Should I trade in my GMC Sierra for a 4runner?

[Btros]

Now I know this is a 4Runner enthusiast forum, and obviously the opinions are going to be biased, but...I want you all to *try* to be objective here...

Here's my situation: I have a 2005 GMC Sierra V8 1500 2wd with 62K miles. Don't owe anything on it. I live in Colorado and it can get hairy in the winter with the RWD. I have an 8-month old baby and would really like something that is safer in the snow. My mom has a 2nd Gen 4runner and I've always loved driving it.

My thing is, I don't want to have to finance anything, so if I did get a 4runner, it would probably be a 2004 with higher miles than my truck, probably around 90K.

Do you think it's worth it if I can find a straight-across trade for a 2004 with close to 100K miles? I kind of feel like a Japanese truck with 100K is the same as an American truck with 50K... :

Appreciate any thoughts you guys have.

 

[DC runner]

If, and only if, you can do an even trade.

I love 4 runners, but I love debt free even better.

I say it should be easy to trade a 2005 GMC for a 2003/2004 4th Gen 4 runner that will do you very well. What is the blue book on it? A in good/great shape 2003/2004 is around 10-13k, depending.

Search around.

 

[Btros]

I should clarify I want a V8 4WD 4runner. I just called on the one I wanted and it was already sold (2004 V8 Limited with 92K) . I think realistically I may have to get one with just over 100K instead of just under. Because I would really like to get a Limited.

Still a good trade IYO?

 

[kosan]

I should clarify I want a V8 4WD 4runner. I just called on the one I wanted and it was already sold (2004 V8 Limited with 92K) . I think realistically I may have to get one with just over 100K instead of just under. Because I would really like to get a Limited.

Still a good trade IYO?

Negligible. With the GMC, at least you probably know the history of it. With 4Runner (assuming 100k miles), you don't really know the history.

 

[zerowkul98]

If you go for a 4th gen with over 90k on it, then you should make sure the truck has had the following done:

- 90k service
- timing belt replaced
- water pump replaced
- calipers serviced & functioning correctly (theyre notorious for seized pistons)
- check for rusting along the frame of the sunroof (you'll have to open the and check the black painted frame.
- open the rear gate and pull the weather stipping back, check for any rust or bubbling

Also get the VIN and look on the Toyota Owners website for the vehicle's service history.

Good luck!

 

[Opi]

Also get the VIN and look on the Toyota Owners website for the vehicle's service history.

Good luck!

i didnt know anything about this... going to search now haha. and yes i say go for this trade even up if possible

 

[Btros]

If you go for a 4th gen with over 90k on it, then you should make sure the truck has had the following done:

- 90k service
- timing belt replaced
- water pump replaced
- calipers serviced & functioning correctly (theyre notorious for seized pistons)
- check for rusting along the frame of the sunroof (you'll have to open the and check the black painted frame.
- open the rear gate and pull the weather stipping back, check for any rust or bubbling

Also get the VIN and look on the Toyota Owners website for the vehicle's service history.

Good luck!

Thanks for these tips. I also agree that knowing the history of the vehicle is a good thing...I'm just jonesing for that four wheel drive...

 

[Clemsonfan15]

I think it would be a good trade. The 4Runner is going to be much safer with 4x4 and more weight on the rear end.

 

[Btros]

looking at this one now: timing belt etc. done, 112k. ***2004 Toyota 4Runner V-8 Sport

 

[progress4m]

I think it will be good trade and I think you will be really happy with 4Runner.
In addition to things to check: check exhaust manifold (s) for cracks.
Also, I know you trying to get even trade, but just FYI: starting with 2005 V8 models got dual VVT-I and that added 35 HP (270HP) and torque was rated at 330 and that did not increased fuel consumption.

 

[Btros]

I think it will be good trade and I think you will be really happy with 4Runner.
In addition to things to check: check exhaust manifold (s) for cracks.
Also, I know you trying to get even trade, but just FYI: starting with 2005 V8 models got dual VVT-I and that added 35 HP (270HP) and torque was rated at 330 and that did not increased fuel consumption.

