Thinking on a used 120

[laxaholic]

Hey everyone,

Just sold my 100 LC yesterday, currently driving an 06 subaru impreza wagon 5spd and have my sights fixed on a new 4x4. I really don't enjoy driving a tiny econo-box...would be different if it was a benz diesel sedan or something sporty/good looking, but it isnt.

I have been looking around at 2nd gen. tacomas and have come to the realization that I just can't afford and decent used one without a billion miles already on it. So, I started looking at 4runners. I really like the 3rd gens, but I could use something just a little bigger, more powerful, better economy (and with a decent range, unlike the 3rds) and I think that a 4th gen. 4runner would fit the bill. I'm new to these being called 120s, what's to know there? I'm a complete newbie when it comes to 4runners.

--Do they all come with the roll down rear window? I love that feature.
--I have read that a 2005 is the best year, power-wise. Is that correct?
--Is there really a difference between the 4spd and 5spd autos? Other than slightly better economy and a smoother shift. (I'm concerned with reliability and driveability)
--What are some real world numbers for the stock 4th gen 4runners mpg? (V6) I know the 4.7 is a great motor, was a champ in my LC, but I'm shooting for the best possible mpg. Probably going to keep it stock.
--Anything specific to watch out for when buying used? Preventative maintenance that should warrant negotiation?
--How do the 4runners hold up against rust? I know the tacomas had some trouble, even still.
--Why is the payload rating so high (relatively) on the 4runners?
--Why would you consider a 4runner over the lexus gx470? Are they as closely related as the 100 and LX470? Does one grab a higher price in the used market?
--Why is there no manual trans?!
--Were heated seats an option?
Thanks for all your help and feel free to post some pictures of your vehicles, I'd love to see them. I appreciate it

 

[rommelrommel]

2005 is the highest rated year for power, but it was just a change in the SAE rating proceedure that knocked it down a few HP in the years after. 2005+ all got VVTI for the v8 which was a signficant boost. I don't think year matters for the v6 power.

Rust isn't terrible but I would prefer one from a no-salt state if you can find it.

4runner over GX... rolldown rear window/gate vs sid opening door. v6 4runner has ormal rear suspension over potentially pricey rear air suspension fixes. More aftermarket stuff for the 4runner. 4runner and GX are on the same frame, body is different tho. Almost as much commonality as the LC and LX470.

GX's have heated seats. Pretty sure 4runners have em but I don't know what trim level they came with.

I just bought a GX. Didn't care about the mileage, GX has a better third row for the kids IMO, GX is about a million times nicer inside, and prices of GX vs 4runner v8 limiteds were very very similar.

 

[Makakio]

In the GX you'll average 18.5mpg in 50/50 mixed driving, stock - and you'll get a hair over 300 miles full to empty. Kind of a shame - would have been nice to put a 500mi range on it. 65mph returns 20mpg in ours, 75 nets 19. And over that seemingly every mph drops the mpg by 1. (haha)

Adding lift and bigger wheel/tire fit appears to drop mpg fiercely (some guys with badass rigs here claim about 12-13).

Much more space (headroom, mainly - feels 'airier'), much more lux, much quieter, much nicer ride in the GX than 4th gen 4R, but MAN do I miss the roll-down rear window from our 3rd gen and I think the side-hinge door is MORONIC. I understand why they built it that way but it just sucks so much ass compared to tailgate, hatch and operable glass.

The GX is so solid and substantial. The 4R is tough as well, but it feels like, well, a Toyota - plasticky. IMO even the Limited feels like luxury was an afterthought.

Looks are subjective.

 

[laxaholic]

I have been leaning mostly towards the 4runner, I really like the 4.0 and think that the body looks pretty good one them. Fuel is important so a v6 is a must for me. The f250 can do the towing, unless it's a small sailboat or something.

 

[ukvette]

Hey everyone,

Just sold my 100 LC yesterday, currently driving an 06 subaru impreza wagon 5spd and have my sights fixed on a new 4x4. I really don't enjoy driving a tiny econo-box...would be different if it was a benz diesel sedan or something sporty/good looking, but it isnt.

I have been looking around at 2nd gen. tacomas and have come to the realization that I just can't afford and decent used one without a billion miles already on it. So, I started looking at 4runners. I really like the 3rd gens, but I could use something just a little bigger, more powerful, better economy (and with a decent range, unlike the 3rds) and I think that a 4th gen. 4runner would fit the bill. I'm new to these being called 120s, what's to know there? I'm a complete newbie when it comes to 4runners.

--Do they all come with the roll down rear window? I love that feature.
--I have read that a 2005 is the best year, power-wise. Is that correct?
--Is there really a difference between the 4spd and 5spd autos? Other than slightly better economy and a smoother shift. (I'm concerned with reliability and driveability)
--What are some real world numbers for the stock 4th gen 4runners mpg? (V6) I know the 4.7 is a great motor, was a champ in my LC, but I'm shooting for the best possible mpg. Probably going to keep it stock.
--Anything specific to watch out for when buying used? Preventative maintenance that should warrant negotiation?
--How do the 4runners hold up against rust? I know the tacomas had some trouble, even still.
--Why is the payload rating so high (relatively) on the 4runners?
--Why would you consider a 4runner over the lexus gx470? Are they as closely related as the 100 and LX470? Does one grab a higher price in the used market?
--Why is there no manual trans?!
--Were heated seats an option?
Thanks for all your help and feel free to post some pictures of your vehicles, I'd love to see them. I appreciate it

.
.
Hi,

If we were a bit closer we could maybe do a deal.

