Which year?? What to look for??

[wtcreaux]

Am looking at buying a used 4runner. (Had a 89 V6 Xcab 4x4 and LOVED it but started traveling 1000 miles weekly). Now, most (95%) of driving is highway/small town, ~ 30K annually.

Will be towing 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer on weekends for camping.

Have considered a Tacoma, the 4Runner, RAV4, and Highlander. Don't think the RAV4 or the Highlander can tow my intended load (~2500#) safely.

Between the Tacoma and the 4runner, I'm leaning toward the 4runner. Any suggestions on best (better) years??? Anything special to look for??

I would like to keep it ~ 15K (or less)

Thanks

 

[Uneek]

If you're looking at a 4th gen (2003-09), in 2005 the V8 got VVT-i, giving it a bump in HP and torque. The V6 got a 5-speed transmission. The V8 always had a 5-speed transmission and the V6 always had VVT-i. In 2006, the 4th gen got cosmetic upgrades.

Later 2003 V8's got the weight distributing hitch giving it 7000lb tow capacity on the 4WD, 7300lb for the 2WD.