Poll: 2001 vs 2006 on Craiglist

[courtwshr1]

Posting the same thing here and on the 4th Gen forum:

I'm looking to buy a 4Runner to last me a couple years and help my family move cross-country and back. Anticipate owning for 3-5 years, putting about 30k-40k miles on it. My goal is to spend about $7k.

My mechanic says he thinks the "older" 4Runners last longer and that he sees more problems with the new ones - but I figured I would crowd source the forums for an opinion:

Option A: 2001 SR5 V6 2WD with 165,000 miles. Single owner. Good condition. Listed for $6850.

Option B: 2006 Sport V6 2WD with 193,000 miles. Single owner. Good condition. Listed for $7500.

Assume all other aspects are equivalent and assume Craigslist negotiation could help the price out a little for both.

Thoughts?

 

[Brique]

I really can't speak to the difference between the gens but I'll say that that asking price for a 2wd 3rd gen is ridiculous. $4000 would be closer to sanity. That said, the 4th gen is going to be newer, so things that dry out and wear out over time (gaskets, seals, all that sort of thing) are going to be less worn and dry on the newer truck. But if you can get the 3rd gen for a good price, you can throw a couple grand at updating it and have an overall newer feeling truck for the same end cost.

Also, the 3.4l engine in the 3rd gens is extremely reliable. Don't know about the 4th gen engine.

 

[jgue467]

Have you driven the two types? 3.4dohc-sorta lethargic vs. 4.0 vvti-lots more get up and go; somewhat unsettled ride (01) vs some more settled ride. I can't imagine their longevity is much different, both toyos! Luck! :cowboy:

 

[white_n_slow]

$6800 is VERY steep for a 2wd 3rd gen, regardless of location. Overpriced.

Both are reliable and will last you 50k with basic maintenance. 4th gen has a timing chain instead of a belt (if you get the v6), which is potentially one less thing to worry about maintenance wise... also has re-designed LBJ's so you don't have to worry about losing a wheel at 70mph The 4th gen has a lot more power, which is nice. Bigger dimensions all around which can be a pro or a con, depending on your perspective. For something that's not going to be used off road, the newer gen has a lot going for it.

 

[hawaiian05]

I actually own both a 3rd gen and. 4th gen 4runner, except my 4th gen has the v8 and both are 4wd (not that it matters for your comparison. As others have stated, the price of the 3rd gen is high considering it's a 2wd.

Between the two, I prefer the 3rd gens due to the great reputation of the 3.4 and the fact that they are more compact and simple than the 4th gens. Also, they do have more of a truck like feel to them. On the down side, it will be older and therefore may need more repair/maintenance.

The 4th gens are noticeably bigger and are generally smoother/quieter. The reliability factor can be debates to death, though I personally prefer the 3.4 over the 4.0.ive seen and repaired a bunch of timing cover leaks and a few head gasket jobs and the 4.0, though the earlier 3rd gens had head gasket issues too (the 3rd gen you are looking at is a later year, so no common head gasket issues).

Not sure if you've driven either, but that's what I would strongly suggest if you are torn between the two. Getting behind the wheel can be the deciding factor.

 

[MrRoo]

I've driven lots of all gen 4 runners. I worked at a Toyota dealer For a while. The 3rd gen is for sure my favorite. The 4th gens are still good. But lost the character the 3rd gen has. The V8 in the 4th gen drive very nice. Much more refined driving. Can tow more also. Reliability wise, it's a toss up. 4th gen had more dumb electronic issues and too much plastic on the interior. 3rd gen are very simple and easy to work on. Parts are cheap also. I do like a properly built V8 4th gen though. It all depends on what you want. Can't go wrong with either.

 

[courtwshr1]

I appreciate all the very insightful comments! I ended up seeing both 4Runners today and the 4th Gen definitely wins out. My poll stated "assuming all other factors equal" for the sake of easy comparison - but in reality the 4th Gen was in SIGNIFICANTLY better condition cosmetically. In addition, the 3rd Gen seller was very firm on the price (which is extraordinarily high, as everyone has noted) and the 4th Gen came down to $7000.

Unfortunately I don't have the title in hand yet... I don't actually know anything about cars (hence my posting here), so I have a pre-purchase inspection set up for Monday morning. Carfax checks out, so if the inspection is good then hopefully it'll be mine. Thanks for all the great help!

 

[PoshSnoop]

...so I have a pre-purchase inspection set up for Monday morning...

Definitely don't take just "it's in good condition" from the shop. Make sure they go over each finding with specs and such. If they say, "brakes are good," then ask how good... 50% left on the pads/shoes? etc. You're paying good money for information only. Make sure you get detailed information, and hence, your money's worth.

 

[JayRolla]

No vote for me. I would never vote on a 2wd 4runner. Might as well have a lifted minivan. But again a FWD mini van does better in bad traction situations. I vote minivan.

 

[Jason B]

96-02 is like a rock. And re-sale is better on 96-02 than any other. For a reason.