Hey everyone,

I am new to the forum because I am in the market for a 3rd gen (i think) 4Runner. My wife's Grand Cherokee is a ticking time bomb and we are looking for something a little nicer, newer, and more reliable. I browsed the forum but didn't see any sort of buyer guide. Can someone tell me what are the main problem areas I should be looking for when shopping for a 4Runner? I have quite a bit of experience working on cars, so I know most the basic stuff to look for, I was curious if there is anything out of the ordinary I should be looking for when test driving these.

My second question, I tried to read about some of the standard features these come with and I cant quite figure out the 4wd options. I have always hated when a truck is in 4wd all the time and cant be driven in 2wd. Are there models that have the full time 4wd? I definitely would like to avoid that.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

-Tyler

If you post this in the 3rd gen section you will get a lot more info. There are some threads going on right now that are discussing the things to look out for with a 3rd gen. Newbie Looking for 3rd gen weekender
Should I buy '99 with 164k
Here is one about the 4wd options of a 3rd gen. T-case Differences (all years of 3rd gens).. transfer case, AWD, multi-mode

Someone with some time on their hands and a lot of experience with 3rd gens should make a nice buyers guide sticky.

Having links to the t-case, 99+ mid-gen upgrades, 3rd gen lifting and FAQ threads in the buyers' thread.

here is some topics to add that I can think of.

-known issues and red flags to watch for
-regular maintenance items
-excellent reliability of drive train
-how to identify each trim level and/or year
-years and availability of e.locker
-years of 5-speed, which trim levels it was available on
-color availability
-'99 tall springs?
-mid-gen upgrade summary
-t-case differences summary
-emphasize that ALL 4runners are 2wd vehicles until some form of 4wd is engaged.
-'highlander' package information
-sport package information
-limited package information
-which ones have hood scoops?
-Basic starter mods (deckplate, Isr, diff breather, etc..)

Anyone think of anything else?

I would add the strawberry milkshake issue and rust issues. I'm sure there are more, bu you covered most of the general things to look for.

indeed, those and the rear axle seal issue would fall under the known issues and red flags area.

Thanks for the info so far guys. I have been browsing the 3rd gen section and found a few threads that are pretty helpful. The more I look research the better I feel about buying a 4runner.