Sold my 97 last, now wanting to get another 3rd gen. What years are the "perfered Years" to look at ? and why ? I know the 96-98 had some headgasket problems... Thanks in advance!! Kurt

The 2nd gen had headgasket issues. I believe some 96 and early 97 models did as well (though recalled by Toyota).

I believe that 99s are the "best" of the 3rd gens because they have taller coils. Limited's also have the rear e-locker, which is highly sought after. Other than a 96 model, I don't think you could go wrong.

Hi buddy. I chose a 99 when looking because it had the highest ride height from factory, nicest interior, rear lock, and no electronic fusses to get in the way of driver fun.

Cheers and best of luck.

I would only buy a 99-00 for a multitude of reasons, but the main one being that those are the years that came with the "good" multimode transfer case. I like having it for winter driving and not having to worry about taking it out of 4wd when the roads start to get dry.

Of course the multimode only came it limiteds of that year range unfortunately.

The 96-97 head gasket recall was minuscule. Only very certain 96-97's were recalled. It happened very early on so the issue was resolved quickly.

The 1999 is nothing to specifically search for. Those "super tall" 1999 coils that everybody worships are sagged at this point if they have 100k+ on them which the majority you find will. Most people toss them for OME coils anyway. 99+ also gives you some fancy cup holders if you like to go to drive-through's often (I never eat/drink in the car but you may) and you will find the hood scoop that doesn't do anything on the 99-00 Highlander's and 01-02 Sport's.

The really important details are this:
2000 was the last year for manual transmission and/or rear locker.
You can have the multimode transfer case WITH rear locker in 99-00 Limited's.
ALL 01-02's give you that same multimode transfer case but you have to deal with that crappy VSC system that I would disable.

Otherwise, you can find the 3.4 V6 in all model years with a 4-speed automatic.

I don't think this chap is quoting me as saying super tall, as I did not..but just thought I should add that I agree they can sag at this age...but I don't know if it is as bad as he makes it out, mine is well over 100k and does not sag.


99 was a good choice...I don't care if you eat fast food or not, which I don't, but cup holders are just handy to put shit in from time to time.

Rr locker with multimode, cup holders, tall coils from factory IF THEY are in good shape..

Was a good year. I should have said in my original post so that those butt hurt would not get offended that I would not hesitate to buy any 3rd gen that was well looked after,,,,I think anyone here can agree on that

I personally like the 96-98s better. Doesn't have the fat lip bumper, the HVAC system is manual, so you don't have to worry about the electrical system acting up in it.
I put the 99+ cup holder in my wife's for $40. Plus the E-locker was available on SR5 and Limited Trims, so they may be more common.
Other than those things, they're all close to the same...I'd look for one in good condition, up to date on maintenance, and that you like rather than specific years.

This is the traction control right?
How do I disable it?

not all limiteds had Elockers, and yeah the "tall" coils are no longer tall, they have sagged, and not all 99s had them, typically it was only the "highlander" 4runners that had them -painted to match bumpers f/r, and hood scoops.

the "holy grail" of 3rd gens are considered to be the 99-00 highlanders with 5spds and Elockers.

as far as years to avoid, i dont think there is one... i personally would stay away from the 01-02 runners as they have too many electrical controls...

I agree with millerad, find one with good maintenance that you like. Most of the things that are advantages of the different years can be put on any 3rd gen.

I was not targeting you at all. It's all good. I just noticed from reading on various forums for years that people talk about how those 99' coils are a major selling point when most end up lifting anyway. I'm not saying that everyone lifts their 4Runner's, but you are still dealing with the performance of near 15 y/o springs. The 96-98's also have a square space to put stuff in the center console area. The main trade-off between the console variations is that you lose switch blank locations. Either console is easy to convert to however.

Agreed, the tall coils are a moot point if you intend to lift. Even if you don't at the time of purchase....good luck, after finding this forum..

If you do not intend to lift, it may hold you over, but who knows how long with 15 year old springs...good point!

Yeah. In hindsight who gives a f about the console..easy to convert as you said.


Like I said op, depends on what features you want and I don't think you should hesitate if you find a well taken care of 3rd gen regardless of year!

I would avoid buying ANY 4Runner.

I would be so rich if I wasn't addicted to modding it and love driving it despite the bad mpgs.

No, they (ABS/Traction/VSC) all work in tandem but they are different. The Vehicle Stability Control tries to keep the truck straight and not slide around through use of the brakes, where as ABS keeps the tires from locking up, and Traction Control applies the brakes to attempt to prevent wheel spin when on the gas and divert power to tires with traction.

When you lock the center differential (orange light in dash becomes solid) it will say VSC Off and you will be able to slide the truck around, albeit you will be in 4WD..

If you look up the AndyMod it's a Traction Control/VSC disable mod, and I think you can tie in ABS disable as well.

A lot of pride of ownership going on in here.

To the OP, what are your wants/requirements in your next 3rd gen? Do you really need four wheel drive and or the elocker? Do you need an automatic trans? Do you need the additional power of the V6?