightyears ahead of their BIG Three counterparts! For me, I just didn't want the size, or the cost!

 

[zonianbrat]

NJshadow, I don't really agree, because when someone is making a desicsion to purchase, everyone has different overriding reasons for their final choice. as I said ANY 4Runner is a good choice! My overriding choice came down to "can I afford it", "what is the smallest 4Runner that will tow my boat", "does it have good off-road/bad weather traction--- 4x4", "will it last", "can I do most of the repairs" and "does it drink fuel"? Everyone will have a different set of questions.

I just sold a 99' Chevy Suburban---- I was tired of paying $180 to fill the tank (yes, gas is stupidly $$$$ in Canada)! I had big repair bills, electrical problems, door handles breaking off in my hand (not durable!!) and really felt it was time to dump it. Everything was expensive for that piece of scrap!!! It was time to downsize. I also own a Corolla (I've had a couple over the years) and they never really come to the end of their useable lives before I sold them(as long as they're maintained). I did look at a 4th gen but I had a hard time finding a decent one, and they were all over $12K... I paid $7k for mine. For me, my 3rd gen fills all my "questions".

Funny, I have a similar story I traded in my 99 Tahoe for my 04 runner. Same kinds of issues too. On the way to trade it in the door handle broke! Tranny was on it's way out too. We own both a 3rd gen and a 4th gen now and I have to say I like the 4th gen a bit better. On-road manners are allot better. And in my situation I do allot more on-road driving than off-roading. I will admit however I still love the stance and styling of the 3rd gen a bit more. That might change once I am done doing some stuff to my 4th gen...

 

[SantaCruzRunner]

Been following some of my fellow 3rd gen owners and I must say: wow! These guys are serious 4Runner advocates! Some Impressive machines to check out:
BigFishAllDay
4-Ripcord
ChildrenofBodom
Blcktpgsr
Rickashay
Steezemcqueen
SantaCruzRunner
4runit
Ron Helmuth

There are just a TON of 4runner enthusiasts out there, I wish I had the time to list everyone I've stumbled upon but there's too many!

Good luck, and in the end, ANY 4RUNNER IS A GOOD CHOICE!arty:

I feel so honored to be on that list!!! haha

 

[imboredeveryday]

I have own 1st gen and now 2 3rd gens and my mom owns a 4th gen has had a 1st and 2nd gen also, personnally for offroading i loved my 1st gen i took it thru hell and back but it was my offroad truck it was my dd but honestly i dont recomend them for a dd harsh ride not comfortable for long time drives, but u can park it anywhere and not care if some one hits it or dents it. My first 3rd gen was nice only 2wd but i did push it thru alot of stuff and after i blew up my 1st gen for the 2nd time and was gonna cost to much to fix it again i ended up with another 3rd gen 4x4 this time wouldnt trade it for anything but, a 5th gen trail editon, honestly my moms 4th gen im not a big fan of very low quailty i think compared to the 3rd and 1st gen and honestly i havent had enough experience with the 5th gen to see quaility issues yet the 2nd gen my mom had wasnt bad but i dont rember it to much and i have a 08 tacoma x-runner and i will tell anyone all day long that my jap built trucks are much better quailty all day long then the american built tacomas.

 

[white toy taco]

I have own 1st gen and now 2 3rd gens and my mom owns a 4th gen has had a 1st and 2nd gen also, personnally for offroading i loved my 1st gen i took it thru hell and back but it was my offroad truck it was my dd but honestly i dont recomend them for a dd harsh ride not comfortable for long time drives, but u can park it anywhere and not care if some one hits it or dents it. My first 3rd gen was nice only 2wd but i did push it thru alot of stuff and after i blew up my 1st gen for the 2nd time and was gonna cost to much to fix it again i ended up with another 3rd gen 4x4 this time wouldnt trade it for anything but, a 5th gen trail editon, honestly my moms 4th gen im not a big fan of very low quailty i think compared to the 3rd and 1st gen and honestly i havent had enough experience with the 5th gen to see quaility issues yet the 2nd gen my mom had wasnt bad but i dont rember it to much and i have a 08 tacoma x-runner and i will tell anyone all day long that my jap built trucks are much better quailty all day long then the american built tacomas.

i cant believe that was only 2 sentences... harder than **** to read lol

EDIT: wait you cant cuss here? thats some ****ing ***** ***** ****

 

[imboredeveryday]

im sorry i never really had english classes in school all we did was watch movies so i didnt get the hole punctuation stuff

 

[zstampe]

Best overall 4runner?





Mine!!!

 

[poleclimber63]

Funny, I have a similar story I traded in my 99 Tahoe for my 04 runner. Same kinds of issues too. On the way to trade it in the door handle broke! Tranny was on it's way out too. We own both a 3rd gen and a 4th gen now and I have to say I like the 4th gen a bit better. On-road manners are allot better. And in my situation I do allot more on-road driving than off-roading. I will admit however I still love the stance and styling of the 3rd gen a bit more. That might change once I am done doing some stuff to my 4th gen...

Wow, WRT to my old crappy Suburban, I forgot to mention, The rear end let got 2yrs ago on holiday pulling a camper and the tranny was just starting that "gear hunting" thing... That truck was a close second to a Ford LTD wagon I had some time ago and just slightly better than my old Plymouth Voyager, for my WORST vehicles in history..... The big three forgot how to make decent cars about the time everything went FWD... or maybe they just discovered how to strip mine our wallets...:toilet:

I will never go back ,now that I drive (and love) my 4Runner... I also have a Corolla and my Wife drives a Mitsubishi Lancer...

 

[jakknz]

Been following some of my fellow 3rd gen owners and I must say: wow! These guys are serious 4Runner advocates! Some Impressive machines to check out:
BigFishAllDay
4-Ripcord
ChildrenofBodom
Blcktpgsr
Rickashay
Steezemcqueen
SantaCruzRunner
4runit
Ron Helmuth

There are just a TON of 4runner enthusiasts out there, I wish I had the time to list everyone I've stumbled upon but there's too many!

Good luck, and in the end, ANY 4RUNNER IS A GOOD CHOICE!arty:

I would add singtoe's runner to that list. That is an awesome machine. All the benefits of the 3rd gen runner with a V8 dropped in. You really get the best of all worlds.