4runner shopping dilema (overpriced 3rd gens, low mpg v8 4th, lexus?)

[guestwho]

Hi, so I'm shopping for a 4runner. I used to have a 2001 that I liked a lot. Since I've been looking, it seems like the prices for a decent 3rd gen are crazy high now. I paid 9k for an 01 with 100k, and now that same car would be probably 12k.

Since the 3rd gens are overpriced, I've been looking at v8 4th gens (too many v6 head gaskets horror stories). People generally say the v8 mpg is only slightly worse than the v6's ~19mpg, although there is some disagreement on this. Then I found out about the Lexus gx470, and the price on early models are only 2k more than a 4runner (about 15k for an 04 with 90k vs 13-14k for the 4runner). The gx470 weighs about 300 lbs more, but when I researched mileage, people were claiming 15 mpg. The EPA's site also says 15 mixed, but shows the same numbers for the 4runner.

So, I guess my question is what kind of mileage would I get out of a v8 4runner or a gx470, and is there a mpg difference between them? I used to get 18-19 per tank in my 3rd gen doing mostly highway and I was satisfied with that.

 

[tanglefoot]

I hadn't heard of head gasket issues with the 4.0L. I thought it was a good, stout engine.

Isn't the Prado available in Chile? I would prefer a Prado to a Lexus GX, myself, due to the more spartan trim and the better engine availability (can you get it with the 3.0 diesel and manual trans?).

I believe you're right that the real world MPG of the 4.7L is pretty close to that of the 4.0. I don't personally like that much displacement, though. My pick would be the 3.0D and manual trans--it's tough to beat that fuel economy, and there's plenty of torque at the low end.

 

[montypower]

I hadn't heard of head gasket issues with the 4.0L. I thought it was a good, stout engine.

There have only been a small number of reported issues on the early production 4.0L motors. Most of them have over 100k on them. I've read that the HG was improved around 07. This not a widespread issue. It's similar to the early production 3.4L the first year or so had a number of HG failure reports. It's always better to buy a model after 2yrs or so of production.

 

[guestwho]

Hi thanks for the responses. I'm actually moving back to California or I'd be looking at something diesel here in Chile. As far as the V6 HG, I'll be buying something from the earlier years with +100k, its a definite concern. I wish they were more reliable because I'd prefer the v6 over the v8.

 

[4runnerteq]

The early 4.0 is every bit as reliable as anything else. Id be more afraid of the selectable 4wd transfer case & front diff actuators. Transfer case actuator bad will set you back $1200-$1500 at least. Our v-8 all wheel drive runner averages around 16-18. Have gotten 19 on a steady highway run. My rec would be a v-8 all wheel. I work at a dealer. If we get a call on a 03 up runner with no 4wd, I make sure we have transfer & diff actuators when it comes. Couple cases we have had to replace both.

 

[grampswrx]

The only real difference between the 4runner and the gx is about 300 pounds and an inch or two more height. The height is added to the pillars so I don't know that it makes it much less efficient. I want to get a gx to replace my 3rd gen once I'm out of school. Way more comfortable for daily driving.

 

[Bushmaster6]

In the short time I've owned mine, 15mpg is probably accurate for the GX, best I've seen highway was high 17s. 3rd Gen runners in good nick are plentiful and reasonably priced in the Denver area if you want to expand your search...

 

[marshal]

i flew out to denver and drove the 1200 miles back in my 'new' 5th gen

 

[guestwho]

Thanks guys, I found an 03 4runner v8 with 130k for 8500. I'm buying it tomorrow if the Toyota dealer doesn't find any problems.

 

[4runnerteq]

Sounds like a fair price and a good choice. Ck to see if timing belt has been done. If not maybe you can make it part of the deal.

 

[guestwho]

yea I'd say the price is fair, but according to the rest of the market it's a smoking deal. I'm staring right now at a lot of others for sale with 110-120k miles with asking prices of 12-14k. The guy is claiming he changed the belt himself, so hopefully the dealer inspection can tell if that's true?

 

[DaveInDenver]

I like 3rd gen 4Runners a lot but we did own a 4th gen for a couple of years. I didn't care for their external appearance but once I took off the running boards and put on a Yakima rack the truck grew on me. The only visual thing I still don't really care for is the flat top wheel wells, but all of this is aside the real question. The only reason I would consider a 3rd gen would be to get a manual transmission or if you intended to really 'wheel it where the better visibility and compactness would be a true advantage. Otherwise I think the 4th gen is the better value. I also think there is a value in the V6, 2WD option in the 4Runner in mileage and reducing long term wear-and-tear on the drivetrain.

 

[deadbeat son]

^ Don't forget, the flat top wheel arches went away in 2006.

 

[chmura]

yea I'd say the price is fair, but according to the rest of the market it's a smoking deal. I'm staring right now at a lot of others for sale with 110-120k miles with asking prices of 12-14k. The guy is claiming he changed the belt himself, so hopefully the dealer inspection can tell if that's true?

I would not get a 2003 4runner, this one has the older style 4 speed transmission. 2004+ have the newer 5 speeds.

 

[java]

I would not get a 2003 4runner, this one has the older style 4 speed transmission. 2004+ have the newer 5 speeds.

05+ have the 5sp.

And Id agree, if you can afford to find a 5 speed i would. I have an 03 with the 4 speed.