Drove a '03 v8, talk me out of it...

IIRC, aren't the 03-04 motors the more desirable one's for adding a supercharger? Without the VVT?

The opposite IMO. URD has a kit for the 05-09 but none specifically for the 03-04 unless their Tundra kit 'swaps' over.

The TRD supercharger is rarer than hen's teeth. Not sure if it fits just the 03-04s or all of them.
 
I agree with looking for a 100 series if your price range is $11,000.

It will be harder to find one with extremely low miles, however if you're patient, they do come along.
 
I agree with looking for a 100 series if your price range is $11,000.

It will be harder to find one with extremely low miles, however if you're patient, they do come along.

Get a 2000. You get the better front IFS setup, you get pre-facelift, you get the 2UZ. Win, win, win.

Locally (Memphis, TN), there is a 2000 with 200700 miles on it for $8700. Not a bad price.
 
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Priced fair, but know that you are well within Land Cruiser territory at $11K.

I'd purchase a used 100-Series over a 4th gen, if I had the option.

I agree with looking for a 100 series if your price range is $11,000.

It will be harder to find one with extremely low miles, however if you're patient, they do come along.

Get a 2000. You get the better front IFS setup, you get pre-facelift, you get the 2UZ. Win, win, win.

Locally (Memphis, TN), there is a 2000 with 200700 miles on it for $8700. Not a bad price.

A Landcruiser/LX is definitely another option. Definitely a larger option though.

So I spoke with the prior owner last night, very nice older gentleman. The only negative things he really said about it is there was an odor coming from the vents with the AC on which he thought was a dead rodent. Nothing was ever found and I'm not sure the Toyota techs ever figured out what the problem was. Here's what else he said though...

1. It was garaged its entire life
2. He just had the windshield replaced this spring with a brand I can't remember right now.
3. He NEVER put it into 4 LO (stuck actuator anyone?)
4. Never did TB/WP, so the belt and WP are 15 YO
5. The battery cables were corroded bad supposedly and he declined having the dealer replace them. So he replaced or cleaned them. However when you open the hood the lip of the drive side fender (I believe this is where the battery is) where it attaches to the subframe is an oxidized rusty color. Wish I would have taken pictures but it didn't look good. I couldn't see the subrame underneath to see if it was also rust colored.

The dealer called me today and said one of the other salesman had an interested party that wants to put a down payment on it. At this point it'd almost be a relief to see it go so I can stop thinking about it.
 
A Landcruiser/LX is definitely another option. Definitely a larger option though.

So I spoke with the prior owner last night, very nice older gentleman. The only negative things he really said about it is there was an odor coming from the vents with the AC on which he thought was a dead rodent. Nothing was ever found and I'm not sure the Toyota techs ever figured out what the problem was. Here's what else he said though...

1. It was garaged its entire life
2. He just had the windshield replaced this spring with a brand I can't remember right now.
3. He NEVER put it into 4 LO (stuck actuator anyone?)
4. Never did TB/WP, so the belt and WP are 15 YO
5. The battery cables were corroded bad supposedly and he declined having the dealer replace them. So he replaced or cleaned them. However when you open the hood the lip of the drive side fender (I believe this is where the battery is) where it attaches to the subframe is an oxidized rusty color. Wish I would have taken pictures but it didn't look good. I couldn't see the subrame underneath to see if it was also rust colored.

The dealer called me today and said one of the other salesman had an interested party that wants to put a down payment on it. At this point it'd almost be a relief to see it go so I can stop thinking about it.

I'd let it go. Enjoy your 3rd gen for a couple more years, and wait for a nice UJZ100 to pop up. Yes, it is larger, and yes, it won't be as sporty, but honestly, can you call a lifted 4Runner sporty?

I'd argue that the UJZ100's aftermarket/cult following will be stronger than a 4th gen.

Not gonna lie, I've been tempted to sell mine and get a FJZ80, but I can't justify the mileage/age.
 
Ive had both. 4th gen was a great vehicle but for some reason i just didn't like it. the shape was odd. bulky, awkward getting in and out of it. but it did have lots of power and lots of room inside. my 3rd gen (current vehicle) i cant wait to get in it and drive it. i love the 3rd gen for its shape and reliability and its kind of classic styling. i feel very content owning this 4runner. keep your 3rd, i think you would regret the trade. good luck.
 
Ive had both. 4th gen was a great vehicle but for some reason i just didn't like it. the shape was odd. bulky, awkward getting in and out of it. but it did have lots of power and lots of room inside. my 3rd gen (current vehicle) i cant wait to get in it and drive it. i love the 3rd gen for its shape and reliability and its kind of classic styling. i feel very content owning this 4runner. keep your 3rd, i think you would regret the trade. good luck.
This is a very fair description of what I've heard many other echo. The 4th gen is great, and arguably a huge upgrade from the 3rd gen in most ways ... but it also lacks a lot of the character that the 3rd gen offers.

The 3rd gen 4runner is distilled Toyota 4x4 perfection.

The 4th gen is as though Toyota felt pressure from the competition to make the 4runner more car-like. Thankfully, the 5th gen is a true return to form, and arguably the best generation yet!
 
... but it also lacks a lot of the character that the 3rd gen offers.

I don't know man, the V8 has plenty of 'character' and 'charm' for me. :lmao:

I've seen others dismiss those features just for the updated powertrain, interior, and size.
 
You haven't mentioned what it will be used for, though I assume daily driver at the least. Any offroading or mods?

It would be primarily a daily driver. I drive a ‘98 Camry now and ironically my father drives my 4runner to work and back. But with this purchase I’d give him the Camry, sell the 3rd and start driving this. I live in Nebraska, so the closest thing to off-road is a muddy minimum maintenance road. So it would see very little off-road as of now, but with Black Friday coming up, would plan to splurge on off-road goodies like lift and tires.
 
Overall dimensions of the 4th gen are larger, interior storage is increased.

Numerically, definitely larger. In practice I don't find the difference in interior space to be very noticeable. In terms of functionality it does have various advantages. Once I get over those door panels ;) , the V8 4th Gen is a seriously good vehicle to drive everyday compared to a 3rd gen. The UZ and the Torsen is a hard to beat combo, and the relative size to a 3rd gen makes it more nimble than other UZ powered trucks.

Now the question of whether it's a replacement for a 3rd gen... I'm heavily biased so that's a hell nah. I like the dated design... except during a long commute.

Now if we're talking V6 4th gen, I would not even bother with that engine but that's just how I see it.
 
Did you ever speak with the previous owner? Gather any info?

Check page 2.



Unless I have an incredible dream overnight with the 4th gen gods telling me to get it, I plan to call the dealer tomorrow and tell them I’m moving on. Just wouldn’t be the best decision right now. I’m looking to buy a house and I figure a truck would better suit me.
 
I've never driven a 4th gen and will never want one, don't like how they look.

That said - my other vehicle is a 2004 LX470 and the 2UZ is simply glorious. Buttery smooth and plenty of power, even when hauling around all that extra weight when compared to the 4Runner. Gas mileage be damned.

I imagine 4th gen w/the 2UZ absolutely can scoot when you want it to, compared to the rather anemic 5vz.
 

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