question about better value in comparing 3rd and 4th gen

[fan of fanboys]

Warning: frat ahead

So I am currently the owner of a 2014 VW Jetta TDi. With the Diselgate fiasco VW will be buying my car back from me in late October (as of now, subject to change pending final approval)

About 5 years ago I was in the market and torn between TJ Wrangler and 4runner. Went Wrangler. After a couple years sold the Wrangler and was again in the market for a vehicle. This time was between 4runner and z71 crew cab Sierra. Went with Sierra. Had engine problems and at the time was driving a lot so got the Jetta. Well, I f*%#@ing hate this car so thankful for the buyback and will allow me to get another vehicle.

This time, I am going with the 4runner. Not even looking at other vehicles (live and learn, eh?) but that has not made decision easier! So many options.

I would prefer to pay cash. I will have approximately $5k to buy one. If needed I probably could go to $6K.

I can do PM and such myself mostly. What I can't do I know a really good local mechanic that will do for me at a fair price. So high mileage does not scare me as long as it was taken care of.

At first, I was under the impression I would be limited to the 3rd gen with my price range. But after looking over last month or so I am noticing most with 150k miles or so and 6 cylinders are $6k-$7k and to get in my price range I would have to go up closer to 200k miles.

Well, today I was looking on CL and noticed there are quite a few 4th gen models, mostly 2003-2005 year, close to that $6k mark. They do have closer to 250K miles but several seem well taken care of and in good shape.

So, finally, getting to my question. Would it be better to buy a late model 3rd gen at 200K miles or early model 4th gen at 250k miles?

I do not off-road, I do not care if 2wd of 4wd. It will be a DD. It'll carry my son, my dog, camping gear, and maybe tow a Jon boat. I am looking at 6 cylinder models only.

I am just looking for clean, reliable, good ride. I do about 20K miles per year. I want to pay cash and avoid car payment for 3-6 years. Anything beyond that would just be a bonus.

Sorry for the frat and thanks so much for any advice. Also, please let me know what I might have missed in my thinking.

 

[fan of fanboys]

Is there a better sub-forum to post this in for replies?

Thanks!

 

[techno]

I'll offer a reply! lol

I currently own a 2000 (had it since 2007) and a 2008 (got it last year). Considering you do higher than average mileage each year, I suggest you get the lowest mileage vehicle you can find/afford. However, if ride comfort and interior space is important since you'll be spending lots of time behind the wheel, then get a 4th gen.

 

[m85476585]

I would be afraid of expensive problems on a high mileage 4th gen. There are so many expensive things that can break. I guess they are known to be reliable, but there is so much complexity that would be hard to fix, compared to an older simpler vehicle.

• Brake booster - $1000 part if it fails
• V6 timing chain might break at some point, but I guess it's uncommon
• Stupid TPMS sensors making tire changes more expensive since shops are legally required to make sure that it works (sensors need replacement when the batteries die, for example)
• Power trunk closer thing
• Fancy emissions system
• Air injection pump on some V8s
• Electronic climate control
• Electronic transfer case actuator
• "maintenance free" automatic transmission

I don't necessarily have any basis to expect that any of this stuff will break, but the fact that it could worries me on an older 4th gen.

 

[PWD4R]

I agree. Based on you not wanting to off road and needing pure comfort then 4th gen all the way.


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[T4R2014]

Is there a better sub-forum to post this in for replies?

Thanks!

This section makes the most sense, but users here like to segregate themselves by generation. Test drive both. I think a V8 4th gen is a great vehicle, but as an all around package I find myself more satisfied with a 3rd gen.