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

[blackjackck]

True

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.

True, Carfax is what it is. ITS NOT GOLD. I forgot to mention that when I was test driving I looked in the glove compartment and saw all the service records from the original owner in an envelope, that sealed the deal for me. I know I still have some maintenance still to do but my fears/ anxiety of buying a used car were tempered (not eliminated).

 

[JJ_Stin]

Thanks for the suspension information man. I'm gonna try to get something soon, I did test drive a new 2015 double cab TRD V6 today. It was nice, felt cramped a little.

 

[Sporin]

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.

I agree with this. I went out wanting a 2006+ V8 non-sport and brought home a 2005 V6 Sport because it was the best combination of price/condition that I found.

Set a budget, look as far and wide as you can, and buy the best one you can get.

That said, when I pass this one down to my son, I WILL be trying to replace it with a 2008 V8 non-Sport, maybe a Limited, maybe the lowest spec trim I can find (I could really do without the sunroof)

The V6 is great but that 4.7 liter V8 is just so choice. :guitar3:

 

[smeagol]

'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

Correction:
All V8 4Runners came with the 5 speed auto. The V6's got the 4 speed auto in 03-04, 05+ V6 had the 5 speed auto.

 

[awdjunkies]

Correction:
All V8 4Runners came with the 5 speed auto. The V6's got the 4 speed auto in 03-04, 05+ V6 had the 5 speed auto.

Correct you are Sir.... I meant to put; 05+ V6* instead of( At least on the V8*) lol

 

[JJ_Stin]

Well, I'm suppose to go look at '06 4Runner SR5 4x4 V8 tomorrow, only has 85K on it.
It the Titanium color. Hopefully, I'll like it!

 

[J.A.]

Toyota 4Runner History

I would say 2008 V8. Refreshed 4th Gen, Trac button, V8 still plentiful. Cant go wrong.

 

[JB.]

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

Torque increased a bit in the vvti V8 (2005) but not nearly as much as HP.

The reduction in official torque in 2006 down to 306ftlbs (from 330) was an adjustment based on a new method of measurement (SAE J1349). To compare apples to apples, a similar adjustment would have to be made for the non-vvti V8.

'03 - 320ftlbs
'04 - 320ftlbs
'05 - 330ftlbs vvti
'06 - 306ftlbs vvti (but the same power as '05)

 

[JJ_Stin]

Toyota 4Runner History



I would say 2008 V8. Refreshed 4th Gen, Trac button, V8 still plentiful. Cant go wrong.

So you're saying I'm going wrong with an '06 model? I did find a '08 but it's an V6. Plus, I didn't it too much. Strong odor that wouldn't go away while test driving it.

 

[V8Man]

Anything V8. I like the 03 Sport ( I have 2). With the 03 you can still change the trans fluid easy and no air pump. My fathers 08 Limited is nice and I do not notice any difference in ride or power. Do not like the sunroof. Waste of money.

 

[J.A.]

So you're saying I'm going wrong with an '06 model? I did find a '08 but it's an V6. Plus, I didn't it too much. Strong odor that wouldn't go away while test driving it.

Nothing wrong with an 06 at all, but if we are talking pros and cons...the 08 has one additional feature, a VSC-Off button. And I guess while we are at it, for 08 Side and Curtain Airbags became standard equipment on all models.

 

[JJ_Stin]

Well guys I ended up getting the 4Runner!

 

[LWB SCOTTY]

My '06 V8 has the ability to turn the VSC off. Is this unusual?

 

[JB.]

Not if it's via the center diff lock button.

 

[Austin C]

I have the JBL sound in mine with a Sony Xav-ax100. With a non factory sub. I love the way it sounds.