I currently drive a 2010 tacoma TRD off road prerunner. but my payments are pretty high and im looking at selling it and getting a 4runner.

Ive been told to stay away from the 3.0 (slow) and look for a 3.4
other than that is there any advice yall could give me?

Well the 3rd gen's were made in a 2.7 liter 4cyl and the 3.4 liter V6. Most likely you wont find very many of the 4cyl but yes they are pretty slow. I had one so i account for its slowness. The good thing about the 2.7 liter is its basically indestructible. Very reliable engine but its just not enough to really get the 4runner going. Also don't quote me but i dont think they made a 4cyl 4x4 in the 3rd gen. If they did, well good luck finding one because i have never seen one or even seen one for sale.

Dont be pushed off by high mileage. A 4runner taken care of with 200k on the odo is something that will last your for awhile. I believe the high mileage just means she's broken in.

There is also two minor differences in the 3rd gen 4runner. 96-98 and then the 99-02 have different features including the main one "the fat lip bumper." Its really up to you on which you prefer but other than that the trucks are something that everyone on here is going to speak highly of and they deserve to be.

The only thing to look for is going to be rust. If you buy a truck in the south chances are its going to be rust free and last you, well forever. A truck in the north is going to have some surface rust no doubt but really look to see if anything is deep and invasive to the structure of the truck.

I hope this helps and good luck on your search! (i've been looking for about 5 months now, but i know what i want and im just waiting)

-Chase

thanks for the help, thats pretty much exactly what I was looking for. I think I like the looks of the "limited" or "fat lip" ones better. what about the hood scoop on some, do those have any thing extra in them or is it just a hood scoop? I know on the taco's the hood scoop means its a TRD and has lots of other stuff with it.

the mileage doesnt bother me one bit, the ones ive been seeing have around 150k and I expect I could get about 300k out of them if I treat it right.

Yea well the fat lips are the 99-02 4runner all trim packages. The 96-98 are some what flatter. The shape of the lower front bumper is noticeable. If you look around the forum you begin to pick up on it. And the sport hood is just for looks i believe. I know for certain no other trd parts came on them because toyota never had a trd 3rd gen 4runner. Occasionally you'll find one with the factory super charger (kick ass) but that was an option and had to be added on at the dealer. Also certain 99 4runner's have "tall coils" and tend to sit about 1.5" taller than the others. But im not quite sure which model it is. Someone will chime in with it probably if your interested.

All depends on what you are looking for specifically and how much you plan to use it for wheeling. For example, some years and models came with an electronic locking rear dif which can be highly sought after.

Definitely stay away from the 3.0l.

I've never heard of the 3.0 motor. I think you guys are confusing it with the 2.7 liter. I think the hilux surf came with the 3.0 turbo diesel, but thats a whole nother story.

Yea I plan on doing some light wheeling. the rear locker would be a plus. Ive got it on my taco and love it. Is it the "limited" models that have the rear locker? or where they only availaible on certain years?

here is a 01 and it has a rear and center locker. not to sure what a center locker does
2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4 Auto Sunroof

there is definetly a 3.0, just not on the 3rd gen though.

The 3.slow is the V6 that came in the 1st and 2nd gen 4 Runners. All 3rd gens came with either the 2.7L 4 cyl or the 3.4L V6. The scoop hood came on the Sport Models(99 was called the Highlander package) and is called the Sport hood for that reason. The e-locker was available on the Sport and Limited models as an option. 99-02 the cup holders moved to the center console from the dash. See sticky at top of 3rd gen section titled 99 mid year upgrades.

Also search things to look for when buying. this question comes up at least once a month. Simple run down, leaking rear axle seals, see if timing belt has been replaced condition of radiator if it is an automatic.

Yep. Talking about the 2nd gen 3.0l V6.

Center diff lock is for the Multi mode T-case that has an AWD setting allowing power to be transfered as needed to the front if the rear slips. Lock the center diff and you have traditional 4wd with equal power being sent to the front and rear.

What price range and useage?
Preference for Auto or 5spd?

The rear locker can be found on both SR5 and Limited models. It is more common feature on the limited, but some people had it installed on the SR5's when they purchased the 4runner. I would say 60-70% of all Limiteds have the rear diff lock. The rear diff lock though only went up to 2000, so 01's and 02's will not have that feature. I would say you should look for a 99 or 00 based on your preferences.
Then it all depends on what other features you want. Limiteds only came in Auto, while the SR5's had the option of a 5 speed. The hood scoop in non functional besides looks and only came on the "Highlander" SR5's. The limiteds allow you to shift on the fly and use the 4wd at higher speeds.
Really it all depends on what your wants and needs are from the vehicle. Don't worry about high mileage but look for something around 150k or less. Check when the timing belt was done last and check the rear axle seals when purchasing. Good luck.

The 3.0 is in the 1st and 2nd gens and they suck!

good to know.

im looking at spending under 11,000 and preferably an Auto.
there just arent that many to choose from around my area, even in the dallas area im not finding that many on C list or auto trader. Im not really in a hurry though since I have to sell my truck first but Im keeping my eyes peeled

They did make a 3rd gen 4 cylinder 4x4. At least it was available in '97, as a neighbor has one. I think they must be fairly rare, at least in this area, as it's the only 4 cylinder 3rd gen 4Runner I've seen.

I'd be very skeptical of that ad, the 01 was never available from the factory with a rear locker. It's possible that someone put a Toyota rear locker onto an 01 model but looking at the photo, it looks pristine, and I doubt that someone would spend the money and time to put a Toyota factory locker onto a mall cruiser like that.

Most likely the person posting the ad doesn't know the difference between a rear diff lock and a center diff lock (that's actually pretty common, even here on T4R.org.)

I've got a 98 that's 4cyl, 4x4, has the factory e-locker AND has a manual transmission.

The 2.7 with a manual is a lot more manageable, but is still slow, I've had to down shift from 5th to 3rd to climb hills on the highway.

But the mileage is a heck of a lot better than the V6