OldSkool

Well, I am currently looking for a new 4runner to buy. I have been trying to learn as much as possible about them lately. They are seeming like a vechile that i can hook up like i want and have some fun with. Im going to be using mine for offroading but its also gonna be my daily commute car.

My Question is what year/model do you guys think is the best. And why? I have read things about it but Would like to get other peoples opinions.

Paul H.

How much money are you looking to spend?

sherri_girl

I like the 2nd generation runners (like mine ) . I love the style-it;s plush, but still feels tough-like a 4X4 should . It has a tailgate you can sit on. The newer runners have a whole door that lifts up like stationwagon, BUT the 3rd generation runners have more power, and are plusher. Has nice extras like the cargo cover. Keep in mind-if you wanna put rims on these, it will cost more because they went to 16". My boyfriend had a 97 Limited. I could not see my self taking that thing hunting.

The 2003s have the V8 option but I don't really care too much for the looks, it still neeeds to grow on me. They also seem to be getting too computerized, which means more $$$ when they break. There is one 2003 here that the Downhill Traction Assist already broke. I'd give em a year or two to work out all the bugs.

Just my 2 cents

OldSkool

Under 18k i dont want to get anything really expensive cause i want to have the money to fix it up


Thanks sherri_girl

loosehead

I think it is really hard to go wrong with any year 4Runner. I like all three generations, and drove several this summer when I was shopping for a new ride. I ended up with my '98 mostly because it was the right price at the right time and place after doing a lot of looking around and driving alot of used trucks.

If I were you, I would do two things, go out and drive as many as you can, of each different style, and see what features you like and dislike in each. Also, try a search on Autotrader.com . You can do custom searches based on year range, price, distance from your zip code, options, etc. Hope this helps.

Cheers and welcome to the forum!

Adam F

1st gen V6 manual!

Rick F.

I had a 2nd gen and now have a 3rd. I love them both. Although, I wouldn't have minded taking trail damage as much on the 2nd gen as I would the 3rd. I suppose its that "age" thingy...

Whatever you decide, you won't go wrong... Just be sure it's healthy to begin with.

CLin9383

rick, got pics of your micro de's?? and how do you like them??

orginial post: i say get at least a 98 and up..cause those are when the 4runner stop getting slight modifications to it...ie cupholders and such...good luck!!!

Paul H.

Get a 2nd gen. This gives you more money for mods.

UKMyers

Make sure if you buy a 3rd Gen to find one with the Factory Electric Locker! I love my 2nd Gen and if it had a SCed 3.4 in it I would never even look at a 3rd Gen ever again!

Mack

I love the 1st Gen...the original and still the best.

Even though some people hate it I like the IFS on mine...better raod manners I found compared to the solid axle my friend has on his 80's pickup.

Also you can go topless when the weather is nice.

metal22lica

i will sell you my 1990 for 25 mill....

Krash

If I was to buy another vehicle it would be a 1st gen 4runner. Any model but preferredly 85/86. Correct me if i'm wrong but don't you get the best of both worlds one of those years. solid front axle and efi. I'm too lazy to go look for the year. Any 1st get after that would do also I love the fact that the top is removable. Wish the top of my cab was removable. (without major modifications with a saw)

dajabr

Get a 1st Gen, do all your mods, then enjoy the remaining $12,000.
Get the 4cyl though, V6 is not much more powerful and you can get a spectacular 4cyl engine rebuild with a cam etc. Mainly, there's no substitute for a convertible, even better with a sunroof and tube doors.

Robinhood150

It depends on what kind of off roading you want to do and where you're from. If you're looking for hardcore rockcrawling or anything where you have a good chance of routinely rolling, then get a 1st gen, preferably a 1985. 85's are highly coveted because they came with a solid front axle and efi. If you're going to put dents in it then you might as well go as cheap as possible.

If you looking for moderate rockcrawling then a 2nd gen or 3rd gen are good choices because you won't need the articulation of a solid axle. You can overcome the ifs disadvantages with a locker or two. Just throw some armor on it to take care of the occasional tree or rock that might get in your way.

Given your budget, out of the 2nd or 3rd gen, you'll probably be looking at the 2nd gen. Like the others said, the 3rd gen has more power and can come with a rear locker. But unless you're mudding routinely or on the sand dunes, you don't need power.

So look for a 1st or 2nd gen. If you can't find a solid axle 1st gen, then you can always do a swap.

Steve

OldSkool

Well, mainly the only type of fourwheeling there is around here is mudding.. But i do like to go do more.. So i probably would need the power, Im debating between the 2nd and 3rd generation.. Ive seen some nice ones in both

calrockx

i'd go for the 3rd gen. it's newer, look awesome, less apt to have problems/wear issue so soon (just cause it's newer than 2nd gen), and it's definitely easy to find stuff to mod it up. yeah try to get the rear locker in there if you can. you can get a nice 96-98 one for around 16-18 thousand or so.

Stump1883

I say go for one of the early 3rd gen Runner like the 96-98 ones, they would be in your price range and they have all the comforts of the newer ones, just not the really nce cup holders. I say get one of these and make sure it has a factory locker. With the power and durability of Toyota and a locker at your feet you won't be stopped by much off-road. You could hook that thing up to the hgh heavens and have alota fun showing up friends.

My dream is a 98 Limited w/ the factory locker. I am looking for one as soon as I get this one payed off.

Good luck and keep us updated on the hunt.

Also welcome to the forum, there is alot of great people hee as you can tell, stay with us, we will ALL hlp you hook your rig up exactlythe way you want it.

Sludge

IF you go with a 2nd gen get a 95 for around 10k and put the extra money you have in options. If you go with a 3rd gen try to find one with the factory lockers. Other then that either gen you get you will be happy with it.