Needing some advice on which direction to go

[SpeedoJosh]

Ok, so here's the scenario. My GF has a 98 4runner with 450,xxx miles. We are both worried about its future reliability. Driving it until it dies is an option, but not the preferred one for us.

So, we are looking into getting another 4runner, just with less miles. Problem is, we can't decide on wether to get a 3rd gen or 4th.
From doing a couple quick searches, I see 03-05 4th gens with around 150k miles going for $9-12k.
Then 3rd gens in good condition with similar miles going for around $7-8.

I made the swap from a 98 tacoma to a 2010 tacoma, and am curious if it's a good idea to do the same with the 4runner.

Are the early 4th gens with the 4.0 going to be just as reliable? Any issues to look out for on the earlier 4th gens? Anybody regret the swap from 3rd to 4th gen?

Thanks

 

[NuclearN8]

Josh, welcome to the forum as I see this is your first post. I would encourage you to read the sticky threads like the pre-purchase one as this will give you a heads up on what to look out for in terms of the most commonly reported issues by members on here.

I've only ever owned 4th gen's so I can't speak for the difference between the 3rd and 4th.

congrats on getting 400K+ from the 3rd gen. What issues is it giving you to doubt it's proven reliability?

-Nate

 

[gshadow325]

3rd to 4th is a big improvement to most. There is optional v8 in the 4th gen. If you look harder you can find a 03 to 05 with 100k around 10k.

 

[SpeedoJosh]

That's for the info Nuclear, I'll be sure to check out those stickies.

Just the fact that it's nearing half a million miles is the main factor. Small things start to add up, and in the long run, money towards a new vehicle is better then money towards repairs.

Gshadow, yea, I've spotted a couple good deals here and there. Once we decide, I definitely won't be rushing. The 3rd gen runs, so we have time to wait for the right one.