might go 4th gen from 3rd gen???

[ezekiel86]

hello, i currently have a 2000 highlander edition and was considering buying the sport edition v8 but idk if i should just keep my 3rd gen or not, any help would be great thanks,,zeke,,,,current 3rd gen

 

[TOY2G]

I am not sure if it is any help, however i have owned every gen there is and in a few diffrent options. I can say that if you are worried about giving up your 3rd gen because you like the way it has room and feels compact, DON't. I have 2 4th gens now, a 1st gen, a sequoia and a 3rd gen for sale. I have to say that I love the way the 4th feels. Outside it looks rather large but it feels compact still and is very VERY easy to handle in tigh spaces. I think I like my 4th gen runners better than all my other trucks, and for me that says alot. Let her go or keep he as a second runner, but the 120 platform is awsome.

 

[Synister]

I came off a 98 sr5 2wd and loved it, except for no 4wd. I probably would have kept it if it were 4wd but I found my 09 for a good price and jumped on it. The 3rd gen is still my favorite as far as styling goes and I may one day pick up a used one to totally off-road-ify. The differences between the two are huge. Tons more power, noticeably more spacious interior, better handling and nicer interior. It really is a great truck to drive both as a DD and a trail ninja. With gas prices being what they are a v8 should be fairly to find for a good price. Keep in mind the stock ground clearance of a 4th gen is not as good as a 3rd so you might want to be thinking about a small lift to maintain the same capability as your 3rd. For the most part, stock is still very capable though.

 

[ezekiel86]

how are the differences in quality and maintence? thanks for the feedback

 

[Nuke]

I've owned a 2nd gen ('90), 3rd gen ('00) and now my 4th gen ('08), all V6's. I have to say that each new generation was a major step up in refinement and power without any negative change in quality or reliability and equal to or better fuel mileage.

 

[StevieT4R]

I agree with those above. I've moved from a 3rd gen (last week of Dec) to a 4th gen (same week). The first two things that I noticed (after owning mine for 13 years original from the dealer) was that it was had tons more power and rides far more comfortable. Now that I've done a few mods (yes - it is lower to the ground) like a lift and 20's w/ AT's; I really love the look and handling. It took a long long time for the 4th gen to grow on me. I really didn't like the look at first and always loved the 3rd gen look. Since then things have changed and I wouldn't go back. Lastly, I was driving back from Reno last week and it took the hills, turns, and overall handling was far superior to my 3rd gen that never attempted to take turns that fast or power up hills that way (topping it off - I got 19.5 mpg with my set up)! Hope that helps make the decision from a long time 3rd gen fan!

 

[ezekiel86]

thanks, that does help, i want to do things to my 3rd gen but i would also like to upgrade to a newer model and the 10/11 are still too expensive right now, i wanted the v8 cause of the sound and what its been capable of in the tundra, im gonna test drive a couple next week to see how i feel about the cabin design, thanks for all the input!!

 

[Rockdawg84]

keep the 3rd and pick up a 4th. As of tomorrow I will have a 1st 3rd and 4th gen. There is always room for more:banana: honestly I think if you upgrade to a 4th and have no use for the 3rd then enjoy the memories and have fun making new ones with a new runner

good luck

sam

 

[peter78]

In my family, my wife and son prefer the 3rd gen. to the 4th. I drive the 4th as a daily driver and I find some good points to my 2004, but I will say my 2001 still is very special.

I like the front seats better in the 4th gen., also the ride and power. The extra trunk space and the quickness of the steering, you will miss if you leave the 3rd gen.

For me, I like them both, but the 3rd gen. is still very special, maybe it being my first 4Runner. If you click on my "Member's Picture Albums", you will see the two generations side by side.

 

[TOYLUVA]

I cant help you on this one because the 4th gen is my first runner. But, I just wanted to say hey and my name is ezekiel too and i go by zeke. you are the 4th zeke i have met (even though I haven't formaly met you) in 28 yrs. Also ive had 3rd Gen tacomas, a 95 4cyl and a 96 v6. the new 4ht gen v6 is definitely much stronger and smoother.

 

[StevieT4R]

If you can afford to keep it; then do it! In my case I could have, but didn't and really don't any regrets. I sold my 3rd gen with over 230K for $4500 in one day. You can still get good money for the 3rd's.