I am looking for a 100 series, preferably diesel.

Mine is a 2005.




Gra.

 

[patrickfinley]

The 120 stands for the family of Land Cruiser Prados/GX470's 2003-2008,9. The 4Runner is often associated with this group as it shares much with the Prado.

There is better power in the 5sp over the 4spd overall, even though it's only a slight improvement in horses it feels much better.

05 + has the VVTI engine with sealed transmission, more power and better reliability.

The 2UZ-FE v8 is a motor used all over the world. It's a cast iron cylinder block for durability. The v6 variant 1GR-FE has an aluminum block with cast iron liners. Both are great engines but the v8 may be more reliable many years out. As you stated the v6 does get better MPG's.

The rear window goes down on the 4Runner.

The LC Prado or GX470 as it's called in the US is a very close cousin to the 4Runner. They are built on very similar platforms. The 4Runner is sold in other countries but is mostly designed for the US Market. The Prado is a vehicle sold worldwide for various road conditions. You could say the Prado/GX470 is built to be more sturdy than the 4Runner, think of it as a smaller 100 series LC. Resale on the GX will be high because it's a Lexus and has very nice appointments inside compared to the 4Runner.

The chassis is the same on both vehicles but the frame on the Prado/GX is a fully boxed ladder frame with thicker steel plates. The 4Runner is an open ladder frame which is not as rigid. This is the same as with the Hilux and Tacoma frames, the Hilux is the sturdier vehicle in the family. The design mindset behind this is that the overbuilt quality of the Prado and Hilux is overkill for nicely maintained US roads.

You can't go wrong with either. Get the one with the features you like best.

 

[Htown]

From what I've seen, there really isn't a significant difference in MPG between the v6 and v8 on the 4Runners. I get 17-18.5mpg highway on my v6. Lifted, 32", skids, sliders, etc. If I could do it all over again, I would have gotten a V8 sport edition. (I like the hood scoop)

 

[rommelrommel]

Seriously, the gas mileage is not much different. If you like the GX more I would go for it. I found that the well optioned 4runners were pretty similar in price the the GX's.

 

[ukvette]

The 2005 of mine pictured above is the 3.0L common rail D4-d Diesel.
175 bhp, 340 Tq.
Around the town, expect 24 mpg
On a run expect 31 mpg
Top speed 110 mph.

They can be improved with a diesel power box.
bhp is then up to 205, and around 500 Tq.

Very few petrol Land Cruisers in UK or Europe, almost all are diesel for fuel economy.

vette

 

[patrickfinley]

Sadly no Diesels in the US, man that would be awesome to get 31mpg highway!

The 2005 of mine pictured above is the 3.0L common rail D4-d Diesel.
175 bhp, 340 Tq.
Around the town, expect 24 mpg
On a run expect 31 mpg
Top speed 110 mph.

They can be improved with a diesel power box.
bhp is then up to 205, and around 500 Tq.

Very few petrol Land Cruisers in UK or Europe, almost all are diesel for fuel economy.

vette

 

[Itsky]

The chassis is the same on both vehicles but the frame on the Prado/GX is a fully boxed ladder frame with thicker steel plates. The 4Runner is an open ladder frame which is not as rigid. This is the same as with the Hilux and Tacoma frames, the Hilux is the sturdier vehicle in the family. The design mindset behind this is that the overbuilt quality of the Prado and Hilux is overkill for nicely maintained US roads.

You can't go wrong with either. Get the one with the features you like best.

^^^ This is wrong, the frames on 4runners are fully boxed and the same as the GX.

 

[NOLA911]

^^^ This is wrong, the frames on 4runners are fully boxed and the same as the GX.

I was under the impression that it was the same for all 3 too

 

[patrickfinley]

^^^ This is wrong, the frames on 4runners are fully boxed and the same as the GX.

http://www.toyota-global.com/showroom/vehicle_heritage/landcruiser/collection/model_90_2.html

For the older 4Runners pre 2003, I believe it was an open ladder frame as stated in the Land Cruiser heritage site. After 03 it may have changed but I have not been able to confirm. I'd love to be incorrect on this! Doing some digging the 2010 is a fully boxed frame, yah!!

Is someone able to dig up a source that states if the 03-08 4Runners have a fully boxed frame?

 

[patrickfinley]

I can't post the image from work, but there is a diagram on this forum of an 09 Tacoma frame. It's a rough drawing, but you can see that it's boxed up front but an open C Channel for most of it.

http://www.stock-automotive-illustration.com/stock-car-illustrations/sketchy/Toyota-Tacoma-frame.jpg

I

 

[laxaholic]

I love these vehicles and am on the hunt.

Does the hood scoop on the sports cause road noise? Well, wind noise really.