N00b question

[Nunyabiz]

I am looking for a 4runner and I am having sort of a hard time finding one like I was originally seeking which was a 3rd gen 99-00' preferably 5 speed manual (apparently rare as hens teeth) OR a Limited Auto with both multi mode and Elocker.
Most of the ones that I am coming across basically look like they have been owned by an Ape with a family of apelets that have been allowed to shred the interiors.

I have recently found a 2003 4Runner with the V8 4.7L engine that appears to be in pretty good shape, much more expensive ($11,000) than I wanted to spend (Less than $7000) but will do so if it is the only way I can find something decent.

Main question I have I guess is, is the 4.7L V8 as good and as reliable as the 3.4L in the 3rd gens?
I don't particular care about the extra horse power, just reliability.
I just want a solid, strong running engine.

The gas milage doesn't seem to be much different between the 3.4L Vs the 4.7L maybe 1-2mpg.

The one I am looking at is a 2003 Sport edition which I understand has supposedly a better suspension system than the older 4runners?
True or not so?

 

[saucebox]

Was in the same boat last November. Wanted the 3rd Gen for $$ reasons, but the only clean one I found was an 03 Sport Edition V8. So far, so good. There are some here with nearly 200K miles (though you'd have to check with them to see if there are major problems). With mine, none so far, though I've only added 12K to the clock (~105K on it now).

The V8 is nice, though. Right after I bought it, I moved from Alabama to Utah. It towed everything I own with zero problems whatsoever (and tons of power, even crossing through Colorado and Wyoming).

Not sure on the suspension. It's great (XREAS), but it's pretty expensive to replace/fix when something goes out. I always intended to lift mine just a bit, so in a couple of weeks, I won't have that problem.

 

[Nunyabiz]

Thanks for the response saucebox.

 

[Vantage85]

Like you I was searching for a 3rd before I got my v8 sr5 4th gen.

The 4.7 is a super reliable engine, just as much as the ultra reliable 3.4L.

I always found the 3.4L underpowered in my Tacoma, but the 4.7 is great.

Even if you don't plan on needing the power you will always love to have it when driving in mountains or that one time you feel like a spirited merge.

For gas mileage my old Tacoma got 18-20 stock: 15-16 with bumpers and 33's.

My v8 got 17-18 stock and 15-16 with 32's.

 

[Snesley Wipes]

I used to have a 3rd gen 2002 Ltd then sold it @ 110K and bought a 07 with the V8. Never had a problem with the 02 and same with the 07 which now has 42K on her. I will say this, the 4.7 is a very quiet engine and seems to move effortlessly which would lead me to believe the incredibly small strain on this engine would make it even more reliable than the 3.4.
Snes

 

[Nunyabiz]

Very nice, I figured it would be reliable but you never know sometimes car manufacturers just do stupid shyt for no apparent reason.

I was also thinking that the larger engine with the cast iron block and more HP might have less strain on it.
I am sure there would be occasions where the 4.7L would be good to have.

Thank you for the responses, I feel a bit better now if I decide to get a 2003 Sport.

 

[pvarthur]

I was in your exact same position about 2 months ago. I ended up getting a 2003 v8 because I couldn't find any decent 3rd gens either. I have been extremely happy with my decision, although I was a little partial to the look of the 3rd Gens.

 

[zstampe]

I am looking for a 4runner and I am having sort of a hard time finding one like I was originally seeking which was a 3rd gen 99-00' preferably 5 speed manual (apparently rare as hens teeth) OR a Limited Auto with both multi mode and Elocker.
Most of the ones that I am coming across basically look like they have been owned by an Ape with a family of apelets that have been allowed to shred the interiors.

I have recently found a 2003 4Runner with the V8 4.7L engine that appears to be in pretty good shape, much more expensive ($11,000) than I wanted to spend (Less than $7000) but will do so if it is the only way I can find something decent.

Main question I have I guess is, is the 4.7L V8 as good and as reliable as the 3.4L in the 3rd gens?
I don't particular care about the extra horse power, just reliability.
I just want a solid, strong running engine.

The gas milage doesn't seem to be much different between the 3.4L Vs the 4.7L maybe 1-2mpg.

The one I am looking at is a 2003 Sport edition which I understand has supposedly a better suspension system than the older 4runners?
True or not so?

Not to discourage you but get what you can comfortably afford. After the new and shiny excitement wears off you'll still be writing that loan check every month.

Good luck on a purchase my friend

 

[ZachAttack]

After the new and shiny excitement wears off you'll still be writing that loan check every month.

Agreed. I had a '97 Limited (loved it) and now have an 04' Sport (love it). I love both (can you tell?), but hated the check every month. But now I watch the prinicpal part increase and the interest part decrease every month. It's almost exciting. Key word "almost."

Either way, you're going to be happy.

 

[Vantage85]

We all sounds the same, I was also lookin for a 3rd because they are cheaper.
I test drove a 4th and instantly loved it. The only problem it had was that I looked like a mom truck. I knew I would lift it so no big deal.

I saved for an extra 2 months and bought the truck I wanted! Lookin back, I would have been upset if I did not buy a 4th because they are so much more comfortable than a 3rd for where I drive the most, on road.

 

[wombie]

If you can find a 3rd Gen Limited, then I'd get that over a 2003/2004 non limited 4th Gen. Mileage dependent of course - at 120k my 2000 Ltd needed a new cat converter which was pretty darn pricey.

