sold my 95 T4R, help me find a new one

[raouldukey]

After a dozen years of faithful service, I decided to move my old 4runner down the road. I am missing it greatly and have to replace it. After a quick survey of the market, I am definitely sure I will replace it with another 4runner. I am not extreme, but I am constantly off-road in the mountains and really use it like a SUV. I am trying to work out what year to replace it with and was thinking I could get some insight from this forum.

I am a used car purchaser, and wouldn't buy a brand new one in any event. I am much more of a SR5 level guy than a Limited... leather doesn't interest me much. I don't pull anything very large, so a V6 motor is sufficient.

I was looking at the latest generation, and I am not sure that I like the new look as much as the old. The running boards are gone... no more bumpers... just look more like a city SUV than the old one that you could feel good about going off-road. Probably still a very capable off-road vehicle, but just doesn't look as rugged anymore. I don't hate the new look, but I just don't like it as much

I do like the looks of the previous generation... I think that is up to about 2009? I actually just found a 2008 Sport for clean trade-in value (just under $19K), which is slightly tempting. However, it looks like the new V6 motor is actually quite a bit better (more HP and mileage) than the 2008 one... so that pushes me towards finding a 2011 or 2012....

Anyway... probably hard to give me much direction... but maybe there are considerations that I am overlooking here... worth a post.

 

[Hepar]

What did you think of the size of your '95? If you liked the size, I'd say go third gen. If you're looking for a little more space, go 4th or 5th.

 

[raouldukey]

What did you think of the size of your '95? If you liked the size, I'd say go third gen. If you're looking for a little more space, go 4th or 5th.

I thought it was fine... wife complained that it was too small... so I guess that means 4th or 5th generation for me...

 

[KidVermicious]

3rd gen will be a little bigger than your 95, not as big as a 4th or 5th though. Any will be fine for random backroading and offroadery, though if you get into tight trails you'll definitely notice the size difference.

Lots cheaper to mod a 3rd gen too, if you need bumpers or a lift or anything, and lots cheaper to buy one in the first place. But the 4th and 5th gen trucks have more powerful motors and more toys inside, so if your wife is feeling citified she might prefer that.

My suggestion would be to drive several of each and see where you guys can compromise. Or get your wife a Highlander or other minivan-utility-vehicle and get yourself a first or second gen, make both of you happy for less than the cost of a 5th gen.