Going back to 3rd gen?

[lunchindabox]

Mine went to 350k, after blowing the head gasket at about 300k (I think, don't exactly remember)

I got rear ended and it bent the rear axle somehow

STILL sold for 4500 in '10 - needing a new engine and rear end.

4500 is crazy, but I beleive it. Here in the DC area and along the coast actually, the export guys (myself included) go nuts for the right car in the right color, and the right options. Condition is a non-factor alot of times cause labor and parts are alof cheaper in the countries where these things land.

Anyhow, thanks for the input from everyone on the general topic (OP here) -to sum it up, most everyones like the 3rd gen as a trail rig better but the 4th as a daily driver better. We like the aftermarket support for the third but enjoy the comfort, room, and power of the 4th.
Aethestics are a non-issue for me. I don't care what car looks like - so long as it gets the job done.

 

[WXman]

Weak engines? No that's the 1st & 2nd gen 3VZE.

Nope, even the 3rd gen V6 was rated for 183HP/217lb./ft. That's weak sauce. Today, 4 cylinders are making more power than that. You can't even get out of your own way with 217 lb/ft of torque in a 4x4. The pre-2003 Toyota trucks were absolutely pathetic in the engine category.

 

[04rnr]

You guys that are worried about horsepower crack me up, you do know that you are driving a heavy SUV, that its main purpose was NOT horsepower ????
If you want a SUV with horsepower go get that jeep thing that's suppose to be real fast, or throw a supercharger on your rig, that adds what about 100HP ?

I really don't care about horsepower in my lifted, armored, SUV with bigger tires, that's full of tools and recovery gear, lol

 

[lunchindabox]

You guys that are worried about horsepower crack me up, you do know that you are driving a heavy SUV, that its main purpose was NOT horsepower ????
If you want a SUV with horsepower go get that jeep thing that's suppose to be real fast, or throw a supercharger on your rig, that adds what about 100HP ?

I really don't care about horsepower in my lifted, armored, SUV with bigger tires, that's full of tools and recovery gear, lol

I don't have a 3rd gen and I hope noone is looking for max horsepower, but there is a threshold any car should have and that number is specific to the car and it's weight. I think the guys are saying it feels a little low on the 3rd gen. And probably more so when you throw on 33's.

 

[lilreds21]

I have one of each... 96' sr5 and a 03' sport... It depends on what you are looking for and what is important to you. Both are amazing rigs...

Tell us what is important to you and we'll tell you what to expect with a 4th gen... And what trim are you looking at because that makes a difference as well

 

[lilreds21]

I care about horsepower!! I like to get up and move when the time is right! No one wants to get left at the line by a jeep afterall!

Thats why i have 2 runners! One is for pretty and speed and the other is for dirt and mud where torque is more important. Whats wrong with the best of both worlds!?

you guys that are worried about horsepower crack me up, you do know that you are driving a heavy suv, that its main purpose was not horsepower ????
If you want a suv with horsepower go get that jeep thing that's suppose to be real fast, or throw a supercharger on your rig, that adds what about 100hp ?

I really don't care about horsepower in my lifted, armored, suv with bigger tires, that's full of tools and recovery gear, lol

 

[WXman]

Torque is what moves the camper or boat that you're towing. Torque is what moves that gear and family you're hauling. Torque is what gets you through the soupy mud or the sand. If you ask me, a SUV is the vehicle that needs power the MOST. That's why I only considered V8 options and if the 4th gen didn't have a V8 option I would have bought something else.

 

[04rnr]

I don't have a 3rd gen and I hope noone is looking for max horsepower, but there is a threshold any car should have and that number is specific to the car and it's weight. I think the guys are saying it feels a little low on the 3rd gen. And probably more so when you throw on 33's.

understandable

 

[04rnr]

Just curious since I see a lot of dudes (and dudettes) who bought a 2nd gen Tacoma (2005+) and ended up going back to 1st Gen (1998-2004)
Many more love the 2nd gen, but there is a cult following for the 1st gen in terms of Tacoma.

So, anyone regret moving to 4th gen and gone back to 3rd?
Let's not turn this in a flame war over which is better- but if there are regrets on the 4th, I'd be interested to hear why.

Ive often thought about selling or trading my 4th gen and getting another 3rd gen (99 or 00) Ive looked and seen some really sweet (stock) 3rd gens with low miles at a fair price around here.

 

[hulk311]

Guys, it's all about torque, not horsepower! Everyone on every single car forum on the internet gets that wrong, horsepower only matters if you plan on cruising at150+ mph!

Anyways, I'm selling my 3rd gen 4runner. PM me or look at my for sale thread in the vehicle section for more info.

 

[Gecko123]

Weak engines, less room, more rust, no financing for something that old, fewer still on the road to scavenge parts from in the future.. no thanks I'll keep my 4th gen.

