thinkin about switchin from gen 4 to gen 3

[joerc211v]

Hey guys I just wanted to see your thoughts. I have an 04 SR5 V6 2wd that I bought brand new. I've put 94K miles on it and I can honestly say it still drives like it was new. But I now that I got into riding off road dirt bikes (KTM) i really want to switch to a 4wd. I own my car out right and in this economy really don't wanna spend any more then I have to. I found a pretty sweet deal on an 02 white (the color i prefer) SR5 4wd with only 54k miles on it. what are some pro's and con's of the gen 3 vs gen 4? I know with the 4wd I'm going to get less gas millage and that the gen 3 is a little smaller but I can get out of mine and into this with minimal $ outa pocket. how is the power of the 3.4 vs the 4.0?
Thanks for any impute,
Joe

 

[Fuzion]

I loved my 3rd gen but now having a 4th gen I would never go back.

 

[004Gunner]

Of course the 3rd gen is my favorite but I don't know about downgrading the engine size. The 3.4 is nice but I would love to have a bigger engine and I know the Jeep's 4.0 straight will smoke my 3.4. Have you driven/owned a 3rd gen?

 

[pat161]

Not endorsing the 4th gen as I bought my 02 in 2006 instead of a 4th gen, but I am a pretty rare case of the 3rd gen fitting my needs perfectly while the 4th is not my style. That being said, as others always point out, most people will quickly be swayed by the larger size, added options, more power and better overall street ride while still maintaining good off road ability, so they all point you towards a 4th gen. You having said you love the 4th gen you have I really doubt you'd be as happy in a 3rd, you may like it but you'll miss all those convenience items people seem to focus on. Why not look around for an 03 or 04 4wd, you may pay a little out of pocket, but not much, and you'll have the same vehicle you already love plus 4wd.

 

[uluafishing]

Are you planning on keeping both?

I bought an '07 SE 4x2 for the wife, and I took her "old" '97 SR5 4x4.

As far as ride & power is concerned, the '97 doesn't even come close to the '07. Our '97 has approx 74k miles on it. Interior noise is much higher on the '97.

Still, the '97 ride is smooth (just not as smooth as the '07). Just be sure to check the hoses, belts before you buy. Also, the gen 3 has a timing belt, not a chain (like th 4.0 V6's).

Good luck!

 

[Koz]

The 3.4 doesn't get better gas milage and has less power!

Koz

 

[Thai]

There is really no comparison between power of a 4.0L V6 (238 HP under new rating) and 3.4L V6 (183 HP under old rating). If the new ratings were applied to the 3.4L engine, then i think that HP will be around 170 or so. Torque will be down as well from 217 to probably barely 200-210. The 4.0L V6 has over 280 lbs of torque. Big difference. Granted, the 4th gen is bigger and heavier, i still think that you can tell the difference easily.

However, as i did have a 2002 4runner 4x4, i can tell you that the 3.4L V6 is a gem...well, a slow gem. It is smooth & torquey enough. It makes enough power to get the 3rd gen out of it's own way.

Good luck with the 3rd gen...you will like it...it's a different beast than what you're driving now...it's raw, it's rough/bouncy, it's smaller/tighter. The benefit is that the 3rd gen was assembled flawlessly with slightly better interior materials than 4th gen. It was built to last as is the 4th gen, but IMHO, it was built slightly better for some reason.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Yes,there power does leave a bit to be desired in the V6 3rd gens but just drive a 2nd gen 3.0 and that will help you feel alot better about the 3.4.

If a 3rd gen came with even just 220hp NA that would be so nice and probably deliver more consistent and slightly better fuel economy.