We had a 2001 Sport 4-Runner, V-6 with 156K miles on it and we sold it after someone rear ended it, it never was quite the same after that. I think we averaged like 21 MPG. We then bought new a 2011 4-Runner, V-6 and its a different animal. More power but it feels like a tank when compared to the 2001. Its my wife's daily driver and she gets 18.7 MPG with it. They do make great hunting rigs though. It is a reliable vehicle but I am biased as I have only owned Toyota's.

I'm looking at '99 Limited 4x4. It has 200k on it, but has all service records from when new and looks to be in good shape. A buddy that works at a Lexus dealership snagged it for a song (all it needed was a new valve cover, timing chain and new tires)and is looking for a quick resale. With all the work finished I should be able to get it for $6k.

The smaller 4runners like pre 02 or 03 are great vehicles. I only have Nissan pathfinders as they are not as pricey, but unfortunately they are more difficult to get parts for and they are a bit low slung.

Love Toyota and the old 4runners. Just wish the new vehicles weren't so cheesey wrap around plastic bumpers.

We've got the 03 with v8. That is one hot rig, I won't be selling it. Wish it was 5 speed manual.

I've got a 97 with 270,000 miles on it. I replaced the engine with a near new (50,000 miles) JDM engine for $2,000 installed. I had a headgasket leak I didn't take care of and it was cheaper to replace the engine than to fix the headgasket issues. Other than that, I've done nothing to it but replace the battery in 10 years. I still get 18+ mpg with 32" tires.

I ended up buying a 03 Crewcab Taco and am liking it so far.

I have an 06 4Runner. V6. gets about 21 on the hiway. I just bought it in August and it only has 57,000 miles on it. I put a level lift kit in it. Absolutely love it.

Brant

My wife just drove her new 2013 Limited home today. She's been in a Sienna for 8 years so it was time...

Hard to go wrong with either the 3rd or 4th gen. I have used a 4th gen (02 to 09) and they are quite capable off road and in mud and snow. I would go with the 6 cylinder for the conventional transfer case (not AWD), better fuel economy. They are plenty quick with the 4.0 liter. It's a great engine.

That Limited sure is nice - and with 20" wheels I'm already figuring on making it my hunting rig in about 6 or 7 years...