Don't forget weaker engine AND more on gas, so a double whammy.

 

[Ironback]

Meh

I'm in a 3rd Gen atm. I have recently ridden in a friends 4th and got the chance to drive it. And now I want a 4th Gen. I'm selling my 3rd and getting a 4th next month.

Smoother ride, more comfort, safer, and the list goes on.

Just my .02.

 

[MONTYMTB]

I have a 3rd gen ('99 Limited 4WD) that has been my DD since 2001, but my mother has a 4th gen ('04 SR5 2WD) that I've driven quite a bit. The power and road manners of the 4th gen are definitely superior to the 3rd gen, but mine has enough power for me. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I enjoy driving mine more than hers, and I find myself missing mine after driving hers for a few days. IMO the 3rd gen 4Runner is the best looking SUV ever produced, and if I ever have to replace mine I would go with another one if I could find one in good condition.

 

[Gecko123]

If there are some who have a 4th gen and want to move back to 3rd gen, you guys are in luck because 3rd gens are cheaper to buy so you end up pocketing some money when you sell your 4th gen.

 

[Ironback]

If there are some who have a 4th gen and want to move back to 3rd gen, you guys are in luck because 3rd gens are cheaper to buy so you end up pocketing some money when you sell your 4th gen.

Or.... Now stay with me....

Trade your 4th gen for my 3rd gen! :cheers:

 

[JME476]

I know i'm a little late....

But, I just literally went from a 3rd Gen Sport Edition to a 4th Gen Sport Edition with the V8. It wasn't exactly by choice either. Totaled my 3rd Gen a few weeks ago. I loved that vehicle. It just turned 200,000 miles and I swear it would have gone at least another 100,000. Mechanically, that thing was perfect! It had everything I wanted. I'm not a big off-roader, but I am a musician and I need something to haul around my keyboards and amps.

After searching for a 3rd Gen just like mine, I found a couple (even a 5-Speed V6 2000 Sport (Highlander) package, but it was too beat up at close inspection). However, the allure of the V8 and updated interior, I happily ended up with a 2005 V8 Sport Edition. So here's what I miss, like, dislike etc in my opinion.

3rd Gen Advantages: The body style. It never gets old. It is timeless. The fender flares, the hood scoop, the wheels, the big moonroof, etc. It's just a good looking SUV. Selectable 4WD modes. Traction control that you can turn off. Built like a tank.

4th Gen Advantages (at least with the V8): V8 Power!! Better on road ride and handling. More modern interior. JBL audio system. Quieter. Better seats. Oh and you don't have to remove those darn headrests to fold down the rear seats like in the 3rd Gen.

Things I miss from my 3rd Gen: The rugged look, power antenna (yeah, call me crazy), three 12 volt power outlets in the front (the 4th only has ONE!).

But, the smooth and powerful V8 in the 4th is enough to make me never look back.

 

[28.]

But, I just literally went from a 3rd Gen Sport Edition to a 4th Gen Sport Edition with the V8. It wasn't exactly by choice either. Totaled my 3rd Gen a few weeks ago. I loved that vehicle. It just turned 200,000 miles and I swear it would have gone at least another 100,000. Mechanically, that thing was perfect! It had everything I wanted. I'm not a big off-roader, but I am a musician and I need something to haul around my keyboards and amps.

After searching for a 3rd Gen just like mine, I found a couple (even a 5-Speed V6 2000 Sport (Highlander) package, but it was too beat up at close inspection). However, the allure of the V8 and updated interior, I happily ended up with a 2005 V8 Sport Edition. So here's what I miss, like, dislike etc in my opinion.

3rd Gen Advantages: The body style. It never gets old. It is timeless. The fender flares, the hood scoop, the wheels, the big moonroof, etc. It's just a good looking SUV. Selectable 4WD modes. Traction control that you can turn off. Built like a tank.

4th Gen Advantages (at least with the V8): V8 Power!! Better on road ride and handling. More modern interior. JBL audio system. Quieter. Better seats. Oh and you don't have to remove those darn headrests to fold down the rear seats like in the 3rd Gen.

Things I miss from my 3rd Gen: The rugged look, power antenna (yeah, call me crazy), three 12 volt power outlets in the front (the 4th only has ONE!).

But, the smooth and powerful V8 in the 4th is enough to make me never look back.

Should have another 12V inlet in back... Still wasnt enough so I added a couple more on the doors..

 

[JME476]

Nice!! Yeah, mine has one in the back, but a lot of good that does me when the electronics I want to use are in the front. And unfortunately, it doesn't have the optional AC outlet. But, it's all good.

 

[jnat306bg]

We just bought an 08 V8 sport edition to keep our 97 limited company in the garage. I love the best of both generations!!

 

[awdjunkies]

All in all, they both(3rd & 4th Gens) have their strengths and well..... Strengths... :eyebrows:

They are both Toyotas.. :wave: