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

[hilgeg]

Currently we have a 05 V8 Limited and a 97 Limited. They both have their strong suits. For long trips or even in town I will always elect for the 05. It is a quiet, comfortable ride. For off-road it will always be the 97. Reason is the traction control - I hate it on the 05! It takes your throttle away anytime it feels threatened, so pretty much all time spent on gravel
Current mileage for the 97 is 15/19. Current mileage for the 05 is 14/22.
GX470 should be comparable. The 4.7 is a great V8. I've seen some sweet looking builds on the GX platform, but I don't know what their traction control is like???
My $0.02

 

[java]

Currently we have a 05 V8 Limited and a 97 Limited. They both have their strong suits. For long trips or even in town I will always elect for the 05. It is a quiet, comfortable ride. For off-road it will always be the 97. Reason is the traction control - I hate it on the 05! It takes your throttle away anytime it feels threatened, so pretty much all time spent on gravel
Current mileage for the 97 is 15/19. Current mileage for the 05 is 14/22.
GX470 should be comparable. The 4.7 is a great V8. I've seen some sweet looking builds on the GX platform, but I don't know what their traction control is like???
My $0.02

The traction control is the same on the GX. You do know it can be easily disabled right?

 

[hilgeg]

On the 05 V8 with permanent 4 wheel drive disabling it is a bear.
VSC can be defeated by locking the center diff. TRAC (the big pain) can only be defeated by unclipping a harness on the brake master cylinder, restarting the vehicle, and doing without ABS. There is not a defeat button.
http://www.yotatech.com/f2/vsc-trac-defeating-anyone-closer-45793/

 

[Martinjmpr]

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

Unless it's a V8. All V8's got the 5 speed.

 

[guestwho]

yea I bought a v8. The +05 have 30 more hp due to VVT, but honestly I rarely drive around with the pedal floored to hit those higher rpms anyway. I'd be nice, but I'm not going to pass up a deal and pay a bunch more money just to have it.

 

[4runnerteq]

good for you man. enjoy. 03 & 04 have plenty of power anyway. There actually a bit of a sleeper. Ive surprised many that thought they were comin around. Just ease into the pedal & go on.

 

[hilgeg]

Welcome to the UZ (4.7) club. You will have to get some pics up soon.
Here is $0.02 more of my opinion that you didn't ask for....
1. Make sure you find out when the last time the timing belt was done. Interference motors don't like it when the belts snap.
2. If you want a precious MPG back get rid of that hydrocarbon charcoal emissions filter located in the airbox. It is supposed to trap the last bit of fuel left in your throttle body from evaporating, but it costs you more fuel burned due to restricted air flow then it is worth.
Enjoy the new rig!