I'm back :) to the possible 4-runner owner thread - what generation?

[charlie2640]

Need 4-runner advice

Hear me out and let me tell you a story

A couple of years ago the wife and I went over the finances because all of the kids left... I had a lot of kids, so re-adjusting the budget was like wow, I can afford a new car. First time in 30 years. Shortly thereafter a young driver made a left turn in front of me and killed my 6 speed manual Maxima . Transportation needed. Since I had the $$, I went and got a RAV4 AWD. The car is okay, but meh. It ain't no 6 speed Maxima.

Move forward a couple of years, and the wife's 2007 Sequoia LTD chariot is getting a little long in tooth. It runs fine, needs a little TLC, but I actually like it more than the RAV4. So the conversation shifted to what the queen would like to drive. Years ago, we grabbed a 96 4-runner for the teens to drive. It finally died at 290K or something. If #4 son had changed the oil.... We loved that car. Good visibility, good engine, real 4WD was a god send in our neighborhood.

Blah blah blah, I always have to tell a story. So these days I don't drive much working from home, so the Sequoia is possibly my car and we're talking about replacing the RAV4 with a 4-runner. Wife is okay with the RAV4 but it's not as high as the Sequoia or 96 runner.

Do the newer models match the sweet spot of 4-runners in the 90s? Basic 4wd and it just goes and goes? There is a thought to doing some off roading, and our cars are tools. Towing is possible. Most of the time, the runner will sit in the garage or go to work 6 miles down the street...

I'm looking for pragmatic feedback. Buyer's remorse is good, what you love as well...

Appreciate your thoughts

 

[Dragon_EX]

I say that if you loved the 96 so much you should get another 3rd gen! I have a 2002 and I love how utilitarian the 3rd gen's are especially compared to modern trucks and other SUVs.

 

[charlie2640]

I say that if you loved the 96 so much you should get another 3rd gen! I have a 2002 and I love how utilitarian the 3rd gen's are especially compared to modern trucks and other SUVs.

I agree with you. I'm trying to find the sweet spot for her. I prefer the simpler 4Rs with not so much snaz. We drive cars, not personal statements. And there is a possible cabin in the future in the mountains so good 4WD is a necessity.

That 96 ate snow/ice covered hills like no tomorrow.

 

[spartacus]

Can't go wrong with a ($6k to $12k )3rd Gen mostly mechanical good looking go anywhere reliable vehicles. 4th gen more power, more electronics and more comfortable also generally reliable vehicle. 5th gen; most powerful , most off road câpable stock vehicle. Very comfortable and reliable some recalls etc. $17k+ used depending on miles, age, condition etc. Brand new 5th gen $37k to 50k+ depending on model.

 

[charlie2640]

re:: 4-runners

If it were me, I'd grab a 3rd gen and run it until I die. I showed her a very nice 3rd and 4th gen suggestions... bzzzz, has to be newer than her 2007 Sequoia.

I'll keep shopping and researching. I live by carcomplaints.com, and even though the range of complaints varies, most are trivial. Probably heading toward a 5th gen.

 

[Nobody Special]

My OPINION...


I have an '02 and '21. Both Limited trim.
I must say, the build quality was much better for the '02.
Plus some features I miss in the '21.
The interior is chintzy compared to the '02.
You can tell a lot by the center console and glove box and that repeats throughout.
I do like the headroom and shoulder width in the '21.

Most of the tech upgrades in the '21 are useless or disliked by me as well. I don't need a nanny babysitting me.

If you slapped two BRAND NEW Yotas in front of me and one was an '02 the other a '21, I would choose the '02.

I like simple.
The only thing that ever went wrong with the '02 was the "Strawberry Milkshake" about 4 years ago as I forgot about it and didn't do the PM and replace the radiator.
I flushed her out a few times with drain and fills, and all is fine to this day.

'02 is supercharged, TRD headers/exhaust, upgraded injectors and fuel pump. Split Second unit and some more.
In a pinch, I had to tow my '99 Land Rover Disco 1 with the 4R and she did well. (Here come the flames?)

 

[John in NC]

Would be nice to find a non rust belt early 5th gen? 2010-2013 well kept, driven easy with 90,000-130,000 miles and good service history.

But yeah the 3rd gens are awesome. 4th gen grows on me every time I see one, especially in silver.

 

[cbielat]

My 5th is for sale.

 

[thennen]

Being in GA, you should be able to find any Gen with little rust. I’ve owned gens 1, 3, and now 5 (2019). They’ve all been strong on quality. Like you, I like simple mechanicals. The 1988 was that - 22R-E, 5-speed, a/c and cassette but no power locks or windows. Ran and ran for 305k miles. Third gen (2001) every bit as reliable, but Ohio road salt killed the frame at 265k while it was still running like silk.

My 2019 already has 63k miles on it with no hiccups. It’s my first new vehicle since the ‘88, so I splurged and got the TRDOR. Because of the size, and the additional power, I would select a 5th Gen in your case. Ride height is probably close to the Sequoia. I don’t see any quality problems with mine, and it feels and rides very solid.

 

[RollingSherman]

I say go with a 3rd Gen again. I loved my 96 as well. It was so much fun!

 

[sledride]

Looking for a rust free 3rd gen myself but starting to think an 06-09 4th gen is the sweet spot right now.

 

[mcaninch35]

Looking for a rust free 3rd gen myself but starting to think an 06-09 4th gen is the sweet spot right now.

06-09 V8 Limited 4x4. Too easy.

 

[ElectroBoy]

I’ve had three 4Runners and enjoyed each one. If I could have afforded it I would have kept my previous two. Bought each one new and I keep my vehicles for 10+ years.

If you’re a good mechanic buy a solid rust free older vehicle and replace all the maintenance items before they wear out or fail (belts, water pump, radiator, fluids, brakes, battery, plugs, etc.).

If you want to do less remedial work or will be driving it frequently on long distance road trips consider getting a newer vehicle, like up until model year 2019.

 

[wsgoat]

Not much love for the 4th gens around here....yet. IMO the 4th is a perfect blend of quality/comfort/reliability and offer the most "bang for the buck".

 

[Flyer]

My favorite is the 4th Gen because of the V8 and its reliability. I live in the mountains and all the Toyota 6 cylinder 4Rs feel gutless. However, I don't offroad it anymore, since I have a better offroad vehicle. It is a great daily driver and for light fireroads etc too. I would not want any of the others except maybe the 5th Gen, but I would personally wait for the new generation coming out.

 

[charlie2640]

I'm back x2

I have driven a 2018 RAV4 for the past 6+ years. Ewww.. Now don't get me wrong, the AWD pulled my wife's Sequoia out of the backyard mud, but just eww. It replaced a 6 speed Nissan maxima, so if you love your cars you'll understand.

4+ years later, and I am not driving this mom-mobile any more. New post coming up.