I am Looking to buy a 4 runner and have seen a 2003 Sport with 96K that was owned buy an older man in his 90s and am looking at a 2008 with 215K that has more bells and whistles. From my research on the forums the 2003-2004 models have a 4 speed transmission where in 2005 they went with a 5 speed. Is the 5 speed a significant improvement with lower RPMs on the highway and better fuel economy? Is there less frame issues between these years?
Amy other differences that may make sense to choose the 03 with lower mileage VS the 08 with 215K I am all ears. The seller of the 03 recently undercoated the car so I am slightly apprehensive if they were covering-up rust. I intend to crawl under both with high powered flashlight.