Why so affordable? Be honest....

[shoeless]

What am I missing?
First off, this is a cross post from TW.
Im new here....whats up?
After totaling my 1st gen Taco, I have been hunting for a replacement.
Im really just looking for another 1st gen but can't help but notice all the 4th gen 4Runners for sale.......in my price range.
I would think the 4th gens would be going for much more but can easily find nice ones with <150k miles for $10k.
I feel like Im missing something.
The V8 mpg numbers seem to be close to the Tacoma. I was getting ~16-17 city in my 3.4 Prerunner. The numbers Im finding for the V8 4th gen are 16mpg city.
That would be the only reason I could think of for them being cheaper.
Are they (honestly) not as capable?
Reliability issues?
Just the market for the 1st gens setting the bar high?

I fully expected my 1st gen to last 350k+. It was only at 180k when totaled.
Can I expect the same from a well maintenanced 4runner?
Ill be in this next truck for the long haul (hopefully) so Im choosing carefully.

Can anyone offer reasoning to this?

What Im after:
I am not looking for a trail beast or serious off roading rig...but Id like something that can go places. I do a lot of camping, paddling, etc. and enjoy hitting mild trails when the opportunity presents itself. Will likely upgrade suspension simply, add a plate front bumper, maybe sliders, and some decent rubber.
How are the V8 compared to the V6?
Is there a specific model I should look at?


Thanks and sorry for all the questions. Looking to buy soon and I haven't done much research into these as Ive been focused on a Tacoma.

 

[preacher35]

What am I missing?
First off, this is a cross post from TW.
Im new here....whats up?
After totaling my 1st gen Taco, I have been hunting for a replacement.
Im really just looking for another 1st gen but can't help but notice all the 4th gen 4Runners for sale.......in my price range.
I would think the 4th gens would be going for much more but can easily find nice ones with <150k miles for $10k.
I feel like Im missing something.
The V8 mpg numbers seem to be close to the Tacoma. I was getting ~16-17 city in my 3.4 Prerunner. The numbers Im finding for the V8 4th gen are 16mpg city.
That would be the only reason I could think of for them being cheaper.
Are they (honestly) not as capable?
Reliability issues?
Just the market for the 1st gens setting the bar high?

I fully expected my 1st gen to last 350k+. It was only at 180k when totaled.
Can I expect the same from a well maintenanced 4runner?
Ill be in this next truck for the long haul (hopefully) so Im choosing carefully.

Can anyone offer reasoning to this?

What Im after:
I am not looking for a trail beast or serious off roading rig...but Id like something that can go places. I do a lot of camping, paddling, etc. and enjoy hitting mild trails when the opportunity presents itself. Will likely upgrade suspension simply, add a plate front bumper, maybe sliders, and some decent rubber.
How are the V8 compared to the V6?
Is there a specific model I should look at?


Thanks and sorry for all the questions. Looking to buy soon and I haven't done much research into these as Ive been focused on a Tacoma.

OK, compared to your 3.4 Taco, the 4th gen T4R is quite a bit more capable. The V6 (4.0 ltr) has around 235 HP and about 270ft/lbs of torque, mileage about 17-22mpg. The V8 has around 260 HP and 300 ft/lbs of torque and mileage is around 16-21mpg. Obviously, if towing is a priority, the V8 (4.7 ltr) is the best option. Performance-wise, both the V6 and V8 are pretty close. The V6 has a timing chain that requires changing around 190k and the V8 has a timing belt that requires changing around 90k. V8 4x4 is, for all intensive purposes, a full time 4x4 except with a transfer case. As far as reliability, we've got peeps on here with over 250k on their 4th gens. My '05 has 105k and the only real problem that I have had was a leaking a/c evaporator which cost around a grand to replace. I know that some have issues with their head gasket, but I think it's a minority of owners. The only other "chronic" problems with the 4th gens are sticking brake calipers (inexpensive and easy to fix) and "cracking" dashes. Yes, the 4th gens have a terrible time with dashboard "spider web cracking". Essentially, if you have a 4th gen, YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE A CRACKED DASH at some point. Regardless, these are some of the finest, most reliable vehicles for the money.

Huh... I will take a breath now.

 

[shoeless]

haha. Thanks for the reply.
Didn't mean to talk down the T4R at all....although it may sound like I was.
I know they're excellent vehicles and very comparable.

I guess what has me confused is the availability and cost of them. Ive been looking hard for the right Tacoma. Hell, it took me a good while to find my first Taco. When I find one with the options Im after (<150k miles, 4x4, Dbl Cab) the damn thing has an asking price 3-4k more than a T4R with the same options. I would think it had been the other way around.

Just wondering if Im missing something is all....and Im indecisive as hell.

 

[shoeless]

To add to that indecisiveness, Ive got my eye on a 4runner with 144k and some nice mods. It'll be an 8 hour drive to get to it though.....so I want to know what Im in for if I decide to take that adventure.

