why should I buy a 4th gen?

H

hpctoy

New member
I've got 200k on my 1996 4runner. I've really enjoyed the car, but it's time to get something a little newer. I'm thinking a 2003 or 2004 4runner with about 100k miles should be in my price range.

What kind of differences will I find on the 4th gen? More or less power? Better/worse ride? Fuel mileage (my 96 gets about 19 in mixed driving)?

What should I look for in a 4th gen? I mostly load the 4runner up with a motorcyle on a mototote, bikes on a hitch carrier, or a small motorcycle trailer, put down the seats and load with gear, and hit the road with my wife.

Thanks for the ideas.
 
Register to hide this ad
I also had 1996… good truck… my friend still has it…
I would recommend looking at 2005 and up: V6 model got 5 sp tranny and V8 model got HP boost with VVTi.
IMHO here is what you get by going from 3-rd to 4-th generation: more power, better ride and about the same mpg…
And if you decide on V8 model, you will get the most powerful, fastest and smoothest 4Runner ever built to this day…

Good luck!
:cheers:
 
I have owned both 3rd and 4th gen's.I currently have an 08 Sport 4wd.The gas mileage is about 1 to 2 miles per gallon better.A little nicer ride and more room.I assume you are looking for a 4wd,I don't know your price range,but if you can find one with a sunroof and JBL sound,you should be very happy.Good luck.
 
I had a '98 5-speed SR5 with OME springs and shocks that I absolutely loved. I missed it since the day I sold until I test drove the Gen4! More powerful, quiet, comfortable, and I love the ride quality. The XREAS, standard on Sport Editions and available on Limiteds (I think), seems to be awesome for my needs. It seems firm and well planted on the road and seems very compliant off-road... at least in the little, rutted section I tested it out on.

Loved my Gen3 and the Gen4 is even better!

~Doozi
 
My sister just replaced her 2000 with a 2007. She can't stop raving about the difference. I just bought a 2005. The 4th gen is much more powerful and a smoother ride....roomier too. It's also much more refined. The stock suspension is very comfy but I think it is undersprung so I put a FJ suspension on- unreal difference. Overall, it is a vastly improved vehicle, mainly because of the power...even with the V6.
 
I just bought a 2009 V6 SR5 4WD. I came from a 2004 Toyota Highlander, but I had ridden in a friend's 1998 T4R, and found the ride rather rough compared to our Highlander.

We have only had our 2008 T4R a few days, but I bought it and drove it 1200 miles to bring it home, so I have already logged plenty of "test miles" in it. It rides way better than my friend's '98 T4R, and really, comparable in ride quality to our old Highlander, but due to longer wheelbase and heavier weight, much better road vehicle. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a 4th Gen. The mileage on the long trip home was impressive for this heavy a vehicle. It was just as good as the smaller and lighter Highlander. I got in excess of 20 mpg, sometimes 21 or 22, driving 70-80 mph.

Good Shopping to you! It took a while to find a great value, and I flew out of state to get it (as I often do), but it was worth it.
 
Last edited:
the v6 is great, since u haul/carry alot of stuff, IMO, go drive a 06 or up v8, that should give u a good answer to ...why 4th gen.?
 
Why? Study the t-case, ATRAC, VSC. Combined they offer a ride as refined any sophisticated AWD and have enough "old school" 4wd to satisfy any purist.
 
Why shouldn't you? The 4th gen has the sexiest body style than any other gens. At this gen, you can get the V8 that goes VROOOOOOOOOMMMMmmmm. :guitar3:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 1,726 (members: 2, guests: 1,724)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,312
Messages
3,554,083
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top