If you had some more money would you still keep your 3rd gen?

[Jidaran]

The third gen is the pinnacle to me. It’s the Intersection of comfort, reliability, utility, maintainability, and size.
2nd gen had a poor 3L motor and too utilitarian. 4th gen is too plush and minivan-ish, and approaching too big.
5th gen is to big, too high tech.

Agreed 100%.

 

[AntleredRuin]

Are you so sure about that? Maybe compared to a new Prius C then sure. But an average new sedan? Idk. The small overlap crash test already devours the 5th gen. If the body doesn't crumple then it is you that is taking the shock.

I'm definitely going off a bit of hearsay and anecdotes, not real crash data. (I doubt there'd be an official comparison of a 90s trucks and new vehicles, and I'm too lazy to look).

I don't think anyone who's posted on this site about being in a wreck in their 3rd Gen T4R had more than a bit of whiplash (and there have been some BAD wrecks, including rollovers). I also hang out at junkyards a lot and have noticed that the 4Runners (and other 90s trucks) seem to maintain their overall structure a whole lot better in wrecks, resulting in a less-penetrated cabin.

I feel like there's a sliding scale of how useful crumple zones are compared to how bad the wreck is; and it's biased towards passenger safety (as it probably should be), not vehicle integrity. A 3rd Gen 4Runner passenger might feel a wreck vs the passenger of a newer car, but the 4Runner is more likely to drive away intact, more or less, than the newer car, because of new-car crumple zones. So it's technically safer for the newer car passenger. (no whip lash, possible face planting of steering wheel, etc).
However, if it's not that bad of a wreck (no injury, just annoyance), the 4Runner comes out on top. The new car is destroyed, possibly totaled, and the 4Runner just needs a bumper. This happens far more often, to be honest (3 times for me, and counting). A whole lot less of a hassle to go junkyard hopping for a new bumper in my free time over the next few weeks than to have to file an insurance claim, rental car, higher premium, etc.

I also feel like in bad enough wrecks, crumple zones don't matter much. It appears to me that, impact shock aside, if the vehicle crumples less overall (and the seat belts and airbags work properly) it's better for the passenger. I mean, I'd rather be in a tank and feel the crash jar my bones and have some whiplash than be in a tin can and wind up with the other car in my lap. I probably wouldn't have a lap at that point.
You're probably dead either way in a head on at highways speeds, crumple zones be damned.

So win-win for the 4Runner, IMO, except for in crashes with pretty specific requirements (angle, speed, what other kind of car you hit, road conditions, etc), which there is no realistic way to plan for. Best to have the tank and just pray.

This is completely opinion, of course. Probably an antiquated way of thinking that's been proven wrong, but hey.

 

[T4R2014]

I'm definitely going off a bit of hearsay and anecdotes, not real crash data. (I doubt there'd be an official comparison of a 90s trucks and new vehicles, and I'm too lazy to look).
I don't think anyone who's posted on this site about being in a wreck had more than a bit of whiplash (and there have been some BAD wrecks, including rollovers). I also hang out at junkyards a lot and have noticed that the 4Runners (and other 90s trucks) seem to maintain their overall structure a whole lot better in wrecks, resulting in a less-penetrated cabin.

I understand the whole crumple zone thing, but it appears to me that, impact shock aside, if the vehicle crumples less overall (and the seat belts and airbags work) it's better for the passenger. I mean, I'd rather be in a tank and feel the crash jar my bones and have some whiplash than be in a tin can and wind up with the other car in my lap.

This is completely opinion, of course. Probably an antiquated way of thinking, but hey.

At the very least, the repairs are way easier in the event of light fender benders. Simply replace a bumper, vs the entire front/rear half of the car.
This right here has already saved my truck from being in the shop on no fewer than 3 occasions, vs the other car feeling it a lot worse.

Paralysis and brain damage vs death, pick your poison. The 3rd gen was actually the top in crash testing in 1996 along with the Land Rover Discovery. Pathfinder was behind and you can see a lot more A pillar deformation that intrudes into the driver's area. But those did gain side airbags at one point later down the line in 2002 or so.

 

[AntleredRuin]

Paralysis and brain damage vs death, pick your poison. The 3rd gen was actually the top in crash testing in 1996 along with the Land Rover Discovery. Pathfinder was behind and you can see a lot more A pillar deformation that intrudes into the driver's area. But those did gain side airbags at one point later down the line in 2002 or so.

Pretty much, yeah. It's not going to be pretty either way, but I feel like life (of some form) is at least more readily guaranteed in the 4R.
Yeah I was impressed with the straight 90s stats for the 4R.

 

[Speedy]

I'm a car junkie and am blessed to have more than I need in that regard. If I had unlimited disposable income my 3rd gen would get sent to KindigIt or someone like that for a proper LS V8 swap, some custom front fender vents, and other goodies like maybe a custom leather interior, etc.

Outside of that I'll keep mine and tinker on it here and there as I get bored.