 

[ASUMTNEER]

I don't think you'll be dissatisfied at all with a 4th gen. Reliability is every bit as good as the 1st gen taco's. 1st gen tacoma's, especially double cabs, are ridiculously expensive! I got my 1 owner, 04 Limited 4X4 4runner with 148k for $9800. You can definitely get more 4runner for the money compared to the Tacoma's. Good luck in your search.

 

[MikeInNH]

The V6 has a timing chain that requires changing around 190k....

There is no specific interval on a timing chain. While they don't last for ever....190k miles is way too low. Usually well over 250k miles. Timing chains will usually start to rattle indicating that it's stretched and should be changed. I have over 260k miles on my V6 with the original timing chain..and it doesn't make any rattling sounds. So I'm not looking to change it out any time soon.

 

[Sporin]

I think the reason for the price disparity really more about the over-valuation of used Tacomas than the under-valuation of 4Runners.

I looked at Tacoma doublecabs before buying my 4Runner and couldn't justify the price premium for what is, mechanically, a "lesser" truck mechanically (part time 4wd, etc). A used FJCruiser is similarly priced sky high.

Toyota 4x4's carry very high resale value across the line, but 4runners seem to be the "least" over-valued.

All my opinion on price/value alone, no slam meant to any of the trucks.

 

[KidVermicious]

What am I missing?
First off, this is a cross post from TW.
Im new here....whats up?
After totaling my 1st gen Taco, I have been hunting for a replacement.
Im really just looking for another 1st gen but can't help but notice all the 4th gen 4Runners for sale.......in my price range.
I would think the 4th gens would be going for much more but can easily find nice ones with <150k miles for $10k.
I feel like Im missing something.
The V8 mpg numbers seem to be close to the Tacoma. I was getting ~16-17 city in my 3.4 Prerunner. The numbers Im finding for the V8 4th gen are 16mpg city.
That would be the only reason I could think of for them being cheaper.
Are they (honestly) not as capable?
Reliability issues?
Just the market for the 1st gens setting the bar high?

I fully expected my 1st gen to last 350k+. It was only at 180k when totaled.
Can I expect the same from a well maintenanced 4runner?
Ill be in this next truck for the long haul (hopefully) so Im choosing carefully.

Can anyone offer reasoning to this?

What Im after:
I am not looking for a trail beast or serious off roading rig...but Id like something that can go places. I do a lot of camping, paddling, etc. and enjoy hitting mild trails when the opportunity presents itself. Will likely upgrade suspension simply, add a plate front bumper, maybe sliders, and some decent rubber.
How are the V8 compared to the V6?
Is there a specific model I should look at?


Thanks and sorry for all the questions. Looking to buy soon and I haven't done much research into these as Ive been focused on a Tacoma.

The 4th gen guys are sensitive, so before they kill you and eat you lemme break it down.

4TH GEN GUYS CLOSE YOUR EYES

The 4th gen is cheaper because of the body style.

There, I said it. The appearance of the 4th gen is inferior to the appearance of the 3rd and 5th gen 4Runners, so they aren't selling as well. The damned things are just ugly. They're like the 2nd gen all over again, just with a bigger motor. It's pitiful.

(ok, 4th gen guys, you can look now)

That's really the only reason though. In terms of reliability, they're still a Toyota (the V6 has some head gasket issues). In terms of capability, they lose out to your old Taco a little in ground clearance and rear suspension, but that's at stock level... a little lift and some armor and you won't miss a beat. Where it whups up all over your Taco is with the V8, which is really a good motor if you don't mind the mileage ratings, but more importantly with ATRAC... almost as good as a locker. A buddy wheels his Tundra and it goes anywhere my locked '85 4Runner will go, assuming it fits. You'll find the same with the 4th gen 4Runner, it'll go places. Based on how you're saying you'll use the 4Runner, and assuming you won't miss the truck bed, I think any 4Runner is going to be right up your alley, and if you find a 4th gen calling your name you should jump on it.

Assuming you can stand to be seen in it, I mean.

 

[Sungod]

I noticed this phenomenon a few months ago. It isn't only 4 runners that are cheaper than Tacomas, Tundras are the same. When I was pricing my 4runner, I was shocked to see Tacomas of the same year and similar mileage for more. There is one very big factor that drives the price of Tacomas up and that is the ripple effect of all those Tacomas that were crushed because of rusted frames a few years ago. It has had a vacuum effect sucking up prices. It took a lot supply out of the market. I was looking for a Tacoma and end up with a Tundra for $3k less than a similar equipped Tacoma. Even new you can get a better deal on a Tundra because there are always incentives on Tundra vs Tacomas which have no incentives. When a manufacturer can sell a vehicle without incentives, that is a pretty good indication there is high demand.

