Buying advice - which "generation" am I looking for?

[RandyDaytona]

Hey all,

I was new to 4runners last year when bought my 2011 Ltd. Now, I'm finding that the biggest problem with the truck is that my wife has taken it over . So now I'm looking for another, older one for myself and am wondering which era I should focus on. I'm not looking for another new (or nearly-new) one due to cost, but also because I don't want to have to worry about dings and scratches. I also like some aspects of the older models - like the years in which they came with a v8.

1) I would only be driving it on the weekends (have a company car for work) and really don't care so much what the body looks like, as long as it's not held together with duct tape and bondo.

2) I'd like one that is mechanically sound and reliable. I say this just in case there were some years which were notoriously-UNreliable. I'd obviously be staying away from those.

3) I'd prefer for it not to have too many miles on it. 100K is fine, but 200+ is kinda pushing it.

4) I'll definitely be doing some off-roading to get to the places I like to go for camping, hunting, etc. Note: not off-roading for the sake of doing it, but by necessity.

5) None of these things are set in stone - I'm flexible.

So, to the 4runner experts out there, any idea what years I should be looking at and what I may be spending?

Thanks in advance!


Ron

 

[KidVermicious]

You probably want a Gen3. You'll have a hard time finding a second or first gen truck with the miles you want, and older trucks tend to need a little more regular maintenance to keep them on the road. They also have weaker powerplants, and they drive like a, well, like a 20 year-old truck.

That said, if you can handle all of the above, a first gen with the top off driving through the pines is pure heaven, the 22re engine is practically bulletproof, and you can normally find one in good shape for $2000, versus the 6 or 7k you'd likely pay for a clean third gen. That's a lot of money left for upgrades or other toys!

 

[crackiswack]

If you want a v8, 4th gens are your only choice, 2003-2009. 3rd gens will be harder to find with mileage in the sub 100k range since the newest ones are decade old now

 

[BucknutBob]

I second KidV's suggestion--even though I'm a 2nd Gen guy, the 3rd Gen offers a much better powerplant stock (the 3.4 V6, that is), you can still find them with reasonable miles, and they're old enough to not mind beating up a bit. All the Gen's are fairly reliable, so there aren't any particular ones to fear, but the 1st and 2nd Gen's are harder to find parts and upgrades for. The 2nd Gen's 3.0 V6 has a less-than-favorable rep. for two primary reasons--it's terribly underpowered for the weight it's pulling, and the ignorant exhaust manifold design cooks the heads and leads to head gasket failure over time. A V6 3rd Gen would probably serve you well.

 

[Bahnstoermer]

I'd recommend a 4th Gen. Going back to Gen 3 is a big step back in time compared to your 5th gen, and you can't get a V8. Get a good one with a V8 and don't look back! I'm sure a 3rd gen would be ok too if you're only using it for hunting / off road duty etc, and you won't be looking to it to provide your daily driving refinement compared to a 5th gen, but it's so hard to find a "real SUV" (body on frame) and a V8 now a days, I just can't recommend anyone passing it up. Who knows if you'll be able to get one in the future! Plus 4th gen's can be had pretty cheap now...

 

[GMZ]

I will second the 4th Gen. With the way gas prices are now, V8 in anything is not desirable and thus priced lower. But since you will be having this as a weekend toy I think it would be well suited for that.

What is your price range? That will determine everything.

 

[SUP3RJEFF]

4th gen all the way!

 

[Flyer]

I have a 4th Gen V8 and just got 19.78 mph on a 90% highway trip. I love it. That said, if you want to beat it up, get a 3rd Gen.

 

[IanB]

I'm a BIG fan of my 3rd gen, but it was my little brother's V8 Sport 4th gen that got me looking at these trucks in the 1st place. Only the 4th gen had the V8, so if that's what you're looking for then you've narrowed it down for yourself right there.

 

[Patrick A]

I had a 3rd gen and I loved it. When I accidentally rolled it driving on icy roads, I replaced it with a V8 4th gen....I *adore* my V8 4th gen. I'd recommend it to anyone. Everything is effortless and the V8 engines are incredible, not only in terms of power but in lifespan and durability. I had to rework my 3rd gen engine around 150k on the other hand due to a head gasket failure. And I used to think I liked the exterior style of the 3rd gen better...but now I don't. I can't find a car style I like as much as the 4th gen 4runner now. But, 3rd gens are more affordable and do get noticeably better gas mileage. In my third gen I got 17-20, in the 4th gen (V8 Full time 4WD) I get 15-17 in general highway/street mix driving conditions.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

4th gen IMO, although I am a bit biased. I'll say this, I've owned one of every gen (1987, 1990, 1997, 2003) and the 4th gen is by far my favorite on road. I have very similar needs. I use my 4runner off road to get to my hunting and and fishing spots. I do a little recreational off road, but the majority of its use is daily driving and hunting.

Not only does the 4th gen offer the v8, it is also the largest. This means it's better suited for towing and hauling your hunting gear to the woods. You'll also have more options in that mileage range. However, price will be the highest on these as well.

If I was buying a daily driver/weekend wheeler, I'd give the 3rd gen with OEM rear locker the edge, but for a weekend rig that will see only occasional off road use (and just getting where you need to go, not playing around), the 4th gen is a far better choice IMO.

 

[IanB]

I would definitely consider a 4th gen as a replacement for the wife's Legacy in a couple of years, as they are very nice trucks. I'd love to own one, but have zero interest in getting rid of my 3rd gen. Either way, 3rd and 4th gens are some of the best vehicles ever built, no matter which you go with IMO. Power rear window is a must have!

 

[deedst4r]

If you are looking for a wheeler first and a car to drive around second then a 3rd gen is your prize.

If you are looking for a car to drive around first and a wheeler second then a 4th gen is the one for you.

Both are great vehicles and you will love whatever you end up getting. The 3rd gen seems to be better off road and the 4th gen seems to be better on road. (from what i have heard)

I have not owned a 3rd gen so i am no expert. just my .02 for ya.

 

[RandyDaytona]

Thanks for all the replies, fellas!

I'm looking to spend around 10K - though every time I say I'm "looking to spend X" on something, the amount usually ends up increasing...

And yeah, I'm leaning towards the V8's, but I'm glad the 3.4 v6 wasn't known to be problematic, because there seem to be a lot of them for sale.

Thanks again!


ron

 

[ntopliffe]

4cyl out of the question?

I like the fuel efficiency of my 2wd 4cyl automatic 3rd gen. It isn't going to be towing anything or serious off roading but I've had it up to 24 mpg highway and it does some off roading fine.

Cheaper than what you're looking for, just think what you could do with the money you saved.

 

[Mark86]

I think you are looking for a 4th gen V8. IMO, the V8 is one of my favorite features on my vehicle (besides being one of the most reliable engines Toyota produced). The only part of your post that makes me think a 3rd gen is your calling is the part about offroading. You can't beat the locking rear diff on those trucks.

 

[Huskey]

My dad drives a 2000 Limited with a V6 and I drive a 2005 LImited with a V8 - even before my abundance of modifications he was super jelous. Get 4th Gen V8 for a good price, lift and locker it over time and you should be happy.