Which year of the 4th Gens, I should get?

[JJ_Stin]

Well, I'm looking to get a 4th gen 4Runner. I'd like to have a SR5 Limited, either in silver or black. What model years are the best to get? How long did they make the V8s? TDid they make a TRD in those years or is part of the SR5/Limited?

I test drove an '08 SR5 yesteday, it had 122K on it. The climate display was half burnt out, also, it had a vibration in it. Plus, still was a strong odor that the previous owner must've been a smoker. Can't stand that smell.
I did like it, though. I either want a silver or black one.

I was gonna get either a 4Runner in the 05-09 years or get a Chevy Z71 Tahoe in the 04-05 years, those were my favorite bodystyles. I am a Chevy person, but I wouldn't mind to get a 4Runner. Figure I'd try to get something else thats different. I would love to have a 5th Gen, thats a 2010 model. The SR5 preminum, really like front end, they do look aggresive. But cant find one thats in my price range.

So what are the Pros and Cons on the 4th Gens? Having a hard time should I get the V6 or get the V8. Thanks guys!

 

[mrpurplepenguin]

4Runner will tell you everything you want to know about model year changes.

There is no SR5 Limited, SR5 and Limited are 2 different levels of trim for the 4th gen.

There's not really a "best" year, but there was an mid-generation update for 2006 onward. See link above for information.

V8 is available on all trims (with the exception of Urban and Trail editions) for all years 03-09.

There was no TRD option package available on any trim.

What are the pros and cons of the 4th gen as compared to what?

V6 vs V8 is a timeless debate, but I don't think I've seen a single post about someone unhappy with their choice of engine. 03-05 V6s have a higher than average failure rate for head gaskets (06+ don't seem to have this issue), V8s have a timing belt that needs to be replaced every 90k miles.

 

[kevinpt]

4Runner will tell you everything you want to know about model year changes.

There is no SR5 Limited, SR5 and Limited are 2 different levels of trim for the 4th gen.

There's not really a "best" year, but there was an mid-generation update for 2006 onward. See link above for information.

V8 is available on all trims (with the exception of Urban and Trail editions) for all years 03-09.

There was no TRD option package available on any trim.

What are the pros and cons of the 4th gen as compared to what?

V6 vs V8 is a timeless debate, but I don't think I've seen a single post about someone unhappy with their choice of engine. 03-05 V6s have a higher than average failure rate for head gaskets (06+ don't seem to have this issue), V8s have a timing belt that needs to be replaced every 90k miles.

there is a "best" year, wish i could have found an 09 trail. i ended up getting a limited. only thing i can say that i like about mine is that the 08-09 have the button for turning off traction control

 

[verman84]

If I had to say I would suggest 06-09 simply due to the mid lifespan updates mentioned prior. Those improvements didn't take anything away, if anything they added more things and improved them even further. Prices are still high but totally worth it in my opinion for a great vehicle.

Another reason for the later years ... they would be physically newer and possibly less mileage/wear/rust but each vehicle is dependent on its owner for that so who knows.

 

[JJ_Stin]

Thanks for the replies guys. I've always had V8s. I guess I'll try to find 06-09 models. Least that helped. That was a lot of information in that link.

What are some common problems on em? Nothing too major? My plans are is to debadge, hids, tint, better HU and/or subs. Aggressive looking AT or MT, with a set of different rims.

 

[yosh2000]

dont get the JBL audio system if you are already going to upgrade the stereo, it will be MUCH easier to upgrade without hte JBL. thought you would need to find a JBL integrated sub enclosure if you want the OEM look

05+ have the vvti for the v8

06+ was the update to rounder fenders, halogen projector headlights (satoshi is possible on 06+ only), LED tails.

i personally picked up an 05 due to the straight fenders and vvti v8. i got a great deal on one that an old lady drove and already had the timing belt and other deal service items completed to the tune of $2,300!!

 

[JJ_Stin]

dont get the JBL audio system if you are already going to upgrade the stereo, it will be MUCH easier to upgrade without hte JBL. thought you would need to find a JBL integrated sub enclosure if you want the OEM look

05+ have the vvti for the v8

06+ was the update to rounder fenders, halogen projector headlights (satoshi is possible on 06+ only), LED tails.

i personally picked up an 05 due to the straight fenders and vvti v8. i got a great deal on one that an old lady drove and already had the timing belt and other deal service items completed to the tune of $2,300!!

I would like to have leather seats in mine though, I just em better then cloth.
If I get leather seats, will I have the JBL audio too?

What does yours look like? I'm thinking on 06-09.

 

[Sisente]

I don't put so much stock into the actual year as much as the condition of what I am looking at. As long as the vehicle has been taken care of, there should be few issues.

 

[yosh2000]

From my understanding leather is usually in a limited, which also usually means JBL. Odd combos do exist..I have an SR5, but a JBL radio. I also have the SR5 radio surround with a JBL radio. It is definitely a rare combo from my research.

 

[foxtrot]

You could always get cloth seats and put in Katzkin, a kit for the 4Runner is around 800. Limiteds all have the jbl from what I've seen. The katzkin leather is nicer that stock anyways

 

[yosh2000]

Corizo or something like that is also an option for seat covers. They look sharp, I saw some in a buddies tundra.

