What year/trim should I look for in a 4th gen

[dpav02]

Hello experts. I have out-grown my coupe and need an SUV.

The 4th generation 4runner seems perfect for my needs (well, or a 5th gen limited, but they are not in the budget)

Here's what I'm looking for, as wacky as it sounds,

- v8 engine (I plan to do some towing)

- timing chain

- DAC, HAC, ATRAC, VSC, EBD, etc. (basically, all of the electronic safety technology. I'm not an experienced 4wd driver, so I need all the help I can get)

- Power rear-window in the hatch (I think its really cool)

- Flat folding 2nd row seats

- Perhaps a power outlet? Did 4runners come with these in the 4th generation?

Now my question to the experts. What model years and trims should I be looking at? I don't care about leather or heated or nav or anything like that, but based on my requirements above if I should be looking at a sport or limited, then that's what I'll look for.

Also, my budget is under $20,000. Do you think I can get something based on my requirements? Milage doesn't concern me as long as the vehicle has a good maintenance history, but I'd like to stay under 100,000 miles.

I only put on about 10,000 miles per year, so as long as gas prices stay under $5.00 per gallon I'll be okay.

I'd appreciate any help I can get on my next purchase. And I can't wait to join the family. Just thinking of how useful this vehicle would be gets me excited. (home improvement purchases, camping, tailgating, road trips, etc)

 

[MikeInNH]

A couple of you requirements are mutually exclusive...

The V8 comes with a timing belt...the V6 has a chain.

As for towing.....Unless you tow heavy and a LOT..the V6 is more then adequate. Many people keep saying you have to have the V8. The number of cylinders really has nothing to do with towing capacity. The current V6 has more hp and torque of MANY V8's just 20 years ago. Technology changes...If the V6 meets the towing requirements then don't rule it out. I've been towing with V6's for YEARS...and HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of miles on those engines without one bit of trouble.

 

[Trevloc]

flat folding 2nd row seats?... not sure thats an option.

i have a v6 and have towed an apartments worth of stuff in a uhaul trailer 4000 miles with no problems. but if your towing a gigantor boat... different story.

i think you should be able to stay under the $20,000 range.

as for trim..... not really sure. i would go around and look at all of them at dealerships and so forth. and see the features you like in each.

 

[dpav02]

Oh wow. Yea, I keep reading that you need the v8 to tow, but f you can handle 4,000 pounds with the v6 then that's plenty for my needs.

Especially if the v6 has the timing chain. I know it sounds stupid, but a timing chain is one less maintenance item.

Thanks for the already useful advice.

 

[Trevloc]

i dont know how many lbs it was, it was 4,000 miles to oregon from az and back.

 

[jimithing]

Hello experts. I have out-grown my coupe and need an SUV.

The 4th generation 4runner seems perfect for my needs (well, or a 5th gen limited, but they are not in the budget)

Here's what I'm looking for, as wacky as it sounds,

- v8 engine (I plan to do some towing)

- timing chain

- DAC, HAC, ATRAC, VSC, EBD, etc. (basically, all of the electronic safety technology. I'm not an experienced 4wd driver, so I need all the help I can get)

- Power rear-window in the hatch (I think its really cool)

- Flat folding 2nd row seats

- Perhaps a power outlet? Did 4runners come with these in the 4th generation?

Now my question to the experts. What model years and trims should I be looking at? I don't care about leather or heated or nav or anything like that, but based on my requirements above if I should be looking at a sport or limited, then that's what I'll look for.

Also, my budget is under $20,000. Do you think I can get something based on my requirements? Milage doesn't concern me as long as the vehicle has a good maintenance history, but I'd like to stay under 100,000 miles.

I only put on about 10,000 miles per year, so as long as gas prices stay under $5.00 per gallon I'll be okay.

I'd appreciate any help I can get on my next purchase. And I can't wait to join the family. Just thinking of how useful this vehicle would be gets me excited. (home improvement purchases, camping, tailgating, road trips, etc)

I'm no expert on what trim levels come with what things standard but I can tell you that my rear seats fold down for a single large storage space in the rear. It's not 100% flat but it's pretty close. I also have a 115V power outlet in my center console. That is definitely an option that most of them don't have but it is possible to find them. Of course there's a cigarette lighter style plug next to the shifter.

The limited came with leather and power seats standard. The SR5's could get either as an option. I believe the Sport Edition has power seats standard and leather is an option. The Sport Edition has cloth but it's not the same cloth that's in the SR5, it's a little more textured and I like the look of it better.

Also, just in case you weren't aware - the V8 4wd's are full time 4wd. The only options are 4high and 4low. The V6 is 2wd and can be changed to 4high or 4low. As someone else already said the V6 has the timing chain that never needs to be changed and the V8 has a belt that must be changed every 90k miles.

