4th gen 4 runner

I'm seriously considering upgrading from my current 3rd gen (Build thread) to a 4th gen or a GX470. I have loved my 3rd gen but it is on the small side and definitely a 90's rig.
My criteria,
needs to be light colored, no black, maroon or dark blue. - non negotiable. I hate black and keep making exceptions "for a deal" only to hate it even more when I own it.
Needs to have a V8. Should this be a must? The 05+ runners with V6 have a 5 speed, similar HP and selectable 2wd.
Needs to have minimal rust. -No brainer.
I'd like to stay under 150k miles. The closer to 100 the better.
I'm not really set on any package, SR5, Limited, Sport, should I be? I like leather for easy care and the JBL stereo is nice but some infinity speakers and a decent HU is cheap.
I know in 06 they got projector lights, LED tail lights and round wheel weels but I'm not too concerned about those, condition and miles will outweigh the 06 + upgrades.

I have been on the hunt passively for a few months but am getting more active now. So far everything I find is either the wrong color, rusted chassis or has 175k miles on it.
Almost every V8 runner on KSL right now is from the east coast, WTF? I looked at a nice 05 silver with 80k miles on it yesterday. Minimal rust but it spent it's entire life on long island. Would you guys even consider an East Coast Toyota?
Also, what other search sites does everyone use? KSL is lame and limited but Autotrader online isn't pulling much else.

What say the RME opinuendo?

When I was looking a few years back, I quickly abandoned my 4R search and started looking for a GX470. I am so glad I went GX. When I was looking, the GX's were cheaper, lower miles, and better cared for. Then I drove one, and the space inside is considerably greater than the 4R.

The knock on the GX in stock form is the rear air bags. To remedy, give @cruiseroutfit a call and get an OME setup. Done for around $1k, and you get a mild lift and coils in the rear.

Besides the space, the GX has leather, a V8, and if you can find one without nav, you can upgrade the stereo easily. If I were looking again, I would look for 05+, but I do like my 03. In 05 they went to the VVTI 4.7, so you get a few more ponies, but its a light enough rig, even the 03-04 have plenty of pep.

You are welcome to take mine for a spin if you want to see how one drives on a mild lift and 33's.

Yours is the reason the GX is even on my radar. I have only a found dark blue, black or gold GX's so far. I drove a blue 03 this week that was super nice. Just don't know if I can get over the color.
Its pretty much down to whatever I find in the best shape.

I’d definitely go GX. Lexus owners typically put on less mikes, and keep a better service history.

Here you go the unicorn of the 4th gen 4runners and already slightly built, no V8: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...runner-trail-edition-southern-california.html

Tonkaman said:

I’d definitely go GX. Lexus owners typically put on less mikes, and keep a better service history.

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But all that Grey Poupon caked in around the drink holders, shifter, between the seats and center console.... I dunno.

Tonkaman said:

I’d definitely go GX. Lexus owners typically put on less mikes, and keep a better service history.

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I worry about soccer moms who don't have a clue what is hard on a vehicle though. But generally I agree.

ttora4runner said:

Here you go the unicorn of the 4th gen 4runners and already slightly built, no V8: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...runner-trail-edition-southern-california.html

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But it's a v6 and its $25k. Otherwise its perfect.

The nice thing I found when looking at the GX's, was you can look up the service history on the Lexus Owner website for free. Many I looked at had service done at the dealer, and you had a descent record if they consistently went to the dealer.

I went the GX route myself for many of the reasons stated above but also because they are a little more refined. I also liked the fact that they are not as common. I ended up with an 04 for a pretty decent price here locally. Im collecting parts now. If your on FB check out the GXOR page there are some listed there everynow and then. Also ih8mud has a pretty good section for the 120 series. The website moab_cj5 refered to is https://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/ you can create a login even if you dont own one and use the VIN from ones you are looking at and see the service history if entered including where it was first sold.

I was looking on Cargurus as well and looking at ones all over the country. I was planning on flying out and driving back. I had a few guys on GXOR look at them for me.

You should buy a truck. Because dirtbike.

There is a Wasatch Cruiser member that has a way nice 2012 thats built he just said he was considering selling. Its decked out but its black with 67,5XX miles. I don't know enough about the runners to know about your requirements. Whats keeping you from considering a 100 series cruiser? They all have v8s and have a little more room than a runner or GX.

I have looked at a couple other GX's that I had passed for one reason or another. Reading service history is entertaining. The last one I looked at,
"customer stated vehicle has a harsh vibration above 30mph. Found the vehicle was raised using a jack on the propeller shaft and transmission pan, replaced both parts"
"Customer states ride is harsh. Found vehicle has 22" rims and 40 series tires installed. "

Gravy said:

You should buy a truck. Because dirtbike.

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I have a truck, It was driven under it's own power to my house yesterday. I hope to have possession of it this week.

nnnnnate said:

There is a Wasatch Cruiser member that has a way nice 2012 thats built he just said he was considering selling. Its decked out but its black with 67,5XX miles. I don't know enough about the runners to know about your requirements. Whats keeping you from considering a 100 series cruiser? They all have v8s and have a little more room than a runner or GX.

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That is my life story, clean rig, low miles, great price, BLACK. That's how I ended up with my black 3rd gen. They are just too hot and look dirty all the time. I really haven't considered a 100 series because they are $$ and I don't really need that much room. The GX or a 4th gen is the sweet spot in size for my use which is a daily driver (this is my main family car), mountain bike hauler and light camping/desert exploring rig. I have an LJ for wheelin, a 1 ton diesel for hauling/pulling, this is the everything else car.

I understand the reasons you said you hadn't looked at a 100. I guess I do the same stuff with my 100 (lx470) that you are looking to do with your rig and think its great for those duties. I haven't shopped for a runner or gx so don't know about price but if I was searching I'd include one at least long enough to sit in one and go for a drive if nothing else to rule them out. FWIW I daily my LX and only have 1 kid and like the space.

Good luck with your search.

nnnnnate said:

I understand the reasons you said you hadn't looked at a 100. I guess I do the same stuff with my 100 (lx470) that you are looking to do with your rig and think its great for those duties. I haven't shopped for a runner or gx so don't know about price but if I was searching I'd include one at least long enough to sit in one and go for a drive if nothing else to rule them out. FWIW I daily my LX and only have 1 kid and like the space.

Good luck with your search.

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What kind of mileage do you get in your 100? From what I can tell the V8 4Runners are in the mid teens maybe upper with a freeway mix.

With 33s I get 13-ish.

Looking at Fuelly, 100's are averaging 13-14 while the GX and 4th gens are 15-16. Too bad, there is a sweet pearl LX470 in Lindon for $13k. I might have to go drive it and see.

glockman said:

That is my life story, clean rig, low miles, great price, BLACK. That's how I ended up with my black 3rd gen. They are just too hot and look dirty all the time.

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If you find the right clean rig with low mileage and good history but black why not just get it wrapped in a lighter color? The cost to get it wrapped would well be worth it IMO if you find a low mileage well kept one. Bonus is the wrap will keep the paint nice for when you go to sell it

TRD270 said:

If you find the right clean rig with low mileage and good history but black why not just get it wrapped in a lighter color? The cost to get it wrapped would well be worth it IMO if you find a low mileage well kept one. Bonus is the wrap will keep the paint nice for when you go to sell it

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I actually looked into this when I bought my 3rd gen. The bid I got at the time for a light grey plain wrap with some simple script across the rockers was over $2k. Not sure if I got a bad estimate or if that is the going rate. Seemed ridiculous to me.

Whats your budget? There looks to be some nice 200s/lx570s on ksl too.

Wrap is just as expensive as mid lower paint. I got around 7 quotes for my Ranger for wrap vs paint.