I kind of want a 4th Gen

[Mikes3rdgen]

I feel like im cheating on my baby! But, im playing with the idea of updating. What should I look for since i am way more current on the 3rd gens. Im a wheeler and ill prob lift it slightly. I'd like a 4.0l for gas mileage.



Thanks in advance..Mike

 

[Red]

Probably any good deal you can find on a 06+ with a V6. Sport Edition would be ideal by the sounds of it.

Or you could try and find a 2009 Trail Edition, good luck though.

 

[peter78]

Well, I have both models. The 4th gen V6 has a timing chain and no distributer or rotor. I was concerned about the reliability on the new 4.0 V6, but I have been impressed by the engine. The 4th has better seats, I get slightly better mileage on the 4th gen overall. On the highway, the 3rd gen may beat in mileage, but overall I get about .5 better on the 4th. Sitting in the back on the 3rd is slighlty better, but there is no air conditioning in the rear, the 4th has a vent for air in the back.

I like them both, but as far as the fun factor, I would give the 3rd gen the nod. For crusing on the highway, you will notice a jump in the 4th power over the 3.4 V6.

 

[rockwall]

The 3rd gen 4Runner was the second nicest rig of all time. The first? Take a guess...it sure isn't the 5th gen.

 

[Mikes3rdgen]

I love my 3rd, no doubt! But i like the space and refinements of the 4th gen. Thanks for the info guys keep it coming!

 

[Red]

I went from a 2nd gen 3.0 V6 to my 4th gen with a V8 and I couldnt be happier with mine. I pretty much went from one end of the spectrum to the other since the 3.0 is probably one of toyotas worst motors ever made to the V8 vvti which could be one of their best.

If you want to wheel your future 4th gen I'd suggest going for a Sport Edition for sure but you cant go wrong as long as you get a V6. The only trim package that is a pain in the butt as far as off road goes would be the trim package I have, the Limited V8 with the rear air suspension makes it difficult to do anything suspension wise.

My opinion anyways.

Good luck.

 

[Trevloc]

thats funny cause i have always had the 3rd gen crave... i mean i love my 4th gen and all, but something appeals to me about a 3rd gen. i like simplicity, and sometimes i feel the 4th gen has too many knobs and such. so i have thought about trading in and "downgrading" but i dont know. ive put too much time (personal upgrades, not maintenance) in my 4th gen to let it go really.

 

[Synister]

I had a 3rd gen 2wd and upgraded after much searching to my current truck. I freaking love it!! I probably would have kept my 3rd gen for a while longer if it were in fact 4wd but the engine is much nicer as well as the balance between luxury and utility.

 

[NJshadow93]

I went from a 2nd gen 3.0 V6 to my 4th gen with a V8 and I couldnt be happier with mine. I pretty much went from one end of the spectrum to the other since the 3.0 is probably one of toyotas worst motors ever made to the V8 vvti which could be one of their best.

If you want to wheel your future 4th gen I'd suggest going for a Sport Edition for sure but you cant go wrong as long as you get a V6. The only trim package that is a pain in the butt as far as off road goes would be the trim package I have, the Limited V8 with the rear air suspension makes it difficult to do anything suspension wise.

My opinion anyways.

Good luck.

Just curious, why would you recommend a Sport Edition for off roading? Personally, I've always read the SR5 is the way to go for off roading. The XREAS (standard in Sport models, optional in Limiteds) is more for on road use and limits suspension travel off road, and I heard the optional air suspension in the Limited is not good off road.

 

[TFJ-4runner]

I've had a few models 4runners my self with the last on 35's and the one before one 33's. I moved onto a fourth gen mainly for the power upgrade of the engines and to just have something a little more road friendly. You would never change my mind though that the 3rd gen is the best balanced model. It is still up to you the driver and there are far less more things to try and think for you. Another huge factor was the gas improvement. Going from the 3.4 with those size tires to this truck is like I bought a hybrid. GL

 

[450exc115]

Just curious, why would you recommend a Sport Edition for off roading? Personally, I've always read the SR5 is the way to go for off roading. The XREAS (standard in Sport models, optional in Limiteds) is more for on road use and limits suspension travel off road, and I heard the optional air suspension in the Limited is not good off road.

Mainly bigger brakes I assume and they look cooler . Suspension doesn't matter as most swap out stock for something better. Be it Fj coils and 5100s or more high end lift components. I plan to replace my Xreas setup with a full FJ Trail edition setup as currently the ride is low and bouncy and I only have 60K on my 08.

 

[zimm]

If you're lifting and getting 285's I'd argue the v8 gets better mileage, or darned close. I get 14-15 city, 17-18 highway. Window sticker said 14/17 for a stock truck. And the extra power and v8 sound is nice.

2005 gets the v8 with more power
2006 and later has the projector headlights, led tails, updated bumpers and fenders.

Sport has bigger brakes, painted mirrors, cool looking seats and door panels, hood scoop, etc. xreas sucks and goes into the trash when you lift it with coil overs.

 

[OHP]

I'm a month into the swap from 3rd gen to 4th gen. My 3rd was nice and in great shape but my 04 Sport is far superior in my opinion. The v8 has tons of power and it drives like a car. Can't say anything about the wheeling as I have not gotten into that yet. I vote yes on the upgrade.
:thumb3:

 

[rebelbowtie]

this is my first SUV ever and second Toyota but the 4th gen has won me over. only thing it lacks is locking rear diff and a way to disable the traction control without locking the center diff from the factory.

the 4.7 v8 is quite impressive as well and thats coming from a guy used to driving a 6.0 v8

 

[Mikes3rdgen]

Zimm, thanks man that was really informative! Everyone thank you this is all great info! All my friends drive v8's so maybe that is the way