My other half would disagree and tell you to get the 4th Gen, saying it's an all around better drive.

Me? I have a soft spot for the 3rd Gens. They are fun to drive, the LTD's are more comfortable (seriously - the seats in the 3rd Gens are way better IMHO) and the driving position is also better. I road tripped across the country with no problems in my 3rd Gen - the 4th Gen is considerably less comfortable for such things.

 

[4Runner8]

I am looking for a 4runner and I am having sort of a hard time finding one like I was originally seeking which was a 3rd gen 99-00' preferably 5 speed manual (apparently rare as hens teeth) OR a Limited Auto with both multi mode and Elocker.
Most of the ones that I am coming across basically look like they have been owned by an Ape with a family of apelets that have been allowed to shred the interiors.

I have recently found a 2003 4Runner with the V8 4.7L engine that appears to be in pretty good shape, much more expensive ($11,000) than I wanted to spend (Less than $7000) but will do so if it is the only way I can find something decent.

Main question I have I guess is, is the 4.7L V8 as good and as reliable as the 3.4L in the 3rd gens?
I don't particular care about the extra horse power, just reliability.
I just want a solid, strong running engine.

The gas milage doesn't seem to be much different between the 3.4L Vs the 4.7L maybe 1-2mpg.

The one I am looking at is a 2003 Sport edition which I understand has supposedly a better suspension system than the older 4runners?
True or not so?

4.7 L is an amazing engineered engine, as it was originally made for the land cruiser, toyota's flagship suv. its been put in the land cruiser, lx, 4runner, tundra, sequioa, gs, gx. i beleive that is all. but its definitely gauranteed for at least the 200k mark and if really cared for could surpass that easily.

if you test drive, or have driven a 3.4l let me warn you, once you drive the v8, you'll wanna fork over the extra cash, smoothest v8 engine by far! imo


wombie i beleive is right for comfortable seating and position, but then you have the less comfortable ride then the 4th gen. if your a smaller person, then i dont see the 4th gen being that big of a problem, but when i had mine, a 3 hour drive and my butt was hurting, im 5'11. its not that bad, but i could have done with out the butt cramp. my tundra seats are much more comfortable, but the leather 3rd gens are comfy, and i like how high you sit up and over the hood

 

[Nunyabiz]

4.7 L is an amazing engineered engine, as it was originally made for the land cruiser, toyota's flagship suv. its been put in the land cruiser, lx, 4runner, tundra, sequioa, gs, gx. i beleive that is all. but its definitely gauranteed for at least the 200k mark and if really cared for could surpass that easily.

if you test drive, or have driven a 3.4l let me warn you, once you drive the v8, you'll wanna fork over the extra cash, smoothest v8 engine by far! imo


wombie i beleive is right for comfortable seating and position, but then you have the less comfortable ride then the 4th gen. if your a smaller person, then i dont see the 4th gen being that big of a problem, but when i had mine, a 3 hour drive and my butt was hurting, im 5'11. its not that bad, but i could have done with out the butt cramp. my tundra seats are much more comfortable, but the leather 3rd gens are comfy, and i like how high you sit up and over the hood

4.7L Sounds nice.
I am checking out a 2000 Limited on Thursday with 185,000 miles "supposedly" has been very well maintained and does not have a scratch on it. He wants $6500 and might go down a bit more.

I am definitely going to have to replace the Ball Joints and replace the Radiator and probably add an external transmission cooler (although I will be moving to Bend Oregon in about 18-24 months so not sure if that is a good idea for there) which is going to be around $800.00 I figure.
Will also do a fresh oil change and all Gear lubes to all 100% synthetic.
If I can get it for $6000 and do all the above for $900.00 or so then for around $7000.00 I should have a decent 4 Runner in good shape.

I am 5'10" and about #200.

Hope this one checks out because there are not too many 4 Runners being sold by private party around here and very few under $8000.
We can get a loan from our bank if need be at 4.95% but it would have to be a 2005 or newer 4Runner.
I would rather get the 2000 Limited for $6000 and replace all the problem parts to prevent the Strawberry Milkshake and LBJ disaster.
Just sold my Jeep Wrangler today for $4800, so can muster up around $7000 cash.

 

[Nunyabiz]

If you can find a 3rd Gen Limited, then I'd get that over a 2003/2004 non limited 4th Gen. Mileage dependent of course - at 120k my 2000 Ltd needed a new cat converter which was pretty darn pricey.

My other half would disagree and tell you to get the 4th Gen, saying it's an all around better drive.

Me? I have a soft spot for the 3rd Gens. They are fun to drive, the LTD's are more comfortable (seriously - the seats in the 3rd Gens are way better IMHO) and the driving position is also better. I road tripped across the country with no problems in my 3rd Gen - the 4th Gen is considerably less comfortable for such things.

Never even driven any yet so can not comment on that at all.
But I like the looks of the 3rd gens better.
I guess its like shoes, just gotta find one that fits.

 

[krupnation]

I had a 1999 SR5 w/5-speed manual and sold it at 188k miles. I missed that truck but bought my dream car (Audi S4 avant) but then had to sell my S4 after the birth of my daughter. I immediately went in search of another 3rd gen as I loved the body style of the 3rd gen, but after I test drove a '05 V8 I was hooked. I was already used to paying a premium in gas and just couldn't go back from my V8 S4.

I say test drive the '03 V8 model and you'll fall in love:cheers::cheers::cheers: