Looking to spend 15-20k on a 4x4 with 3rd row

I'm a future 4 runner owner from MS. Looking for some help choosing what to get. We are a family of 6 and I know that's a bit much for a 4 runner, but this will be my day to day commuter and not the primary family hauler (we have a sienna for that). We'll occasionally use the truck for out of state camping trips pulling a small enclosed trailer. Also hunting and fishing. Given all this I'm looking for an option with 4x4 and 3rd row. Looking to spend around 15-20k. What generation should I look at? Lower miles and order model, or newer model with more miles? I don't know much about the various options on previous generations. Thanks for any insight you can provide.

 

I don’t think the 3rd gen (96-02) and 4th Gen (03-09) 4Runners came with 3rd row seats, which is what your budget range is in. If you can go closer to 20k, you could find an older 5th Gen (2010+) that has 3rd row seating.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Not sure which years(Gen.) came with the 3rd row, but you should be able to find something for the money your willing to spend. You might find a 2010+ for 20K, but possibly the mileage could be high. Keep looking, 'every squirrel finds an acorn!' Good luck.

 

You can find a late 4th gen or early 5th gen with 3rd row seats. 4th gen had an optional V8. Look at Lexus GX as well.

 

Welcome from Arizona! Good luck with your search.

 

3rd row seats on the 5th gen 4Runner is good for occasional use but I don't think its a good option for everyday use. When the 3rd row is up there is no cargo space.

I wonder if a Sequoia would be a good option for a family of 6 to go on camping trips. Towing a camper trailer would be easy peasy for the Sequoia.

Here's is my video of the 3rd row seat on my 4Runner Limited if that helps to get an idea. I'm a small guy, 5'5".

https://youtu.be/RnbNDRR9HiQ

 

I think a Sequoia would fit your needs better than a 3 row 4runner. A Lexus GX may work for you as well. I personally think the 1st gen Sequoias look better than the 2nd gens. Either would be great for you.

The biggest thing to consider is your budget. Lower mileage 1st and 2nd gens can be found, easily, for under $20K I think.

 

A seqouia is basically a tundra, with a roof on it. They’re massive, but also have that sweet 5.7 to move it along.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I understand everyone's concern about the very small 3rd row seating. 90% of this truck's usage will be local commuting with just myself. I can't see the justification in going to a sequoia for the 10% or less that I might use it for family camping trips. The trailer I'd pull is small (4x8) and the youngest child is 5 so the small back seat isn't so much of a concern nor the pulling capacity. Our sienna handles the long family trips great. I guess my question relates more to which generation would be a better fit. How is the v8 on the Gen 4's compared to v6? Gas mileage comparison between them? Are there any big benefits to the 5th gen over the 4th? Any thoughts will be appreciated.

 

No first hand experience om 4th Gen v8s. But I guess the v6 would be a better option for long trips when it comes to fuel range. Mine gives 19.3mpg on my last test on a 250ish miles trip. I'm happy to see that with 285s + lift + full skids + sliders,.. So technically the 23gal tank with 19.3mpg average should give me 444miles. I believe the v8 have the same 23 gal fuel tank right?
Since I don't have first hand experience with the 4th gen 4Runner v8s I cannot be certain of the fuel range.



The closest experience I have with the 4.7 V8 is this Tundra SR5 which gave me about 15mpg.

 

Only certain 5th gen 4Runners (SR5 and Limited) will have the 3rd row. Pretty certain all Lexus GXs (the 470 and 460) have 3rd rows. The GX is basically a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado with Lexus bits thrown in/on and the V8. Of course there are many other differences between the 4Runner and a GX, but you can't really go wrong with either choice, considering your planned uses.

Side note, the 4Runner has always been a very popular vehicle with high residual value, making them fairly pricey on the used market. Although GX's are gaining popularity as a viable alternative to 4Runners (especially used), the prices of used GX's make for better value for a used vehicle, in my opinion. I don't know you're location, but I did a nationwide search for GXs, under $20, and found a few examples with less than 100K miles. Just an FYI so you have options.

 

Thanks for the suggestions regarding Sequoia and GX. The sequoia is a bit big for my daily use as a commuter. The GX doesnt seem to have as good of ground clearance and a bit too luxurious for my taste. Also, I hate that barn door rear. Anyone that can offer some experience regarding 4th and 5th Gen comparisons, the v8 vs v6, ect would be greatly appreciated

 

I have a 5th gen now and just sold my v8 4th gen. Honestly think for your needs/budget a 4th gen v8 with 3rd row sounds the best. The v8 option has increased towing and full-time 4wheel.

The 5th gens are nice but, if you have a budget, I would go with a 4th gen. Cheers!

 

Thanks. Can you speak for gas mileage (4th gen v8 vs 5th gen v6)? Are there any other major feature differences besides towing capacity that would make you recommend the 4th gen over the 5th?
Thanks again

 

Truthfully, I prefer the 4th gen. It's smaller (obviously this might dissuade you) but, it more or less feels less of a boat. The MPG might not be very accurate, I had a pedal commander and with the V8 the torque is insane! Having said that, on a long trip, it should be around what a V6 is; within 1-2 MPG. Toyota states 15MPG but, if you're using it for a short mile commute, the V6 might be better. I averaged about 17 on the 4th and I average around 18.7 on the 5th. Marginal, considering the price difference in cost of the vehicle.

I am a Toyota fanboy though, my first one was a 1990 so, I generally prefer mechanical instruments compared to electrical ones thus older > newer.

Hope that helps, I'm a bit all over the place, this cold weather in Texas got me slurring.

 

I'm in the minority on this, but my 5th gen's gas mileage is terrible. I get slightly better (usually) mileage with my 2016 Tundra and 2018 Sequoia, both have 5.7s. Gas price is not a big concern of mine, so it doesn't matter much, but I'd much rather have a V8 if I'm getting the same mileage with a V6. My engine is stock and I've got around the same mileage since buying it new. I see people on here getting 19 + mpg with their 4Runner...I couldn't get that going downhill with my engine off. I hover around 15 - 15.5 average. Keep in mind I live in Arizona where the politicians/bureaucrats worship MTBE and 10% ethanol in our gasoline.

 

In reality, the mpg difference between the V6 and V8 is going to be negligible. The better drivability of the V8 will be worth any mpg penalty.

I have the 5th gen with the V6. I love everything about the vehicle, except the V6. I'd gladly give up a few mpg for V8 power. The V6 is just very sluggish and very frustrating to drive. Honestly it's ruining the vehicle for me, I don't even enjoy driving it most of the time.

I don't know that the 4th gen will be an option for you though, I have never heard of or seen one with a 3rd row. I don't know that the 3rd row was every actually an option on them.

You could always save 10k and pick up a 00-06 Tahoe/Yukon. V8 power, and mpg won't be much off the 4Runner. They all have the 3rd row, and are rated to tow a few K more than the 4R. I'm thinking about one of those for myself actually.