I am thinking of upgrading from my 3rd Gen. but i have not heard much talk on if the newest model is worth the price. One of my main issues with the 3rd gen is that the seat is so low to the floor. Like driving a sports car with giant wheels. Are your knees at 90 degrees in the new model? Any regrets?
Do you like the 5th Gen best?
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go visit the 5th gen forum and you'll feel like a new Toyota 5th gen owner came on your face talking about their 5th gen.
They are great trucks though. Nothing bad to say about any of them.
Matteblack
Member
I haven't driven a 3rd gen but in the 5th you can raise the seats pretty high. 5th gen is my favorite and first 4Runner I've owned, so its based on aesthetics not experience owning them. I've always respected the 4Runner and not until I saw the 5.0 gen TE did I want to get one. I know each gen is very reliable and highly capable 
MB
MB
team_gforce
New member
I absolutely loved my 3rd gen. Selling it to upgrade to the 5th was a decision based on total combined mileage of our two vehicles and a baby on the way. Our 3rd gen was built up a little and almost impractical for kid carrier. Anyway, i find myself liking the 5th gen more and more. It is very comfy, sets are still kind of low, but better than the 3rd. Still nothing like a Nissan in terms of a 90 degree bend at the knee. The KDSS is awesome on the highway. The overall upgrade in all the creature comforts was worth the price to me. Will it ever be as tough of a truck as my 3rd or even my 1st gen... Time will tell, but i dont for a second regret the purchase.
MSinDC
New member
I loved my 3rd gen, and was freaking out the night I sold it (before I picked up my new one the next morning). However, after hopping in the new one I knew I made the right decision and have never had a regret in upgrading.
I remember being amazed that it drove so much better than my 3rd gen, yet it still felt like a 4runner (not sure if that makes sense).
I remember being amazed that it drove so much better than my 3rd gen, yet it still felt like a 4runner (not sure if that makes sense).
The 3rd gen. is the best vehicle I have had. I have a 97' and have all original parts. It is the only vehicle I have ever had that did not drip any fluids after passing 60k miles. I have 180k and have never seen a drop of oil on the ground! For me that alone is a miracle. The seats are my only beef. And it is a little narrow.
Mistaken
New member
Tons of good info in here...
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/92594-modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html
Good luck!
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/92594-modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html
Good luck!
Engineer
New member
:smow:
All I have to say is its 2 generations ahead of the 3rd gen.
....... and its a noticeably larger
Hellamatic
New member
Sounds like you could answer your question with a test drive instead of soliciting subjective opinions.
stop it!
03_4x4Runner
Senior Member
I would say the 4th gen is best but I will not because 1enginner would be all over me.
kinnakeettom
New member
4th::: I pull a 23 ft CC boat the 4.0 v-6 is gutless, wish I had my v-8 back....
I miss my 3rd gen in several ways but enjoy my 5th gen. However, the reasons that I miss my 3rd gen are the same reasons that you (the OP) have issues with it. I enjoyed the low seating arrangement in the 3rd gen and the feedback the drive train provided - more sport car likeish. The 5th gen seems much larger, roomier, and provides a more compliant ride over the 3rd gen. You will notice the more powerful engine in the current model as well. I never realized how outdated the interior of my 3rd gen had become until I climbed into it after doing a test drive of the 5th gen. That's the best way to determine if the switch is right for you - back to back test drives of the two vehicles to immediately notice the differences between them. The best solution is the have both!
