Getting a 4th Gen

[Lexusbstrdchild]

Hey guys its been a long time since ive posted, but its now time for a newer 4runner. I was thinking an '06 sr5 but id like opinions on 4th gens. I like the fact that then newer ones have the LED tail lights, hill ascend and descend, etc etc but what other differences are there between years ('03-'08) My price range id like to stay around is about 20K and id like less than 50k miles. Ill do some light wheeling with it, put the OME 2.5" lift but other than that probably not too much else. What would you guys with the 4th gens recommend?

 

[Trendari]

Hello,

Here is a link to J.A.'s wonderful site where you can see all of the differences by year:

Toyota 4Runner History 2006

enjoy!

 

[A10MileHusker]

Hey guys its been a long time since ive posted, but its now time for a newer 4runner. I was thinking an '06 sr5 but id like opinions on 4th gens. I like the fact that then newer ones have the LED tail lights, hill ascend and descend, etc etc but what other differences are there between years ('03-'08) My price range id like to stay around is about 20K and id like less than 50k miles. Ill do some light wheeling with it, put the OME 2.5" lift but other than that probably not too much else. What would you guys with the 4th gens recommend?

IMHO, If you're going to lift, go 3" I'm not saying that just because that's what I started with, It's just that I would still hit rocks with 3"

06 was the their first year after their mid-generation change for the 4th Gens. In 06 they went to LED taillights, Projector headlights, but they downgraded their fog lights to a simple beam and not a projector beam. They also changed so that the amber DRL is now in the headlight instead of next to the fog light. They removed the rear fog lights and also made a small change in their front bumpers. Other than that (and anyone chime in if I'm wrong) I believe thats the only difference between the two 4th Gens.

EDIT: and yes, Trendari gave you a WONDERFUL site. JA has wonderful information! :bigok:

 

[peter78]

Here are some of the things I like done to the 4Runner by year.

2004 The ugly grey cladding is gone, actually the took it off half way through 2003.

2005 Some mechanical upgrades. The V6 got the 5 speed transmission and the V8 got V-tti.

2006 LED lights as you mentioned for the tail lights. I also like getting MP3 player and getting rid of the cassette player.

2008 I like this year, because they made side air bags standard. They can be optional till then, but in this year, curtain and side air are in all 4Runners.

If I would shy away from any year, it might be 2003, just because it was the first year. I bought a 2004 in 2008 with 41,000 miles. I know it only has a 4 speed, but I do like the door hanles are painted the same color as the car and not chrome. So, I guess each year has their small negatives and positives.

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

Awesome thanks for the info! This will help narrow the search down thanks again!

 

[Nuke]

I've owned a 2nd gen ('90), 3rd gen ('00) and now a 4th gen ('08); all V6's. Overall, I have to say that the 4th gen is definitely a more capable tow vehicle over the others and the power increase from the 3.4L in the 3rd gen to the 4.0L is very noticeable. The 4th gen is also more "civilized" both comfort and ride wise. I just wish mine didn't come with the Dunlop GrandCrap AT20 tires. If you're doing anything other than granny driving in mild snow, they're disgusting compared to Michelin LTX's, Bridgestone REVO's and Firestone Destination AT's that I've had on T4R's.

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

I've owned a 2nd gen ('90), 3rd gen ('00) and now a 4th gen ('08); all V6's. Overall, I have to say that the 4th gen is definitely a more capable tow vehicle over the others and the power increase from the 3.4L in the 3rd gen to the 4.0L is very noticeable. The 4th gen is also more "civilized" both comfort and ride wise. I just wish mine didn't come with the Dunlop GrandCrap AT20 tires. If you're doing anything other than granny driving in mild snow, they're disgusting compared to Michelin LTX's, Bridgestone REVO's and Firestone Destination AT's that I've had on T4R's.

im hoping i can find a way to swap my bfg's off my 3rd gen. Just have to find something to put on to sell it tho. The bfg's still have about 80% tread and are 265 75 16 so i believe they will fit the 4th gen as long as i get 16" wheels.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

im hoping i can find a way to swap my bfg's off my 3rd gen. Just have to find something to put on to sell it tho. The bfg's still have about 80% tread and are 265 75 16 so i believe they will fit the 4th gen as long as i get 16" wheels.

Stay away from Limited's and Sport Editions. They come with 13.1" brakes rather than the SR5's 12.6. 13.1" brakes are not compatible with 16's. If you get a SR5 and like your 3rd gen wheels you can just swap them.

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

thank you trendari for the link! Very informative i appreciate it!

 

[4Runner Ryan]

One thing I liked aesthetically about the '06-09 is the rounded off wheel wells. I didn't get the squared off wheel wells of the earlier models.

 

[MikesToy]

Stay away from Limited's and Sport Editions. They come with 13.1" brakes rather than the SR5's 12.6. 13.1" brakes are not compatible with 16's. .

I have an '03 Limited and the side door sticker says "16 x 7JJ" is standard.

 

[Uneek]

2008 also got the VSC off button.