Want a 4runner, but which one??

[Yotawannabe]

Yes, I am new. I am looking at getting a 4runner but curious as to what you all think is the best generation. I like the power of the 4th but is it all it is cracked up to be? Please help me out on this decision, it will be a DD and off road!

Thanks

Yotawannabe

 

[TranceKrayz]

personally...i like both the 3rd and 4th generations. i was very close to buying a 3rd gen. sports edition in black until i saw that a 4th edition was comming out with more power. Power wasn't the only reason i bought the 4th generation though. I also loved the new look of the exterior and interior. I thought the interior of the thrid generation was too bland. No offense to 3rd generation owners! If i had the black sports edition i would've still loved it as much as i love my limited now.

 

[bluewolf]

SUV shopping several years ago, we loved the third-gen 4runners for their awesome style and Toyota reputation, but we really wished they were just a little bit larger and had a V8 like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Grands were "just enough" larger to make a HUGE difference in comfort, and we could pull a decent trailer with it, so we went with the Jeep. The Grand Cherokee is actually a VERY nice vehicle, but is plagued with other problems as you probably know.

When Toyota released their fourth-gen 4Runners, slightly larger in size and with the powerful Iforce V8 under the hood, we fell in love...there was no question that we HAD to ditch the Jeep. What an awesome truck!!

Just two weeks ago, a good friend of mine traded in his '01 SR5 4runner w/ 60,000 miles for an '04 Tundra. That 4Runner was snatched up within days, and my sales guy said it went for $25,000! Excellent re-sale value, as expected. But I think to myself...why would someone spend $25K on a three-year old third-gen with 60,000 miles when for $5K more they could have 1. much, much more power 2. similar gas mileage despite the power 3. a little more room which feels like a lot 4. even better styling (ok, that one's subject to debate) and 5. it's brand new!!

 

[Yotawannabe]

THANKS

Ya, I like the power of the 4th generation. Here is another question. Is the V-8 that much better than the V-6? I saw the power ratings and the V-6 has more horse power but less torque, has any one test drove these and found a major difference?

Thanks

Yotawannabe

 

[bluewolf]

Re: THANKS

Ya, I like the power of the 4th generation. Here is another question. Is the V-8 that much better than the V-6? I saw the power ratings and the V-6 has more horse power but less torque, has any one test drove these and found a major difference?

Thanks

Yotawannabe

Again, that's subjective. You have to drive each and decide for yourself. I personally don't care how much horsepower an engine produces at 5000 rpms, I want the torque. It feels much more responsive at the lower rpms, which is why it throws your head back when you stomp on it. With the V8, you won't get any additional power at high speeds (for passing, etc) but you get much more low-end power for pulling weight. I guess you have to decide whether you want to spend that additional $2K that the V8 costs.

I can't remember the member who says it, but I like it: "people pay for horsepower, but they want torque!"

 

[sharp4runr]

Definitely go with the 4th Gen, of course I'm biased

Bluewolf summed it up nicely. For just a little more money you can have a brand spanking new vehicle, that's bigger, more powerfull and has been totally redesigned.

Again, the V6/V8 debate comes up. It's going to be a personal choice. I got the V6 because I don't need to tow anything heavy or anything at all. I like the ability to switch from 2WD to 4WD on the fly (V8 is constant 4WD. 2WD saves gas). I live in the Washington DC Metro area so I see my fair share of traffic and the V6 is more economical on the petro, especially on city driving...

Have fun buying and whatever you choose, you'll be happy with a 4Runner.

 

[peter78]

3rd generation models are a great used SUV. I took a friend shopping and the trouble we were having is re-sale value. You look at a 99 4Runner and a 2001 or 2002 (another brand of SUV) are selling for less. When you look at the used SUV price difference, the 3rd geneation seem a bit pricey.

I think the 4th generation has had some newly built growing pains, but I they are fine and are getting better.

If you look at the 3rd generation I feel the power is fine. 183 HP, which is less, but it weighs less. They have a bigger trunk, more clearance and more carrying capacity. But they are narrow, tight inside, hard to get into. And yes, they last forever. My 2001 has 50,000 miles and no trouble, I am beginning to wonder if things like brakes ever wear out as I haven't touched them.

 

[bluewolf]

My 2001 has 50,000 miles and no trouble, I am beginning to wonder if things like brakes ever wear out as I haven't touched them.

Nah...my '93 PU has 120,000 miles and my brakes still look great. The guys at Les Schwab tell me that Toyotas brakes are bulletproof and are by far the longest-lasting. I still havn't had a chance to get a closer inspection of the brakes on our 4R to see if they are even remotely the same.

 

[HuntRunner]

Re: THANKS

Ya, I like the power of the 4th generation. Here is another question. Is the V-8 that much better than the V-6? I saw the power ratings and the V-6 has more horse power but less torque, has any one test drove these and found a major difference?

Thanks

Yotawannabe

Keep in mind that horsepower is not measured directly, it is simply calculated from torque:

HP = Torque * RPM/5252

- Maximum acceleration at any speed occurs at the HP peak.
- Maximum acceleration in any gear occurs at the torque peak

 

[clin9383]

yes, i just changed the brake pads on my 96 at 90k miles..i am at 108 right now...everything else runs smooth as silk...i will drive this thing into the ground before i sell it...

 

[V8Limited4wd]

if you got the money get the 4th gen V8 4wd... and if you want the luxury stuff get the limited. heck get all the options. and yes the power is all its cracked up to be.