4Runner

[Mikeg175]

Ok , I know this will be more of opinions then anything else . But I have owned a few 4runners in the past and Im thinking of making the move for another . I am and always will be a Jeep guy , so I have my ' hard core ' off road machine . I am looking for an expedition vehicle type 4runner . I have at this time a lifted Excursion diesel which rocks , just way huge on trails .
I am spoiled , so I would like Ac , leather and most of the goodies , are there any years , models that I should lean towards ? Thanks and all opinions welcome ..

 

[Mikeg175]

Are the 8 cylinders any good . I had a Tundra with an 8 in it and loved it . Thanks again !!

 

[Pikeman]

If you would still like some room and an 8Cyl then you would need a 4th Gen 03-09. I personally love my 3rd Gen,a little smaller and plenty of room for stuff. Another option that is a little larger would be the Landcruiser. The 8 cyl in the 4th gen Runners is the same as what was available in te Tundra.

 

[Applejack]

X2. I've got a thing for the 3rd gens as well. If you get a limited you'll find leather and a rear locker. The 4ths gens do net you a more powerful v6 (4.0 vs 3.4) or the 4.7 v8. But you loose the rear locker option is favor of traction control. The rear locker went away for 2001 model year.
probably the most sought after year is the 1999 (for the 3rd gens). They made a few nice refinements and sat a little taller than previous or subsequent years.
Power is adequate but just don't be in a hurry...........that is unless you find yourself a supercharged one:sombrero:.

 

[GGimbert]

Got a 4th gen v8 4x4 and have had a 7.3 Excursion too. Be aware that the 4th gen v8s are full time 4x4 which will yield you the same mileage as your Excursion in most cases. If smaller and more reliable is what you want you can't beat the 4runner. But I must admit I often miss the X. PS, the paint on the 4th gens sucks but other than that it has been a flawless vehicle for the last 5 years. Good luck.

 

[Chadman]

I have a mostly stock 2002 4runner sport and get 21 mpg city/hwy, of course I have to drive like a grandma at speed limit but it works just gotta have patience. My parents have a 2002 Sequoia, and a 2003 4runner limited and they both get the same mpg both v8. Sequoia is part time 4wd, and 4runner is full time. Personally I prefer the 3rd gen. 98-02 runner the best out of all three listed . Compact, economical in stock form, and very capable off road in the right hands. Gets me where I want to go safe and comfy. :ylsmoke:

 

[Ryanmb21]

research toyota120.com, great place to look. On the 4th gen headroom can be a bit limited if you get the sunroof.

 

[Desert Dan]

I recently got a used 2006 4th Generation 4 Runner with the V6.
So far so good.

Plans include a minor lift for clearance and load capacity and some skids and maybe lockers that's about it.

 

[18seeds]

On the 4th gen headroom can be a bit limited if you get the sunroof.

I owned a 3rd gen years ago and i don't remember headroom being a problem. A few weeks ago at the Denver Auto Show i sat in a 4th and 5th gen. Both seemed very limiting for head room. From basic specs they don't seem that different. What's the deal?

 

[Ric]

If you`re looking into a 3rd gen, you can get leather and a rear locker, with a good lift, it will go just about anywhere, provide a good driver/spotter, and you can supercharge them, lol

If you go with a 4th gen, the V6 is a selectable 4wd, and the v8 is full time 4wd, someone correct me here, in 2005 toyota boosted the HP a little.

Ive had a 99 with the E-locker, and now have an 04 v8, LOVE them both, they both have + and -
The 4th gens are wider for sure, I really noticed that on the trails, and with the A-trac, once you get use to it, it does work well.

 

[cbradley]

If I remember correctly, in '05 they changed the V8 to VVTi. The '03 and '04 V8's had the non-VVTi engine. Something else to keep in mind when you are looking, if it makes a difference to you.