The 4th gen went through a mid cycle refresh in 2006 and there were some small changes. You can read about them here:

Toyota 4Runner History 2003

You should be able to get something pretty nice for $20k. Around here that would get you into an 06 or 07 with 60-70k miles. Definitely take your time and look around before buying. One other thing that's helpful is that you can register over at the Toyota owner's website and register any VIN that you're thinking about buying and you'll be able to see the complete service history of that Toyota if the work was done at a Toyota dealership.

 

[KeeneState83]

You and I are in the same boat! Both looking for the same thing. I will share what I have learned, I've spent the past few days doing a TON of research and everyone on this forum has been a great help! Time for me to return the favor.

One site I was directed to that was a HUGE help was this. It breaks down all the changes the 4th Gen's have gone through. The '06 and later models have the projection headlights as well as LED tails (I'm a light guy so this got me).

On that site there is also a PDF right near the top that goes through almost everything on the trucks breaking them down and letting you know which models have what (SR5, SE, LTD). That was a big help for me.

As posted before if you want the timing chain you are stuck with the V6, I decided that the $600-$700 job every 90k was worth the extra oomph you get from the V8. I went a drove the V6 and it was ok, but the V8...WOW!!!:lookout: I also have a small boat and some of the ramps around here are less than optimum, so the V8 shoudl help me out a little there, not that the V6 couldn't.

Hope some of this helps, as I said, it was a big help to me to help understand all the in's and out's of the 4th Gen T4R's!

Happy Hunting! Hopefully your not in NE otherwise we may find eachother fighting over the same truck! HA!

 

[rockwall]

Just look for the cleanest, lowest mileage that you can find. I knew I always wanted a 4Runner and just looked at everything. The color, options, and even engine do not matter as much as just finding the right truck. You will know when you have found it.

 

[MikeInNH]

A timing chain becomes a maintenance item if you keep it long enough. Chains WILL stretch over time. And with an interference engine...you don't want to take a chance if a chain starts to make noise. Chains at least give you a warning. When a chain stretches it runs the risk of jumping a tooth or two..this can destroy an engine just as easily as when a timing belt breaks.

Chains however do last 250k miles PLUS...But if you keep your vehicles to the 300k mile mark (like I do) then in the long run timing belts may actually be cheaper. Changing a timing chain is a LOT MORE DIFFICULT and could be up to 4-5 times the cost of a belt. So that ONE timing chain you replace at 280k miles will cost you more then the 3 belts that you might have had to replace.

Plus timing belts are NOT a real difficult job for a decent back-yard mechanic. Timing chains become much more involved because of the oil needed for lubrication. Now you're dealing with gaskets and even dropping the oil pan. The average back-yard mechanic will probably send this to a qualified mechanic to perform..but the belt he'd probably tackle himself...this then drastically increases the maintenance price of an engine with a belt or chain.

 

[imdav2u]

Hers a write up on 4Runners,trims,engines,horse power,pretty much anything you want to know.


4Runner

 

[CAN-03runner]

With respect to towing.
Either the V6 or the V8 can easily tow your 4000lbs. The V8 had 2 hitch options, one of which gave a capacity of 7000lbs over the regular 5000 for both the V6 or V8. I've pull about 6000lbs with my V8, when I shift into drive it advances without even giving gas. Pulling the weight is easy. Stopping it is the hard part. A balanced trailer and trailer brakes are the key.

Also the Limited 4th Gen had an option for rear airbags. (not sure if the other trims had that option, this can be installed after market too) When you hook up you trailer, the air bags help to bring your rear back up from sagging.

I enjoy the AWD aspect of the V8. In Canada, a good part of the year it is cold, wet, snowy, icy etc... its just nice not to have to think about it, plus also have the option of true 4x4 if required. And the VSC is awesome, once you accept to be controled by KomPewTore-SenSores.... :vader:

 

[450exc115]

I'll make my first post on TR4 by filling you in on what I have found in my exhausting search for the right 4th gen.

SR5 is a nicely equiped package with enough good things to warrent looking at.

Sport is a better package for the bigger brakes, 17" wheels and power cloth seats (leather is an option)

Limited is the best if you want leather seats (I'm not a fan) but it doesn't garrentee that you get the big brakes SO look before you buy.

The Xreas suspension upgrade comes on the Sport and is an option on the Limited, most opinions are that it is nice but expensive to replace with OEM and limited on lifting options (spacers and or Springs that fit in the OEM space)

The trailer hitch on the V8 is a real trailer hitch and rated to 7000+ lbs. The V6s trailer hitch is attached to the bumper support and only rated to 5000lbs. It's about 200 dollars to upgrade to a real frame mounted hitch.

I havn't found my ideal 4th generation yet, it's tought to find a silver sport without sunroof (I'm 6'4" and it's tight with the sunroof) but I want the V6 (fuel economy) and the bigger brakes as I will tow a medium size trailer about 20 weekends a year for my racing.

