Looking to buy my first 4Runner and looking for suggestions

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surfcast23

New member
Hi all,

I am new to this forum and 4runners in general. My 99 XJ is getting to the point of diminishing returns where I really just can't justify the constant expenditure. I have done some research and I have read nothing , but good things about the 4Runners so I think I'm gonna take the plunge, but wanted some advice from those of you who currently own or have owned them. I guess what I want to know it what years, engines will best suite my needs. It will be my dd, as well as beach buggy, and light trail/ camping vehicle so I would like a decent amount of interior space for fishing and camping gear. I also live in New England so need something great in deep snow.
I lifted my XJ and preformed all repairs with the exception of body work and welding so I'm not afraid to do a bit a wrenching and will probably end up modifying whatever I decide on anyway! I look forward to your suggestions!
 
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Your budget is a huge variable. But I'd recommend a v6 4th gen. Not sure if you would really need the v8. I have a stock 06 sport edition v6 and its my daily driver. Bought it at 116k and was hesitant given the price. 10k miles in and I don't regret it one bit. I wouldn't be surprised if I die before my 4Runner does. Also, you can never go wrong with the 3rd gen pending your budget.

Now that I have a daily driver I really want to get one of the original t4r. Classic piece of machinery all around!

4runners stock ground clearance is enough for beach regulations. I believe the 4th gen has roughly 9 inch clearance
 
Munf said:
Your budget is a huge variable. But I'd recommend a v6 4th gen. Not sure if you would really need the v8. I have a stock 06 sport edition v6 and its my daily driver. Bought it at 116k and was hesitant given the price. 10k miles in and I don't regret it one bit. I wouldn't be surprised if I die before my 4Runner does. Also, you can never go wrong with the 3rd gen pending your budget.

Now that I have a daily driver I really want to get one of the original t4r. Classic piece of machinery all around!

4runners stock ground clearance is enough for beach regulations. I believe the 4th gen has roughly 9 inch clearance
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Thanks for the info. I'm looking to spend 8k-12k. Would you happen to know which generation has the most interior room?
 
'96 was my first t4r. Base line 4cyl, 5 speed. Great little truck, lacked power for towing anything but got 25+ MPG. Beat the crap out of it on several occasions getting out of mud and snow. 215,000 miles and repairs during that time were front brake calipers, rear heater coolant line, and timing chain. Probably front wheel bearings also, been a long time. Had to stop towing my big boat with it cause I would've burned the clutch.

'06 was #2. Probably the "sportier" looking of the 4runner IMHO. Never really had to beat it in the woods. ATRAC is awesome... big upgrade compare to any 4X4 I had previously owned. Lots of little storage compartments out back. 120,000 miles and repairs were; front wheel bearings w/ABS sensor, and rear axle seal/bearing. It was gonna need front brake calipers when I traded it. Having a ctr differential was convenient, I didn't want a LTD 5th gen so I have no ctr diff.:Cry: Much better throttle response than the new 5th gen 4runners. Same engines but I believe Toy tinkered with the fuel intakes on the 5th gen to maintain MPG's in a less aerodynamic vehicle. 4th gen is definitely in your budget. Just traded my sport and got $9,200 for it.

'10 is #3.The 5th gen has the most interior space/head room. These things are tanks. 100,000 miles and all I've done for repairs is to "weld" the ABS sensor back in the socket. Turning radius sucks compare to previous gens. ATRAC + E-lock rear diff = :biggrin2::biggrin2:

'15 is #4. Another 5th gen. KDSS seams to make the turning radius even larger :mad2:. Not sure though. Still have ATRAC and E-lock rear diff. KDSS is great for road handling.
 
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Depending on how you want to spend you 8-12K, you could go with a stock to mild 4th gen, both the V8 and V6 are great motors, I prefer the V6, but I digress.

Or you could easily find a nice 3rd gen, basically any one you want if you're patient enough, and have plenty of change in your pockets to do some serious maintenance and/or modification. Don't count out the 4 cylinder if you happen to be looking for a 5 speed.
 
healthwolfe said:
I wouldn't be surprised if I die before my 4Runner does.
8ce1.jpg
Click to expand...

straight up, man, those 4runners last forever!
 
By no stretch of imagination am I a 4Runner expert, but I do know 4WD vehicles, mainly the 1st generation Broncos. I just purchased my first 4Runner one week ago today and while I have a total of 510 miles on it, it am very impressed. Not a speed demon, but there is no doubt I will have this truck for 10+ years. 375 of these miles was a trip to my parents house and a trip to the gulf coast casinos with Ms. 77

Of all of the generations of 4runners, I like the 3 generation body style the most. I have some friends who have this generation and they are very pleased.

77
 
Having owned both a 3rd and 4th gen, I'd say hold out for a 4th gen if you can. Bigger inside and outside, considerably more powerful engine (even with the V6 and the V8 is an option too.)

Your budget would put you on the low end of a 4th gen out here in Colorado or the high end on a 3rd gen.

The only advantage I can see to a 3rd gen is that the earlier ones do have a manual shift T-case which is less trouble prone than the all-electric 4wd controls on the 4th gen. IIRC the 2001-2002 3rd gens have a kind of "hybrid" system where shifting from 2wd - 4wd is done electrically with a button on the side of the T-case shifter, and shifting between H and L is done with a manual lever.

The 3.4 in the 3rd gen is a rugged and robust engine but not particularly powerful. The 4.0 in the 4th gen is great, I love it. Much more powerful and decent fuel economy.

Fuel economy in the 3rd gen is so-so and handicapped by an undersized fuel tank (18.5 gallons in the 3rd gen vs. 23 in the 4th gen.) Lots of people on the 3rd gen forum complaining about going < 200 miles on a tank.
 
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