So, should I upgrade?

PolkManiac

New member
I currently have a 2004 4Runner 2WD V6 SR5. I've got a few small upgrades, stuff like the radio and tires, but nothing big really.

We're considering purchasing the new 2010 model with the V6, probably the SR5 model as well.

I thought I'd ask and see what thoughts you guys have on trading in for a new 4Runner. I don't necessarily need a rundown on all the differences, although that would be helpful if someone has a link, I'm more looking for what thoughts you guys have.

Why would you / wouldn't you trade up for the new 4Runner.
 
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Why would you / wouldn't you trade up for the new 4Runner.

I would not bother trading for at least another year. The price will go down a little bit the longer the 5th gen is out. Your 4R seems to be what you need at the moment... so I vote for keeping your 4th gen. (I prefer the 4th gen styling more, but thats just my take on things... to each their own...)
 
Let me try asking another way, let's assume I'm gonna buy a new 4Runner and I have 2 options (because I am, and I do).

I can either buy a 2009 model or a 2010 model, both new, both SR5 with V6, and both really about the same price. So if you were buying a new vehicle today, which would it be, and why?

Are there any thoughts about general comparisons around the ride quality and the quality of the interio? I've seen it mentioned that the new interior feels cheaper than the older model.
 
....I can either buy a 2009 model or a 2010 model, both new, both SR5 with V6, and both really about the same price..... So if you were buying a new vehicle today, which would it be, and why?
QUOTE]

A NEW 2009? ..... really? Same price? ..... really?

These are rhetorical questions, right?

The only possible reason I can think of to buy an '09 over a '10 is price savings. Because you're sure as he!! going to take a depreciation hit somewhere down the road.
 
....I can either buy a 2009 model or a 2010 model, both new, both SR5 with V6, and both really about the same price..... So if you were buying a new vehicle today, which would it be, and why?
QUOTE]

A NEW 2009? ..... really? Same price? ..... really?

These are rhetorical questions, right?

The only possible reason I can think of to buy an '09 over a '10 is price savings. Because you're sure as he!! going to take a depreciation hit somewhere down the road.
Yes, really, and really...

Those are not rhetorical, my local dealer (Toyota of Dallas) has two new 2009 models and the 2010 models of course, all are around the same price with the SR5 / V6 / 2WD trim options.

Let's just throw price out of the equation for a second, which vehicle would you prefer?
 
What do you like?

It shouldn't be what we would do, what we like. Its what do you want to do, what do you like. The 4runner in general, is an outstanding vehicle. You just have to decide how in depth do you want to compare the two models. Start with appearance, old or new? features, specs, colors, price. To some, color is everything, others are going to pick based on price. We each had our reasons for selecting our 4runners. What matters most to you?

For example, don't ask me about my v8 4wd sport, buy it, and write a thread saying you get raped on MPG and are unhappy with 4runners just because I said I loved my 4runner.

Not saying you would do that, its an example. I really think your questions can be answered with test drives.

Another example, my exhaust. I asked so many of you about what you guys did and I didn't pull the trigger on a system untill I heard them myself and compared them. I went with Borla and was happy. If I listened to someone saying Magnaflow is the best and was unhappy, I can only blame myself for not making a better effort.

I really hope no offense is taken. I really suggest comparing the two and fiding out what it is YOU want, and enjoy YOUR 4runner, not someone elses. Good Luck!
 
Of course I'm going to test drive the new model. I'm very familiar with the 4th gen because we've had our 2004 for 6 years now, so I'll know how the 2010 feels in comparison.

I'm not looking for a poll of which vehicle I should buy, or which one is a better truck, I'm just looking for thoughts anyone may have on the two models. Think of it more as a brainstorming exercise than anything else.

In fairness, I did ask which you would buy, but honestly I'm more interested in the 'why'. I've done some comparisons, and I know alot of the differences but was hoping for just some open-ended thoughts and maybe I'll 'hear' something I hadn't thought of.
 
Wow, I thought the '09 models were long gone. If I could find a Galactic Grey Sport Edition, I'd buy it today.
 
I would go with the 5th gen because they are the most bad a$$ runner yet :D

also, you say you have a 4th gen now? It wouldn't feel like so much of a change trading for essentially the same thing, you will want a new look, new feel, new features. go 5th.
 
