What's the allure of older 4Runners?

[PWMDMD]

Ultimately, for whatever reason, it's a function of supply and demand. These are in demand and command top dollar. I see them kind of like Wranglers, plenty of compromises to own but there is an entire aftermarket and lively online mods community. They are well-built and long lasting too.

 

[vwmaniaman]

The older Cherokees with the 4.0 are very long lasting and reliable. Wash them regularly including the under carriage and they will last too. Not very expensive either.

 

[jeepman3071]

The older Cherokees with the 4.0 are very long lasting and reliable. Wash them regularly including the under carriage and they will last too. Not very expensive either.

Rust free examples of the XJ Cherokee are becoming insanely expensive, especially in the rust belt.

I think the allure of vehicles like the older 4Runners is the simplicity and the capability.

 

[edyvw]

One thing older, those previous generation 4Runners have is V8. That is big appeal. These new ones, you could not pay me to own one at this altitude.

 

[02SE]

One thing older, those previous generation 4Runners have is V8. That is big appeal. These new ones, you could not pay me to own one at this altitude.

The 4th gen 4Runners 2003-2009 had an optional V8. The 2UZ-FE and 2UZ-FE W/VVT-i (2005-2009).

The Dual VVT-i 1GR-FE in the 5th gen 4Runner (2010 -2021) has more peak horsepower then either version of the previous V8. The V8 did have more power at low RPM.

There are several options for forced induction on the Dual VVT-i 1GR-FE, if someone feels they need more power than the previous V8s ever produced.

 

[dblshock]

 

[01rangerxl]

^ Aren't those more Land Cruiser Prado than 4Runner? I've got no clue what the actual difference is in those platforms, all kinds of things are called Land Cruisers.

 

[2EHA]

^ Aren't those more Land Cruiser Prado than 4Runner? I've got no clue what the actual difference is in those platforms, all kinds of things are called Land Cruisers.

Once upon a time Toyota sold (and still does) an SUV version of the Hilux pickup truck, it was called the Hilux Surf, Americans got it as the 4Runner. The problem was the competition had 7 seaters with swing away doors at attractive prices.

Toyota eventually gave in and just copy pasted the Mitsubishi Montero’s layout onto a modded Hilux Surf frame, called it the Land Cruiser Prado and sales rocketed.

 

[02SE]

^ Aren't those more Land Cruiser Prado than 4Runner? I've got no clue what the actual difference is in those platforms, all kinds of things are called Land Cruisers.

The Landcruiser Prado, Lexus GX, and 4Runner are essentially the same vehicle. Some differences in drivetrain, interior, and sheetmetal.

 

[dblshock]

I think you can find Toyota 4Runners equipped similar to my 1st gen GX....airbag suspension, V8 although the full time 4WD maybe not. I own the previous pictured here red SR5 V6 rear wheel drive 4X4 both very capable here at the UP MI.

 

[dblshock]

Landcruiser LX, GX, 4Runner and CJ Cruisers have a dedicated factory in Tahara, Japan since '79.

 

[02SE]

I think you can find Toyota 4Runners equipped similar to my 1st gen GX....airbag suspension, V8 although the full time 4WD maybe not. I own the previous pictured here red SR5 V6 rear wheel drive 4X4 both very capable here at the UP MI.

V8 4Runners were either 2WD models, or Full-Time 4wd.

 

[Bird's_Garage]

As a former 4runner owner, I have no idea why they keep their value. I had a 2012. Bought it in 2016 with 80k on it for $19k. Sold it 2 years later with 110k for $19k. There was nothing special about it. Just a 2wd SUV with a V6. I read somewhere that the 4runner is either the top of the list on resale value or very close to the top.

