I think your missing the point. Want a powerful SUV? Man up and buy a Cayenne GTS. J/K, but seriously a 4runner is not a race car.

 

You guy's sound like quarreling LandRover owners...

 

^^

Naaah, it's just fun debate. I tend to learn the most when debating points of interest with other enthusiasts.

 

I agree with that statement. But shouldn't an 8 year newer vehicle offer more than my 3rd gen?

5th gen = ipod hookup
my 3rd gen = aftermarket stereo with ipod hookup

5th gen = locking rear diff
my 3rd gen = True Trac rear diff

5th gen= 270HP
my 3rd gen = 300HP

I need a reason to upgrade...so far I haven't found one.

I'll be curious to see what the salesman suggests when we compare my 3rd gen to their 5th gen when I go for a test drive.

 

A Tru Trac and an E-Locker are two different animals, and I don't think Toyota is going to make a 4Runner ever that appeals to what you are wanting. There is absolutely no market for it. The last vehicle of that type I can remember was the GMC Typhoon, SUV version of the Cyclone, and that lasted what....... 2 years. If you want a sporty, body on frame, buy an X-runner and supercharge that. Out handle and out power the guys in Z cars and the likes in a pickup.

Another thing no one seems to be touching on is the way Toyota has made one vehicle to appeal to two or three different markets. The TE for most of the guys on this site, the SR5 for the general masses, and the Limited for the wannabes that like chrome and 20's but still want 4wheel drive so they can pretend it's a capable vehicle. Kinda like a lot of the Mall Crawlers that cruise around my area.

That said I surely don't make enough to beat the hell out of a 40k rig on a trail. That said, if I did, let me reiterate it would be a CPO Landcruiser long before a TE 4Runner. I think I'll stick with my 3rd gen though that still looks great, better than any since IMO, and I don't mind scratching on the trail.

 

You guys are making SUV's sound like commodities... it's really sad...

 

Ok, first, you can't compare a modified (blown) vehicle to a stock one.

Secondly, There is quite a bit of difference. It is bigger (more space), rides MUCH better (you can't dispute this even if you've ridden in a 4th gen), the safety features are far superior, and stock vs stock, it's a much better off-road vehicle (rear locker, atrac).

I'll just say if we took the 5th gen and travelled back to 2002 and put them up right next to the 3rd gens, I doubt any 3rd gens would sell. The 5th gens are far advanced than 3rd gens.

Now with that said, I also enjoy the simplicity, too, which is why I love my Tacoma that doesn't even have ABS. Not too many computer controlled parts to go wrong.

 

Arguing online is like running in the special olympics... even if you win you're still retarded!

 

I haven't seen anyone really arguing. Kinda looks like a pretty calm discussion to me.

 

You guys need to head over to pirate4x4. Should open your eyes a bit to some true arguing and trash talking.

 

I've been on quite a few car and truck forums and this isn't even close to a real argument. I like the debate and it's just fun to see other's opinions.

 

I agree with all of that except the 5th gen is a "much better off-road vehicle". The 3rd gens came with optional rear lockers too (at least for the first 5 years of production). And ATRAC is ok, but not cool enough to make the 5th gen a much better off-roader, more like marginally better if you really wheel a lot and can tell the difference.

 

Somehow I'm able to drag my 5000lbs loaded truck around offroad with a 100rwhp 22RE. A v8 really isn't needed and would probably just result in more broken parts if you're not careful. I wish Toyota offered a ~175hp 4cyl gas motor or maybe even a smaller diesel that was fuel efficient but adequate. If you want to go fast, buy a sports car.

 

They offer the 2.7L 2tr-fe (out of the second gen Tacos) for 2wd models if I'm not mistaken. but the 2tr is only around 160 hp.

 

No no no... I say ol' chap, the Discovery Series I traction control is much better than the Discovery II's! The D2's are rubbish! Rubbish I say!

But you needednt bother when you have the best of Surrey behind you! HA HA HA!!! The Defender is still the king although the pre 74's had much better moxy than anything after that!

Did you get your parabolic's yet? I know I had a devil of a time getting them from Alex... Much more stout that those coil springs if you ask me...

As for the D3... Don't get me started! 4 wheel independent? What was Rover thinking!

Time to schedule my tea ol' boy... I'll be off the teli for a while... Tell the Queen I said hi!


WORD!

I'll put up with a lot of s*** before I'll ever drive anything but a 20mpg 22RE. Discussing POWA!!! is like the old "Tortoise and the Hare" story...

I'll get there when I get there... But at least I WILL get there! (and with less gas, and wheel longer)

 

I agree with you, but I was comparing it specifically to an 02 which only has open diffs. But the new atrac is pretty sweet. On the TE's, it's the even more aggressive version like the FJC's. Next best thing to locked front diff is what I've heard. Seen a few vids (of FJC) the atrac in action and it was impressive.

 

Toyota is an awesome brand, but if you ask me they should have just produced this instead.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4GexDbpYIc

 

Aside from the stupid slap on "billet" crap they were so proud of (bumper guard, roof rack, wheels,) that thing was pretty sweet looking.

 

I'll stick to my '91 pu.
Its paid for and only cost me $38.00 to register and $600 a year for insurance.

$40k + and the associated cost of a new runner is insane,especially in this economy.

 

I did, but got a muscle car.



However, I like to haul my dog around in the back of the 4Runner and want it to go fast too



That is pretty sweet.

Why not? I modified mine with available parts, the majority of which are from Toyota. It cost me A LOT less to do the modifications than the price of a new one. If Toyota offered mods for the new one, then I would compare to the new one with the modifications, but alas they don't.

I don't drive my 4Runner every day anymore, so maybe I've lost touch. I don't really care about gas mileage and all that anymore, but if you can have 400HP and get 20MPG that's pretty damn good to me.

So, Toyota if you're listening, give me a reason to trade up. Offer the 5.7L V8 or a supercharger option and get rid of those hideous wheels on the TE!!!