Thanks...I mean, if I can get a really good deal, I might not mind trading up just a bit, but I really want to do an even trade because in a year or two I plan to upgrade to a later model, like 2009 or 2010.

 

[Co.Ag.2005]

Thanks for these tips. I also agree that knowing the history of the vehicle is a good thing...I'm just jonesing for that four wheel drive...

I will say the 4WD (AWD-like without the center diff locked, at least on the 2006 V8) is a champ in the snow here. I had 7" at my house this morning and my wifes company car is a front wheel drive sedan. We have a long and steep road coming from our house that doesn't get plowed. I just attached the tow strap, locked the center diff, and pulled her right out! then, on my drive to Denver, I unlocked the center diff (so it's more of an AWD with traction control) and she handled like a champ. this is definitely the way to go if you plan on doing safe snow driving in CO, that is, if you can get a good trade on a 4Runner. just my $0.02.

 

[MikeInNH]

It really depends on where you drive in CO.

If you don't drive into the mountains much...then 2wd with good snow tires (on all 4) should be fine. Denver really doesn't get that much snow. And the snow they do get melts pretty quickly. Denver isn't even in the top 100 snow-fall cities.

Now if you live and drive in the mountains...then trading in on a 4wd is probably a better option.

 

[Btros]

It really depends on where you drive in CO.

This is true...and I don't drive into the mountains all that much. But a few days before Christmas this year I got caught in that big storm driving on my way back to Denver from Fort Collins. I had my mother, wife, and baby girl in the truck, and was totally fishtailing and sliding almost the whole way down I-25. My tires are good, and I have sandbags in the bed, but the RWD was a b*tch. I got us all home but it was a white-knuckle drive with three generations of the women in my life in my truck. I just don't want to get caught like that again.

I agree that it really doesn't snow that much in Denver to need a 4x4 all the time, but it would be nice to know that it's there if I ever need it.

 

[Btros]

BTW, were there any issues with the 2003 (first year of the 4th gen) as compared to the 2004? Any reason I wouldn't want an '03 instead of an '04? I think I read something about a recall?

 

[Gatafly]

looking at this one now: timing belt etc. done, 112k. ***2004 Toyota 4Runner V-8 Sport

I have a clone of that 4runner and love it. If it is in excellent condition without any rust that is a good price.

 

[Btros]

I have a clone of that 4runner and love it. If it is in excellent condition without any rust that is a good price.

Thanks for the review. I emailed the guy.

 

[BReardon21]

I did the same thing and traded in my 06 Honda Accord with 90k on it and got an 04 v8 4runner 4wd with 100k. Straight swap.

I haven't been happier with the trade. If you can do a straight swap, I would absolutley do it. It took me a while to find a decent T4R with minimal rust and no issues. I found it on a smaller used car lot, and I gave him the whole shpeal about having a kid, needed to get out of a 6 speed and needed 4wd, safety etc.

I really knew I just wanted a 4runner, but he dropped a grand off from 12,995 to 12k flat and he already said my car was worth 12k before. Just ended up paying tax title and reg!

Good Luck, now that we are coming into summer it may be better prices on 4wd.

 

[PaulB-2006 T4R]

Trading in or selling a 2wd in the winter in snow country maybe difficult because others will have your same thoughts. I suggest waiting until summer when the buyer may not think about winter.

 

[NJshadow93]

BTW, were there any issues with the 2003 (first year of the 4th gen) as compared to the 2004? Any reason I wouldn't want an '03 instead of an '04? I think I read something about a recall?

I love my '03. Just bought it in July and it only really snowed twice here in NJ. The 4Runner was a tank through the deep snow and I was able to drive with confidence. As far as I know, the '03 and '04 are the same, although there have been a few cases of head gasket issues on the V6 models for the '04s.