Looking for a 4th gen

Javelin

Javelin

New member
My dad just bought a brand new 2011 trail edition 4runner. I love it but it is way out of my price range. I am looking to get into a 4th gen for around 20 grand. It will be modded so thats why i want to get one on the cheaper side.

It must be 4x4 and the locker would be nice but isnt necessary. Is that Likely for my price?

I did notice that the last years of the 4th gen they did make a trail edition but i havent been able to find one. Would i be better of getting SR5 or Sport Edition and add a locker later?

Thanks.
 
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Welcome to the forum!

I believe the trail editions are pretty hard to find, so it would probably be easiest to buy an SR5 or SE and add an ARB air locker.

The only other options are full locked or limited slip.

It shouldn't be hard to find a 4th gen 4x4 for that price; depending on how new and what mileage you want. They range from ~$8-10K for an '03 to around $30K+ for an '09.

I was looking at several '06 SE 4x4s a few months ago for under $20K
 
I noticed when i turned off traction control on my 08 the other night a light came on letting me know it has a Limit Slip Diff in the back. Least that is what I think it was telling me.

It is a very capable rig with the proper lift and tires.. Shouldn't need much more than that unless you need a winch.
 
Yeah I believe the locker was only available on the trail editions and they only made trail editions in 2009. Pretty hard to find. You should be able to get a pretty nice vehicle for $20k. My advice is be selective and find the right one. Here's a history of the 4th gen 4Runners.

Toyota 4Runner History 2003

The midcycle refresh happened in 2006 so you'll see the most changes in 2006.
 
Even finding an 08 is hard to find under 20K. Either it will have a ton of miles or it will be severly beat up. I would suggest at best if you want a quality rig to aim more around the 27-28K price range.
 
What about a 2003? That way I can get one for like 10-12k and have a lot more money to mod it. I kinda like the plastic flares to. What are the major drawbacks of the 03s. Any problems?
 
Simtech85 said:
Gaterose... your profile pic looks awesome!
Click to expand...

Thanks :) there's a bigger version in my build thread and in the 4th gen picture thread.

Javelin said:
What about a 2003? That way I can get one for like 10-12k and have a lot more money to mod it. I kinda like the plastic flares to. What are the major drawbacks of the 03s. Any problems?
Click to expand...


I like the plastic fenders too although a lot of members don't.

I think the main downsides are the 4spd v6 tranny vs 5 spd in '05-up (I think) and the lack of projector headlights (06-up) if you ever plan on using HIDs although you can retrofit. Also I think 04 or 05 up V8s have VVTi like the v6s.

Also the body styling is a bit different; fender flares, grille, bumpers are different on '06-up, and the Sports have tubular rack & nerf bars in 06-up. There are other aesthetic changes (like the stereos?) but I believe those are the major differences.

I have an '03 with 163K mi and I love it, haven't had any major problems. I thought about trading for an '06 but decided it wasn't worth it. Mostly because payments would cut into my mod budget.
 
Honestly, for $20K you're probably looking at an 06-08 with anywhere from 50-100K miles. The SR5 is the most "base" model, but if your an avid modder then you can add anything that higher end (more expensive) models have. As an SR5 owner, the only thing I really wanted from the SE or Limited were the wheels, side steps, roof rack and some electrical gadgets.
However, the side steps and roof rack just "look" cooler, they aren't anymore functional than my base rack and running boards. I may change my wheels when I need new tires, but we'll see what the budget is looking like at that time. As far as the electrical goodies, that is one of my hobbies, so I wasn't about to pay thousands more just to do fewer mods myself, that's part of the fun...
 
Did 4th gens ever have a rear Locker? Mabye the trail

I know the 3rd gens did and then they changed to a Center locking system.

I dont really care about side steps or racks. I am planning to change the rack out anyways. Thats why i am contemplating buying the first years because they are like 10-15k. Gives me alot of extra money to put towards mods.

Heres what i want to do:

Shrockworks front bumper with Ramsey Winch
CBI Rear bumper/tire carrier
Shrockworks rocker guards
Gobi Rack
Icon stage 3 Coil overs
BFG All Terrain KOs on Mojave Wheels
 
I'm fairly certain the trail was the only model with a locker. Sorry, thought I said that in my first post.
 
Are looking at a V6 or V8? If you're planning on bigger tires and don't mind 15mpg after mods- the V8 is probably the better choice. V8s are full time 4x4, v6 give you the option to do 2wd.

2005 had a major upgrade in V8 horsepower with the variable valve timing. 2006 added the new body style, projector headlights and LED tails. There's no locker except in the trail edition V6. There isn't a real limited slip either- if a rear wheel spins, the computer applies the brake to that wheel forcing the other tire to turn. So it's a "virtual" limited slip- although it does work.

SR5= base truck with 16" wheels
Sport- 17's, bigger front disc brakes, different running boards/roof rack, nicer interior, body colored mirrors, smoke chrome grill, spoiler and hood scoop
Limited- leather, memory seats, 18" wheels
 
Javelin said:
My dad just bought a brand new 2011 trail edition 4runner. I love it but it is way out of my price range. I am looking to get into a 4th gen for around 20 grand. It will be modded so thats why i want to get one on the cheaper side.

It must be 4x4 and the locker would be nice but isnt necessary. Is that Likely for my price?

I did notice that the last years of the 4th gen they did make a trail edition but i havent been able to find one. Would i be better of getting SR5 or Sport Edition and add a locker later?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

SOLD!! SOLD!! SOLD!!

I have a 2009 4WD V6 SR5 just went up for sale. It has a few mods: tube steps, SE tube style roof rack, 17" SE wheels (mine had OEM 17" wheels even before I switched to SE wheels), 1" lift in front, side exhaust with Silverline SS doublewall exhaust tip. All maintenance up to date, meticulously well maintained, NEVER off-roaded, 55K, no corrosion -- never seen snow. Why am I selling? Only one reason, we are buying a travel trailer and needed more towing power so bought a V8 runner. Asking price is <s>$24,850</s> <s>$23,850</s> $22,880! Location is Phoenix, AZ This is a really nice 4Runner! Check ad just posted in the forum classified with more details.

15 Photos of my 4Runner here!



 
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webby said:
I have a 2009 4WD V6 SR5 just went up for sale. It has a few mods: tube steps, SE tube style roof rack, 17" SE wheels (mine had OEM 17" wheels even before I switched to SE wheels), 1" lift in front, side exhaust with Silverline SS doublewall exhaust tip. All maintenance up to date, meticulously well maintained, NEVER off-roaded, 55K, no corrosion -- never seen snow. Why am I selling? Only one reason, we are buying a travel trailer and needed more towing power so bought a V8 runner. Asking price is $24,850. Location is Phoenix, AZ This is a really nice 4Runner! PM me for more info. Check ad just posted in the forum classified with more details.

15 Photos of my 4Runner here!



Click to expand...


Nice ride and good price! Good luck selling.
 
SOLD!! SOLD!! SOLD!!

I'm dropping the asking price to <s>$23,850</s> $22,880 !! This is a very attractive price for this 2009 4WD 4Runner! This is my personal vehicle. See it also with more description and many more pics in the Classified section.

 
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