4th gen 4Runner which model should one buy?

[Duane]

I'm on the hunt for a 4th gen 4Runner...
I'm thinking 06 or newer for the round wheel wells, a V6, the 5 speed automatic as in 05 or newer and I prefer cloth seats so no Limiteds.. Is it a good idea to buy the sport model over the SR5 model as my concerns are how robust or costly is the X-REAS suspension going to be down the road. I do plan on driving it on back roads and trails but not anything extreme. Perhaps a lift and I had heard that is somewhat limited on a X-reas system?? How limited?
Thanks for any or all input and opinions

Duane

 

[jlm43]

I would vote for the SR5. Then throw on some bilstein 5100's to level the front and improve the ride. If the budget allows, I would look for an 08 or 09 trail edition. They take a V6 SR5, add 16 inch rims, bilstein shocks, water resistant seats, and best of all a rear locker. They didn't make to many of them so good luck. I like my V8 because it has the same torsen center diff as the LC's. Makes for great traction in the snow. Just my 2 cents.

 

[bulldog-yota]

I second the trail edition idea (if within budget).

The Sport has a number of additional features over the SR5 that you might like (or not). I second the 05+ idea as the V6 got the 5spd box and the V8 got a nice bump in power. The 03-04s are nice and probably pretty cheap now.

All 4th Gen 4Runners with 4WD have a center torsen diff that can be locked in 4H or 4L at will. It is useful to have an open center diff in 4L on high traction surfaces where you want to use 4L.

The V8s has 4H unlocked, 4H locked, 4L unlocked and 4L locked modes for the transfer case. The V6 has all of that, but also the option to run in only 2WD mode as well. Seems to be a bit of a gas saver especially with oversize offroad tires.

Personally I like the V8 due to the extra low end grunt (my 4Runner weighs a lot after all the mods). The V6s are nice as well though. Drive both in various conditions and see what you like best. The V6 is a bit better on gas though.

For year and model info see
4Runner

 

[Duane]

hey guys thanks for the suggestion of a trail edition. Didn't even know that option existed. In my mind, yup as most might on this site, no dilemma which model to buy now
Is a trail edition SR5 any more money than a sport model or limited then?
I use automart.com to search used but it doesn't offer an advanced search for a "trail edition".. is there a better search engine for this?
Thanks for learning me!

 

[jlm43]

autotrader.com has an advanced search.

http://toyota.vossauto.com/Preowned-Inventory.aspx?InventoryId=28566536

Some things to look for to make sure it is a trail edition: door badge is "Trail Edition", rims are the same as the FJ with off road package, TomTom navigation built into radio.

 

[lee_91pickup]

i have an 06 sport, i bought it in May with 44k, it now has 49k. So far, I LOVE it. I think the sport edition is the way to go, it has by far the nicest interior and I like the scoop.

 

[daPitbull]

As far as i know, the only lift you can put on an XREAS suspension is spacers. Other than that, you'll have to take out the XREAS to use OME's, Icons, SAWs, etc.