3rd Gen vs 5th Gen... Which is the better 4Runner?

[@solidsnake8331]

The new ones are nice but I love my 3rd gen. 261,000 miles and still going 😎

[@Terry-ww9tr]

97 SR5 4runner original owner. Valve cover gasket, passenger's rear side axle seal and an alternator that somehow went bad at 25k is the only repairs i had do during 24 years of ownership. Everything else was just preventing maintenance. Many cars have come and go. The 3rd ..GEM..🤞 is a keeper!

[@UntamedMotors]

Wow that’s incredible. This really is a solid vehicle. 👌🏻 💯

[@motorhead_jt21]

A college buddy of mine owned one of these back in West Virginia circa 2013. Even though I drove a 2007 Acura MDX, I was so jealous of his old 3rd gen. Great truck.

[@UntamedMotors]

Haha they’re timeliness little rigs for sure. 👌🏻 Crazy how popular they’ve gotten in recent years...

[@gabrielmillien7439]

The 3rd Gen looks very nice.

[@UntamedMotors]

Such a timeless design 👌

[@kenshin034]

3rd gen Toyota everything

[@acsupersport7981]

This video is making me want a 3rd Gen 4runner as my first car

[@chrismurphy783]

Had a 2000 4Runner. A great rig. Almost 200,000 miles and not 1 problem. Loved it.

[@UntamedMotors]

That’s awesome man... not many vehicle manufacturers can offer a vehicle with matched reliability. 👌🏻

[@cecilnoriega7276]

Mine has 195k. I just love it.

[@joseperezpaz9986]

Older one had a cool 5spd manual option but the new Runners are just amazing!

[@tuoitreomaha9096]

I can’t stop looking at that 3rd gen. But trust me In 20 years the 5 gen will be fire 🔥

[@UntamedMotors]

Agreed. The 5th gen is setup to be a long-standing icon for the 4Runner series 👌🏻

[@TCinSoCal]

It’s 🔥 now.

[@toyotadude6771]

@@UntamedMotors yeah 5th gen will be like the 3rd gen.

[@acefaaace]

man I miss my '98 limited now.

[@UntamedMotors]

These 3rd gens are becoming hard to come by in nice condition... love how simple they are. 👌🏻 such a timeless design imo.

[@andyking4701]

Love those gold badges

[@UntamedMotors]

Haha same here 👌

[@andyham6094]

Can’t pick which generabtion is my favorite. The 4Runner line has all been amazing in my eyes and always been a fan. There’s really no let down with any generation for it’s time and even today’s standards. The older ones are obviously very slow but that’s how vehicles were back then. The 4th gens look little too tame but when they are modded up with beefier bigger tires and a lift they look absolutely amazing and they have the v8. But then again all the generations look amazing with beefier tires and a lift. I have the 5th gen and just treasure it and wouldn’t trade it for anything so I’d say the 5th gen is my favorite and then the 3rd gen coming in a close second. Old toyotas are literally like fine wine as we see with classic 4runners and land cruisers. Now the fj cruiser has become an instant classic and I believe we will look back at the 5th gen and it will be very very coveted and become very very highly regarded as the best years and years from now and the prices will stay pretty damn high like the fj cruiser. That 4.0 engine in the 5th gen and fj cruiser along with the 5.7 in the tundra/sequoia/land cruiser will both go down as 2 of the best engines ever made.

[@UntamedMotors]

I completely agree... unlike every other vehicle manufacturer, they haven’t had a true “flop” throughout their entire lifecycle... I am totally with you when it comes to the 5th gen going down as the legendary gen... it’s perfect. The 4.0 and bulletproof 5spd transmission will forever be coveted... and most definitely the 5.7L V8 👌🏻

[@toyotadude6771]

3rd gen and the newer 5th gens are the best IMO. I really want a 5th gen, have a lifted '99 and now ready for an upgrade.

[@pauls8748]

Cool video! Reminded me of the black 1990 SR5 4RUNNER I had! It had a manual transmission and I killed the clutch towing a 10’ pop up camper! It was clearly my fault backing the pop up over and over up my driveway! It was the 2nd Toyota I owned! Traded it in for a 97 ‘used’ Land Cruiser that had 1800 miles on it! Thanks for the memories! The 4RUNNER was a great truck for us but the family out grew it! But nothing like the 21 LR Tundra in my garage!