 

[Dylan]

The 4th gen guys are sensitive, so before they kill you and eat you lemme break it down.

4TH GEN GUYS CLOSE YOUR EYES

The 4th gen is cheaper because of the body style.

There, I said it. The appearance of the 4th gen is inferior to the appearance of the 3rd and 5th gen 4Runners, so they aren't selling as well. The damned things are just ugly. They're like the 2nd gen all over again, just with a bigger motor. It's pitiful.

(ok, 4th gen guys, you can look now)

Haha, quite subjective. Then again, I'm a 2nd and 4th gen owner. But one of the main reasons I bought the 4th gen instead of a 5th was body style. I think the 5th gen looks like a kleenex box on roller skates.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and to each his own.

 

[ASUMTNEER]

The 4th gen is cheaper because of the body style.

There, I said it. The appearance of the 4th gen is inferior to the appearance of the 3rd and 5th gen 4Runners, so they aren't selling as well. The damned things are just ugly. They're like the 2nd gen all over again, just with a bigger motor. It's pitiful.

I'm not sensitive, but certainly don't agree with this. With the exception of the trail editions, the 5th gens are terribly ugly in my eyes! I think the 3rd gens are very nice looking, but the 4th gens are my second favorite looking runner. To each their own.

 

[robaroni]

When shopping for my new vehicle a couple months ago I started my search targeting trucks. It appears the demand for any type of 4x4 truck is much higher than that for SUV's. I found most SUV's could be purchase for 20-30% less than the comparable truck produced by the same manufacturer.

That's how I ended up on this forum. Love the 4Runner by the way!

 

[KidVermicious]

I'm not sensitive, but certainly don't agree with this. With the exception of the trail editions, the 5th gens are terribly ugly in my eyes! I think the 3rd gens are very nice looking, but the 4th gens are my second favorite looking runner. To each their own.

Did you miss the memo? God declared me the arbiter of all things attractive or not. This is no longer a matter of opinion - I declare your truck ugly and that's the end of it.

No, wait, it's not. I should mention at this point that I take Paypal.

 

[Sporin]

So many factors really...

5th gens haven't depreciated into the mid-to-low teens yet (the "affordable range for me at least)

A good 3rd gen costs nearly what a 4th gen can be had for.

A bad 3rd gen is overvalued based on it's name alone, imo.

ALL Tacomas are valued to the moon, so the SUV's are cheaper option in the Toyota 4x4 range. (similar, often better mechanicals, but no bed)

 

[S p a r k y]

[MENTION=111660]shoeless[/MENTION] Lots of good thoughts above as to why they are cheaper! Is it they are cheaper or the Taco's are over priced? I love both, so either way you will have a great ride.

I believe there are more 4runners and cheaper because they were designed to sale to more soccer mom types than, well lets say us! Vehicle enthusiasts! Therefore, buying a used 4runner is easier on the wallet and easier to find because they have been traded in after many grocery trips and picking the kids up. Which I feel is a plus, because you can find good ones.

The grocery/taxi image can be fixed easily, with small lift and tires.

Now on to your question about the 4th Gen 4Runner capability. Just as capable as any of the other rides. Do i miss a truck bed? Sure do sometimes, but thats why I have a trailer. I like everything about mine and wouldn't change anything.

 

[peebee]

IMO the only Taco worth getting is the double cab 4x4 and when compared to a 4x4 4Runner they're simply over priced. 4Runners have much better materials and are mechanically superior. People are just going crazy for double cab 4x4 Tacos, especially with TRD packages, so the prices are inflated.

If it means anything to you, I sold my 3rd gen with the 3.4 and bought another 4th gen v6. I drive one and the wife drives the other. They're great trucks.

Any mention of the head gasket problem can be dismissed after 2006. It seems that around 2005 Toyota fixed that problem.

 

[Jwm6]

IDK why just supply and demand. But to get a 4 door truck would have cost me about $5k more. So the 4runner was an easy choice, more for the money plus a V8.

 

[jsmith21]

You're in Nashville, 4runners are cheap here. Everyone thinks trucks are the only vehicle to have here it seems, so they're in less demand. I only paid 500 bucks more more than my friend who just bought a 06 crew cab tacoma 2wd with 160k miles. Mines a 08 4wd with 100k miles. I think I came out with the better end of the deal.

The year has a lot to do with it too. I find that the 06-09 usually go for quite a bit more. And I know they're newer, but they also have the updated grille and headlights and all that which makes them more desirable imo.

 

[Sporin]

Also, compare any same year mileage non-Toyota (Grand Cherokee, Xterra, etc.) and you'll see Actual-affordable, not just Toyota-affordable.

 

[DarenS]

Can anyone offer reasoning to this?

I'm not sure about Tenn. but NM has salvage titles which reduces the asking prices quite a bit. In NM this isn't necessarily a big deal, but it limits how much insurance you can get (basic liability/bodily injury only).

Daren