i looked the the 5th gen up closely over the weekend at a Toyota Dealer, just out of curiosity. Now I understand what everyone is saying. 5th Gen really cheaped out. The dash is plasticky. And no gas cap release? Are you serious Toyota?? Even my old 2000 Golf had a gas cap release. and they put a cheap antenna. Wow. I'm sticking with my 4th Gen. No wonder the dealer said the 4th gen sell really quickly once they hit the used car lot.
dont downgrade to 5th Gen
- Thread starter Gecko123
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03_4x4Runner
Senior Member
This is why I still drive my 03 V8. I have test drove 4 or 5 5th gens and left disappointed every time. The 5th gens have a wimpy sounding and running 4.0. It seems to me the 4th gens 4.0 runs better but that may be because the 5th gens added 400 lbs and went to a slightly taller tire (265/65/17 vs 265/70/17 on the sr5). Hopefully some changes are made soon or I am moving on to something else when my 03 needs replaced.
BlackWorksInc
New member
All full sized spares on Toyota vehicles with TPMS have a sensor in the spare (4th gens too), tires lose air over time, which is why it its important to check pressures regularly. Its just one of those things few people do anymore and why we have TPMS in the first place.
I may be to young to reminisce, but I miss the days people took responsibility for their vehicles. Most people can't check their oil or change a spare... Its pretty sad.
I like the styling of the fifth gen, but the interior layout is awkward to me. I've never been too big a fan on leather in a 4x4, but I think sport edition has a good balance. The 4.0L actually more powerful and runs dual VVTi, I don't care much for the tall, large diameter wheels and tires. All in all, I'd take one if it was given to me, but I won't be interested in buying until it has a 4.6L V8 to compete with my fourth green.
I may be to young to reminisce, but I miss the days people took responsibility for their vehicles. Most people can't check their oil or change a spare... Its pretty sad.
I like the styling of the fifth gen, but the interior layout is awkward to me. I've never been too big a fan on leather in a 4x4, but I think sport edition has a good balance. The 4.0L actually more powerful and runs dual VVTi, I don't care much for the tall, large diameter wheels and tires. All in all, I'd take one if it was given to me, but I won't be interested in buying until it has a 4.6L V8 to compete with my fourth green.
4dailyRunner
New member
Gecko can stay, now.
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
97BlackAckCL
Elite Member
This is why I searched for a newer 4th gen instead of going up to a 5th gen. I love the 4th gen so much more that I was happy to get into a new lower mileage 4th gen with the updated body style and features
Casper421
New member
Had my 90k mile service yesterday and got the chance to drive a used 10' TE. It did nothing for me except make me appreciate my 4th gen even more! Underpowered, turning radius sucks, cheap interior, boxy and whats up with the ugly bump on the headlights?! Funny thing is that the 08 sr5 w/68k parked next to the TE was sold throughout the day and the TE was left alone looking left out.
Did have a chance to drive my service guys s/c 5.7 tundra though....OMG! :lookout: Unbelievably fast!!
Did have a chance to drive my service guys s/c 5.7 tundra though....OMG! :lookout: Unbelievably fast!!
toybox
New member
I'm keeping my 4th gen and waiting for the 6th gen, hopefully they'll make that gen right.
I looked at the 5th gen also and was very disappointed. They cheapened up on a lot of things, bug and small. No V8, no full-time 4wd, no sliding visors (you don't know how much you like them until you really need them) amoung other things. And the price seems to have gone up substantially (I know things go up in price but it just seems out-of-line with the 4th gen and what you get)
I looked at the 5th gen also and was very disappointed. They cheapened up on a lot of things, bug and small. No V8, no full-time 4wd, no sliding visors (you don't know how much you like them until you really need them) amoung other things. And the price seems to have gone up substantially (I know things go up in price but it just seems out-of-line with the 4th gen and what you get)
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
Wow,another 5th gen bashing thread.:whip2:
I could have said some of the same things about the 4th gens when they debuted in late '02 which while it got the power goodies and AWD and a few other things Toyota had to cut corners with other stuff so the 4th gen was cheapened a bit to which keeps it competitively priced.
I never really latched onto the 4th gens since they always seemd a bit soft and porky and actually really like the 5th gen which more closely resembles the 3rd gen's truck-like look and the 5th gen got more off road friendly which is a big deal to me.
I could have said some of the same things about the 4th gens when they debuted in late '02 which while it got the power goodies and AWD and a few other things Toyota had to cut corners with other stuff so the 4th gen was cheapened a bit to which keeps it competitively priced.
I never really latched onto the 4th gens since they always seemd a bit soft and porky and actually really like the 5th gen which more closely resembles the 3rd gen's truck-like look and the 5th gen got more off road friendly which is a big deal to me.
OMG, I thought i was the only one that hates the lights on this rig
toybox
New member
I've owned a 1st, 3rd and now a 4th gen and I can't see anything they cheapened up on the 4th from the 3rd, it all got better with the 4th save maybe ground clearance.
I do like the styling of the 5th gen a lot though, but the really smooth V8 and full time 4wd mean a lot to me.
Antman
Elite Member
Man. I am filled with "Gas Cap Envy" now. Thanks a lot!:crybaby:
Thats for sure.
BlackWorksInc
New member
Around the 3rd gen's creation, Toyota started going towards a more "luxurious" trend during the 90's. The 4th Gen continued that trend, but started its downard start towards "Cheapening" or "de-luxurizing."
Keep in mind the 1st & 2nd gens were rough and tumble vehicles built with utility mind and not so much luxury, so its not to surprising that Toyota wants to return to that to reduce costs and emphasize their other more "Luxurious" SUV/Crossovers. Though that would work even better if the price for the 5th Gen did not INCREASE while over all content decreased.
Keep in mind the 1st & 2nd gens were rough and tumble vehicles built with utility mind and not so much luxury, so its not to surprising that Toyota wants to return to that to reduce costs and emphasize their other more "Luxurious" SUV/Crossovers. Though that would work even better if the price for the 5th Gen did not INCREASE while over all content decreased.
SUP3RJEFF
New member
:lmao:Awesome!:lmao:
Druss
New member
When i noticed they cheeped out on the rear brake lights with no LED's I then realized the rest of the vehicle most likely has been produced with cost savings in mind and to me the shape is a big square block with a few edges chiseled out here and there but that is just me.
