Best 4th Gen 4Runner

[Plannerman]

Lemme start with this: if I ever found a 2009 trail edition, I'd buy it. Aside from this mythical unicorn vehicle, what are the pros and cons of the various years of the 4th gen 4Runners? It seems like they under went many changes from year to year and there is a lot of variety between trim packages. If you were to buy a 4th gen, which would you seek out and why?

 

[hoptroll]

I bought an '08 because they had a lot of the issues worked out in '06+ with the facelift. The head gasket issue got fixed, the v6 came with a 5spd transmission, updated styling. I bought a v6 because it is good on gas, I didnt need the v8 (even thought it is a great motor) and I also wanted part time 4x4 instead of the full time. I also bought a base model because I knew I was going to put different suspension on it, I didnt want leather, and the rest of the stuff I just dont want or need (I like to buy the base version of cars and do what I want to them, not one for all the fancy stuff).

 

[chmura]

I have a TE and I love it.

If you look online they aren't impossible to find. You just have to travel to get it.

 

[java]

Only advice I have is get the 5sp if you get the v6. Headgasket issues seem to be most concentrated in 04. There is a thread on t4r with people giving their years. It however isn't a large number of vehicles. One thing I like about my 03 is unpainted cladding, no rock chips!

 

[Plannerman]

I have a TE and I love it.

If you look online they aren't impossible to find. You just have to travel to get it.

Lucky dog.

I've never seen one for sale. You'll have to share your secrets.

 

[chmura]

Lucky dog.

I've never seen one for sale. You'll have to share your secrets.

Go to Autotrader.com and cars.com

Set your search criteria for "any distance".

Search 2009 only 4runner and select AWD/4WD under the "drive" field.

Major giveaway for the 2009 Trail 4runner is the FJC 16" alloy wheels. If you see those wheels on a 2009 than 99.9% change its a Trail. Also the trail came with a color matched painted front grill (many are chrome) and water proof seats from the FJC.

 

[Plannerman]

Do the 4runners hold to rust better than the Tacomas?

 

[Ryanmb21]

2006+ look better because they have round wheel wells.

 

[Plannerman]

2006+ look better because they have round wheel wells.

Wow, never noticed that; thanks!

 

[galvyork]

I had an 08 and loved it. 4x4 4.0 v6 auto. it was an sr5 the sun roof and roll down rear window was my favorite feature.

 

[Plannerman]

Major giveaway for the 2009 Trail 4runner is the FJC 16" alloy wheels. If you see those wheels on a 2009 than 99.9% change its a Trail. Also the trail came with a color matched painted front grill (many are chrome) and water proof seats from the FJC.

I found one just like this in San Jose but the description said that it was the urban runner package. Did the two packages have the same look and wheels and seats, etc.? Or I wonder if description is wrong.

 

[marshal]

from what i understand the urban runner was only available in 2008 and was a flop

 

[toylandcruiser]

Do the 4runners hold to rust better than the Tacomas?

Well about 1% were recalled so not as much of a big deal as it's made it out to be


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