Hey everyone,

Just a note to say I'm looking at 06 Sport/Limited's for Spring purchase, but I can't get over how plastic they are. My 00 Mil-Sil Sport isn't completely plastic free, but at least it still has some backbone.

Another thing that bothers me is the full time 4wd on v8's, and don't get me started on the electronic diff control.


With that being said, What should I do???? I love my 3g, but its getting up near the 200kmi mark. I dont want to spend 40 on a 2010 4R either. I pay cash for my vehicles, so...


Input is apprecaited.

Thanks!
nah2323

 

There are still quite a few low mile 3rd gen 4Runners out there. You might have to look hard to find what you want and maybe drive a bit to get it but you will pay less and get more. If you are going to wait till spring there is lots of time to shop and if you have the $ for an 06 you can pick up a sweet, low miles 3rd gen and have money left over for extras.

I admit to being completely biased but I don't like the look of the 4th gen. They are bigger which is a disadvantage in most cases. They are a better car but a lesser truck. And finally they are UGLY.

Totally baised opinion

 

It depends on what you want to do with your rig. DD? Expedition? Trail only?

The 4th Gen is very comfortable, so DD or expedition travels would make it ideal. The more powerful engines are nice, too, if you tow. The atrac system works real well, although no rear locker, it is a very good system. But it is larger, so I'd advise against it for a trail only use.

Personally, I like the 4th Gens. I don't do any extreme rock crawling, so it would be a great fit. Plus, the Mrs would be much happier with the ride quality. There is quite a bit of aftermarket support now, so mod as you please.

Perhaps you can get the 4th as a DD and keep the 3rd as a rock crawler.

 

I just got an 02 with less than 100k on it, and with all the $ you saved you could mod the crap out if it. Or even take the parts from your current 3rd gen and swap em on the new one...or just swap in a reman 3.4? New runners are ugly, just my .02

 

do a turbo diesel conversion as a winter project!

 

4th gens are plasticy looking grocery getters - Keep the third gen, or consider an FJ.

 

i wouldnt go with a newer model unless its an FJ or 2010 MAYBE. stick with a 3rd gen. i feel like 4th gens are just too much of a family car. unless you want to put a lot of money into modding one.

 

Don't get the 4th gen boat. Big overhangs, cheesy plastic, and for what? x2 on the turbodiesel conversion

 

What's wrong with 200K? Are you experiencing any troubles? Stick with the rig you know and have personally taken care of.

 

haha 200k isn't a big deal, but i agree w/ previous posts, find another 3rd gen w/ lower miles if you'd like.

 

BTW. 4th gens can be made capable.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...ad.php?t=29188

 

I think he should have made that front bumper stick out a little more.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...ad.php?t=29188


I would keep the 3rd gen and rebuild the engine when it dies, it would save lots of money. The 3rz and 5vz are both very well built engines.

 

My sister's father in law was involved in the search for my 3rd gen as a local toyota salesman, but, being a "safety first" guy, he would not stop trying to push the 2003+ on me because of what, the side impact airbags, I think it was? I kept asking him to find me an '02 (so I could have the newest of the old), and he kept coming back with more 4th gens. I was ALMOST convinced, until that fateful Easter morning when I found my runner sitting at the side of the road calling my name. the 3rd gen is one of the most attractive SUVs I've ever laid eyes on, and I'll gladly trade a few updated amenities for what keeps me happy.

 

There are PLENTY of capable 4th Gens. I'm a big 3rd Gen fan, but the 4th is no slouch. Also, I much prefer the ATRAC of the 4th Gens vs. TRAC of 3rd Gens. I still say if he's going to be doing more overland/road trips with some rock crawling, 4th Gens are great. Check out toyota120.com for more info.


Side curtain airbags are said to be one of the most best safety devices installed on a vehicle. Next car I get for the wife will definitely have one.

 

I say keep the 3rd Gen. Mine is @ 200km and non-toyota enthusiast think my truck is just a few years old cause of how good it looks. When I tell ppl she's almost a decade old some can't believe it. Like someone had mentioned about it being an attractive SUV....I couldn't agree more. Too much plastic on the 4th Gen. But for what you want it for...maybe the 4th Gen is right up your alley!

 

Same thing happened to me, the gf didn't understand why I wanted an "older" car when I could just get a new one...after 8 months of searching I found my 02'...now she wants one! 3rd Gens are the best of both worlds, capable and good looking. I just got mine but I plan on drivin it till the wheels fall off...and then I will just SAS is and drive it some more

 

currently i have 3rd my wife has the 4th. 4th gen is more powerful, comfy, but 3rd is for drivers. specially my 3rd is manual.

 

my wife was the same way, but you see my sig.
The runner was bought first, for me, but you see how it turned out.
Now I have the best of both worlds, a truck and a runner, at my disposal.

 

I would much rather have an '05+ 4-door Tacoma than a 4th gen. That's still a real truck and they handle awesome on the street too.

I love my 3rd gen. I know if I ever sold it, I would miss it terribly. I would rather spend a few thousand on a new motor/trans/whatever else than spend $20 or $30,0000 on a newer truck.

 

I have both and besides the quirky 4 wheel drive system the gen4 (08 v6 sport addition) is a very capable 4x4. The gen3 has it merits, but power isn't one of them (96 with a 5 speed). If I want to go crawl around in a rock pile I have an 85 4runner and 85 EFI pickup. If I want to flat out get down the road 2000 tacoma 5 speed with a supercharger. I'll add that they all have there place in the 4x4 stable of today.