[@UntamedMotors]

Haha that’s awesome man. Glad I could evoke some good ole memories! And yeah it definitely doesn’t compare to the Tundra in any shape or form 😆

[@pearlshark001]

My third gen has 528k kms

[@UntamedMotors]

That’s incredible 👌 💯

[@terrylawrence1893]

3rd Gen!!!

[@J.Young808]

Wish I had gotten a 1996 4Runner instead of my 1996 Accord but that Accord was good to me.

[@veronicaserrato9827]

Hi, I had a 2003 Toyota Honda Accord and I loved it too it came from California to Oklahoma then went back to California and then drove to Texas, and had no issues at all! Loved the thing but my sister ended buying it from me so I sold it then I got a 203 Toyota 4Runner.

[@UntamedMotors]

Hey man both of them are Japanese and both are quite reliable 👌🏻 no shame in the Honda!

[@J.Young808]

Yeah that Accord sever me well. Especially the summer I had a one way hour commute from my girlfriend’s house to University summer school. I don’t think I would’ve gotten 400 miles on 12 gallons in a 4Runner.

[@UntamedMotors]

@@J.Young808 haha not a chance lol that’s awesome dude. Everything happens for a reason and your choice to get the Honda is a part of that. =]

[@Tankerpaul223]

5th gens are too damn expensive to be out performed on the trail by its predecessor from 25 years ago.

[@retribution1056]

👆🏻

[@CaptainFALKEN]

10k for a 2010 4runner, much more reliable than 5k for a leaking, clunky go kart. Be honest. I daily my 3rd gen. It's not that reliable. In fact, they are all liabilities. Always problems that will appear.

[@Tankerpaul223]

@@CaptainFALKEN So you are saying that 5th gens are for people who don't know how to use a wrench? You are an idiot for paying full price on a 5th gen.

[@derekandrews4958]

Liked the 2001 I had but couldn't pull trailers and camper in the mountains. Now have 05 V8 and love it.

[@UntamedMotors]

Nice man 👍 It’d be cool to see the V8 make a comeback in the 4Runner... 👌🏻

[@chrisburger4518]

Recently added a '01 SR5 w/ 142K to join my '13 Limited w/ 126K. Purchased the SR5 for 9.5K, then spent $3K, but it's now 100% and looks and drives great. Very happy with both of them. SR5 needed hail damage fixed, headliner replaced, and the timing belt/pump addressed plus new disks.

[@ferramirez4570]

Give me a 3rd Gen 5 speed manual transmission any day of the week. If you need a rear camera to park you probably shouldn't be driving.

[@79thump8]

I wouldn't turn any rust free, decent mileage, 4WD 4Runner down. I had a low mileage, rust free 01' Limited a few years back before I went the FJ Cruiser direction - and when I listed it on Craigslist it sold the first day. And I had 2 other couples circling the neighborhood just incase the first guy didn't take it. Oh and made almost $2k on the deal.

[@UntamedMotors]

Haha wow that’s awesome. 👏 They’ve always been a well-liked generation... the prices in WA are a bit insane (like many other things)... I’d take it over a 4th gen any day.

[@reecec8490]

I am the second owner of a 2002 black sr5 4Runner. 196K miles, new bf Goodrich KO2’s , tan leather, hands free alpine screen, 2019 4Runner trd off-road rims, 2.5 Toytec Boss coil over lift, tinted windows, weather tech mats, black in color, weather tech window rain covers, sunroof, new timing belt, thermostat, coolant, new radiator, new hoses, new battery, valve cover gaskets, intake plenum replaced, all fluids replaced, automatic tranny, first $17k takes it.

[@switzmoto]

5th gen TRD Off Road Premium is the way to go. Best bang for the buck!

[@AatAdam]

3rd gen 99-02 Because of the center consul face lift with the cup holders low in the center and the digital climate control.

[@veronicaserrato9827]

Hi, I had a Toyota 4Runner 2001 and I loved it no problems what’s so ever it was a great SUV! Love ❤️ Toyota.

[@UntamedMotors]

Awesome! I feel like most toyota drivers -drive one then fall in love with the brand for the rest of their lives. =]

[@briantoro3946]

I like how nobody even considers the 4th gen (the soccer mommer)

[@UntamedMotors]

Lol ikr

[@DonJulio510]

Where did you get that bumper guard looks nice

[@UntamedMotors]

GoRhino - I think they still offer 10% Off with my “Untamed” discount code.

