Rock

Is there any difference in the 2?

I just started looking at 4 runners. And im either going to get a new one or a 01-02 or even possilby a left over 03.

If I was to buy a new one id probally jsut get a 2wd sr5 pretty basic. They have a sticker of 28-30L mostly around here.

Is there a specific year I should avoid in used ones?

Any general info would be great...

I love the site and will continue to cruise around and read up on the posts.

Billrunner

Well since you can afford either 3rd or 4th gens I would suggest Test driving both and see which one floats yer boat.
Remember the 3rd gens vary with 2wd 4wd. V6 or I4 engines and leather or sunroof options and all that jazz.
The 4th gens are probably more refined and of course a V8 is nice
Don't rule out the 4wd though.. its lots o' fun and you can put it to good use.
Its was a bit of a pain in the arse shopping around but once you have the one you love thats it...you will luv your 4runner and want to spend lots of time and money on her.

any year models to avoid? no that would be the ford forums you would find that answer.

happy shopping and good luck.
-bill

Good Times

There's really no big differences between the 03 and the 04. Half way through the 03 production, they phased out the cladding and started painting them and the 04's are standard with the painted cladding.

Some other changes are that the 04's now have 3rd row seating and also has aneat electrical feature called rear camera something. I have a 03 so I don't know

the 02- are the 3rd generation 4runner so the body is different (i.e. old).

you can't go wrong with either generation 4runner as all the Toyota's are built to last. At this point, it's which style you prefer and what you can afford!

WhatExit

I was sort of in the same boat. I was fairly sure I wanted the 03 because I felt i could get a better deal. As it turns out I got a better deal on the 04 because some of the things i wanted on the 03 were standard on the 04 (running boards for example). I got the 04 Sr5 V6, 2WD. I would have opted for the 4WD but i live in a major city, so i really couldn't justify it. My previous vehicles were 4WD when I lived in NJ and if you live somewhere where you may use 4WD i would get it. It is worth it's weight in gold if you ever need it. Also, helps with the resale value. One more point. The 03 and 04 models are wider and longer than the previous models, thus making then a little less likely to roll and more roomy on the inside. I am 6'4", so all the room i can get helps.

Rock

Thanks guys for your response.

Right now im in a little civic and it sucks. LOL.. I bought it for the MPG while driving back and forth to college.

I guess the one thing about the 03's I dont like is that cladding.

Do you think I can get a new 04 for less then 30K out the door??

WhatExit

absolutely. I got an '04, Sr5, V6, 2WD with Leather interior and a moonroof for $28,200 (before tax). I also got the floor mats, cargo mat, double decker cargo system, rear spoiler, auto dimming mirror with compass and lots of other little options. If you were to nix the leather and add 4wd you should be able to get it below $30K. The v6 is 245 hp, so it is plenty fast enough. V8 will be quicker off the line and better for towing, but obviously worse on gas mileage. Depends on what you are looking for. I am an accoutant so I drive all over the state, hence gas mileage and comfort are key.

Good Times

Yes, you can get a 04 for right under 30k Just depends on what you want on it.

Check out this site for pricing:

www.edmunds.com

goto their 4runner page and check out the TMV (true market value) and it should give you an idea on how much you should be payin your 4runner.

Good Luck

Rock

I kind of like the looks of the 00-02 4runner a tad more then the 03+. But I like the size of the 03+ better.

I dont know.. tough decision.

I dont need 4wd here in south florida.

How much do you guys tow with your 4runners. Im looking to get an 18-20foot boat in about a year. Just want to make sure what ever I buy could pull that a couple miles to the boat ramp and back. I wouldnt have to tow very it very far.

Thanks for all your help guys.

M1911

What's the point of a 2wd 4runner? I don't get it.

Good Times

The peace and mind of having a quality 4runner
Aside from that I dunno!

EDIT: better a 4runner than a explorer or some other junk

JGage

The '04 have the tire pressure thingy....The '03s don't. The '04s have the option of the 3rd row seat (and the nifty 2nd row seats come with the option.) But, that's it.

I've driven my friends 04 and there isn't a diff.

EricM

Toyota repackaged and repriced the 03s at the midyear freshening (when the cladding was dropped). The running boards, foglights and alloy wheels became standard and the price was reduced slightly. I have a "late" 03 (without the cladding) and my dealer also had an "early" 03 (with the cladding) equipped EXACTLY the same... the sticker price on the cladded one was over $1K higher than mine. The $1K rebate that was on the cladded units at the time basically just adjusted the early 03 pricing to match the late 03.

mummer43

I wish the sport model came with a manual tranny... it seems like all car makers are phasing it out.

Pretty soon the Tacoma won't be available with a manual.