New member. Planning on getting a 4Runner, advice needed.

[C00]

Hello all I'm Todd. New member here. I've decided to get rid of my lease and pick up a 4th gen 4Runner. I love the look and the reliability and i've always been a toyota fan. The last car i owned was a 2008 Tundra and I loved it. Couple years ago when gas prices were sky high I sold my Tundra and started leasing. First a Mercedes C250 and now I'm in an E350. Don't get me wrong, the luxury and performance are great but it's just not me. I miss having a truck and the joy of taking it off road. Been researching used cars for a week and I'm about to put my car on Lease trader to get rid of it. Once it's gone I'll be able to buy a 4Runner!

Here's a shot of my beast. I miss her dearly:

Was a great truck but not very practical for doing lots of driving (I'm in Real Estate) so will definitely need more than 8mpg lol. But I'm ready to come back to the Toyota family. I'm aiming for a 2007-2009 Limited. Would love to have the V6 or V8 and 4x4. Hoping to get a white one, put a 2-3 inch lift with small black wheels and thick tires.

Where do you guys recommend I buy from? What should I be looking out for? Any known issues I should read up on? Would love to see pics of any of your rides to give me some inspiration.

 

[awdjunkies]

Welcome C00. Glad you are wanting to come back to the everlasting, popular, and reliable Toyota product. Now let me tell you, that Tundra looks B.A.!!!

In order to hep make your decision a little bit easier(As some of us folks are still biased even if we are comparing the same vehicle) this thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html is a great way to start..

Again, trying to help without being "TOO" biased but the V8 is a definite MUST if you've already experienced the rawness in your previous Tundra.

Good Luck sir and I hope you get a lot of posts helping you, not only pre purchase, but post purchase as well.. :whoo:


PS: Also here is a great picture thread www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/115673-4th-gen-build-thread.html

PPS: As far as armor, it looks like you have that department down to a "T" But, should you want to see pics and info.. this is the one to look at : http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/125636-4th-gen-armor-thread.html

 

[robaroni]

I drive V6 which has enough get up and go for me and I get a couple extra MPG's. I do not tow which might make the V8 a better choice.

Have the vehicle checked out before you purchase. Look for rust, make sure it switches into 4wd Lo without trouble and have the brakes inspected.

LOVE MY RIDE!

 

[NuclearN8]

I often end up asking myself if I had to do it all over again what would I buy.... I keep thinking in another 2-3 years the 08 or 09 v8 4Runners are gonna be considered the holy grail of the 4th Gens (if they already aren't by most....) The last BOF 4Runners to have the V8 being the reasoning.... That being said, we have two v6's in our garage and love them.

 

[NuclearN8]

If you can locate an 09 Trail with a v8 you'd be a dummy not to buy it in my opinion... Imthat's the only 4th gen I'd consider trading in on.

 

[vr4z06gt]

If you can locate an 09 Trail with a v8 you'd be a dummy not to buy it in my opinion... Imthat's the only 4th gen I'd consider trading in on.

If you can find a V8 TE buy it....they don't exist. The TE was exclusively available for the 2009 SR5 V6 4x4.

 

[C00]

I'd love the V8 but gas prices won't stay this low forever. The engine is smaller than my Tundra, but I'm still afraid after the lift and the big tires, fuel economy will plummet.

btw, here's the look I'm going for.

Found this pic online and made the wheels black with photoshop. This is pretty much the exact 4Runner i want.