Why did you go for the 2nd Gen?

[Jdrum1]

I'll chime in a bit more!


As I noted in my thread about selling my 2nd gen, I wasn't opposed at all to replacing it with a 3rd gen. The issue I had was the $$ for a clean 3rd gen.

My RDX was about the same as a 3rd gen. Now, I know they are two totally different beast; I'm not trying to compare the two or sway a 4Runner lover over to a little CUV. My point is that clean older Runners (of any generation) command a premium.

 

[paddlenbike]

I have owned 1st, 2nd and 3rd gens but thought I would share some opinions since mine seem to differ from what others have said here. To begin with, I had a 1st gen and I absolutely HATED the 22R-E. It just didn't have enough power to keep up with traffic, much less tow something. It also wasn't smooth, quiet or refined. Sold it and got a 2nd gen with a 3.0 and 5-speed. I know there are a lot of 3vz-e haters here but mine was really good to me. With the 5-speed, it had enough power to keep up and I could tow the boat with it, unlike the 22R-E. The HG did blow but Toyota picked up the bill, and actually, I got a free shortblock out of it. Other than the HG I didn't have a single other problem with it. I really liked my 2nd gen.

I got the bug for a 3rd gen, which I still have. I didn't plan to buy it but when I found a V6 5-speed with the e-locker I knew I couldn't pass it up. The 5VZ-FE is a much better engine than the 3VZ-E, it has 40 hp more and 40 ft lbs of torque more, not to mention 2-3 mpg better. I went a step further and supercharged it, so now it makes about double the power of the 3VZ-E and I can still get 20 mpg. This engine in a 2nd gen would be a really nice upgrade.

In my mind, the 3rd gen's biggest advantage is the engine, but there are some other things that are better like the suspension, but not enough to make me pass up a really clean, well-maintained 2nd gen over a 3rd gen that hasn't been maintained. The key is in the transmission. I swear my 3VZ-E with a 5-speed had nearly identical performance to that of a 3rd gen with the V6 and an automatic transmission. 3rd gens are not easy to find in a 5-speed, so given the choice between a 2nd gen V6 5-speed and a 3rd gen V6 auto, I'd take the 2nd gen. If the HG blew, I'd throw a 3.4 in it. Toyota's automatics just soak up too much power, regardless of engine choice.

 

[BucknutBob]

As I've been ragged on for saying before, I'm another proponent of the "red-headed stepchild", the 2nd Gen.. I'll admit, it's mostly on looks, even though the 3rd Gen isn't much different overall (looks-wise). I've had three, all with the 3.slow, and only one of them crapped out on me (which just made me go all-in and upgrade anyway!). They were all great, dependable trucks with lots of capability. I definitely liked the tailgate of the 2nd over the 3rd's liftgate--makes a great trail seat and table. And as a plus, the entry fee of the older 2nd Gen is much lower in most cases, leaving more money to build with. For dependability and more overall fun, I'd go with the 5-spd over the slushbox--the automatics have had some issues, although mine (on my first one) worked just fine. Best of luck with whatever you choose!

 

[RiFF RaFF]

As I've been ragged on for saying before, I'm another proponent of the "red-headed stepchild", the 2nd Gen.. I'll admit, it's mostly on looks, even though the 3rd Gen isn't much different overall (looks-wise). I've had three, all with the 3.slow, and only one of them crapped out on me (which just made me go all-in and upgrade anyway!). They were all great, dependable trucks with lots of capability. I definitely liked the tailgate of the 2nd over the 3rd's liftgate--makes a great trail seat and table. And as a plus, the entry fee of the older 2nd Gen is much lower in most cases, leaving more money to build with. For dependability and more overall fun, I'd go with the 5-spd over the slushbox--the automatics have had some issues, although mine (on my first one) worked just fine. Best of luck with whatever you choose!

I'm with Bob. I enjoy being the "Odd Man Out" when it comes to wheeling. Everyone else is driving a Jeep, Range Rover, or 1st Gen 4Runner. I just don't follow the crowd.