I'm in the market for a T4r. Looking for a daily driver, 2wd. I've looked at an 01 SR5 with 187K and an 04 with 188K. Both trucks have all maintenance up-to-date (timing belt on the 01; 04 is a one owner with a stack of maintenance receipts). There is about $1500 difference in the price. Most things being equal, which one would you buy and why? I guess the simple question is gen 3 or gen 4?
Shopping: Gen 3 or gen 4?
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preacher35
New member
Well, most 3rd gen owners will probably say 3rd gen, and most 4th gens will say 4th gen. I appreciate the extra horsepower of the 4th gen as well as the updated interior. And yes, I am a 4th gen owner. The odds of you finding a lower mileage 4th gen are much better than that of a lower mileage 3rd gen. The real question, however, is have you test driven both? You should drive each and then decide.
This is the kind of info I was looking for. I've driven both and like the extra punch of the 4th gen but the looks of the 3rd gen. Thanks for each of your opinions!
FlipStyle54
New member
I have a 01 and my dad has an 05 V6. I was actually was looking for a v8 when I got mine but couldn't pass up the price of my 3rd gen with Icon front suspension already done. With my 3rd gen, I'm not as worried about every new scratch that pops up when I'm not on pavement since my initial investment wasn't as large. My dad's 4th gen is bigger and more comfortable and better on gas. It really depends on what your plans are.
txbonds
Senior Member
My 97 gets way better gas mileage than my 06. Even with the lift and me having to give it lots of peddle the 3.4 averages 18 to 20 mpg out on the hwy. My 06 with the 4.7 and similar sized tires and lift gets atrocious gas mileage. But it's fun to drive with that V8. LOL
BlackWorksInc
New member
Honestly, depends on your budget and comfort level.
If you want a more comfortable, modern, and slightly newer feeling commuter; the 4th gen would be best. If $1500 is gonna break the bank, you don't care about th bells and whistles as much, ect. then the 3rd gen will be perfectly fine.
The biggest difference between the two is going to be maintenance/condition. Since the mileage is similar, as long as both have been well maintained it will just be up to personal preference.
Any particular reason you want a SUV as a commuter vs. a sedan or wagon that may be a bit better on gas? I mean it sounds like this thing is barely going to see a gravel road.
If you want a more comfortable, modern, and slightly newer feeling commuter; the 4th gen would be best. If $1500 is gonna break the bank, you don't care about th bells and whistles as much, ect. then the 3rd gen will be perfectly fine.
The biggest difference between the two is going to be maintenance/condition. Since the mileage is similar, as long as both have been well maintained it will just be up to personal preference.
Any particular reason you want a SUV as a commuter vs. a sedan or wagon that may be a bit better on gas? I mean it sounds like this thing is barely going to see a gravel road.
eace:The reason for an T4R over something better on gas is that I've got another car that's good on gas but I like the ride height of an SUV over a sedan plus the convenience of the cargo space. Thanks for the replies and opinions. Who knows, I may even take it down a gravel road. 
Having owned both vehicles. I dig the modernized and power refinements of the 4th generation 4Runner. I love the classic lines of the 3rd generation 4Runner though.
A sidenote, I wanted to ask. We don't get 2WD 4Runner's here in Canada, they're only sold as 4WD. In the southern states I can understand the market for a 2WD... However, wouldn't having a 4WD be more appealing? In my opinion that would open doors to many vehicle/outdoor related activities yes? I figure it would also be easier to sell since it's a 4WD. Essentially, why 2WD over a 4WD.
A sidenote, I wanted to ask. We don't get 2WD 4Runner's here in Canada, they're only sold as 4WD. In the southern states I can understand the market for a 2WD... However, wouldn't having a 4WD be more appealing? In my opinion that would open doors to many vehicle/outdoor related activities yes? I figure it would also be easier to sell since it's a 4WD. Essentially, why 2WD over a 4WD.
You raise a good point, one I had not considered. I used to do some off-roading with modified VW's back in the day. Now, there is the occasional camping trip and mountain biking. Good point, Victor. Thanks.
Hey not a problem! As long as you're armed with all the info to make the right choices! I can say for myself that I was well into the "car scene" before the 4Runner. Once I brought the 4Runner home, the rest was history. My lifestyle went from a somewhat sedentary lifestyle to an active outdoor lifestyle (Camping, cycling, skiing, overland touring (Off roading/ exploring the back country in the fourby). None of this would have been possible with the lowered vehicles that I had owned in the past.
atalarico
Senior Member
Yeah, I like my 3rd Gen (97 Limited), but I find myself lusting after 5th Gens now. My 3rd Gen is a great workhorse, but she lacks in some of the modern comforts and amenities that are offered by a more recent generation.
It sounds like most are saying 4th Gen for a daily driver, and I have to agree. I have been in some 4th Gens and I do find them more comfortable. I'm not keen on the body, but that's a personal taste.
Now, not to throw a wrench into the works, but I have also been in some really well kept stock 3rd Gens that I found to be a lot more comfortable than mine. I think keeping everything stock and clean can make a 3rd Gen feel really comfortable. That said, 3rd Gens are a generation that is quickly approaching 20 years old, so there's that too.
I think whatever the route you go, you'll really enjoy the 4runner. I can't wait to buy a used 5th Gen TRD in 10 years!
That is awesome! Do you have any pictures? I was born in the 80s and I very distinctly remember seeing modded VW dune buggies in Northern Michigan, so I have a soft spot for that stuff!
It sounds like most are saying 4th Gen for a daily driver, and I have to agree. I have been in some 4th Gens and I do find them more comfortable. I'm not keen on the body, but that's a personal taste.
Now, not to throw a wrench into the works, but I have also been in some really well kept stock 3rd Gens that I found to be a lot more comfortable than mine. I think keeping everything stock and clean can make a 3rd Gen feel really comfortable. That said, 3rd Gens are a generation that is quickly approaching 20 years old, so there's that too.
I think whatever the route you go, you'll really enjoy the 4runner. I can't wait to buy a used 5th Gen TRD in 10 years!
That is awesome! Do you have any pictures? I was born in the 80s and I very distinctly remember seeing modded VW dune buggies in Northern Michigan, so I have a soft spot for that stuff!
Martinjmpr
New member
Like many people here, I have owned both the 3rd gen and the 4th gen. IMO the only advantage the 3rd gen has is a manual shift T-case and a rear locker option (which was not available in the 4th gen except in 2009.)
Since you're getting a 2wd those are moot issues. Get the 4th gen. More powerful engine, more comfortable, bigger fuel tank and the same (or better) MPG (unless the 3rd gen has a manual transmission, which I assume it does not.)
If you can, try to get an 05+, that one has the 5 speed auto in the V6. Great transmission, much better than the awful slushbox in the 3rd gen.
IMO a 2wd SUV is a station wagon, but as station wagons go, the 4th gen 4runner is awesome. You'll like it.
Since you're getting a 2wd those are moot issues. Get the 4th gen. More powerful engine, more comfortable, bigger fuel tank and the same (or better) MPG (unless the 3rd gen has a manual transmission, which I assume it does not.)
If you can, try to get an 05+, that one has the 5 speed auto in the V6. Great transmission, much better than the awful slushbox in the 3rd gen.
IMO a 2wd SUV is a station wagon, but as station wagons go, the 4th gen 4runner is awesome. You'll like it.
