[speeder]

We've owned every generation of 4-runner from first to present in my family and I have a '98. I don't dispute what anyone has said so far but I'll offer my .02. What 4-runners, (and Toyota trucks in general), have going for them over the others is a toughness that goes beyond simply avoiding repairs, IMO. You get the daily satisfaction of owning something that is just better. Again, IMO.

You will pay more for this privilege. You will get some or most of it back in resale or just plain use out of it if you keep it 'till it croaks. (Generally forever). It's like a Stihl chainsaw or a John Deere tractor, (both of which we own), you get what you pay for and life is too short to own crap. That said, it may or may not be the most enjoyable DD for you and the toughness may not ever be used or appreciated. My major complaint w/ new 4-runners is that they have gotten so far away from their original, lightweight/swiss army knife beginnings. The new ones are nice, just a different animal. My '98 is a 4-cylinder/5-speed base model which is my favorite configuration. We've also owned a few "Limited" ones w/ 3 cows worth of leather in them.