Considering a used 4Runner. What were '04 > '05 changes?

[Otto]

I've been looking around for a used 4Runner. My budget is about 24K max, so I can't really afford an '06 even with the 2.9% financing rate (just bought a house). I've seen some 04's and 05's that have fairly low miles and are in my price range, I'm just wondering if there were any changes of significance in the '05 models which would make me want to overlook the '04 models.

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[Uneek]

2005 V8's have VVT-i upping horsepower to 270 and torque to 330 from 2004's 235 and 320, respectively.

The 2005 270hp rating is acheived at 5,400 rpm, while the 2004 235hp rating is at 4,800 rpm. Torque for both is at 3,400 rpm.

 

[tkr128]

Changes for 2005: SR5 has a chrome grille instead of color-coded. Limited has black running boards and roof rack instead of silver. The silver front and rear bumper trims are now body colored (except on the Sport Edition). Toyota added an Auto LSD to 2WD models. V6 has the 5-speed transmission and the V8 gets VVT-i.

That's all I can think of.

 

[sharp4runr]

I think the other guys pretty much covered. The changes between the 2004 and 2005 were minimal.

The changes you should really be concerned about were the V6 received 5 speed auto in 2005 (2003-2004 V6 has a 4 speed auto)

In the V8 for 2005, the engine received a VVTI upgrade bumping specs to 270HP and 330LB torque (2003-2004 V8, 235HP and 270LB torque)

 

[Bluto]

The 5 speed offers better acceleration, fuel economy, and towing. The lower ratio first gear is also better for offroad.

 

[OUTRNNR]

This is a pretty minor detail, but the '05+ has a redesigned rear spoiler that improves airflow down across the rear window and hatch which helps keep dust off the rear hatch/window as well as removing water from the window without the use of the rear wiper at speed.

This redesign includes a small triangluar (when viewed from the side) "hump" at the leading edge of the rear spoiler which, some people on this forum think, looks absolutely hideous. No one will even notice this unless they are educated about 4runners as there are very few people who even realize they changed the design. Even I have a tough time distinguishing the two unless I'm standing right next to it.

 

[Koz]

This redesign includes a small triangluar (when viewed from the side) "hump" at the leading edge of the rear spoiler which, some people on this forum think, looks absolutely hideous.

Some people also think a 4 speed is better then a 5 speed because they have one. :bonk:

Koz

 

[OUTRNNR]

Hmmm...Go Figure. :dancin:

 

[Koz]

Some People? :headslap:

Koz

 

[abin]

some people think 5 speed is better than 4 speed because that is one speed more...:bash:

 

[OUTRNNR]

Here we go again... :corn:

 

[Koz]

some people think 5 speed is better than 4 speed because that is one speed more...:bash:

I personally don't think it really matters; other then a lower first gear would be a little better for towing. The "Some People" comment should have been "Some Person" (but doesn't sound right)! No offence was intended. The Spark Plug Man and I have this little knife throwing act going on.

Koz

 

[4runnerman]

I sent you a PM

check your inbox...

 

[Kmvreter]

Back to the thread: What were '04 > '05 changes?

I'm just wondering if there were any changes of significance in the '05 models which would make me want to overlook the '04 models.

Any advice is appreciated!

The cruise control was upgraded in '05 to have a true/full resume feature. Some might consider this as a minor difference but it depends on your driving habits or the type of driving you do.

 

[Bluto]

Opinions or fact?

I don't see an acceleration advantage for the '05 V6 as compared to the '04 V6. Sometimes fewer gear changes outweigh tighter gear ratios. Learned that a long time ago when I was into drag racing.... and now that I think about, is the fuel economy rating any different??

What is the first gear ratio difference between the 4 and 5 speed auto?

I don't see how drag racing is relevant to daily use. Roads aren't flat, last longer than a 1/4 mile, and most people drive with cargo frequently.

Maybe somone who has owned both transmission has something to offer?

 

[T4RMatt]

I think the main advantage of having more gears in your tranny is that engines usually have a certain place in the rev range where they make their most power. The more gears you have the better your chances of being able to put the hammer down and be in that sweet spot. Take towing for example......I occasionally tow a trailer that weighs enough to tax the vehicle (4500 lbs) and have towed it behind many different vehicles on the same route. In order to maintain 70 (the speed limit) up some long grades you will find four speeds not being able to hold it in 3rd, but with 2nd being overkill and pegging the tach way too high for comfort. With a five speed auto the engine can find that middle ground. I have towed with a Touraeg with a 6 speed auto, and that seemed to really hunt and shift a lot--maybe too many cogs??? Anyhow, a five speed is a better box to have as it has no drawbacks (its not too many gears to cause excess shifting or hunting) but it is not something that would really add enjoyment to the vehicle. If I were in your shoes I would pick an 04 or even an 03 with more equipment over an 05 for the same money. 4Runners seem to run forever with little to no problems regardless of the year so get one with a few bells and whistles.

 

[Bluto]

You just seemed so sure that the 5 speed would be quicker.

And what about the fuel economy difference? Is there any?

The 5 speed won't accelerate faster, or get better MPG 100% of the time. Besides, there is no way to prove otherwise on the Internet.

Toyota said the 5 speed is a "good combination of acceleration & economy." I'm assuming their statement is in reference to the 4 speed, and not a rhetorical statement. Argue with Toyota is you don't like what they have to say.

I don't think Toyota/Lexus would choose the 5 speed as the future and only automatic truck transmission just for marketing purposes.

 

[Koz]

Clearly you can see that first gear is lower and the final gear ratio is higher. Which will give more torque from the start and will rev lower at highway speeds. It even has a lower reverse gear.

Koz

 

[OUTRNNR]

I believe that having 5 speeds vs. 4 keeps the engine in its max power and torque range while shifting through the gears when accelerating hard. I don't know how it is on the V6, but in the V8 the power really starts to pour on at about 3500 rpm (at least in the vvt-i). The nice thing about the 5 speed is while accelerating hard every gear shift is kept within this "powerband" (3500 rpm to redline).

My dad has a '05 Yukon Denali (4 speed) and its great off the line in first gear all the way to redline, which happens at about 45 mph, but when it shifts into 2nd it seems to fall out of the power range somewhat and takes a small amount of time for the engine to regain momentum. This is why I think more gears is better for acceleration. Fuel economy is better too because of the 5th overdrive gear.

 

[T4RMatt]

My dad has a '05 Yukon Denali (4 speed) and its great off the line in first gear all the way to redline, which happens at about 45 mph, but when it shifts into 2nd it seems to fall out of the power range somewhat and takes a small amount of time for the engine to regain momentum. This is why I think more gears is better for acceleration. Fuel economy is better too because of the 5th overdrive gear.

This is actually a result of something GM uses called Torque Management on their fullsize trucks. It basically plays around with the timing to provide softer shifts to maximize tranny life. There are lots of reflashes availabe to get rid of this. I ordered a new PCM when I had my Silverado and it got rid of this problem.