2010 no question. Ive had a 1994/1996/2008 and now 2010. IMHO I believe the 2010 is the best out of the bunch. I loved my 1996 and 1998 but this 2010 is so much more truck in every way, hands down id do it all over again. Had the chance to hit the outter beach this weekend and even with the 20" wheels this truck didnt disappoint. Everything just "works" with this rig and I think the look of it is BadA$$. So yup my vote is for 2010, besides you already have a 4th gen, why buy the same thing? Good luck.
 
The 5th gen kills the 4th. I don't dislike the 4ths, but I don't think they look much like trucks. I've had my 3rd gen for a decade and never traded up because I didn't like how the 4ths got the lifted soob look.

The 5th looks like a truck again so I'm happy about that. I've test driven an SR5 and I don't agree with Mtn.Rush's statement that the 5th is more truck in every way than a 3rd, but I still think both are better than the 4ths. The 5th might be as much truck as a 3rd at best, but I don't even think that - it's a little too luxurious for me still.

Why the heck would the 4ths be the same price as the 5ths? The MSRP is higher on the 5ths model for model, option for option.
 
The 5th gen kills the 4th. I don't dislike the 4ths, but I don't think they look much like trucks. I've had my 3rd gen for a decade and never traded up because I didn't like how the 4ths got the lifted soob look.

The 5th looks like a truck again so I'm happy about that. I've test driven an SR5 and I don't agree with Mtn.Rush's statement that the 5th is more truck in every way than a 3rd, but I still think both are better than the 4ths. The 5th might be as much truck as a 3rd at best, but I don't even think that - it's a little too luxurious for me still.

Why the heck would the 4ths be the same price as the 5ths? The MSRP is higher on the 5ths model for model, option for option.

Ditto to what Brian said...

I would go for a Trail edition 5th gen in a heartbeat if I had the money available.
 
Being they're both 2WD, I'm not leaning in one direction over the other. I like the looks of the 4th more, BUT the 2010 is current, newer engine, more power. Not an easy choice when both are 2WD, easy if they're both 4WD.

Trully, if I was presented with that choice, I walk away from the 4Runners and look at a Tacoma.
 
Being they're both 2WD, I'm not leaning in one direction over the other. I like the looks of the 4th more, BUT the 2010 is current, newer engine, more power. Not an easy choice when both are 2WD, easy if they're both 4WD.

Trully, if I was presented with that choice, I walk away from the 4Runners and look at a Tacoma.

??? 2wd?? I didnt see where he mentioned a 2wd?? why would you get a 2wd??

replace "playoffs" with "2wd" !!

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:lol:

edit:oops, wanted the short version.. not the long one...
 
We went and looked at them again yesterday, and really like the look. I think it has a beefier look and we like that.

We're scheduled to go test drive one Saturday morning, so we'll see how that goes.

4WD would be neat, but honestly we'd never use it. In six years with the 4th gen we have, we've never once said, 'man I wish we had four wheel drive'. I'm no expert, but I assume 4WD would add some additional maintenance and would add more parts that could potentially break, so I think we'd like to avoid that.

Thanks for all the comments
 
I had the same problem. I have '05 v6 SR5 4wd with 60k miles in galactic grey, love the color. I wanted to upgrade for one with low mileage. After looking at '09's I decided to wait until the '10 comes down in price a bit.
 
We went and looked at them again yesterday, and really like the look. I think it has a beefier look and we like that.

We're scheduled to go test drive one Saturday morning, so we'll see how that goes.

4WD would be neat, but honestly we'd never use it. In six years with the 4th gen we have, we've never once said, 'man I wish we had four wheel drive'. I'm no expert, but I assume 4WD would add some additional maintenance and would add more parts that could potentially break, so I think we'd like to avoid that.

Thanks for all the comments

Unless you are in Colorado or some other state where 4wd is in HIGH demand, the cost difference should be much lower between a 2wd and a 4wd,

ie. my friend drove to albuquerque to get his 4wd truck which he got several thousand dollars cheaper due to no demand for 4wd.

nothing on the 4wd is gonna break before the 2wd parts break or need replacing.

if you even think about vacationing in a winter weather state like Colorado for instance, then 4wd can come in use. its useful when you are driving in rain, its useful onroad as well as offroad. I dont even know why they make 2wd SUVs it seems like such a waste to me. But I am biased, I think all 2wd 4runners (the cars, not the owners) should be burned at the stake. Its like buying a Prized show dog or stud racing horse that has won all the races but its neutered... seriously... I dont get it...
 

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