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4th gen regret - overpaid and wanted 5th gen. Keep or sell?

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by Samels, Jul 22, 2022.

  1. Jul 22, 2022 at 12:47 PM
    #1
    Samels

    Samels [OP] New Member

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    Recently moved cross country and needed a larger car to handle my needs, always wanted a 4Runner. Due to time constraints and finding very very few, I got a 07 4th gen limited with 140k, very little rust, for 16k…. I know the market is bad right now and I needed it, but to add insult to injury I realized I like the looks of the 5th gen WAY more not to mention they’re only about 5k more. So not only did I overpay, but I can’t even bite the bullet and be content with it. What should I do? Sell in this market and get a 5th gen? It seems like so much headache not to mention the inevitable loss I’ll take selling my current one.
     
  2. Jul 22, 2022 at 1:06 PM
    #2
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    Its all up to you.

    If you can swallow the financial hit go for it.

    I haven't owned a vehicle for more than 5 year so I know how it feels. I get bored and buy something else.
     
  3. Jul 22, 2022 at 1:31 PM
    #3
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    V8 or V6?
     
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  4. Jul 22, 2022 at 1:53 PM
    #4
    beedee

    beedee Member

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    If v8, keep, if v6, well, flip a coin. :devil:
     
    Tmiesowicz likes this.
  5. Jul 22, 2022 at 2:13 PM
    #5
    Mohoman

    Mohoman New Member

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    Is it a V8, limited, I might be interested. Let me know!
     
  6. Jul 22, 2022 at 2:47 PM
    #6
    hossler1788

    hossler1788 Turtle

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    You'll be driving it, and if your already regretting the 4th gen, get the 5th gen, or better yet get a fj
     
    importman likes this.
  7. Jul 22, 2022 at 3:03 PM
    #7
    4runGirl88

    4runGirl88 Get a little mud on the tires!

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    Life's too short for regrets. Sell and get a 5th gen. It seems like you're already leaning that way in your post. Good luck either way!
     
  8. Jul 22, 2022 at 4:03 PM
    #8
    Pavo

    Pavo New Member

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    Get what you want. You won't take too great a hit selling it but keep in mind you'll pay a lot more for a 5th gen
     
  9. Jul 23, 2022 at 8:08 AM
    #9
    Samels

    Samels [OP] New Member

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    It’s a v6. I know the v8 is exclusive and better towing, but aside from that is there much difference? It feels plenty quick. My issues are solely the looks, it feels so soccer-mom ish then when I look into modding it it seems like it would take a lot more to make the looks even close, whereas I could just get the 5th.
     
  10. Jul 23, 2022 at 8:30 AM
    #10
    Mohoman

    Mohoman New Member

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    It’s more of a personal preference I guess. I’ve had both and I just enjoy the way the v8 drives more. They get the same mpg pretty much but most people argue the timing chain vs the timing belt on the V8. If you can dish out 1-2k for the timing belt every 90-100k probably shouldn’t be driving it then. I’ve heard the soccer mom statement before. I believe the gx470 tops the soccer mom suv though. A lift and a front bump remedy’s both.
    I sold my 08 v8 couple months back and now looking for another with more inflated prices. I’d say you got a regular deal given the market, black book suggests used prices are dropping so if you want the 5th, the longer you hold out the less you may recoup. Regardless of what you choose, best of luck!
     
  11. Jul 23, 2022 at 9:02 AM
    #11
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    My inquiry as to engine was geared toward resale. I know that a lot of buyers would like the V8 because they're getting more and more rare.

    It's your choice to learn to like what you have, or sell and get what you really want. No one can make up your mind for you.

    I have seen some lifted 4th gens that look amazing, and nothing like a soccer-mom-mobile.
     
    SlvrSlug likes this.
  12. Jul 23, 2022 at 9:15 AM
    #12
    Samels

    Samels [OP] New Member

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    this is somewhat what I was hoping for, add “such and such” and it cures it. The attached photo is what really drove the point home, came out from work and this was parked behind me. I’m aware there’s probably a lot more money put into the blue one, but god damn

    72290D0C-A163-4248-829E-5753623C4E63.jpg
     
  13. Jul 23, 2022 at 9:41 AM
    #13
    Accelerator

    Accelerator New Member

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    Man, your truck looks great. My first 4R was an ‘06 4th gen and I loved that vehicle. I’m on my 2nd 5th gen now and I love this one too. That being said, my 4th gen was the one that made me fall in love with 4Runners and the fact that I’m on my 3rd one is testament to that.
     
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  14. Jul 23, 2022 at 9:41 AM
    #14
    4runGirl88

    4runGirl88 Get a little mud on the tires!

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    If that's a Trd Pro parked by you, then it comes looking like that stock. Maybe has a lift. I mean, yes, mods could be on there, but it could just be stock.

    It seems you like the body design of the 5th gen over the 4th. If that's what you want then go for it. Only you can decide :p
     
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  15. Jul 23, 2022 at 10:40 AM
    #15
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

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    Keep in mind that blue one is a Pro that cost about 50k.

    Mechanically, I don't think there's really much difference between a V6 4th and 5th gen.

    I agree with you on the looks, 4th is my least favorite gen. A 2" lift and some 32" tires on nice wheels will transform the look though. If you get a 5th gen, you're still going to want to do that stuff because 5th gens are pretty soccer mom too.
     