[@seinundzeiten]

Older one looks much more stylish

[@UntamedMotors]

It has aged very well 👌🏻

[@enesex]

3rd gens are the shit! 5 speed and the 3.4. Best combo. Only thing better would be if the 4th Gen 4.7 came with a 5 speed manual! I love my 92 Hilux Surf only has 75k kilometers but wish I had the 3.4 though. What are your plans for this one? Shrockworks and CBI OFF-ROAD are your friends.

[@UntamedMotors]

The 5spd manual with this 3.4 is amazing... agreed! Those V8 4th gens are becoming increasingly popular too... people are all over them here in the PNW. 👌🏻

[@AlexGarcia-ke3qq]

I bought an 02 sr5 and unfortunately had to sell it when i moved bought for $5,800 and sold for $7500 with 240k miles extremely clean. I regretted selling and kept on searching on Craigslist and found an 01 sr5 with 240k for $5000 never selling..

[@rotorwind177]

Nice! I like the look of the 5th gen best. Seeing these old ones makes me think I should keep my 2020 more then just a few years! I tend to trade them in quick (well not as quick as you haha). I have a buddy that has a 2001 that he bought new.

[@UntamedMotors]

Haha yeah I’d have to recommend counseling if you went through them faster than me lol. =] Dang since 2001... that’s wild. Good on him! Best long term vehicle investment ever imo. If I can keep a rig for than 2 years I’ll feel like a champ 😆

[@rotorwind177]

@@UntamedMotors haha yep. I kept my last Tundra 4 years. That was a record haha

[@UntamedMotors]

@@rotorwind177 haha much than me! My record was with my 2012 STI, 3.5 years...

[@swimmer8585]

Both are great in all honesty. But I want a 2013 or so because I want it to last me at least ten years worry free

[@christopherdeguzman1137]

Love your 4Runners. I do favor the 3rd gen more. Well, I’m being biased since I just acquired more.😂. Honestly, I prefer the 3rd gen over the 5 gen. Great suvs!!!

[@Axtec36]

Limited and in mint condition.

[@UntamedMotors]

🔥 😎 💯

[@danny192]

Which models have the rear locker?

[@MonkeySpecs301]

whats your liquid asset to debt ratio?

[@michaelflowers1318]

Alright fellas... lookin at purchasing one of these two! A 2011 sr5 2wd @ 175k mi for 15.5 or a 2000 limited 4wd @ 195k mi for 7.5! (both excellent condition) I can't decide! (would carry 3 kids time to time with two car seats) - any opinions? Part of me wants to go 3rd gen because I personally have always loved the look of them and you know... wouldn't hate saving 8k :)

[@Mijares7]

You neighbor try to be better with a bigger and higher Ford expedition... But Toyota it's Toyota, better in the world, better in all things. Jajaja just joking. Haha

[@UntamedMotors]

Amen to that. Though my neighbor was super cool too… lol

[@rm617]

3rd gen will be classic

[@vipireon864]

I’m going to the stealership tomorrow to see how much they’ll give me for my 21 army green trail. So I can buy a 2000 limited lmao!

[@brandonknight7240]

Id sell my 99 for 7 grand it has zero issues whatsoever and has 231k miles

[@CaptainFALKEN]

I had my 3rd gen 4runner almost 2 years. The 5th gen. The 5th gen is better. Save your money. Buy a 5th gen. Most importantly, don't get hyped up to buy a 3rd gen. My wallet... so empty. Never ending maintenance

[@Hschlick84]

3rd gen looks better in my opinion. Putting it into perspective, 5th generation Rav4 is nearly the same size as the 3rd gen 4runner.

[@Alejandro-wc5qd]

3rd gen FTW! Love both generations but the 3rd gen is just the best because it’s simple, reliable, and capable. My 02 has 225k miles and is still going strong

[@UntamedMotors]

I love how long these old 3.4l v6s run for! They’re phenomenal rigs for sure! 👌🏻

[@stayvigilant7856]

225k for a 4 runner of any gen especially 3 isn't bad toyota I've seen for sale 3 gen and 4 with 300k plus

[@dillonlucas7253]

Love my 3rd gen it has 255,000 miles and going strong

[@hmongtsab]

Love the 3rd gen! Timeless body style.

[@UntamedMotors]

I agree… and judging by current prices, many others do too lol.

[@colingraham9379]

Thats my truck! 97 black limited, except i have chrome badges. Would love to see someone do a comparison video on how they drive. I dream of owning a 5th gen one day, I'm wondering if its as much fun to drive being so much bigger.

