Sold my 5th Gen and purchased another 4th Gen

[Derek]

After owning three 4th Gens I had been eyeing the 5th Gens ever since they updated the looks in 2014. Earlier this year I decided it was time to trade my '07 SR5 and move up to a 2016 so I pulled the trigger. Within a few weeks of owning the 2016 I was really missing my '07 and regretted selling it. Don't get me wrong, the 2016 is a great vehicle but I didn't feel like it was much of an upgrade from my '07. It felt slower, bigger, didn't feel the handling was as good, and overall did not feel it was worth the price I paid. Fast forward several months later and I decided to shop around for another 4th Gen. After weeks of searching and coming up with nothing I gave up and decided to buy 'something practical' for my daily commute and ended up buying a Honda Accord Sport.

A week into driving the Accord and all of the sudden I was experiencing severe back pain. Two months of dealing with the pain was all I could tolerate so I made the decision to start my search again for another 4th Gen.

Finding a decent 4th Gen has become nearly impossible in my area. I searched across Autotrader, Craigslist, and Carmax. Here is what I found:

- Craigslist: Typical people who don't respond to emails or calls and many that are simply too good to be true

- Carmax: 4th Gens on their lot are usually priced much higher than other sellers. If you do see one with low miles it will disappear within a day or two.

- Autotrader: This proved to be the best tool because it provided me with the best way to search across actual dealerships

The majority of 4th Gens around here are found on wholesale lots. Many of these are completely rusted out (from the NE region) or you could tell they had been in some sort of wreck even though the Carfax is 'clean'. While searching Autotrader a little over a week ago I came across a new listing at a Toyota dealership 60 miles away. I went to look at it the next day and then put a deposit down the following day. So now I have a 2007 Limited which has been very well cared for. One owner, never been wrecked, and the interior is probably a 8 or 9 out of 10 considering its age. What made me feel better about the purchase was the fact that the dealership put over $1,300 in maintenance into it prior to sale and put new tires on it. It feels great to be back in a 4th Gen. The only complaint I have is lack of headroom with the sunroof. I knew this was an issue but made the purchase anyway. If I turn certain ways my hair will brush against the edge of the headliner but it isn't an issue while driving. I can't wait to use a good cleaner wax to restore the single-stage white paint.

Here is a picture from the dealership listing:

 

[Freyer]

Welcome back! I too love the 4th gen and wish they still made this body style!

 

[Ventil8]

I'm sure you're feeling a whole lot better now that you have a lower car payment. I bought my 4runner new back in 2005 and thought $550/month was high for a car payment(no money down). Almost 12 years later, I still love my ride but I love the look of the new 5th gens. I'll buy another new 4runner in maybe 8 years. I'm going to try and drive it for 20 years

 

[aquilon]

congrats on the purchase. I also live in ATL area and wanted a 5th Gen 4Runner TRD Pro of course, but didn't want an expensive payment. My cousin who works at a BMW dealer new I was in the market and called me when a 4Runner came in on trade-in, so I picked up a pretty clean 06' with 79k miles for a good deal considering the mileage/condition. I really like this truck... I rented a 5th Gen 4runner to go on a trip and also felt that it wasn't a huge upgrade. Its got its perks, but I am going to keep my 4th Gen as long as I can as it's a great 4Runner and the styling is cool as well.

 

[Erkelbot]

Congrats on the new rig -- I like the white. I had a similar experience with my 5th gen. I replaced a 2015 TEP that I bought new for a 2008 SR5 (I've had 4 T4Rs). While the 5th gen was great, I had a few gripes that made me like the 4th gen more (and especially the 3rd gen).

The biggest flaw:

The 5th gen did well in 4WD, and not so amazing in 2WD. The tires that come stock on the truck were completely worthless in winter weather. I immediately knew I needed to upgrade to a better AT tire, so that $800 bothered me a bit. What was worse though, all T4Rs, except the Limiteds, now come with part-time 4WD and not full-time 4WD. This is different from all previous generations. While this came as no surprise to me, I did miss the LSD pretty quickly for everyday driving.

Minor stuff:

KDSS was great but nothing that a good aftermarket couldn't beat. The 5100s I put in my 4th gen (the 08 without XREAS) performed as well for almost every application. Plus they're way cheaper to repair if they fail. I could have skipped this option, sure, but it helped for resell in MN. They're not all that common.

I missed the sunglasses holder that was replaced with Crawl Control up top. Weird that I remember this, but I missed it a lot...

All in all, I didn't think the 5th gen was all that awesome. It was nice, but you can get a lot for $38K -- you can get a VERY capable 4th gen for way less. The PT 4wd really bugged me. As I said, the only way you get that LSD was with the limited, and I didn't want most of that pre-packaged stuff to come along with the sale...

People who are considering a new T4R, really do need to do their homework and know what system best suits their needs. The two systems are fundamentally very different in both their usage, and how it will affect their truck in the long haul if misused. Interestingly enough, most dealers won't tell unsuspecting consumers about the fundamental differences (or simply don't know). I talked to one sales rep at the dealer that didn't know what engine came in the T4R. Needless to say, we didn't talk long...

