L to a new 4runner

[Clockwerk]

I just moved from Vegas, and now Im in NY, Albany area. I have way-way to many toys as is so I seriously 'think' Im going to be trading my 03 Lightning (weather reasons) in for a newer used 4runner since ive had some limited experience with them before, all positive.

Anyone interested in a trade or know of a dealer with a Blue/Black limited sport 00+ in the 15k-18k range??? The lightning is fully payed off, I can be more specific on the L if anyones interested, its pretty unique to say the least..yes the Chevelle is mine aswell, no, not for sale.

Actully, if anyone has un biased opinions on what the best year is to buy im all ears.

 

[Luxury]

.....if anyone has un biased opinions on what the best year is to buy im all ears.

Well, I think most everyone is going to be a little biased as almost everyone on here has a T4R and the majority are 4th gens (03+). My biased opinion is you might be able to find a 03 SR5 at the top of your range......maybe even with 4wd. Just my opinion.

 

[Clockwerk]

Re: Re: L to a new 4runner

Well, I think most everyone is going to be a little biased as almost everyone on here has a T4R and the majority are 4th gens (03+). My biased opinion is you might be able to find a 03 SR5 at the top of your range......maybe even with 4wd. Just my opinion.

Ahhh, I meant foreget your bias. Thanks!

 

[Cleric]

As a previous '98 owner and current '03 owner, I have to say that the 4th gen Runners are awesome. I loved my '98 and only stopped by the dealer to try one of the new v8's. I still was not 100% sold on the body style, yet. After taking it for a spin and feeling how well it drove, I was sold. If you get a 2000+ limited I'm sure you will be happy, but why not spend a few k more and have no regrets. The minor flaws that people complain about here are NOTHING compared to what you will see on other boards. These are built solid and perorm very well. It's at least worth looking around your area for a good deal on an '03.

 

[Guest]

The 4th gen (03+) 4Runners are flat out lightyears ahead of the 3rd gen and below 4Runners.

I mean in terms of offroading capabilities and such, it's not really that much of a difference. But in terms of pure on-road comfort and amenities... it's not even close, the 4th gen makes the 3rd look and feel a decade or more outdated.

The 4.7L i-Force V8 is another nice benefit of the 4th gen. It's a rediculously smooth and solid motor paired with a very intuitive 5-speed automatic transmission. It feels straight out of a luxury car. Well, that would make sense since the 4th gen 4Runner shares its chassis/motor and many other things with the Lexus GX470. The 3rd gen and below does not because there was no lexus equivalent.

The i-Force V8 even has an optional TRD supercharger you can install or have installed by the dealership if you want to get back into the world of FI after you sell your lightning. It doesn't even void the factory warranty!

BTW... I had a 2000 Chevy Silverado and a Camaro Z28 before I bought my GS4 and ordered my 4Runner, so don't think I'm just 100% import crazy. There's plenty of domestic vehicles I like and plenty of import vehicles I like, and the 4Runner is most definitely one of the import vehicles I love. Especially in 4th-gen i-Force form.

 

[the_josh]

love the chevelle!!!

mine in undergoing a full resto:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5691

 

[the_josh]

oh yeah as in regards to the runner,

4th gen all the way, although my second choice would've been a 2002 sport edition in sunburst red

 

[Clockwerk]

Well I should be able to trade my L straight for an 03 so Ill see what a dealer can do for me, I really dont envy the looks of the 03+ too much but ooh well. Anyone from the Albany area or recomend any dealers near by?


Nice project, but im partial to the 65's

387 stroker, aluminum heads etc, turbo 400, full air bag suspension, custom interior, billet everything, 18" Boyd's way to much to get into restored with my brother..very clean, trailer queen..

 

[skategoat]

I think you're way better off selling your Lightning privately for one reason - Nevada car. If you're not familiar with the ravages of salt, just wait a few months. And in Albany, you are basicaly right there in the middle of the lake effect snowbelt.

Come to think of it, you should be looking at snowblowers at the same time as an SUV.

 

[Clockwerk]

I think you're way better off selling your Lightning privately for one reason - Nevada car. If you're not familiar with the ravages of salt, just wait a few months. And in Albany, you are basicaly right there in the middle of the lake effect snowbelt.

Come to think of it, you should be looking at snowblowers at the same time as an SUV.

LOL Yea I dont like the fact there is gravel on top of PAVED roads up here..

 

[Sac State]

4th gen!

I owned a '02 Black Sport , traded if for a '03 Black Sport.

The vast difference in drivetrain alone is worth getting a 4th gen. Plus, it is much bigger, the seats are good, the '02's seats were horrible after two hours of driving.

Going from a Lightening to a 3rd gen will be a rude awakening.

My $.02.

 

[mtnrunner]

Tween 3rd gen and 4th, I agree, 4th is when the 4runner finally grew up, I had a 96 and liked it but had to move up to a Tundra in 2000 for the power needed for going up and down the mountains.

Which leads me to my next point; why not take a used 2000+ Tundra w/ a V8 out on a drive. You could nab one of these w/ the same iForce V8 for a lot less. I loved my 2000 Tundra but had to go with the 4Runner for people comfort, i.e. ski trips etc. but I do miss the utility of a pick-up

 

[Tripyn]

The Bolt

I sold my 2000 F-150 to go the 2004 T4R Sport and could not be happier. I left the X with a 2000 Limited and loved 4Runners ever since. I ws enteraining the thought of trading in the 2000 XLT F-150 on a bolt ( always wanted one) but deciced on the 4 Runner. No regrets here! Although I do miss the Superchip, Duals and K&N FIPK that I had in the truck. But hey, Toyota makes all of that and they don't even void the warranty!