[@brucewayne2773]

3rd gen msrp 33k, can now be had for around 7 to 10k in good shape. New ones 50k . It's an easy answer. 2021, 20 years from now 7 to 10k no brainer to buy then. 3rd gen has the timeless design and pretty well built, interior holds up well except the driver's seat( new leather /vinyl matching covers can be had for $100 do it yourself)

[@Asian_Connection]

3rd gen was 25k only

[@Chorizomicks]

3rd Gen. not close

[@UntamedMotors]

It’s the perfect blend of simplicity, modern and reliable. 👌🏻 💯

[@davidespinosa8320]

Between those... the 5th gen.. but without that bull bar...... 🤣 . Sorry... I had to say it

[@UntamedMotors]

Lol 😂 👍

[@noctilucent7396]

3rd gen on the hliux surf platform 5th gen a stablemate of the Land Cruiser Prado. 5th gen wins

[@TCinSoCal]

Have owned both. These are the best Gens. I gotta vote Gen 5 for more room inside.

[@UntamedMotors]

Both are equally bulletproof... but I’m with you. Gen 5 is just sooo nice in and out. 👌🏻

[@bradedwards7890]

Nice comparison. Love your videos!!

[@UntamedMotors]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@noctilucent7396]

Two things I miss from the 3rd are the crotch ac vent and the driver pillar handle

[@UntamedMotors]

Haha those are two great features! 😆

[@ardalanm1652]

I like the new one better but I like the v8 over the new one as well so the 4th Gen v8 is king in my opinion .👍👍

[@UntamedMotors]

That v8 4th gen is money for sure 👌🏻 that’s another rig that’s becoming increasingly more desirable these days.

[@lmbear]

That 3rd gen is a lot nicer than the 5th gen TRD pro... I don't know wth you put on the front of that poor 5th gen..

[@highwiredaysgigdriver9417]

As a single person I would take the smaller rig, they fit any were and have a better turning radius, they are also low geared. But if I'm married have kid, dog ect. The 2021... But I'm still driving an 89!!! No way am I ever trading it in...

[@jackG1207]

When will you do a review of the beautiful collies 😍 😆

[@UntamedMotors]

Haha I’m sure they’d love the extra attention lol. =] they’re spoiled....

[@luxembourgtbonbon7190]

The one that I like is a strate in line wether 4 , 5 in line 4 or 5 cylinders, gear timing , or Timing chaine, it's all about business when it comes to the belt timing , an then it's burden, cross over some miles even in a brand new year's timing belt's one !..

[@samtheman7058]

Beautiful dogs pal enjoy seeing them in the .videos. That old 4 runner would keep me real busy with upgrades I'd start with the interior, do all dash and side panels in black, headliner gray, floor gray diamond plate rubber, .seats black and gray leather.

[@moneyseeker8886]

3rd gen has 5 speed manual transmission. They need to bring that back to the 6th

[@UntamedMotors]

That’d be awesome 👌🏻

[@turnerlouis2004]

It would be best to know

[@turnerlouis2004]

Waiting for the 6th gen

[@CalebCissna]

Between those, with a small amount of mods, 5th Gen all the way. Much better daily, and without major modifications the 5th Gen is better off-road in my opinion.

[@UntamedMotors]

I’m with you. The 3rd has a ton of charm but the 5th gen just feels “right” by comparison. 👌🏻

[@BigBoyz33]

I like both... but wow the 5th gen looks really good imo. And im surprised its the same size as the 3rd gen lol. I thought it was a much bigger SUV

[@pjc4425]

My 96 Limited 4X4 with Rear E-Locker has 210,000,00 miles with no major issues. Its been dependable throughout with regular maintenance. Last year I started doing prevent maintenance upgrading suspension...coil springs , ball joints , rebuilt brake calibers etc & most importantly - transmission filter change. Dropping trans pan , changing that filter definitely improves cold run performance. I highly recommend to all 3gen owners with auto trans.

[@UntamedMotors]

Wow that’s incredible! Glad to hear you’ve had such a positive ownership experience. Thanks for sharing!

[@dbarton8651]

Ultimately I believe the 5th Gen is the best.... although my 98 (3rd Gen) had over 330000 miles on it when I sold it to a buddy, because he was down and out, or I never would have gotten rid of it. literally gave me no problems, ever!!! I have no doubt my 5th Gen will surpass it!! Also had a 4th Gen (08) that was flawless as well👍💪 Love them all, for slightly different reasons in the end. One common theme between 3rd, 4th and 5th Gen...... they are dead reliable!!!!