 

[nbach218]

My wife is getting a pretty hefty raise soon and told me I should buy a truck...used, of course. I love my 02 Sport, and so does she so I was a bit surprised. It’s got 160k on the clock. Anyway, it got me thinking. Maybe a 4th gen but every one I see has more miles than mine and costs a crap load more. 5th gen? Again, same problem.

Mine is worth maybe 7k here in NM (?) so if I sold it and added 5 grand, what would you buy? And I’d prefer not to “just mod it”. I love off roading but I’m not a big fan of lift kits and things that just cause more problems down the road. Toyota engineers did it right and I’d like to keep it that way. Just my opinion, so please don’t flame me.

Ideas?

Is keep it forsure. I’d use the extra money for vacations and making yours just the way you want it!! That way you have a unique truck and if you buy a new one it just looks like every other person that’s driving a new one. Nostalgia! Good luck.

 

[manualdr5]

I can buy whatever I want but that isn't the point. for me I was just telling my buddy how much I enjoy driving my truck and going through the gears. It just keeps getting better with age!

 

[SamSquantchT4R]

Keep it. 5k on top of 7k will not significantly increased your vehicle situation and honestly 3rd gens will be classics soon. How much more reliable will that next vehicle be? Good condition, well cared for 4runners will be one of those rides you tell people about when you are borderline headed to the old folks home saying i used to have one of those, but i sold it. Your kids will know that you used to be cool. Or, you can keep it and BE cool. Keep the 4Runner until you can afford something much nicer, while keeping the 4Runner. Constantly changing vehicles is a rat race and a great way to stay in debt and stay poor. Not saying that is the case, I’ve just been there.

We bought my wife a very, very nice vehicle a year ago. we kept the 4Runner. I was daily driving a decent 2012 maxima. I recently landed a remote job (2 weeks prior to the covid) and sold my maxima almost immediately before things hit the fan because that car was boring (car list with the last sales job). Love having the 4Runner, love having a project car that my wife had for about 17 years before upgrading significantly. We have done well and i am in the market for a fun, fast, classic mustang.(building a roster of cool, fun vehicles over time.) The 4Runner will be passed on to our kids some day.

 

[Thebeastlives]

I justified keeping my 3rd gen 4 runner with a new reason every few weeks. I have my Tundra to drive when I do truck stuff or I want real v8 power to run Prius drivers into the short lane when they attempt to pass me. If I want a convertible I drive the bmw fast or slow it is fun at any speed. The 3rd gen is driven every day 3 to 4 times a day because the dog always wants to ride and it is the only car he gets to ride in. My wife new 5th gen 4 runner is better than the 3rd gen in every measurable category (Safety, power, comfort, amenities, offroad capability) and anyone who thinks otherwise is just fooling themselves. Yet the 3rd gen is what I like to drive everyday..wierd but that old car has a purpose as long as the dog enjoys riding with me..lol

 

[SamSquantchT4R]

I think about this a lot. I could definitely afford to go get a new 4Runner or Tacoma and my 99 is the cheapest, highest mileage, most problem ridden vehicle of my 4 but it serves a very specific purpose for me.

It basically sits in the garage, sits at the airport parking lot, or is getting dirty camping/hiking/whatever.

Because I work from home I don’t need a vehicle to commute in and when I do travel on business I wouldn’t want to be parking something nice at the airport.

With my first child on the way the wife and I have considered a 100 or 200 series land cruiser, a new 4Runner, a new Tacoma, and a few other things but at the end of the day, why would I spend the money when my wife drives a very safe car for her and baby and if need be I can take the baby in the M5 which is also a safe car.

At the end of day I’d rather have the money invested than in a vehicle... unless I found another W111...

I miss my e39 m5 big time. Owned it when cash was tight and was losing a day or two every month it seemed on a bad cps, guibo replacement or some other issue. Car was a blast though. Wish i had the finances to keep her back then, would love to still have it today.

 

[GetitOffroad]

It’s not a money thing to me. I always own at least 3 rigs. A diesel tow rig, my wife’s daily, and my daily.
I’ve owned Toyota’s since 2000. Prior to that it was Jeep wranglers.
I shopped over a year to find my current 3rd gen. During that I looked at several fourth gen’s. But just can’t like them.

The third gen is the pinnacle to me. It’s the Intersection of comfort, reliability, utility, maintainability, and size.
2nd gen had a poor 3L motor and too utilitarian. 4th gen is too plush and minivan-ish, and approaching too big.
5th gen is to big, too high tech.

3rd gen 4 runners are like Jeep TJ’s and 03-07 5.9L Dodge diesels. It’s the point just before creature comforts and technology overtook utility.

It’s not an accident my diesel is a 2006 Ram.

This is a pretty good post.

We bought our 97 new, brought my son home from the hospital in it. We kept it and he ended up learning how to drive in it, later his college rig until I bought him a new car for graduation. Now it's mine again.

Everyone mentions how reliable it is. I guess so, but it's had its share of stuff I'm not thrilled about. But I agree with you, it is a simple machine along with that just has a certain something I cant put my finger on in total.

