Yes, I am new. I am looking at getting a 4runner but curious as to what you all think is the best generation. I like the power of the 4th but is it all it is cracked up to be? Please help me out on this decision, it will be a DD and off road!

Thanks

Yotawannabe

 

I'd say go for a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gen.....I happen to really like the 2nd gens the best. I'm not too partial towards the looks of the 4th gens but thats just me. Anyway, I'm sure others will chime in about what the real advantages are to each . My vote is for a second gen for looks

 

if you're primarily going to be using it off road, then go with an older runner so you can enjoy it and have fun on the trails without having to worry about hurting a new truck.

if you're going to be using it on road, then i'm partial to the 4th gens ... i've driven a 4th gen, a 2nd gen, and a 3rd gen ... my favorite, by far, was the 4th gen. primarily due to comfort, power, roominess, and versatility. the v8 is great, and it is just as capable off road as any of the other generations. especially with a couple inch lift and new tires.

 

You might want to rethink your decision, it's not trail rated

 

nonetheless ...

 

Talk to us more about what's tripping your trigger about the various models and such.

I personally like the 1st generations best. I value the truck like aspect of the 1st generation, and the removable top.

 

4th gen because:
POWER!
New car smell
XREAS
Drive a space ship


3rd gen newer then 97
Because:
Cheaper then 4th gen
more power, more reliable then (most) 2nd gen
more creature comforts = better DD
more selection available (read find one with locking diff)
Better suspension, although more expensive, coil overs are much better then t-bars.

2nd gen becuase:
Cheaper then 3rd gen

1st gen because:
Cheaper then 2nd gen
you can go topless
wheels like a truck
It was sunny today and I saw one topless. I was jelous.

 

rear Locker

 

mossback covered that pretty nicely.

ricnkc, can we see your avatar pic larger??

 

I've owned a 1st gen, and 2nd gen and now a 4th gen.

The 4th gen is by FAR my favorite.

Even after mods to my first 2. I do stay on-road more than off, and power is important to me (gawd these things scream). The larger Space, power, capability, EVERYTHING... I love my 4th, what Can I say???

 

I currently have a 2000 Tundra, ˟˟˟˟loads of power for me. However, it costs $48.00 to fill the tank and only get 13-14 mpg. So, that's why I bought an '89 (1st gen) and am selling the Tundra. I'm starting a new job Monday and will have a company truck. The Runner will be purely for recreation/off-road, so I wanted the removeable top and lots of choices for modifications. It's all in what you're buying a vehicle for. My last choice would be the 4th gen., just don't like the looks at all. If I wanted that look, I would have bought a Grand Cherokee. For looks, I like the 3rd gen. best. Anyway, that's my $0.02. Good luck!

 

sd4 ... i think i love you

 

I need to race a 4th gen...

I think they are all blowing a bunch of hot air

 

i have a 1st gen. i LOVE it. A LOT. kinda low on power, but other than that, i love it. and as soon as it's paid off, which will be soon because it's 15 years old and was bought for cheap, THEN i'm gonna mod it, and it'll have power. it's great.

 

IMO, best bang for the buck is 3rd gen. The 3.0 is underpowered, no matter how you cut it. As long as you don't need to tow heavy trailers, the 3rd gen 3.4 can get it done. If you're a bigger guy or have a large family, the 4th gen is definitely bigger, and you pay for it. The reliability of it has not been tested, and there's some complaints about the valves I've heard on the V6. It's only been out about a year, so it's not tested as are the 1,2, and 3rd gens. I'm not sure what your intended use is ... if you're a business man taking clients out to dinner, or if you're working the day shift at McDonalds. Depending on what your objectives are, should help you make a decision. You can pick up a nice 3rd gen for well under 20G's, whereas you'll be spending well in excess of 30G's for a nicely equipped 4th gen. It's all about how much money you want to spend. If money's no object, 4th gen all the way, it's newer, right? To be fair, I've never driven a 4th gen, and spent a LOT of time in previous generations.

 

Thanks for all the input everyone. Is there an easy engine swap for the 3rd and older 4runners? Is the 183Hp enough to move it? As stated before, I will be using this on road most of the time but I would like to be able to go some places off read too. It is going to be my DD and off road at the same time, I can only afford 1 vehicle!

Thanks all

 

Everyone has a different opinion of power. The 3.0 killed me when I had it. My friends 3.4 seemd O.K. - but go and drive it. Stomp on it from a stand still. Stomp on it from 70mph, up a hill. If it's as quick as you need it to be your good. ONLY YOU can be the judge of what is adequate. I would agree that if your remotely worried about power, then anything less than a 3.4 will not make you happy. (yes I'm talking stock)

Hell, 245Hp is just adequate for me

 

1st gen and put almost any engine you want in it.
Topless is great, been there done that and loved it.

 

here ya go http://teampez.com/images/4X4/Ric%20on%20top.JPG
heres another for fun http://teampez.com/images/4X4/tree.jpg
and i cant forget this one, Thankx Darren http://teampez.com/images/4X4/full%20of%20yotas.jpg

 

I really like my second gen but if I were to do it over I would have purchased a third gen.