Good luck!

 

[Uneek]

All 4th gen regardless of trim will have the electronics and safety goods: VSC, TRAC, ATRAC, EBD, dual airbags, etc. Curtain and side airbags were optional up until 2007 or 2008.

If there is a preferred year, I would go with 2008, it has the VSC off button. You can add your own as well, there's a write up on the forum.

Rear roll down window, all 4Runners have it. It's part of the 4Runner's DNA.

Fold flat 2nd row, it's flat from in the sense from the cargo area on to the seat back. It doesn't have a slant or anything. The seat bottom flips forward towards the front and the seat back drops down creating a flat floor. This is for all two row 4Runners.

For 4Runners with the third row, the second row folds differently. The seat back folds onto the seat bottom cushion and then the whole seat flips up and forward. This is to allow entry into the third row. I don't remember if it's completely flat when flipped forward. However, with third row seating 4Runners, the second row seat backs can recline. The seat back angle is fixed on two row 4Runners.

All Limiteds have the 110 volt AC power outlet in the center console. It was an option on the SR5 and Sport Edition.

I'm not sure on the type of home improvement project you'll be doing, but the 4Runner without a trailer doesn't excel in this area. Carrying 10' pipe is difficult, because you'll need to rest it on the dash and the second row gets in the way when passing it between the front seats. I never tried carrying 4x8' materials with the 4Runner, but I don't think it'll work very well either. I have a Tacoma, so most of the hauling of materials I take the Tacoma instead unless I happen to be in the 4Runner and don't want to make another trip. **I'm not trying to discourage from getting a 4Runner, but just want to also point out situations where it didn't do so well. But at the end of the day, I don't regret getting the 4Runner one bit.** One area where the 4Runner does do better than my Tacoma with projects is transporting a 24' extension ladder.

 

[JB.]

Here's what I'm looking for,

- Flat folding 2nd row seats

Looks like you got plenty of information about everything so I'll just address this.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/26966-flat-cargo-area-without-double-decker.html

Good luck.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

A timing chain becomes a maintenance item if you keep it long enough. Chains WILL stretch over time. And with an interference engine...you don't want to take a chance if a chain starts to make noise. Chains at least give you a warning. When a chain stretches it runs the risk of jumping a tooth or two..this can destroy an engine just as easily as when a timing belt breaks.

Chains however do last 250k miles PLUS...But if you keep your vehicles to the 300k mile mark (like I do) then in the long run timing belts may actually be cheaper. Changing a timing chain is a LOT MORE DIFFICULT and could be up to 4-5 times the cost of a belt. So that ONE timing chain you replace at 280k miles will cost you more then the 3 belts that you might have had to replace.

Plus timing belts are NOT a real difficult job for a decent back-yard mechanic. Timing chains become much more involved because of the oil needed for lubrication. Now you're dealing with gaskets and even dropping the oil pan. The average back-yard mechanic will probably send this to a qualified mechanic to perform..but the belt he'd probably tackle himself...this then drastically increases the maintenance price of an engine with a belt or chain.

THANK YOU! I have always been annoyed by people assuming that chains are indestructible. They aren't at all, in fact look up what happens when one breaks or gets loose enough to contact the front cover. Its not a pretty sight, let alone cheap. Timing chains are maintenence items, they last longer than a timing belt yes, but they are more prone to being neglected because people get this false sense of security with them. With a timing belt the belt is sacrifical and wears out before the pulleys, bearings, ect do. (ideally) In a timing chain motor the gears, chain, tensioner rails, tensioner, ect all wear down. You don't just change a chain, you change the gears and everything because the teeth wear down enough to where you can be off a tooth or two on your cam/crank sync even if you went by the marks.

I don't reccomend replacing a chain if it doesn't need it, but I DO reccomend having it inspected at a regular interval for stretching of the link, ect.
I need to get around to writing an informative thread for this subject... lol

 

[dpav02]

Wow, you guys are the best. Thank you for all of the valuable information. It looks like I might want to go after a V6, 2006-2009 Sport (the bigger brakes thing had me sold) and if it has a towing hitch, remove it and get one that mounts to the frame, not the bumper support.

I guess the power outlet thing isn't really all that big of a deal, like people have stated I can just get a power inverter.

And you guys make excellent points about the timing chain.

I'm so glad I asked this question. I knew I came to the right place.

Now the trick is going to be finding a single owner with all of the maintenance documents or at least receipts.

 

[xlaxx]

Just look for the cleanest, lowest mileage that you can find. I knew I always wanted a 4Runner and just looked at everything. The color, options, and even engine do not matter as much as just finding the right truck. You will know when you have found it.

IMHO, the best info of this thread.

Will add the following,...

1) Be patient.
2) Be sure to look UNDER the truck. Salt/chemicals and snow kill.:gun5: