Hi all,

I'm looking for some buying advice for a Toyota made high clearance 4x4 that I'm going to use for ski commuting (I'm a ski pro) and for summer camping.
Why Toyota? Cause I have a 97' Camry, an '04 Volvo, and an '09 Subaru. Out of all 3 Toyota is the best reliability wise and I do not want to buy another restore or performance project car.

I'm looking at GX, 4runner 4th gen, or Tacoma. Budget is around 15k, max 26k if it is a rare find (low mileage or exceptional conditions). Lower range for 4Runner of course.

Some questions that I have:
1. Between GX gen 1 and gen 2 which one is a better buy given the budget?
2. How do you like the tailgate opening on the GX versus the regular way of the 4runner? I like the regular because it serves as rain/snow cover in the parking lot when getting ski boots on.
3. Is the gen1 235hp enough? My wagons are Outback 6H 260hp - daughter's car, and Volvo 5cyl turbo 400hp - current ski commuting car.
4. If you have experience with more than one of the cars in my list what is your experience comparing them?

Any advice is welcomed.
Thanks a lot!

 

Later Gen 1 has ~275 hp

 

Thanks for that tip! I'll look it up. Haven't seen any available around here though. I'll keep looking.

 

This is what I found:
2004 235 @ 4800, 320 @ 3400
2005 270 @ 5400, 323 @ 3400
2006-2009 263 @ 5400, 323 @ 3400

Curious why only 2005 had 270 and then it went down to 263?

 

Do gen 1 came with HID headlights?

 

No HIDs on the 1st gen. But there are people who retrofit them.
Note that GXs with variable valve timing (gen 1.5 and later) need premium fuel.

The 2UZ-FE engine in the GX is a torque motor not a horsepower motor. So while the HP numbers are nice, they're so far up in the revs that you will seldom see them.

I would love it if the GX had the 2-piece liftgate like the LX has. But the side-opener hasn't really been a problem - just be quick when opening it in the rain.

I test-drove a couple of 4Runners before going with the GX. The GX was slightly wider, has more creature comforts, and a more refined interior.

Chip H.

 

What years is gen 1.5?

 

I think the method of HP calculations changed, not the engine…

 

Your budget can get you into a 2010 or later premium 4 Runner with 100,000 on it. That's probably gonna be hard to beat for dependability and value. GX460's are higher and 470's will need more upkeep being older and needing timing kits done. So if you want a 470 that needs a kit done get a price the reflects that!

 

Gen 1.5 is when they added VVTi, but before the GX460 came out. So 2005 onwards for a 470.

Chip H.

 

I'm going to do some test drives today to see how they feel and narrow the choices.
Looks like a 4Runner 2014- or a GX460 are a better buy. It also looks like due COVID the 4Runner prices have exploded on the West coast for both new and used.
I'll also do a test drive for a Tacoma quad cab to see if I actually like the rear seats - my main concern with that truck.

 

Good luck!
I was checking the prices of 10+ year old 5.7 liter Sequoia's. Still a bit high but a solid option as well.

 

Thank you!
Sorry, Sequoia is just not my taste. If I'd go to that size I'll definitely get a 2010+ Land Cruiser. But it is a little too big, I think. The Land Cruiser always have had a sweet spot in my heart but I never owned one afraid of the MPG.

I did a test drive today and I'll post back later to share experience and clarify some things.

 

I have a gen 4 T4R, a gen 5 T4R and a gen 1 470. Love them all, they are all super reliable (my son’s T4R has 442k and still runs like a top). I would not shy away from a well maintained 4th gen T4R. You should be able to find a good one, but be patient on the hunt, the good ones are out there.

 

I had an 04' for the past year and unfortunately the truck was totaled in an accident. Picked up an 05 recently and I can say without a doubt that the power difference is considerable.