    Jackstraw likes this.
  16. Jul 23, 2022 at 12:09 PM
    #16
    4runGirl88

    4runGirl88 Get a little mud on the tires!

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    4th gen= soccer mom
    5th gen= hockey mom

    HUGE difference! ;)
     
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  17. Jul 23, 2022 at 3:28 PM
    #17
    Mohoman

    Mohoman New Member

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    The blue one is a pro unless they went through the hassle of repainting an SR5 or other trim. The rack people sell second hand (more than they should but imo) the wheels are always on fb market place or Craigslist. Also to note, my wife and I play a who’s driving 4Runner game. You’d be surprised how many females drive 5th gens. 4th gens are kind of enthusiast suvs at this point so it’s usually USUALLY a guy. I will say what makes you happy is the most important thing to go off. You got my vote for whatever you decide, ride on brotha!
     
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  18. Jul 23, 2022 at 4:27 PM
    #18
    AuSeeker

    AuSeeker New Member

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    I say do whatever makes you happy....BUT drive a 5th Gen before you commit on selling the 4th gen, some people who have says the 5th Gen has a much more heavier feel, which because the 5th gen is heavier, it also has a bigger turning radius, and some say less responsive or feels like less power, just make sure you decide knowing what you're buying before switching.
     
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  19. Jul 25, 2022 at 6:23 AM
    #19
    iamincrediboy

    iamincrediboy New Member

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  20. Jul 25, 2022 at 8:48 AM
    #20
    DAH_2727

    DAH_2727 New Member

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    If it makes you feel any better, I just paid 17k for a 2005 SR5 4x4 V6. Granted it only has 85k miles, but its still a lot of money for an 18 year old truck. I don't LOVE the look of mine as it sits now either (all stock). But I think with ~5k worth of mods (suspension, wheels/tires, rack etc) it will be a very capable and better looking rig for half the price. I still think id rather be on this end of the spectrum than paying 60k for a new TRD Pro, and that's if you can find one. But that is obviously very subjective and everyone is different.

    Just do what makes you happy! You'll make more money.
     
    Jackstraw likes this.
  21. Jul 25, 2022 at 9:16 AM
    #21
    technikal

    technikal New Member

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    This is true. I own both a 4th gen and a 5th gen - both SR5 4wd versions. The 4th gen might be a little peppier - very small difference - however the turning radius is very noticeable. Every time I switch from 2004 to the 2022 and go to park it, I end up having to back up and do it again because the new one can't make the turn - no idea why they would change that when they didn't change much else on the vehicle.

    A couple of other 'downgrades' moving to the 5th gen:
    - Rear tailgate doesn't have the 'auto close' function so you have to slam it, and it's not as easy to open - especially when reaching over the bike rack
    - 2004 has automatic climate control, 2022 doesn't (both SR5s)
    - 2004 drives smoother - less steering wheel shake

    Key benefits to me of the 5th gen over the 4th:
    - it has 235k less miles and 18 years less wear & tear
    - keyless entry and start
    - adaptive cruise control

    Overall, 95%+ of the experience between the 2 vehicles is the same. Besides looks, no real difference. You're comparing a current top-of-line model to an unmodded older one. Check out how the 4th gen looks with a lift and a few tweaks and see if that's more appealing to you.
     
  22. Jul 25, 2022 at 9:22 AM
    #22
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    If you want to, and can afford to trade in for a 5th gen, do it.

    I bought a Tacoma in March of '17. It was a great truck, but I missed my 4Runner almost immediately. I traded it in, upside down on my 4Runner, and have 0 regrets.
     
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  23. Jul 25, 2022 at 9:31 AM
    #23
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    The turning circle is the same on both, from what I can find online. :notsure:

    I don't have any trouble making U-turns in mine.
     
  24. Jul 25, 2022 at 12:32 PM
    #24
    DallasTRDPro

    DallasTRDPro New Member

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    I'm actually thinking about buying a 4th Gen with 170K and the V8 and selling my 5th Gen. Just don't want a car payment. I will make sure it doesn't look like a soccer mom car.
     
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  25. Jul 25, 2022 at 3:59 PM
    #25
    Altitude4x4

    Altitude4x4 New Member

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    Mine was once that clean, until I started using it. :D

    If it was a V8 I would say keep it, I've always wondered what advantages having a V8 would bring about. 5th gen is an under powered slug, but that's what makes them so endearing. Regretting large purchases such as a car can be damning, follow your gut.
     
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  26. Jul 25, 2022 at 4:06 PM
    #26
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

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    I have one, the 5th gen is definitely a pig.
     
  27. Jul 25, 2022 at 4:07 PM
    #27
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

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    Lol, if sometimes wanting to ghost ride it off a cliff is "endearing".
     
  28. Jul 25, 2022 at 4:11 PM
    #28
    Altitude4x4

    Altitude4x4 New Member

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    That's a tad extreme, regear or buy an SC.
     
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  29. Jul 25, 2022 at 4:14 PM
    #29
    DAH_2727

    DAH_2727 New Member

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    My wife wants to buy a 5th gen for a bajillion dollars right now. Its makin me nauseous thinking about paying 60k for a new one that is underpowered.
     
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  30. Jul 25, 2022 at 4:16 PM
    #30
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

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    So not worth 60k for one. Wait till the next gen comes out, hopefully it won't have a 20 year old drivetrain.

    Either that or just get a new Sequoia.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.

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