New T4R vs Used T4R-Price and...

[Joseph]

I have been viewing this site (good stuff) for a while and I am going to be in the market for a T4R soon--I have been considering this for years but I always felt like I needed a truck. Now, I believe I am going to keep my present truck (1998 Tacoma LTD V-6 4WD with 180K miles) and get a 4Runner.

Here is my dilemma. I wanted to get a good used model as I really like the body style of the 1999-2001 Runners and I want to save $$ also I want a green one -which I believe is not made anymore.

The problem is as I see it-the quality lower mileage 4Runners are not too far off the price of a brand-new one all things being considered. I was looking at several 2001 models in 4WD and the prices seem to hover around $20K or so. I have been quoted $27,600.00 for a new

 

[sharp4runr]

Yup, I was in the same dilema when I was buying a truck but it was an easy decision for me. Like you said, a used low mileage 3rd gen is not that much cheaper than a brand new one. So I went with a brand new 2k4 V6. I'm still happy to this day...

 

[jharris2]

I have been viewing this site (good stuff) for a while and I am going to be in the market for a T4R soon--I have been considering this for years but I always felt like I needed a truck. Now, I believe I am going to keep my present truck (1998 Tacoma LTD V-6 4WD with 180K miles) and get a 4Runner.

Here is my dilemma. I wanted to get a good used model as I really like the body style of the 1999-2001 Runners and I want to save $$ also I want a green one -which I believe is not made anymore.

The problem is as I see it-the quality lower mileage 4Runners are not too far off the price of a brand-new one all things being considered. I was looking at several 2001 models in 4WD and the prices seem to hover around $20K or so. I have been quoted $27,600.00 for a new

 

[peter78]

They do tend to hold there value. I thought about getting a used one in 2001, but ended up getting a new one for just a little more.

Some points to consider; first you can also look at a 2002 since they made the third generation till then. Second, asking prices are not the going price for a car, unless you are at CarMax. I would think you could get in the teens for a used 4Runner. If you look hard enough, you might get a good deal. A member recently posted that he got his used 4Runner from Texas and he lives in Ohio. He flew down to pick it up.

On the plus side of a new car, you usually can get better finace rates, you get exactly what you want and don't forget the warranty, that is very important.

 

[Mark86]

The best thing to do in this case is to test drive both generations and see which one you like better. The interiors are very different and I am sure they drive very different too. What trim was the 2001 you were looking at? If the 2001 was a Limited, then it is not really a fair comparison because it would be around a 12k-15k difference.

The main thing here to consider is what you want to use this vehcile for. Do you plan on doing serious offroading? Then the 3rd generation is probably a better choice for you. Or are you going to use it to tow a lot of heavy things? Then you would want to look into the 4th generation with a V8. You have to tell us what you want to do with the 4Runner so we can help you out a little better.

 

[Joseph]

Mark86

Good points! I am looking for a SR5 4WD to be a daily driver and to take on flyfishing and hunting trips out west and up to New England (I live in South Carolina). I am hoping to keep my truck to drive when I am hauling stuff or going to be off road in rough areas-I am not someone who goes offroad unless I am going hunting, backpacking or fishing but I do get in rough areas pursing my hobbies so I need 4WD. I want the 4Runner as I know my truck won't last forever and I would like to be able to extend my truck's life and have a good looking reliable SUV as
my first car and my truck as a backup. I will camp some and hopefully I can sleep in the back of the 4Runner.

Thanks

Joe

 

[Titan4runner]

Go test drive a 4Gen T4r, that's all it takes to help u make the decision!! Assuming u haven't done so.. Since you already have a 98 v6 Taco, 3rd gen T4R isn't that much different in power and driving experience. Before I bought my 4Runner, I went to drive my mom's 2002 4Runner Ltd just to compare. The immideately impression is the power difference and smothness of the 4gen. It will make a fine daily driver plus some if you go with well equipted 4WD ones. Good luck

 

[Mark86]

With that said, I think you should go for the 4th gen. The interior is a bit more roomy since you plan on taking it on long drives and it is definitely more than capable of going where you need it to go. You will also get better gas mileage with the 2005 4Runner. The best thing to do is take both models on a test drive and see which one you like better. If you want to save some money, how about looking for a used 2003 or 2004 SR5?