Question from a 3rd Gen Owner

[Blanco]

The family has grown again and I'm trying to stay out of a mini-van. I know that Highlanders have a 3rd row option but I understand that some 4th Gen 4Runners do as well. Which years was/is this an option and are they hard to find on the used market? Would love to stay in a 4Runner if possible as opposed to a 3rd row seated Jeep Commander (groan) or a Nissan Pathfinder (urgh).

 

[KingPrat]

Not sure if there were specific years, but I found quite a few in my search a couple months ago. Seemed they were mostly 06+

I'd say it was 1 in every 20 I found had the option. Not a great help, but they're out there for sure.

 

[NJshadow93]

I think the option became available in 2004. Only seen a handful so far though.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

Mike is correct, it became aa option in 04. They are rare, I didn't see many in my year + search.

 

[natehack5]

The only 7 seater I found in my area, 2005 SR5 4x4 with 75k miles, we snatched up quickly. The jump seats are not suitable for adults you care about since they are pretty dainty. They are nice since you can remove them completely, or just fold them up, when not in use.

Hard to come by a 7 seater unless you are willing to travel to find one tucked away in a far off land! Good luck in your search

 

[ghostridr]

My dad has a 07 3rd row.

 

[krupnation]

My $0.02, I'd suggest you just go to a Land Cruiser. More room in the 2nd and 3rd row than a 3rd row T4R. A lot of them also have the RES which is good for long trips. I also am staying away from the mini van and I'm getting my wife a late model LC early next year when baby #2 comes along in Jan. Looking at '04 - '06. Same engine as my runner, just more spacious.

 

[Blanco]

Thanks all - will begin the hunt in the new year.

As far as getting a Land Cruiser, while that would be ideal, they're very rare up here in Canada and when you do find one they're pricey. My alternative would be to go the Lexus version but I'm not into all that wood and leather.

 

[NJshadow93]

What about 1st gen Sequoia?

 

[Matt's 97 runner]

We have a sequoia... They are great and are a ton bigger than a 3rd gen inside and outside.

 

[Mytoy4]

I have 3rd row seating and honestly, it's not suitable for any child over the age of 4. If you need to use it because you have no other option then you can make it work, but if you're planning to use it for longer distant travel or long term as the child grows, I'd look elsewhere.
The seats themselves are a fine size, its the leg room that it lacks. Also, not only does it lack leg room for even little ones, it's hard getting them buckled back there.

 

[Mytoy4]

Here's a picture of it. I can get more if you'd like, this is just one I had in my library. You can somewhat see the lack of leg room.

 

[Blanco]

Sequoia! Of course, don't know why I didn't think of that. A decent one (under 10 yrs old) can be had up here for less than $10k. Will do some research. Thanks!!

 

[Martinjmpr]

Sequoia! Of course, don't know why I didn't think of that. A decent one (under 10 yrs old) can be had up here for less than $10k. Will do some research. Thanks!!

If you can find an 05-07 they have the 5 speed tranny vs. the 4 speed on the earlier ones.

I seriously considered a Sequioa but decided it was too big for my needs. Nice vehice, though.

If not a Sequoia, I would seriously consider an R51 Pathfinder (05-12.) The only thing I don't like about the Pathy is the lack of multi-mode 4wd.

 

[jason89i]

third row is very difficult to come by. and forget finding a limited w/ 3rd row.
in my 1 year long search, i only found one. I ended up using a 3rd row out of a '11 t4r. worked perfectly for the family of 7.


oddly enough, its for sale.... wife's getting a suburban and we dont need 2 suv's.