Best year of 4Runner to buy??

[Morse_FJ40]

The wife wants a 4Runner, but we can't decide what year to buy? We are thinking 97 and up???

thanks

Ryan

 

[UltraFJ40]

I've had a 2002 and the newer designed 2003.

The 03 came with a V8 and XREAS suspension. If I had to choose between the two, the 03 would get the nod. Can't beat the power of the V8 or the handling of the XREAS.

Cast my vote for the 2003.

 

[bkg]

depends on your needs and budget...

 

[Morse_FJ40]

Well I need to fit in it comfortably, I am 6'5" and 220. plus we are working on a family so... it needs to be able to seat someone behind me while I am driving...

 

[bkg]

Well I need to fit in it comfortably, I am 6'5" and 220. plus we are working on a family so... it needs to be able to seat someone behind me while I am driving...

Then I'd consider a Suburban.

 

[Cube Dweller]

Also consider a 100 Series. You can find one sub $20K these days..

 

[notyourmomslx450]

1985.

 

[Martin White]

Depends on what you want. Hardcore off road, 1985 if you can find a rust free version (good luck). Otherwise, newer is better, in general.

 

[lunyou]

if you read he says 97 and up......but i do agree with the '85 sentiment.


With your size i would say forget the 4runner and go with an 80 or 100 series LC. You can find a nice 80 series(not sure about 100 series) at affordable prices.

lunyou

 

[lunyou]

Depends on what you want. Hardcore off road, 1985 if you can find a rust free version (good luck). Otherwise, newer is better, in general.

you would be surprised. I owned an 85 that was rust free. Then i wrecked it and the insurance company took it away...would still like to find it.

lunyou

 

[notyourmomslx450]

Mine's rust free. Dent free? That's a whole other story.

 

[Martin White]

I was talking about trucks up here in B.C. where finding anything from 1985 that isn't rusted out is very, very difficult.

 

[notyourmomslx450]

I know, I just wanted to point out that I can find a rust free one relatively easily. Seriously though, based on your size, you should look into an 80 series. Absolute best all around bang for your buck (except gas mileage).

 

[lunyou]

I was talking about trucks up here in B.C. where finding anything from 1985 that isn't rusted out is very, very difficult.

i apologize...i didn't notice where you were from.

lunyou

 

[ric]

Id say a 1999 (highlander), they have the larger springs, locker, rear heat, and the cool hood scope, lol

 

[Martin White]

No offence whatsover taken and no need to apologize!

 

[mmessier2]

I second the 1985 opinion

 

[Martin White]

Given your size, I'd say go for a 2003 and up, because it's significantly larger than everything up to 2002; basically it's similar to an 80 series though not as tall. For your use, it sounds like more modern is better, unless you want to hard core off road and have a toy, in which case I'd vote for a 1985 - but that's not really practical for most.

 

[colter]

I'm 6' 8" and fit fine in my first gen and second gen runners, never sat in the later ones though

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I'll cast my vote for the 80 seires LC. You will feel a bit cramped in a Runner.