Shopping for another 4Runner-3rd or 4th gen?

[rediranch]

Hi all,

I've owned a 3rd gen 1999 4Runner for 12 years, I love it. It's been very reliable, easy to work on for the most part (gotta say not a fan of replacing the starter, though), and I've even got a source in Toyota now so I get discounts on factory parts.

2 years ago I bought a 1998 for my daughter. It was a rust bucket (from back E, I'm in CO), for $1800 and put $2500 in parts in it over the last 2 years. But hey, it was a first vehicle and I got it so if they had a wreck, at least it wasn't in MY 4Runner :decision: .

Well, it happened :violin:, but it was my son who rolled it, not my daughter. It did it's job and protected him. He had his license all of 3 weeks when he did it (last week).

So now I'm looking for another one. My daughter wants something newer, but I'm stuck on 4Runners, and I really like - and know - the 3rd Gens.

So, here's the question finally - taking everything into consideration, which one - 3rd or 4th gen?

Safety?

Reliability? Does it vary between the two gens?

She's not an avid off-roader, but she wouldn't mind doing moderate trails, so capability off-road?

Fixability? I do almost all of my own work.

Thanks in advance! opcorn:

 

[rediranch]

You guys are awful quiet.

 

[Road Bull]

I don't think that you would go wrong with either a 3rd or 4th gen to be honest. I can't comment on the 4th gens as I have not owned one. But it is hard to refute the dependability of the 3rd gens. They, as you know by now, are pretty straightforward to work on. Parts aren't too expensive and they look great! Maybe find a slightly newer 3rd gen in good condition. I think I would do that and call it a day. I wouldn't mind driving around a V8 4runner to see if that is worth it, but I like my 3rd and don't really see getting rid of it. I really regret selling my 1994 Toyota extended cab, I can't imagine the seller's remorse that I would have watching my 3rd gen drive away.

Maybe post up something in the 4th gen section and ask if people who currently have 4th gens have also had a 3rd gen at some point and get their perspective. Conversely, you could do the same, or Google the same, in the 3rd gen section.

Good luck!

 

[G_T]

Buy my 2000 Sport! I've been stalling on actually selling it forever.

We have a 3rd and a 4th in my house (as well as a Tundra). If my kids were older I'd keep my 3rd gen for a while, but it doesn't get used enough to warrant that. I really love that truck though.

Can't go wrong with either. 3rd gen has the looks, 4th the comfort. The rest of it seems pretty even for what we use them for. We live up north in Ft Collins and both are more than capable in every other regard.

Hope this was helpful. Did I mention my 2000 is Millennium Silver?

 

[Patriot12]

Get an early 5th! Can't go wrong with that body style, especially if you like the 3rd gens.

 

[wcjeep]

4th Gen with optional side airbags.