What year is best.....2024

[steelynorm]

Just totaled my 2000 with 305k.
Offender ran a red light
I searched and saw and read older threads about "what year..."
Looking for 06-07 but due to premium wondering if it's worth the price of admission?
Plus reliability in 06-07 vs 98-05...in late 2024.

 

[excessive]

opinions will vary wildly. It could be just me, but I feel like i have seen more threads about engine problems with the VVTI engine. I think if you value simplicity , the pre-03 models where the HVAC controls are not integrated into the touchscreen - to me that is the best.

 

[awesomeissquid]

I agree with @excessive. I do wish that my 2000 had the side impact airbags though. I think that limits it to 2002 and 2003 model years but I’m not certain.

 

[suprarx7nut]

06-07 are the "best" years, IMO. Slight increase in maintenance cost with VVTI and the air injection, but that's small $$ in the grand scheme. Better power, sexy tails, sexy OEM wheels.

The integrated HVAC stereo is annoying, but again just a $$ thing. You can convert the HVAC over to a simpler one and do a modern premium stereo if you're so inclined.

Best value is a different bag of worms, but just plain "best"? 06-07. Costing more doesn't affect "best".

 

[rexington14]

03 - 05 is the sweet spot for value and gets the 5 speed transmission which IMO is the biggest upgrade throughout the 100 series run especially if it's a highway cruiser. off road trail warrior then not so much

 

[GTV]

03 - 05 is the sweet spot for value and gets the 5 speed transmission which IMO is the biggest upgrade throughout the 100 series run especially if it's a highway cruiser. off road trail warrior then not so much

This. Also an LX gets you a lot more for your money than an LC.

The 5 speed has a lower first gear as well making it better off road.

 

[Couvi]

Well, the 2004 of course!

 

[MongooseGA]

03-05. To me, the VVT-i is as much a liability as it is any useful power benefit, so that's a wash. @suprarx7nut mentioned the airbags galore in them, but I'm curious if there are any additional airbags in an 06-07 vs 03-05. My 05 has side curtain airbags that my 99, 00, and 01 did not. Did they put in more for the final 2 years?

Beyond that, all 03+ got ATRAC, the good front diff, and the 5 speed. The 5 speed, in my opinion, is more of a perk than earlier models' optional OEM rear locker, as I'd argue that ATRAC is more capable than a rear locker alone. Since all of the 5-speed trucks came with ATRAC, 5-speed > oem rear locker.


That said, all things the same (including price), I'd look at anything 03 or later.

 

[suprarx7nut]

03-05. To me, the VVT-i is as much a liability as it is any useful power benefit, so that's a wash. @suprarx7nut mentioned the airbags galore in them, but I'm curious if there are any additional airbags in an 06-07 vs 03-05. My 05 has side curtain airbags that my 99, 00, and 01 did not. Did they put in more for the final 2 years?

Beyond that, all 03+ got ATRAC, the good front diff, and the 5 speed. The 5 speed, in my opinion, is more of a perk than earlier models' optional OEM rear locker, as I'd argue that ATRAC is more capable than a rear locker alone. Since all of the 5-speed trucks came with ATRAC, 5-speed > oem rear locker.


That said, all things the same (including price), I'd look at anything 03 or later.

Ah! You're right on the airbags! No additions for 06-07 so strike that from my pro list specific to the 06+.

 

[OEMGUY0720]

Dealerships ask for ridiculous $$$ for 06/07s these days. I hope you find one from a private party (motivated seller) which you have better odds of negotiating to a more reasonable amount. Just stay away from rusted ones.

 

[HokieCruiser]

Glad you're OK, sorry about the total loss. I might be listing my 05 LX for sale here in the near future. Not sure where you're located. I'm in VA, near Quantico.

 

[steelynorm]

Glad you're OK, sorry about the total loss. I might be listing my 05 LX for sale here in the near future. Not sure where you're located. I'm in VA, near Quantico.

I get around.... currently in Houston but have family in socal and norcal

 

[trdcorolla]

When I bought my 2001 LX (Non-nav) in 2017 and started baselining it, I told myself, the only 100 series I would buy to replace it would be a 2003-Hawaii/Puerto Rico model 5 speed/Non-nav. Coming from a 4th Gen V8 4Runner, I missed that 5th gear in my LX.

 

[riffman12]

I've owned a 2000, a 2003, and just bought a 2006. For someone like me who frequently drives up the mountains, the 40hp bump has been a game changer. Too early for me to say how annoying the air injection stuff is going to be, but the engine is butter smooth, and I do think it looks the best with the one piece front lights and LED tails.

Just do what I did and find a 2006 with no nav

 

[Ninjahotpocket]

When I bought my 2001 LX (Non-nav) in 2017 and started baselining it, I told myself, the only 100 series I would buy to replace it would be a 2003-Hawaii/Puerto Rico model 5 speed/Non-nav. Coming from a 4th Gen V8 4Runner, I missed that 5th gear in my LX.

Literally had no idea this was a thing. Thats exactly what I own as well lol!

 

[Rhetoric]

When I was vaguely in the market, a 2007 fell into my lap for a good price. I have zero regrets owning this truck with the VVTi 2UZ. I come from the world of TDIs where timing belt system failures would end in catastrophic engine damage. But in that world, the failures would happen before the recommended change intervals.

The fear-mongering of all the failure points of the VVTi motors is similar to the fear-mongering around AHC, which a lot of us know now to be silly. Once you understand the ins and outs of the engine and what's required, just maintain it and move on. I can replace the entire SAI system for far less than the cost of buying a 200-series. And doing the cam seals is just a lot of steps and following instructions.

These trucks are all getting old now, so having some knowledge around the maintenance routines is key unless you have deep pockets to pay someone for that work. My pockets are skinny jeans tight and I enjoy the wrenching aspect when time allows.

The most important thing to stay away from is: Rust. Get any year you want, but if you go the rusty route expect to be dealing with more nonsense.

 

[77pantera]

When I was looking for one early this year, 03+ was my only requirement.
After that, the best example I could find in my price range was next.

Honestly, I see clean 06/07 entering that market now.

 

[DuckLN]

fwiw - i prefer the 2000 over the 2006 and i’ve put over a hundred thousand on both.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

03-05. To me, the VVT-i is as much a liability as it is any useful power benefit, so that's a wash. @suprarx7nut mentioned the airbags galore in them, but I'm curious if there are any additional airbags in an 06-07 vs 03-05. My 05 has side curtain airbags that my 99, 00, and 01 did not. Did they put in more for the final 2 years?

Beyond that, all 03+ got ATRAC, the good front diff, and the 5 speed. The 5 speed, in my opinion, is more of a perk than earlier models' optional OEM rear locker, as I'd argue that ATRAC is more capable than a rear locker alone. Since all of the 5-speed trucks came with ATRAC, 5-speed > oem rear locker.


That said, all things the same (including price), I'd look at anything 03 or later.

Slight correction, 2000+ got the 4 pinion front diff and ATRAC and 4 channel ABS and improved brakes over 98/99. 2003+ got the 5 speed transmission and side airbags.

 

[MongooseGA]

Slight correction, 2000+ got the 4 pinion front diff and ATRAC and 4 channel ABS and improved brakes over 98/99. 2003+ got the 5 speed transmission and side airbags.

You are correct, I should have broken it down more. I just lumped the 4 pinion diff in as an addition to the 5 speed on later trucks.