Which gen to pick!?

[DRVNGENTHUSIAST]

I'm looking at 3.0 2nd gens and 3.4 3rd gen 4runners
I owned a 98 SR5 before and loved it.
Just don't know very much about these SUVs other than they're awesome and I sold my other one @252k and it had plenty to go.

Just looking for pros n cons
Experiences
Preferences
And of course, why?
Thanks guys

 

[TheArkMaster]

I have had 2 3rd gens, a 98 and a 2000. I would definitely go 3rd gen. The 3.4 is a better motor and IMO the 3rd gen is better looking. Don't know much about 2nd gens but I love my 2000. Not a single issue with it thus far, nor my 98 when I had it. If you buy one, aim for a 2000 or higher limited model. Just my $.02

 

[slapdappy]

I have had 2 3rd gens, a 98 and a 2000. I would definitely go 3rd gen. The 3.4 is a better motor and IMO the 3rd gen is better looking. Don't know much about 2nd gens but I love my 2000. Not a single issue with it thus far, nor my 98 when I had it. If you buy one, aim for a 2000 or higher limited model. Just my $.02

Why 2000+?

 

[TheArkMaster]

Better headlights, tail lights, grill, and I like the fat lip bumper, if you get an offroad bumper. less cutting and/or drilling most of the time.

 

[slapdappy]

99 Highlander or Limited with elocker and automatic trans. I'd get the Highlander because of the fabric interior and the hood scoop. My LTD leather seats don't wear as well, are colder in the winter and hotter in the summer. The 99's have the tallest stock coils of all the years, but if you get the 2000+ swapping in 99 coils is easy and cheap.

 

[Hepar]

The one think I think the vast majority of people will tell you on this forum is to stay away from the 3.0l engines. They were notorious for blowing head gaskets. If you really want a 2nd gen, get the 4cyl. You can usually find them for a really good deal because the 2nd gen market isn't really strong due to that very reason about the V6's.

 

[elemint]

IMO it depends on you size. If you are under, say 5,11 and under 200 lbs. Get a 3rd gen. If bigger get a 4th gen.

 

[oljedi11950]

I personally liked the 2nd & only because it is the last 4r with a real tailgate ! I miss having that when camping or parking lot after softball , now you have the possibility of dropping n the 3.4 if you have the $$ which I really like that motor lots of engine mods for it ! IMO

 

[DRVNGENTHUSIAST]

Thanks guys I got a 1996 SR5 4runner, with rear fan controls and temp. Was the rear controls factory option? My 1998 didn't have the rear fan controls?!?

 

[bolt]

I'd buy 99-02 before any other offerings...:wink2:

 

[SR5Runner97]

Thanks guys I got a 1996 SR5 4runner, with rear fan controls and temp. Was the rear controls factory option? My 1998 didn't have the rear fan controls?!?

I'm not sure but you made a good pick choosing the third gen. :wink2:
Now, Pictures?!

 

[92-SR5]

If you go 2nd gen, don't get a 3.0 unless you like to change headgaskets.

 

[mikebontoft]

third gen or higher. not because of the head gasket issue which I have never personally seen...but know it happens... but because they're just so damn slow.

3.4 is a little better at least. but 4th gens... man even the 4.0 is pretty fast for what it is. Of course as of today, I am starting to look for a Sport 4th gen. If I'm not mistaken, that's the only way to get the V8. Huge downside for me is they're all around $12-16k still!


edit: I also don't recommend the 22re in the second gen unless you want to feel like you can walk faster than it accelerates. MAY be marginally better in a first gen because of the weight difference (topless and mostly rusty)

 

[02SE]

IMO it depends on you size. If you are under, say 5,11 and under 200 lbs. Get a 3rd gen. If bigger get a 4th gen.

I'm 6'2" and over 200 lbs. One of the main reasons I didn't buy a 4th gen, is because it had less headroom than my '97.

 

[mikebontoft]

I believe that. I feel like I sit just as high in the 4th gen as I do in my second gen with a 2" lift.

 

[zonianbrat]

Third gen ftw. My wife unfortunately totalled our 3rd gen last week. It had 243,000 miles on it and was still running strong. My 4th gen is at 155000 or so and it has cost me more money in the last year and a half than the 3rd gen did in it's entire life as far as maintenance costs...not routine things like tires etc. Plain and simple facts there. We are looking at new and newer pickups but I am kind of thinking of holding out for another 3rd gen with low miles.