People that are selling 4th gens and getting 5th gens, please state your reasons

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Interested in seeing some other folks' replies. I was initially interested in a 5th gen due to the increased interior space over the 3rd and 4th gens, but the main thing that turned me away from the 5th gen was the lack of a V8 or turbo V6 option.

The 5th gen V6 may not be far off in the HP and torque-to-weight ratio from the 4th gen V8, but after driving a 5th gen rental for a couple of weeks in urban rush hour traffic, I walked away from the 5th gen being impressed in all aspects *except* the power. Frankly the 5th gen powertrain is anemic. While not as bad as trying to merge onto a busy interstate in my 3.4L 3rd gen, it still left a lot to be desired by modern standards.

My 2006 V8, while having a similar curb weight, less horse power, and only 10% more torque, feels significantly more nimble than a 5th gen. Rush hour fast launches and chaotic urban interstate mergers don't phase it.

If Toyota were to bring the 5th gen's engine and transmission into the 21st century I'd take a serious look at one again.
 
I sold my V8 Limited 03 in august 2014 and bought a 2012 Limited in November that year. Big mistake. I mean, the 5th gen is an awesome vehicle but two things struck me: the engine and power suck (seems to be a theme here) and the plastic-y interior bugged the heck out of me. It just felt cheaper compared to the 03. I held onto it until June the next year, and pretty much spent every day wishing I hadn't sold the 03. Between starting a business and also making ridiculous payments on a Duramax (an awesome 600hp LML Duramax, mind you), I had to go a year and a half without a 4Runner. We starting shopping again a few months ago and managed to find gorgeous 04 V8 Limited with low miles in Salt Lake. I told my wife to make sure I never get rid of it. I considered getting a used GX-460 and drove a few and I honestly think they can hold up against the V8 4th gens better than any 5th gen can, but the best price I found was $26k on a GX and I just didn't want to deal with more payments. I couldn't be happier with this 4th gen we got. Best all around vehicle ever made.

I'm sure I'd have been just as satisfied with a GX-470 as well, but I like having the 4R
 
Sorry, I don't really qualify to answer this thread since I won't be selling my 4th Gen to purchase a 5th Gen ... so I can't tell you why I would do that. But I can tell you why I won't be doing it. As others have said, the power plant is anemic. And I don't like the stormtrooper styling. The 5th Gen just isn't the 4Runner for me. I'll be waiting for the 6th Gen before I consider buying another new 4Runner. YMMV.
 
Holding out hope that CAFE standards will be lessened and car companies will be able to play around with more motor options in the future.

A 4.0L motor is fine, but I know they can safely squeeze more out of it. And give us a 4.6L option.
 
I traded in my 04 because the dealer wanted 3500 to fix the head gasket. Traded my 15 in for an 07 because I missed my 4th Gen too much.
 
My brother sold his 05' and bought an 13' Trail. He wanted a newer ride. He loves it and it sees a lot of dirt. The Trail is the way to go if you make the jump.
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Interested in seeing some other folks' replies. I was initially interested in a 5th gen due to the increased interior space over the 3rd and 4th gens, but the main thing that turned me away from the 5th gen was the lack of a V8 or turbo V6 option.

The 5th gen V6 may not be far off in the HP and torque-to-weight ratio from the 4th gen V8, but after driving a 5th gen rental for a couple of weeks in urban rush hour traffic, I walked away from the 5th gen being impressed in all aspects *except* the power. Frankly the 5th gen powertrain is anemic. While not as bad as trying to merge onto a busy interstate in my 3.4L 3rd gen, it still left a lot to be desired by modern standards.

My 2006 V8, while having a similar curb weight, less horse power, and only 10% more torque, feels significantly more nimble than a 5th gen. Rush hour fast launches and chaotic urban interstate mergers don't phase it.

If Toyota were to bring the 5th gen's engine and transmission into the 21st century I'd take a serious look at one again.

I don't understand what you mean by torque to weight ratio...

-5th Gen 1GR-FE Dual-VVTi 278 ft·lbs to about 4,400–4,805lbs = 1ft·lbs/15.8lbs ~ 1ft·lb/17.4lbs (Respectively)
4th Gen 2UZ-FE V8 320lbs·ft to about 4,280lbs = 1ft·lbs/13.4lbs

Additionally you're getting your peak torque in the 2UZ-FE about 1,000rpm lower than the Dual-VVTi 4.0L (3,400rpm peak torque for the 2UZ-FE, 4,400rpm for the Dual VVTi 1GR-FE). So there is a noticeable difference in power to weight ratio even without the 5th gen's horrid "ECO" focused ECM mapping that dulls off the line acceleration to slog that makes even the 4th gen V6's look quick.

I'll be honest if Toyota made a 1UR-FE 4.6L V8 version of the 5th gen 4Runner, I would either own a 2010/2011 (as I probably would have not gotten the 4th gen) or a newer 2015/2016. I like the exterior to a degree, slightly beefier frame and suspension components, it's a bit more modern inside (still somewhat awkward interior compared to my 4th gen, but I could learn to live with it); but I'd have to strip out all the BSM, LDA, and other crap that's just a headache waiting to happen once it gets out of 3yr/36k.
 
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I just couldn't find a clean enough example of what I was looking for. I was sick of driving all over looking at "excellent condition" 4th gens that always turned out to be pieces of shit. I bought new and took great care of it. Back in a 4th now tho. That V8 makes a huge difference to me.
 
I was looking at a 5th gen, 14 SR5 Premium to be exact. The reason I started searching for 5th gen is because it comes with everything I want. From the style, to Bluetooth, rear cam, heated seats, easy folding second row and flat folding third row, etc. Dealer wanted 32k out the door. I offered 29k out the door. They wouldn't budge and I'm glad I walked away. Am now in a well taken care of one owner dealer maintained 03 Limited V8. The 5th gen looked nice, but it lacked power. When I test drove it, for some reason it felt slower than my 3rd gen that I was looking to trade in. Then, I came to find out the towing capacity of the 5th gen was less than 5k lbs, worse than a 3rd gen. So I went for a 4th gen V8 and loving every bit of it. I tow often so the 4th gen was a no brainer. My heart is still with 3rd gens though...
 
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I drove a 3rd gen, 5th gen, and both the V6 and V8 4th gens before I stumbled on my 08 V8 and bought it. I went so far as to negotiate a deal on a 5th gen, but couldn't bring myself to do it. The 5th gen is a combination of higher weight and an acceleration map that is far too conservative (probably for fuel economy). The engine needs to rev, but if you get on it, it'll go.

The 4th gen is the best compromise of comfort, capability and drivetrain. If something were to happen to mine, I'd go out and find another 4th, but I can't say I'd be picky between getting the V6 or V8. I'd look for one with lowish miles, no rust, etc. Then pull the trigger as soon as I found one.

This might not be 100% relevant, but I can say I won't be going to a 5th gen. Worst case I'd find a GX or a LC first, if not a 4R.
 
I'll be waiting for the 6th Gen before I consider buying another new 4Runner. YMMV.

I have a feeling you are going to be waiting for a while...

I said the same thing about the 5th Gen before it came out... I waited and waited and waited, and when the 5th Gen finally came out, I passed on it.

6th Gen might end up with a 4 banger with a CVT in its first ever uni-body design lol.

Toyota isn't interested in expanding on their off-road heritage and pedigree anymore... they are catering to the MPG conscious EPA loving soccer moms.

If you think its going to get better in the future... well just don't hold ur breath.

That said, I would be more than happy to be proven wrong.
 
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I have a feeling you are going to be waiting for a while...

I said the same thing about the 5th Gen before it came out... I waited and waited and waited, and when the 5th Gen finally came out, I passed on it.

6th Gen might end up with a 4 banger with a CVT in its first ever uni-body design lol.

Toyota isn't interested in expanding on their off-road heritage and pedigree anymore... they are catering to the MPG concise EPA loving soccer moms.

If you think its going to get better in the future... well just don't hold ur breath.

That said, I would be more than happy to be proven wrong.

Hey now! They're coming out with the Rav4 Adventure, it's got a whopping .4" of lift! That's some crawlin' number right there man!

Joking aside (well half-joking the Rav4 Adventure model is going to be a thing...) you want to know how the 6th gen is going to be? [MENTION=17047]MrEMan[/MENTION] read up on the 3rd gen Tacoma. That anemic, poorly tuned, overly ECO focused drivetrain will most likely underpin the 6th gen.
 
Hey now! They're coming out with the Rav4 Adventure, it's got a whopping .4" of lift! That's some crawlin' number right there man!

Joking aside (well half-joking the Rav4 Adventure model is going to be a thing...) you want to know how the 6th gen is going to be? [MENTION=17047]MrEMan[/MENTION] read up on the 3rd gen Tacoma. That anemic, poorly tuned, overly ECO focused drivetrain will most likely underpin the 6th gen.

No way...! extra .4" lift? That is a game changer... I'm sure previous owners were high-centering in their supermarket parking lots.

I hear the Adventure model also comes with rear Lockers?

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I have a feeling you are going to be waiting for a while...

I said the same thing about the 5th Gen before it came out... I waited and waited and waited, and when the 5th Gen finally came out, I passed on it.

6th Gen might end up with a 4 banger with a CVT in its first ever uni-body design lol.

Toyota isn't interested in expanding on their off-road heritage and pedigree anymore... they are catering to the MPG conscious EPA loving soccer moms.

If you think its going to get better in the future... well just don't hold ur breath.

That said, I would be more than happy to be proven wrong.

The critical part of my statement was the word "consider" ... I'm not sitting around waiting on the 6th Gen, was simply indicating that I wouldn't even consider a new 4Runner until the 6th Gen came out. Definitely not if [MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] is right about it being based on the 3rd Gen Tacoma. If it doesn't meet my standards, I'll continue to purchase 4th Gens (or an 80 series). Truthfully, I love my 4th Gen and consider it the perfect vehicle for my needs.
 
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I love my 03! It runs and drives perfect. For it's age, It is extremely clean and in good condition inside and out. Especially for a vehicle in Maine. Road salt, frost heaves, pot holes, mud season, logging roads, hunting, fishing etc...

Granted I am not looking to move to a 5th gen right now. The head gasket and rust on the frame are certainly always on my mind. I also cringe a little each time I use the rear defroster.

I know many will argue but... Personally I love the look of the 5th gen better than the 4th gen.
 
I know many will argue but... Personally I love the look of the 5th gen better than the 4th gen.

Yeah, I'm with you. I really like the look of the 5th Generation, especially the 14 and later. (15?)

Bumbo said:
Toyota isn't interested in expanding on their off-road heritage and pedigree anymore... they are catering to the MPG conscious EPA loving soccer moms.

If you think its going to get better in the future... well just don't hold ur breath.

That said, I would be more than happy to be proven wrong.

I disagree with this. Look at the TRD Pro versions and Trail versions in the 5th Gen. A guy I surf with is very involved in Toyota's (TRD specifically) off road development programs and those guys love what they do and are coming up with some cool stuff for the next Gen.

I just hope hope the 6th Gen 4Runner doesn't look like the new "Discovery." Ughh.
 

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