 

[JJ_Stin]

Well, I have no idea what to do now. If I just go with the SR5 and upgrade the leather. I guess I won't be getting the features that a Limited offers.

I'm going to be looking and test driving some more tomorrow on my day off. Guess I'll see what I can find. I got a Memphis Mojo that I use to have in my car. Might be putting that in the back. It's real nice.

 

[Kingkouie]

Here is my 2006 Sport in V8...I love it

If you're used to V8 then stick with V8. You will always go back and think why you switched. Fuel economy is not the greatest, but I went into it knowing it was going to suck.

 

[JJ_Stin]

This is true. My last truck was only getting like 10mpg. So, I'm use to bad gas mileage.

That looks really nice. I think it's harder to find black, imo especially for sale.

 

[CookieRoe]

Well, I have no idea what to do now. If I just go with the SR5 and upgrade the leather. I guess I won't be getting the features that a Limited offers.

I'm going to be looking and test driving some more tomorrow on my day off. Guess I'll see what I can find. I got a Memphis Mojo that I use to have in my car. Might be putting that in the back. It's real nice.

Well, don't let the JBL be a "pivotable" issue. The Limited offers stuff that other trims don't. Limited usually mean it has everything, so go with that. Another issue folks have issue with is the XREAS suspension. They tend to fail at about 100,000miles. Most rip them out. Some (like me) have them repaired. Urghhhh.

So, anyway, Limited.

Now, 05+ (upgraded tranny, V8 refreshed), although if it were me, I'd look for a Limited V8, 2006+. That's just me.....................

 

[awdjunkies]

'04+ Upgraded Tranny ie. 5sp vs 4sp(At least on the V8) ....'05+ V8s got a bump in HP due to the addition of VVT-i (From 235hp to 260hp) :yo:

Torque on the other hand, went from('03-'04) 320ft lbs to ('05+) 306 ft lbs. Again, these are figures on the V8 only

 

[blackjackck]

I'm from your neck of the woods and I bought a V6 08' sports edition stocked at 74k last month. I drove several under 100k. They're out there, I passed on several V8 b/c of the gas mileage and I don't foresee towing much. I got mine from a Toyota dealership and decided to get a warranty just for the XREAS failure and other minor problems that may arise. My goal was just to find the best quality V6 at the lowest price.

Check carfax and check the car's history. I've been extremely happy with my purchase. BTW mine looks just like the above minus all the improvements. Also there is a V8 being sold in my area but has had been off road improved. I think I saw it on Craigslist last night.

Good luck

 

[CookieRoe]

I'm from your neck of the woods and I bought a V6 08' sports edition stocked at 74k last month. I drove several under 100k. They're out there, I passed on several V8 b/c of the gas mileage and I don't foresee towing much. I got mine from a Toyota dealership and decided to get a warranty just for the XREAS failure and other minor problems that may arise. My goal was just to find the best quality V6 at the lowest price.

Check carfax and check the car's history. I've been extremely happy with my purchase. BTW mine looks just like the above minus all the improvements. Also there is a V8 being sold in my area but has had been off road improved. I think I saw it on Craigslist last night.

Good luck

Carfax? Eh, it's relative. I got mine CPO and thought it was all good. Came with a Carfax and thought, "oh good". Turns out:

1) Oil wasn't changed
2) NAPA oil filter
3) Filters were dirty
4) Why was an engine "compression test" included in the paperwork??

My rig was "rough" when I got it, but it was a good deal (at the time). 5 years later, it's still a sweetheart. In retrospect, I should've held their feet to the fire. Friend of mine (and personal experience) says those carfaxes are relative. Whose to say the truck was traded in with problems, toyota then fixes it, but never reports it?? I have a 2007 Civic and over the years, I've had fender benders and fixed them on my own. In other words, I never reported it.

I'm not saying ignore the Carfax, but take it with a grain a salt.

 

[JJ_Stin]

Well, don't let the JBL be a "pivotable" issue. The Limited offers stuff that other trims don't. Limited usually mean it has everything, so go with that. Another issue folks have issue with is the XREAS suspension. They tend to fail at about 100,000miles. Most rip them out. Some (like me) have them repaired. Urghhhh.

So, anyway, Limited.

Now, 05+ (upgraded tranny, V8 refreshed), although if it were me, I'd look for a Limited V8, 2006+. That's just me.....................

What does XREAS mean? I have no idea what that is.
I definitely want a Limited. Gonna try to get 06-09.

 

[awdjunkies]

What does XREAS mean? I have no idea what that is.
I definitely want a Limited. Gonna try to get 06-09.

Here is a great thread with illustration to show you what it is:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/54365-what-xreas-exactly.html


J.A. Couldn't have said it better: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/54365-what-xreas-exactly.html#post444694


XREAS stands for "Cross Linked Relative Absorber System".
X-REAS was designed to help improve vehicle on-road handling performance. This technology links each of the vehicle's shocks to it's diagonal counterpart via a gas hydraulic chamber. During cornering or when traveling over bumpy surfaces, the gas hydrauilc chamber acts like a bank "borrowing" fluid from the cross-linked shock bearing the least amount of force and "loaning" it to the shock sustaining the greatest amount of force. This exchange of fluid helps the 4Runners wheels maintain contact with the driving surface and helps lessen vehicle body sway, pitch and roll, making for a more comfortable ride.