It's handy, handles well, easy to drive and maneuver on trail and parking lots. It's interior is well designed (except the drink holders lol ) and our seats look as good as when it left the show room. How is that possible?

If I knew my son wanted a different car after graduation I would not have bought a new rubicon JL unlimited. Dont get me wrong the ruby is SWEET and an off road weapon but I would have dumped some money into the four runner and been pretty happy.

Does anyone believe all the electronics on a new rig be it a rubicon or gen 5 arent going to come back to bit you?

TO the OP or someone like him (old thread), if you like the four runner just fix the parts you dont like. If you dont like it, ditch it and find your fun.

 

[NegroTundra]

My wife and I have plenty of money. Over and beyond the Dave Ramsey Plan. She drives a Honda with 170k, I drive the 4runner with 230k. Life is good!

 

[Kanoe]

I'd keep mine. There is not really anything newer that I would rather have and it does everything I want it to do.

I would spend some serious pampering money on mine, no more junk yard scrounging. Get it as close to new/renew as possible.

I would love to get a little more efficiency out of it but....

 

[GetitOffroad]

Another thing to think about is IF electric vehicles really take off investing in a new car might not be a good idea. If they come up with a battery that charges to full as fast as a gas fill up things are going to happen quick.

Keeping an old vehicle that you like is a smart choice IF you think this will happen.

I say IF because the apparently much of the rare earth minerals used in batteries are in china. Not really the smartest thing to be even more beholding to them when we have so much energy reserves here.

 

[brillo_76]

Here is the kicker. I have a newer 09 Tocuma and still drive a 3rd gen as a daily driver. The choice is yours.

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

 

[repo]

Same here with my 2011 4runner. Anything newer than my 3rd gen feels like a brand new cutting edge vehicle, even 4th gens I've driven. They feel too luxurious know what I mean. I still kind of want a v8 4th gen or GX470. I prefer to drive the 3rd gen everyday... this will sound corny but at this point the 3rd gen is like a metaphysical extension of myself, I know exactly how it handles, dimensions, turning radius, every little noise it makes, road feel, so forth and so on.

Not to mention it simply feels like home being in that thing and it's been a background feature of so many good (and some bad) memories. Never let me down. I remember one time pulling in to the garage after an awesome camping trip... I got out and literally hugged the hood and told it "I love you bro" or driving around the country roads at night with my son looking at the stars and fireflies, surrounded by giant corn plants, smelling the sweet summer air. Or when the ex-wife dropped a divorce on me... my first instinct was to get in the 3rd gen and drive off someplace quiet. I remember sitting on the back of it chain smoking those old school non-filter Camels and wondering wtf happens now. Then about a year later sitting in it outside a coffee shop almost hyperventilating with nerves before a first date with my amazing girlfriend that I'm with now Love this truck.

Might become a different story with the 2011 if I did a lift, control arms, etc. so it and it handled more like the 3rd gen but can't afford it. Suspect the novelty would wear off and I'd be back in the 3g anyway.

Here is the kicker. I have a newer 09 Tocuma and still drive a 3rd gen as a daily driver. The choice is yours.

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

 

[McLoven1t562]

"If you had some more money would you still keep your 3rd gen?"

.......................I don't understand the question.

If I had more money, I'd finally be able to do a number of the upgrades/mods I've been wanting to do on my 4Runner!!!!!!!! ha ha

I'd also likely go and try to find myself a clean late 90's Civic or Integra and buy that so I could have another daily driver like the good ole days so I'm not racking up miles and draining my gas tank so often in the 4Runner =P

Is the thought process that we'd sell the 4Runner and go buy a Raptor or something??? Because I LOVE LOVE LOVE my old rig and her $75 insurance and like $80 registration :reddance:

 

[4Reak Show]

Wtf? If I had more money I’d BUY one. Saw a great option for sale today but I don’t have the money laying around. I have a 2nd and 5th gen, wouldn’t mind having one of each.

 

[4flyer]

Absolutely. I bought mine in college and now, if I wanted, I could get a "nicer" vehicle but don't want to. If I had to, I'd get a brand new Tacoma but even then, I would not sell the 4Runner.

 

[diverscale]

Even with much more money than I have right now, I'd keep my 4Runner because Freedom.

My girlfriend rides it now, and often is asked if it's for sale. People see the value in these older trucks, it was a time when you could fix it all yourself without the need for complicated softwares, and some degree in electricity.

There are also few vehicles right now with such a rugged build, high ground clearance, off-paved-road capabilites. Those that have are very expensive.

No need to clear the Quebec snow dam here in the morning with that truck, just drive through that shit and the front skid plate, high ground clearance and the non-existent plastic bumper will go through.

I've also put many, many hours on it to keep it up to date on overall maintenance and doing body/rust fighting. It has my ''blood'' in its frame.

From Quebec, it has gone to multiple US states in road trips including california, nevada, utah, florida and so on, always keeping me safe and getting on destination without major problems and running 24/24 because we slept in it. I'll never sell that truck.