Should I buy a 2000-2002 or 2003 4Runner?

[Strider]

Hello!

My wife and I finally started to get rid of other makes of vehicles and move to Toyotas. Our first purchase was an 2005 SR5 4Runner with 135k. We LOVE this car and wish we would have sold the Forester sooner. Now I've got a 2000 Impreza wagon and need something bigger as it doesn't fit our needs for kids. I've been going back and forth between a CR-V, Highlander or an older 4Runner. Honestly I really think a 4Runner would be great.

Here is my dilemma... I've got a budget of $9000 roughly, should I buy a 2000-2002 4Runner or try and get a 2003 4Runner? This would be my car and not the families so I am ok if it is a little Rough, high mileage or some damage. With that budget that is where I'd be sitting anyhow. What I don't know enough about are pre 2003 4Runners compare to the newer generations and there are quite a few more available in that price range. I find a lot around 160k for the 2000 year.

What would you do? 2000 or 2003? For my needs it is only a short commuter, kid hauler and all around vehicle. Potentially camping or 4wheeling 6 times. Year and I won't tow with it.

Any concerns with the different generations?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Xrider237]

imo both 3rd and 4th gens are both exceptionally well made and reliable- the 3rds are slightly smaller and more nimble on the trail while the 4ths are a better highway/travel vehicle along w having a bit more room

i would pick up whatever you found the best deal on- i have an '03 and love it but i found a steal- originally i was looking for a 3rd because of price (and they are great trucks)

 

[alaskaman]

I would try to get a 2002 low mileage if possible. The '03 had some issues. To me its a tried and true end of build vs a new build new cycle. You can probably save some dough also. I see 2002 Limited every day still running strong. Worth the search imho.:fishing:

 

[alaskaman]

Have you seen this one?

Cars for Sale: 2002 Toyota 4Runner 4WD Limited in Denver, CO 80220: Sport Utility Details - 392903674 - Autotrader

 

[off-road runner]

With a budget of $9000 you could look for an 05-06. IMO

 

[Strider]

Thanks!

Thanks for all the feedback!

Sounds like both are exceptional. I did wonder about buying the first year or the remodel as usually any maker might have a few issues on that compared to years after that.

Thanks for the link on the one for sale. I've been scouring Craigslist and other places everyday and saw that one alone with a few others 00-02s from $4-8k with 160-190k.

The only thing I've heard for advice is if I go with the pre 03 get a tuneup, check the timing belt mnt and I've also seen some stuff on sagging rear shocks and pink milkshake. I bet I could search the forum for some of that but not sure how if those are deal breakers or how to spot for the pink milkshake. Our Subaru we got rid of before and gasket issues.

 

[Nervo19]

I have both a 4th gen and a 3rd gen. When I was researching prior to getting the '08 I know I saw some problems unique to the 03's. I think there was a head gasket problem. I can't really remember but I avoided the '03.

I really like the 3rd gens better. To me the 4th are a lot bigger and have some blind spots. The ride in my 3rd is better with 197k miles v. the 4th at just over 100k. I've had the brakes rebuilt but the ABS is still very reactive and results in jerky braking at times.

It's really a matter of what you want. As someone said, for $9k you can probably get an '04. And I'd pay less than $7k for a 2002, unless it has very low mileage.

 

[Strider]

Thanks that is very helpful, especially since you own both.

I am seeing a lot of 00 and 02 ones on Craigslist under 7k with 130-180k miles. The 03 just broke through at 9k but have 180-215k on them. Also everyone brings up good point about the first year of a new trim/model.

 

[Be_Original]

I bought my V6 '03 SR5 4WD with 112k miles one owner for $9250 OTD. The deals are out there just need to be patient and stand your ground with your offer.

 

[JBurt]

You should also look at the 3rd gen buyers guide. Lots of good things to look for in there

With that budget you could get a nice 3rd gen and do whatever maintenance and upgrades you'd like. If you bought a 4th gen and had issues you might break your budget.

I love my 97 but I'd also love a v8

 

[ret42]

I came from a '99 V6 to an '03 V8. My '03 has around 185k miles on it and has 0 problems, but it was meticulously maintained by the previous owner (he traded it in at the yota dealership for a brand new 4Runner). I don't think the '99 was maintained as well by it's previous owner, but both are phenomenal vehicles.

