What should I be looking at?

[Hob]

Hello all I'm in the market for an "adventurer" vehicle to replace my 04 Mustang Mach 1. It will be my ONLY vehicle and will be primary used for daily driving around Phoenix AZ. I occasionally will use it to go camping, snowboarding trips, hauling around mtn bike to trails, and some mild off roading. The only modifications would be a small lift 1"-2" and hair bigger BFG ATs.

I've allocated 10k-13k to buy this 4Runner and I'm not sure which years I should be leaning towards. Would you advise me look into a super clean limited late 3rd GEN or moderately clean 03-05ish SR5 4th GEN with newer technology. I don't buy abused beat up vehicles so if this price range will just squeak me into the range of some early 4th GENs then that may give me my answer (although I don't think this is the case?).

Thanks for your help! Looking forward to hearing your advice!

 

[WillK]

First, welcome.

Second, I think you should probably drive both and determine which way you want to go because at the price range, you could probably do either, or pretty close to it.

Check the classifieds here, and cars. com or other car sites for prices in your area as they seem to be pretty location driven when it comes to Runners.

And I wouldn't worry too much about the mileage, but more about the maintenance of the vehicle. Both generations have pretty solid drivetrains.

I've owned both, and love my 2006, but miss my 01' everyday.

Good luck!

 

[Hob]

I like the 3rd Gens quite a bit the only portion that concerns me is at 180hp / 220tq passing on the freeway at 75 if there's enough fire in the stove. I understand it's a rugged 4x4 SUV but there's a line between just being slow and being dangerous, maybe you guys can share some insight with how these drive in that position?

I know there's the TRD superchargers and such to fix this but I've boosted other engines before and most of the time that comes with additional problems.

Thanks!

 

[4Runnin Tahoe]

I like the 3rd Gens quite a bit the only portion that concerns me is at 180hp / 220tq passing on the freeway at 75 if there's enough fire in the stove. I understand it's a rugged 4x4 SUV but there's a line between just being slow and being dangerous, maybe you guys can share some insight with how these drive in that position?

I know there's the TRD superchargers and such to fix this but I've boosted other engines before and most of the time that comes with additional problems.

Thanks!

Um, excuse me sir, I do believe you mean 183 horsepower.... haha jk.

Driving with an underpowered V6 is very annoying at times. You are no longer the guy on the freeway going 80 on a slope. You never get to venture into the left lanes on the freeway....lol.... But seriously it's not that bad, you just develop a new way of driving, and as long as you can use your ECT and Overdrive button properly, you should be good.

My advice: test drive a 3rd gen, get a good feel for the power. If you like it, buy one for 7-8 grand, spend the rest of your budget on mods on that one, or buy a secondary little ricer to let your speed frustration out on.

 

[Hob]

Thanks for the comment. My problem is my only vehicles have been at the each end of the spectrum. My first car was a Civic Si I built and turbocharged making 320whp sold it and bought a 02 Wrangler 4" susp lift + 33" BGF MTs sold it and sitting in my current 04 Mustang Mach 1.

The wrangler had similar power output (190hp/235tq) as the 3rd gen 4runner but was painfully slow. Obviously it was lifted 4" and 33" MTs are awful to try to push, I'm just concerned I'd get into the same position.

I'll have to test drive a few 4Runners around here to see if there's a power is enough for me to handle.

 

[downpour11]

Why don't you just look into a V8 4th gen? Best of both worlds, meaning- it's a 4runner and it's not slow. You should be able to find one in your price range.

 

[KidVermicious]

I think the 3.4 is plenty of power. The automatic is definitely a little sluggish compared to the manual, and oversize tires without correct gearing will bog it down some, but there's nothing unsafe about that motor as long as you stay in the powerband. I think the guys who complain about it being underpowered are afraid to rev it or have big meats and small gears.

 

[Hob]

Why don't you just look into a V8 4th gen? Best of both worlds, meaning- it's a 4runner and it's not slow. You should be able to find one in your price range.

I'm not too worried about the 4th gens, even the v6 have enough power for me not to worry. The looks and price of the 3rd gens are just so tempting.

I think the 3.4 is plenty of power. The automatic is definitely a little sluggish compared to the manual, and oversize tires without correct gearing will bog it down some, but there's nothing unsafe about that motor as long as you stay in the powerband. I think the guys who complain about it being underpowered are afraid to rev it or have big meats and small gears.

Thanks for the info, gives me some hope it could work.

 

[Hob]

Seems like I can't help but find my way back to 3rd gen 4runners. After selling my previous vehicle and now buying my 03 Mustang Cobra which is loads of fun, I still get desires for a clean late model 3rd gen. Errrrrg.

Interestingly enough I have no desires for a 4th gen any longer.

 

[Speedy Gomez]

:welcome: to T4R.ORG

 

[Roll the Bones]

3rd generation or 4th

Hello & welcome,

My opinion is this way, you have driven cars with big horsepower, me too! 2000 Corvette in my stable.. My 98 4Runner is my new daily driver, I have replaced things to make it safe and reliable, it runs down the road at 90 mph without a problem. You will not duplicate your mustang power band, but the 3.4 loves to rev, you just have to push it. If you are going off road, you can forgive yourself easier with a third generation easier than answer 4th. 4th is sexy, 3rd is too.. but insurance is less, registration is less. Doing a supercharger & doing it right is also modifying fuel injectors, mapping and beefing up the automatic, add $2,000 to that super charger for $3,000..If the 3 generation motor and tranny got sick which they don't, you can pick a used one up for $2500, the v8 will be more, I do love the 4.7 V8 but in terms of paying and playing....Less is more in my eyes
Go Third is my vote & build what you want, You have the budget to make it awesome. Really you will not go wrong either way.. ..
welcome aboard and Roll The Bones !

 

[MVP]

Buy a 3rd Gen and mod it, add a SC for power, and you will be very happy. I am doing something similar, 2000 SR5 Sport, but mine is competing with the kid in college, and another starting in 2 years.

Seriously, I have owned many 3rd gens, so I am biased, but they are great rides. Other than the power deficiency (that can be remedied with super charger), you will likely be impressed if you find one that was well maintained and loved.

Just my 2 cents...