I am thinking about may be selling (may be!!) my 3-rd generation 4Runner and getting 4-th generation (4x4) with V8. Can anyone (especially who had older 4Runner before) comment on their experience (good / bad) with theirs new 4Runners: power, gas mileage, ride comfort (long trips), off road abilities (in comparison with 3-rd generation).
And also what differences 4-th generation has between the years it was made? What bags \problems it had in the beginning: I know that earlier 2003 models with V8 had vibration problems, I am not sure if it was ever resolved?
I also know that 4.7 L in Land Cursers had problems of cracking manifolds but I do not know if 4Runners has the same issues.
As far as space inside: can you fold second and third (if it had one) flat so you can sleep in the truck?
BTW is 4.7 L has a timing belt or chain?

Sorry for a long post and thank you for all answers in advance!!!

 

I can't answer all your questions but hopefully can help.

The 2003-2004 V8 came with 235HP/320lb. In 2005, the V8 received VVTI so the HP was bumped to 270HP. If possible go for the late models to get the power benifits. Gas mileage is about 16-17 if you have a lazy foot...

The 4th Gens sit lower than the 3rd gens when speaking of ground clearance. Stock ground clearance is listed as 9.1" by Toyota

2003 was the first year for 4th gens. SR5/SE models came with unpainted plastic body cladding, SR5 didn't come with fogs and running boards optional. Limiteds came with color matched body panels. Mid-year the SR5/SE came with the body matched panels. fogs lights and running boards became standard. Not muched changed for 2004 V8, just cosmetics. 2005 V8s like I said got VVTI. 2006 came with big changes. Projector headlights, redesigned grill, differen fog lights, LED tail lights, redesigned rear bumper.

Second row can be folder flat. 3rd row if equipped are "jump" seats that fold up and away so you can lay down in the back.

V8 came with a timing belt and IS an interference engine. V6 for the 4th gens came with a timing chain. Hope that helps. Check out T4R.org as it is frequented by a lot more 4th gens.

 

I had a '02 Sport 4X4, traded it for a '03 Sport 4X4

I can't think of any attributes in the '02 that were better than the '03 except for HVAC controls. I hate auto climate controls, give me the old and true knobs and blue/red colors.

The '03 has better interior room (shoulder room), seats are 1500% more comfortable, engine power is not even comparable (I have the V8), and the interior feels more substantial and solid. Of course the '03 sits 2" closer to the ground, that is easily solved by OME. Plus in the '02, I was always sliding off my seat to get out, in the '03 I step out.

It got to the point the seats in the '02 were so uncomfortable I couldn't drive the vehicle for more than 30 minutes w/o back spasms setting in. Horrible driving position and seats. Did I mention the seats?

 

I had an '87 4Runner and a '95 4Runner, but no 3rd gens. My biggest complaint with both of those is that they were just a bit too small and underpowered. That problem has been solved in a great way.
Haven't heard of the cracking manifolds problem. I don't have the 3rd seat, but the 2nd row is split 60/40 and can fold up for flat sleeping, which is what I do. Personally, I feel the drivers seat still gives to much of a "sitting-on-the-floor" feeling for my likes, but I've gotten used to it.

I average 12-13 mpg but drive less than 1,000/month so I can rationalize that. The truck is very solid and has awesome crash ratings and all The Latest safety features.

I hate the auto HVAC thing, too. Seems like it heats up the air, even with the heater off, so always blowing hot air on me no matter what, unless I turn on the A/C.

Overall I consider it superior for my needs than what I had before, and at $30k new, a great value.

 

Thank you very much for all replays!!!

Sharp4Runr,
Do you if all 4.7L V8 IS interference engine or only newer ones with VVTI (from 2005)?
And I am assuming you need to replace timing belt every 90K?

But it surprise to me: I never hear Toyotas engine that is interference and has a belt.

And its look like nobody had any problems with vibration-that is good.

Now I need to think hard about my purchase of new 4Runner.

Thank you All again.

 

Yup 90K change interval for the V8. As far as I know all the both versions of the 4.7L V8 are interference engines.