I think if I had kids, I would lean towards the 4th gen, personally. A lot more space, more comfortable ride, cupholders everywhere - I just think it's a better family vehicle where as the 3rd gens are more of a toy in hindsight. Newer vehicle doesn't just mean less mileage or more expensive, it means updated features, too. I loved my 3rd gen, but if I went back to it now, I would just feel like a lot is missing. Since you're already accustomed to the 4th gen, this may be something else worth considering.

 

[alaskaman]

My '97 was a lot of fun. I think the 4th generation is upgraded in many ways. The V6 is a strong engine and the gearing gives ya many choices. It's also hate to say more balanced weight to track on the road. I liked being able to move quickly in the 3rd Gen but for road travel the 4th is more solid for me. More powerful engine, more torque on and on. But, the 3rd Gen is a blast to own and drive.

 

[ben550]

Hello!

My wife and I finally started to get rid of other makes of vehicles and move to Toyotas. Our first purchase was an 2005 SR5 4Runner with 135k. We LOVE this car and wish we would have sold the Forester sooner. Now I've got a 2000 Impreza wagon and need something bigger as it doesn't fit our needs for kids. I've been going back and forth between a CR-V, Highlander or an older 4Runner. Honestly I really think a 4Runner would be great.

Here is my dilemma... I've got a budget of $9000 roughly, should I buy a 2000-2002 4Runner or try and get a 2003 4Runner? This would be my car and not the families so I am ok if it is a little Rough, high mileage or some damage. With that budget that is where I'd be sitting anyhow. What I don't know enough about are pre 2003 4Runners compare to the newer generations and there are quite a few more available in that price range. I find a lot around 160k for the 2000 year.

What would you do? 2000 or 2003? For my needs it is only a short commuter, kid hauler and all around vehicle. Potentially camping or 4wheeling 6 times. Year and I won't tow with it.

Any concerns with the different generations?

Thanks in advance!!!

I had a 2001 4runner and loved it. I wish I never sold it. It had 176k miles when I sold it and was running strong. I sold it for $5500 by the way in 2012... just a comp on prices. 4x4 prices are way over inflated in your area, so you'll probably have to pay more for an older truck. Too bad you cant buy one in Virginia where the prices are much lower...

I have owned a 3rd gen and two 4th gens. All were great vehicles. Jump one either one if you find a good deal.


Found some in your area:

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/5069801714.html

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/5072441100.html

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/ctd/5072256969.html

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/5069209787.html

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/5034534376.html

 

[Oneluv13T4R]

Own both..

I own both of the vehicles your talking about and bite your tongue....
my 03' is my pride and joy "0" problems 330,000 miles the ones with issues as stated are just due from the people who owned them and how they maintained them straigt up!! look at there track record with any vehicle and probably have as many complaints and issues..they hear toyota's are tanks and treat it like so and when they have a problem complain about it...this car sucks and have done nothing to it since I owned it..duh idiot!!





96' 210,000 = 0 issue's still own
03 330'000 = 0 issue's still own

93' toyota pick up = 355,000 0 issues
84' toyota pick up = 266,000 1 issue no oil threw a rod blew the motor
coming back from snowboarding coasted off freeway to mobil left it never seen again
95' 4runner = 285'000 2 issues my fault fixed it issues never again sold it to a friend with a family needing a car..wish I still had it
94' tacoma =160,000 0 issue's drunk driver smashed it total loss

 

[Strider]

V8 '03 ?

Thanks for all the more replies, you guys aren't making this easy. I am scouring Craigslist in my area each day and finding a ton of 00-02 years with 160-189k for $5-6.9k.

The other one I am seeing now pop up is the 03 V8. Again, I have a 05 V6 that has a great ride and someone before us already had the engine cyclinder problem so we are very happy with it. I might test drive one of these V8, but I am curious if the engine is about the one from the Sequoias? Seems like those last forever and just need the timing belt every 100k like the 3rd gen 4runners.

Since I have never dove or ridden in a 3rd generation I will also test one of those here soon. For $5k I can find one with 180k on it and seems like those will go to at least 300k so I can squeeze out another 10 years on them which is great.

Thanks for the replies and for those who have owned both or still do. Great info and comparisons.

Looking forward to the V8 info. Seems like you don't give up a whole lot of gas mileage over the V6.