Which year 4th gen 4Runner to upgrade to?

[98roamer]

It's time for change. My 93 Corolla is coming up on 240k and hasn't missed a step. So I'm sticking with Toyota even though I loved my 1gen Xterra. I'm taking my wifes 98 4Runner Limited and she wants a 4th gen over the 5th gen. I haven't kept up on which year is best for a mall crawler. I need some help, want years should I stay away from and converse which are the best years, stock for city/hwy/and scenic fire roads? It will need to be an auto and MPG is important even thought we only drive 20k at year combined.

I have been looking at the 2002 & 2003 100's Land Cruisers, but they're still pretty $$. A Land Cruiser will replace the 98 4Runner.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Martinjmpr]

V6 or V8? I think the good upgrades to the V6 started in 2006. 5 speed auto tranny, LCD taillights, etc. IIRC the V8 always had the 5 speed but the 2003 - 2005 V6s had the 4 speed.

Remember V8s have full time 4wd, V6's have multi-mode. Personally I'd go for the V6 SR5 myself but that's just me. I don't care for sunroofs, leather, etc.

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

vvti V8 (variable valve timing) I think it was 05 and up... you can check for more info on toyota120.com
5spd auto
awd

I would get the Limited. Seats are more comfy and power. some nice features on it. but they are all nice.
sunroof is a hindrance to valuable headroom.

 

[Cackalak Han]

Actually, 2005 was the year the 4.0L V6 went to 5-sp auto. In 06, they put the LED (not LCD ) tail lights on. V8's also got a bump in power in 05. In 08, side curtains became standard as well.

 

[java]

for either the v6 or v8 its 05+
that being said i have a 03 and couldnt be happier!

 

[AlexJet]

If she likes gadgets like LED tails and projector fronts, then get her 2006-2009, if it doesn't matter, then look for 2005-2009. I recommend V6 for her as it consumes less and more then enough for 99% of anything (even 35" and off-road).

 

[98roamer]

Thanks for the replies. I read some more about the headroom issue which is a concern for me since I sit up due to a neck injury. I think our 3rd gen is lacking in headroom, so I need to go test drive a power seat with the sunroof. Even though I really like the sunroof I would like to be able to drive it also.

She doesn't care about gadgets so Limited vs SR5 shouldn't be a big deal to her. We have leather now and I'm not really all that crazy about it. She is looking for the best ride and she has a heavy foot so maybe the V6 would be better for her.

I haven't found a particular year having mechanical issue and the XREAS suspension shouldn't be an issue for her type of driving. I like all of us, I'm looking for a good ROI with low maintenance.

 

[AlexJet]

Thanks for the replies. I read some more about the headroom issue which is a concern for me since I sit up due to a neck injury. I think our 3rd gen is lacking in headroom, so I need to go test drive a power seat with the sunroof. Even though I really like the sunroof I would like to be able to drive it also.

She doesn't care about gadgets so Limited vs SR5 shouldn't be a big deal to her. We have leather now and I'm not really all that crazy about it. She is looking for the best ride and she has a heavy foot so maybe the V6 would be better for her.

I haven't found a particular year having mechanical issue and the XREAS suspension shouldn't be an issue for her type of driving. I like all of us, I'm looking for a good ROI with low maintenance.

I'm 6-1 and drive Limited with Sunroof. My seat back is vertical and seat coushion at lower position as I like it this way and it better for the back and neck to be vertical. I do not have any issues with headroom (not that I have allot of room there).

 

[teotwaki]

If you are buying the 4Runner for offroading then the 09 year has the e-locker

 

[Ryanmb21]

06 and up also have round wheel wells compared to a flat top portion. Small difference, but it's an improvement in appearance.

 

[07 Elephant]

'06 - '09

Body moulding refresh and hood refresh as well as led lights. The '08 - '09 also have VSC off switch so you can bypass the stability control. Nice for snow and sand without having to lock the center diff. The '09 also has the option for an elocker. None of this sounds like stuff your girl wants or needs though. In that case. Find a good quaility ride from a good dealer. Findlay in vegas has done a few folks right on the toyota120 site. Cruise over there and say hi. The ever shy Robert my034runner will say hi back.

 

[98roamer]

AlexJet, thanks for the reassurance, I'll not shy away from the test drive.

07 Elephant, hit the nail on the head. Our 98 has the E-Locker and I will be keeping that for trail use. Hers would be purely for the pavement and VSC would be a plus for her. I'll go look around at toy120. I'm not a real big fan of the 4gen style but she likes it over the 5th and the 3rd. Style and color will be her call, I really don't care.

She threw a curve at me today and mention how much she likes the Land Cruiser 100. It's too early for us due to $$ limit for I would love to put her in a 03' 100 but I'm trying to stay in the 15k ball park. Honestly I want her to stay in a 4 Runner for its the perfect size for her and put me in the 100. I did look at the 98-99 LC 100; high miles and the possible diff issue but stayed away from the 00-02 due to the tranny issues. I'm afraid the 100 will have to wait.

Thanks again.