Low mileage vs. newer model year

TN22Corps

TN22Corps

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Been looking for a 4th gen for a while now and found a couple on which we're ready to pull the trigger.

Vehicles are the same, for the most part.
For us, the disparity lies in the model year and price, of course.

2003 Ltd V8 4wd 64,xxx mi.

2007 SE V8 4wd 70,xxx mi.
-(with entertainment system in rear of headrests, good for the kiddos)

While there's a big difference in the prices, my concern is with the '03 being the initial model year (i.e. quirks and issues being worked out thru the years) and just being 4 years older. Can anyone offer any insight along these lines.

Thanks.
 
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I would definitely go with the '07. I am leery of 1st-model-year vehicles for the same reason.

The only upside to the 2003 is that you could get it in Imperial Jade Mica (Dark green), the only year that color was offered. :(
 
I too would go with the 07. Thats pretty low mileage for that year too. Not to mention it comes with several improvements over the 03 model.
 
Not much of a difference in mileage in the grand scheme of things. The timing belt is due at 90k for both vehicles, and I'd rather not have one that's 11 years old.

Better headlights in the '07, and a VVT-i 5-speed transmission might make it a little quicker, too.

Sounds like you've already made a decision based on some of the features in the newer one anyway.

Good luck with your purchase!
 
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i have an 03 v8 and have no issues at all. average 15.5mpg city and havent been able to calculate hwy mileage yet
the v8 has a 5spd transmission(fairly certain), while the v6 has a 4spd until 05 i think it was?
 
alaskaman said:
07 no doubt. Swiss Watch...last model year made in Japan
Click to expand...

I don't understand this. I have an 09 that says it was made in Japan on the door jam and car fax states it was shipped to Alaska from there.

OP, the 07 has a 5 speed automatic which is killer! The 03 does not. Although mileage is similar everything on the 07 is newer and has had less exposure to the elements and UV rays
 
Both have the same 5 speed transmissions, however, the '03 transmission is not sealed, which means it's very easy to service it compared to the '07 transmission. I would absolutely go with the '07. I went from an '03 SR5 V8 to an '06 SR5 V8 and the '06 is much better. The VVT-i adds some nice pep and the updates are nice too.
 
Timing belt???

My 05 4.0 doesn't have a timing belt so why would the v8 have a timing belt? My moms sequoia doesn't have one and its the same motor in that's in that 4runner
 
blazier196 said:
My 05 4.0 doesn't have a timing belt so why would the v8 have a timing belt? My moms sequoia doesn't have one and its the same motor in that's in that 4runner
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Because the V6 has a timing chain and the V8 has a timing belt.

Two different engines... two different timing entities.
 
blazier196 said:
My 05 4.0 doesn't have a timing belt so why would the v8 have a timing belt? My moms sequoia doesn't have one and its the same motor in that's in that 4runner
Click to expand...

the sequoia has a v6?



to the OP, that isn't enough mileage difference to even be worth talking about. I would get the 07.
 
TN22Corps said:
Been looking for a 4th gen for a while now and found a couple on which we're ready to pull the trigger.

Vehicles are the same, for the most part.
For us, the disparity lies in the model year and price, of course.

2003 Ltd V8 4wd 64,xxx mi.

2007 SE V8 4wd 70,xxx mi.
-(with entertainment system in rear of headrests, good for the kiddos)

While there's a big difference in the prices, my concern is with the '03 being the initial model year (i.e. quirks and issues being worked out thru the years) and just being 4 years older. Can anyone offer any insight along these lines.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

'07, by far.
1. VVT-i. Variable valve timing wasnt introduced to the v8 until '05.
2. The sealed transmission, although less servicable than the '03, uses lifetime fluid. Its definitely NOT *lifetime* fluid, but should last you quite a while.
3. Lights: projector headlights, which provide better light output than reflectors, and an easier swap to HID if you so choose to go that way. LED tail lights, which are brighter than the 03-05 models' tails, and in my opinion, at least, look better.
4. SPORT HOOD. Who doesnt want a nifty hood scoop on their cool 4r?
5. You obviously WANT the 07, as you did mention your kids in refrence to that cool rear seat entertainment ;)

Get the '07, you know you want to.
 
NJshadow93 said:
Toyota's VVT-i systems are pretty reliable and usually don't have issues as far as I know.
Click to expand...

Maybe it's not the VVT-i specifically, but V8 models that have it. Recently I came across a thread on here where someone had a major $$ issue arise with their V8. I got all worried thinking that I could face the same issue. Someone then clarified in the thread it was only an issue that VVT-i engines would have. I was then relieved since I have an '04 lacking that.
 
Based on the thread title, I was expecting a difference of ~50k miles. These are both low mileage, and 6k is nothing on a 4Runner, so I wouldn't really consider the mileage difference here. I too am a whore for low mileage... I recently picked up an '03 with 54k on the clock.
 
Was forced to pass on the '07. The owner was put into a tough spot, had an air transfer pump(?) that needed replacing and was told it was a $2k job (dealership and 2nd opinion). They didn't want to sell it as is (good on them), so the deal just bogged down.

But, not to fear. We did buy this beauty:

'06 SR5 V8 74,000 mi
 

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