Another alternative suggestion for someone looking for a larger vehicle (since the 5th gens are a bit bigger than the 4th gens) -- or one with the V8. GX470. Lots of niceties and really reasonable for cost for what is essentially a Lexus T4R. I replaced my 2008 SR5 with a 2005 GX470, and I really like it. It' not the most technologically advanced setup, but it's pretty darn nice for $12K with a shade over 100K miles.

 

[Yukon4Runner]

Reminds me of the guy that ends up re-marrying the woman he has divorced.

 

[timbo_slice]

Cruising the forum and saw this post. This just reaffirms my decision I made choosing 4th gen. I still get jealous whenever I see a super built 3rd gen, or a brand new 2016... but all holds true that the 4th gen is THE best compromise for my needs for a car.

Glad you came back to the right gen ;]
Peace.

 

[Drummer1]

Congratulations on coming back over to the 4th Gen side. You really can't beat everything the 4th Gen offers and as much as I was considering upgrading to the 5th Gen myself, I changed my mind quickly.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Welcome back and I feel your pain - took a year plus to find the Sport 4WD I bought, and it was in Greenville, SC. In fact, we were driving back from an Outer Banks vacation and so desperate by that point that we were calling every Toyota dealer along our route.

About the headroom, how tall are you? I'm 6'2" and have no issues even with the sunroof, but of course I have no hair either. :-(

And please don't take offense, this question comes solely from my own talent for sometimes missing even the most obvious things - do you have your power seat lowered all the way?

 

[3rdgenfan]

Congrats on the new rig -- I like the white. I had a similar experience with my 5th gen. I replaced a 2015 TEP that I bought new for a 2008 SR5 (I've had 4 T4Rs). While the 5th gen was great, I had a few gripes that made me like the 4th gen more (and especially the 3rd gen).

The biggest flaw:

The 5th gen did well in 4WD, and not so amazing in 2WD. The tires that come stock on the truck were completely worthless in winter weather. I immediately knew I needed to upgrade to a better AT tire, so that $800 bothered me a bit. What was worse though, all T4Rs, except the Limiteds, now come with part-time 4WD and not full-time 4WD. This is different from all previous generations. While this came as no surprise to me, I did miss the LSD pretty quickly for everyday driving.

Minor stuff:

KDSS was great but nothing that a good aftermarket couldn't beat. The 5100s I put in my 4th gen (the 08 without XREAS) performed as well for almost every application. Plus they're way cheaper to repair if they fail. I could have skipped this option, sure, but it helped for resell in MN. They're not all that common.

I missed the sunglasses holder that was replaced with Crawl Control up top. Weird that I remember this, but I missed it a lot...

All in all, I didn't think the 5th gen was all that awesome. It was nice, but you can get a lot for $38K -- you can get a VERY capable 4th gen for way less. The PT 4wd really bugged me. As I said, the only way you get that LSD was with the limited, and I didn't want most of that pre-packaged stuff to come along with the sale...

People who are considering a new T4R, really do need to do their homework and know what system best suits their needs. The two systems are fundamentally very different in both their usage, and how it will affect their truck in the long haul if misused. Interestingly enough, most dealers won't tell unsuspecting consumers about the fundamental differences (or simply don't know). I talked to one sales rep at the dealer that didn't know what engine came in the T4R. Needless to say, we didn't talk long...

Another alternative suggestion for someone looking for a larger vehicle (since the 5th gens are a bit bigger than the 4th gens) -- or one with the V8. GX470. Lots of niceties and really reasonable for cost for what is essentially a Lexus T4R. I replaced my 2008 SR5 with a 2005 GX470, and I really like it. It' not the most technologically advanced setup, but it's pretty darn nice for $12K with a shade over 100K miles.

I understand what you mean when the sales rep didn't know there product. I just picked up a 16 Trail premium. While dealing with other dealerships to get the best price possible. The sales rep tried to get me to buy a SR5 premium. Told him I wanted the Trail for the 4wd system. He said they are the same. I told him they are not the same. He said all you are getting is different wheels.

 

[taxzz]

Being in the Atlanta area myself, could you tell me how many miles and what your out the door price was? i've been considering dropping my 2wd sr5 for something with 4x4.

 

[bamma]

I understand what you mean when the sales rep didn't know there product. I just picked up a 16 Trail premium. While dealing with other dealerships to get the best price possible. The sales rep tried to get me to buy a SR5 premium. Told him I wanted the Trail for the 4wd system. He said they are the same. I told him they are not the same. He said all you are getting is different wheels.

When I bought my wife's 5th gen Limited, they had a salesman that was showing us all the features of the vehicle. I asked him how to put the car into 4wd. He spent about 5 minutes trying to figure it out before I told him it was AWD.

 

[Derek]

Welcome back and I feel your pain - took a year plus to find the Sport 4WD I bought, and it was in Greenville, SC. In fact, we were driving back from an Outer Banks vacation and so desperate by that point that we were calling every Toyota dealer along our route.

About the headroom, how tall are you? I'm 6'2" and have no issues even with the sunroof, but of course I have no hair either. :-(

And please don't take offense, this question comes solely from my own talent for sometimes missing even the most obvious things - do you have your power seat lowered all the way?