 

[928vette]

I have an '03 V8 full-time 4wd 4runner. 252k. Purchased 8 years ago at 145k. Zero issues other than the ones i created by lifting it 3"/2". Put a new timing belt, changed all fluids/filters, plugs, pcv, cleaned MAF sensor between 220k-230k. It idles so smooth sometimes I have to look at dash to make sure its running sitting at a light. They are pretty much indestructible for normal driving conditions. Follow the maintenance schedule and you'll have no issues. Rust is the biggest issue as they approach 20 years old. Their resale value is because of their rarity for a lower mileage, well taken care of example. Both V6 and V8 from different model years have their things to watch out for and address.

 

[350Rocket]

More than a battery lol the window locks got set because my sister used to roll down all the windows and we never could get it turned off because the wiring messed up. Surprisingly he didn’t put a lot of stabilizer in that one he mostly uses it in his big rig he just put Pennzoil regular 10W-30 in it usually and it went through several radiators in a short period and now it overheats when you turn it off so we have to get a new engine.

If you are truly an auto mechanic you know that an engine failure in a 4.0 inline six keep is a very rare occurrence. That and the aisin transmission was also bullet proof. I've seen a bunch of extremely high mileage examples. My best friend from high school had a 93 that we rode in all the time in college, he drove the crap out of it and it was still running like new at 200k, lots of off roading. Racing people in 4wd in the snow. As you know anything can have electrical problems. I'd be more worried about a modern FCA product having electrical problems than an old 15+ year old jeep with the 4.0. Btw my dad's 05 Rubicon (last year of the old style with the 4.0) hasn't had any electrical problems.

 

[dblshock]

Some allure might be resale value YOY...just keep in mind these are old cars that will need updating.

Lexus GX470

4Runner 3 & 4 gen

 

[ka9mnx]

Three years ago I went on a search to replace the wife's pickup with a people hauler. My search ended up looking closely at 4Runners. I liked the looks, simplicity and reliability. In my search the 3rd generation (1997-2002) was considered, by 4Runner enthusiasts, the best and most reliable model made by Toyota. So my search began.

I searched the entire country for a 4Runner. A like new Gen 3 was commanding up to $5k. I settled for a local one that needed work with 243k miles and paid $2k. I never saw a Gen 3 4Runner for more than $5k. It has turned out to be the best, and most reliable, vehicle I've owned. Mine averages 20mpg, with the 3.4L, in all driving situations which I don't think is bad at all.

 

[gregk24]

Reliability.

Look at the competition from that era, there aren't as many on the road and the ones that are seem to be hanging on by a thread.

 

[AutoMechanic]

If you are truly an auto mechanic you know that an engine failure in a 4.0 inline six keep is a very rare occurrence. That and the aisin transmission was also bullet proof. I've seen a bunch of extremely high mileage examples. My best friend from high school had a 93 that we rode in all the time in college, he drove the crap out of it and it was still running like new at 200k, lots of off roading. Racing people in 4wd in the snow. As you know anything can have electrical problems. I'd be more worried about a modern FCA product having electrical problems than an old 15+ year old jeep with the 4.0. Btw my dad's 05 Rubicon (last year of the old style with the 4.0) hasn't had any electrical problems.

I am just speaking from experience. The transmission we haven’t had any issues out of just the engine so we have to replace it. And if you read Chrysler from just about anytime period has electrical problems but especially the newer ones. The engine failure was caused by overheating it got so hot that the block warped itself.

 

[edyvw]

The 4th gen 4Runners 2003-2009 had an optional V8. The 2UZ-FE and 2UZ-FE W/VVT-i (2005-2009).

The Dual VVT-i 1GR-FE in the 5th gen 4Runner (2010 -2021) has more peak horsepower then either version of the previous V8. The V8 did have more power at low RPM.

There are several options for forced induction on the Dual VVT-i 1GR-FE, if someone feels they need more power than the previous V8s ever produced.

That is what matters in SUV, and that is why diesels were always best option for SUV.
Peak power hp does not mean anything for vehicle like 4Runner. Take out 30hp give me 30lb-ft down low and things are much better.
I yet to see 4th gen. 4Runner with V6, most were sold as V8. But at least there was an option.