3rd or 4th gen 4runner for trails such as TAT?

[rc51kid]

Thinking about purchasing a 4Runner in the future with some plans for travel. I recently found out about the Trans American Trail and started thinking abut it. I like the 3rd gens but have also been looking at the 4th gen 4runners. They are a lot more expensive but the ATRACs looks really nice. For a trail like the TAT which do you think would be a better fit, the 3rd gen or 4th gen 4Runner?

Edit: the 3rd gens are significantly cheaper where i am than the 4th gen. The extra funds would really make a big difference in getting it set up for the trip. I figure whatever i get i would like some basics like good tire, small lift such as OME (2"-3"), maybe a lunchbox style rear locker, roof rack, refrigerator and dual batters. Des not sound like much but it adds up. There are so many other things i would really like to have mostly good bumpers for animal protection and a winch since we will be a solo vehicle. Also things like RTT or a awning would be very nice. How about a sat phone, inverter or air compressor. The list goes on. So saving $5000 with a 3rd gen would help get some extra things for sure.

 

[AxleIke]

I didn't know what this was, so I looked it up. Looks like it goes from the east to west coast?

I'd say it depends. If you need the extra cash, go for the cheaper option. I don't really care for the 4th gens, but they are more powerful, roomier, and you can likely get one with less miles. Since this is all in the US, I don't think there is any issue with reliability either way, since you should be able to get parts for both in any major city.

That said, it all comes down to your comfort in the vehicle. You may find one to be more comfortable than the other, which, to me, would be a huge selling point. If I was going to spend a ton of time behind the wheel, I'd want to be comfy while I was doing it.

Cheers!

 

[Scott Brady]

Both will be awesome. The TAT can be done by any stock, high clearance 4wd with low range and good (LT) tires.

 

[upndown]

My buddy bought a low mileage 3rd gen with an E-locker and manual trans. simply because he liked the body style better..Great truck. He can afford to make his truck a showpiece but we're both funny that way.. Function before form. He bought a 12,000 lb Hf winch which he has put to many tasks as well as saving his Bacon, at a fraction of the cost of a Warn etc. with no problems what so ever. We're fisherman and not into rock crawling so I'm sure it doesn't see nearly as much use.

You can find a good portable compressor at Amazon.com, just clip it to your battery..No plumbing required. I've used a Q-50 for a number of years now for airing up tires and my float tubes has worked flawlessly! Not as fast as ARB or the like, but again at a fraction of the cost. I also don't run earth moving tires on my Passport haha.

This is a great site! As far as questions about gear, a lift, tires etc If you search I'll bet you'll find a review or discussion about it here, You're likely to find someone who has made that journey as well.. Good luck.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Isn't the TAT basically just a series of dirt roads? I figure if someone can do it on a big, heavy BMW touring bike like the R1200GS then you could probably do it in a Subaru.

 

[98OzarksRunner]

I have a 3rd gen (2002) and it's very comfortable to me. I just drove it to CO for a week (2000 mile trip) and it was great on the interstate and back roads. The V6 isn't a powerhouse but it's enough, and uber-reliable. I have 168k on mine. My last one (1998) had 230k when I sold it (16 months ago) and the new owner said he puts 600 miles a week on it, so I don't know what it has now (though I see it about 5 times a week -still running). A guy on t4r had one that last year had over 600k and was still driving it about 1000 miles a week with the original motor. If it were me I'd buy a low-mileage 3rd gen and spend the rest for goodies, or the trip (but we all like what we like).