I extended my search criteria to 100 miles thinking that would provide more results but it really didn't. There was a 2008 SR5 at Carmax listed on Labor Day with 34K miles on it. They had it listed for $22,900 which seemed crazy to me but it sure was tempting. It sold in one day.

I'm 6'4" and the issue is with the edge of the headliner that surrounds the sunroof opening. It's definitely a tight fit for somebody my height but I can make it work.

 

[Derek]

When I bought my wife's 5th gen Limited, they had a salesman that was showing us all the features of the vehicle. I asked him how to put the car into 4wd. He spent about 5 minutes trying to figure it out before I told him it was AWD.

What's even more surprising to me is how many people purchase vehicles without doing any research whatsoever. As I was sitting at the dealership signing paperwork there was a couple at the table next to me signing paperwork on a 2016 Limited at a price of $44K. The wife turned to the salesman and said "Is there any way we can get better wheels on the Limited? Those wheels are plastic. I don't want plastic wheels. I want something stronger than plastic." I'm not sure how the salesman kept it together. After a long pause he just replied with "Uh, you're purchasing a Limited. It has the most expensive wheels you can get on a 4Runner. And they are metal, not plastic".

 

[Atlanta_man]

I'd like to upgrade my 4th gen v8. That means a GX which is way out of my budget.
So I'll keep it another two or three years.

 

[toyo]

I am not a huge fan of the 5th Gen. It's the body that turns me off. It's definitely not as solid as the 4th gen.
I see that you bought it at Milton Martin Toyota. They are as honest of a dealership your'e gonna find in the Atlanta area. I've bought several vehicles from them and buy a large amount of parts from them for my auto shop.

 

[Derek]

I am not a huge fan of the 5th Gen. It's the body that turns me off. It's definitely not as solid as the 4th gen.
I see that you bought it at Milton Martin Toyota. They are as honest of a dealership your'e gonna find in the Atlanta area. I've bought several vehicles from them and buy a large amount of parts from them for my auto shop.

Good catch. I didn't even know they existed until I found the listing on Autotrader. Since the listing was so new they had no pictures added to the listing. The salesman was a good sport and emailed and texted pictures of everything I asked for before I made the commitment to drive 1.5 hours to see it in person. He even said they'd fill my tank when I got there if I wasn't impressed with the condition of the vehicle. So no complaints with the dealer really. The fact that they did so much regular maintenance prior to sale is what impressed me and they had all of the service records printed when I got there.

 

[vanion2]

Good catch. I didn't even know they existed until I found the listing on Autotrader. Since the listing was so new they had no pictures added to the listing. The salesman was a good sport and emailed and texted pictures of everything I asked for before I made the commitment to drive 1.5 hours to see it in person. He even said they'd fill my tank when I got there if I wasn't impressed with the condition of the vehicle. So no complaints with the dealer really. The fact that they did so much regular maintenance prior to sale is what impressed me and they had all of the service records printed when I got there.

Damn. Now that's service. Glad you found your way back home. I'm new to the 4th gen myself having moved up from the 3rd gen but it feels so nice and comfortable. I keep trying to find places to drive it just so I can spend more time with it so I completely understand your return. Nice looking wheels too.

Oh, and how many salesmen know about the XREAS suspension and how they come standard on the Sport package. Or why there is a difference between the 03-04 versus the 05 plus transmissions. Thanks to this forum I knew more about the 4th gens than they did.

 

[bamma]

What's even more surprising to me is how many people purchase vehicles without doing any research whatsoever. As I was sitting at the dealership signing paperwork there was a couple at the table next to me signing paperwork on a 2016 Limited at a price of $44K. The wife turned to the salesman and said "Is there any way we can get better wheels on the Limited? Those wheels are plastic. I don't want plastic wheels. I want something stronger than plastic." I'm not sure how the salesman kept it together. After a long pause he just replied with "Uh, you're purchasing a Limited. It has the most expensive wheels you can get on a 4Runner. And they are metal, not plastic".

Yeah, I had a girlfriend get a new tacoma and when I asked what she paid she looked at me confused and said "whatever was on the sticker". Didnt even try to negotiate. Sadly, the last gen Tacoma limited did have plastic wheel covers. Glad the T4R limited wheels arent plastic, but I actually hate the 20s on my wifes 5th gen limited.

 

[TOY2G]

I'd like to upgrade my 4th gen v8. That means a GX which is way out of my budget.
So I'll keep it another two or three years.

When we were shopping for 4th gens (needed a winter vehicle with 3rd row) we kept seeing 4th gens for $21k-$26k 2005+ models. Then someone on FB posted the GX they just got. So we started looking.... 2008-2009 GX loaded with nave and TVs were $15k-$24k. I was shocked. They GX is cheaper than the 4th gen everywhere we looked. Even found a few sub $15k but pretty stripped.

In the end, all GXs are 4wd, V8 leather and pretty much NEVER off roaded.

We traded in our 2014 RX350 on our 09 GX. It was $18,800 before we rolled in our negative equity. I could not touch an 09 4th gen 4wd v8 limited for the same price.