Help choosing between AWD or 5 speed

5 Speed, I used both and I myself would rather have the manual in the snow than AWD. And I would also own your buying range too 96-98 also.
 
I miss my 5 speed...

Especially when I'm accellerating up I-70 out of Denver. The Auto just seems to suck some of the power out of the 3.4, and it's not like the 3.4 has a lot to begin with. I also miss it when I fill the tank because my 5-speed Taco got about 4 - 5 MPG better on the highway and 2-3 MPG better in the city than my automatic 4runner.

As for the 4wd, while the AWD option would be nice, remember that even the conventional 4wd is shift-on-the-fly up to 60mph. If there's patchy ice and snow on the road, I'll shift into 4wd to get to the main roads and once I get to the main roads, I'll switch it back to 2wd. If I see a patch of ice up ahead, I'll shift it quickly to 4wd. It's pretty simple, really.

Another thing to consider is that the limiteds with AWD also have the automatic climate control. Great when it works. When it doesn't, it's a costly part to replace. Check out some of the threads on this board about people who have limited's with failing climate control modules! $$$. SR5 models have simple manual HVAC controls.
 
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I have the 5 spd 4x4 and have always sworn by them....

My buddy has the limited Auto...

Real differences

The 5spd manual is rock solid reliable ( especially when buying an older car...auto can be a nightmare),,,, even the manual j shifter is nice because my buddy has to play around a little to get 4x4 to kick after he hits the button..and then again after he hits the lock button... Also the fun factor will always be higher on the 5spd.. (sorry auto people you know thats true...)

However the auto is better offroad no question from me anymore. the atrac is nice and the VSC and unlocked center is absolutley amazing in snow..

The reality is the 5spd with no center diff sucks on the highway in the snow, and thats why i wanted 4x4 originally.. so ...

I think all in all a good condition AUTO is the best choice.. (my tune has changed drastically in the last year)
 
It sounds to me like the 5 speed would suit your needs more than the awd. I love having my 5 speed, and for now this truck is my daily driver that doesn't see much off road action. I say you hold out for the one that you want, even if it takes awhile. I spent a good year looking at 4runners before I finally bought one, and I'm sure several of the other members here can say the same
 
Martinjmpr said:
Especially when I'm accellerating up I-70 out of Denver. The Auto just seems to suck some of the power out of the 3.4, and it's not like the 3.4 has a lot to begin with. I also miss it when I fill the tank because my 5-speed Taco got about 4 - 5 MPG better on the highway and 2-3 MPG better in the city than my automatic 4runner.

As for the 4wd, while the AWD option would be nice, remember that even the conventional 4wd is shift-on-the-fly up to 60mph. If there's patchy ice and snow on the road, I'll shift into 4wd to get to the main roads and once I get to the main roads, I'll switch it back to 2wd. If I see a patch of ice up ahead, I'll shift it quickly to 4wd. It's pretty simple, really.

Another thing to consider is that the limiteds with AWD also have the automatic climate control. Great when it works. When it doesn't, it's a costly part to replace. Check out some of the threads on this board about people who have limited's with failing climate control modules! $$$. SR5 models have simple manual HVAC controls.
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I've read about the climate control on the LTD's. Trust me, I've done my research about these trucks. I've read the buyer's guide posted on this forum, my girlfriend had one, and I've done a lot of searching as well. I have a pretty good idea on what I want, and what I want to do with the vehicle as well. I'm just growing impatient waiting on the 5-speed, and am seriously considering picking up one of these low mileage LTD's in the area. I feel in order to get a 5-speed I'll have to drive a good distance. That makes me frustrated considering I had the 4runner I was looking for to begin with, but wasn't in the market for it when my girlfriend had it!!!
 
Not gonna say which is best, because that depends on the use, the driver, and the climate.

In my city, AWD or 4wd for that matter is only ideal 2 maybe 3 weeks of the year. However, while I may live in a big city, I certainly don't spend all my time here.

I snowboard a lot, and since I've got the best suited vehicle out of my group of friends, my truck gets used a lot. For me, AWD is priceless, as it is superior on the highway and in small mountain towns when the road conditions aren't ideal (almost all winter). Also, it's handy to have in heavy rain, and on forestry/gravel/muddy roads when I go mountain or dirt biking.

If I lived somewhere without snow, or very little (less than 10 days of bad roads a year) I wouldn't even have a 4wd if I didn't off road a lot.

As for a stick, I'd have gotten one if it came with the multimode T-case, but since it doesn't, and I get an e-locker, climate control(yes I count this as a plus), and all the other little benefits on the LTD, it was an easy choice.
 
Millerad1651 said:
1999 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 SR5 Sport Lthr 4WD*New Timing Belt*QUICK SALE

1999 toyota 4runner sr5 4x4

First one is a 5sp, with TB, WP, and a bunch of other stuff already done... not sure about the second one...
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Thanks for the searching Miller! I actually looked at that 5 speed in Noblesville a couple days ago. The frame is rusted out real bad. I've actually seen that truck on Autotrader and Craigslist for the past few months, and was wondering if it ever got sold. Now I know why.

Avarice said:
Not gonna say which is best, because that depends on the use, the driver, and the climate.

In my city, AWD or 4wd for that matter is only ideal 2 maybe 3 weeks of the year. However, while I may live in a big city, I certainly don't spend all my time here.

I snowboard a lot, and since I've got the best suited vehicle out of my group of friends, my truck gets used a lot. For me, AWD is priceless, as it is superior on the highway and in small mountain towns when the road conditions aren't ideal (almost all winter). Also, it's handy to have in heavy rain, and on forestry/gravel/muddy roads when I go mountain or dirt biking.

If I lived somewhere without snow, or very little (less than 10 days of bad roads a year) I wouldn't even have a 4wd if I didn't off road a lot.

As for a stick, I'd have gotten one if it came with the multimode T-case, but since it doesn't, and I get an e-locker, climate control(yes I count this as a plus), and all the other little benefits on the LTD, it was an easy choice.
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Avarice, thanks for the insight that was very well said.
 
Where abouts Indiana are you? If you haven't looked already, look south of us...like I said, they don't use salt on the roads, so rust is minimal down there. I have seen quite a few in Louisville, Lexington, and northern Tennessee. You'll find something one day, end up getting it, and then see 20 in the few weeks after that. Thats what happened to me at least.
 
It's already been said, but I'll chime in as well: if you live where you'll use the AWD, it is priceless. If you live where it's warm and you're thinking of this for slick roads due to rain, just make sure you have some good tires and you'll be fine. Auto was a no-brainer for me as my truck is wrong-side-drive, and shifting with my left hand feels awkward, also with a vehicle this size auto doesn't bother me one bit. If it was a car, then I'd recommend 5M all the way.
 
IanB said:
It's already been said, but I'll chime in as well: if you live where you'll use the AWD, it is priceless. If you live where it's warm and you're thinking of this for slick roads due to rain, just make sure you have some good tires and you'll be fine. Auto was a no-brainer for me as my truck is wrong-side-drive, and shifting with my left hand feels awkward, also with a vehicle this size auto doesn't bother me one bit. If it was a car, then I'd recommend 5M all the way.
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Exactly!!! Couldn't have said it better myself!!!:trophy:


PS: WOOOHOOO Reppin the 775 with my post Count..
 
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