Hey everyone. I joined these forums to get a bit of knowledge on Toyota 4runners (in particular, 3rd generation 4runners).

I currently do not own a 4runner, I currently drive a 2006 6MT TSX which I've tinkered with mildly (coilovers, basic breather mods i.e intake exhaust):



Living in NYC (with its terrible roads) I have realized the urgency to get an SUV. Can't really carry home depot stuff or a family of 5 with a car lowered. lol

Looking at my choices ($5-6k price range), Ive narrowed it down to 99-02 4runners. I like the 99+ updated bumper, they seem reliable as hell, very comfy and look nice. I prefer the limited models for they flared fenders/runing boards.

With that said, what do I need to look out for? Quick google search has led me to find the following:

*rust on chrome bumpers (visually noticeable, don't care, intend to replace or plastidip as an interim)

*rear diff leak and/or rear axle seal. Is this usually a gasket (for the diff), or is a replacement one the case in most cases?

Any other issues?

I test drove a 2000 and 2001 yday and the 4x4 shifter/mechanism was wacky on both. The first one, a 2000, wouldnt shift...the gear seemed stuck (tried it in P, in N). Seller tried as well. I didn't want to jam it; its a 12 year old car, but with the (IMHO) adequate force I gave...it was stuck,

The 2001, which seemed to have a 3 position (HI-N-LO?) w a 4wd button as opposed to the 2000's J shaped layout, was acting all funny. The guy shifted it out and tried going into Reverse and heard all sorts of bad noises (forgive my lack of knowledge, I am used to FWD cars without a rear differential lol)....and eventually could not get it into a 2wd mode he wanted to show. He kept shutting the car off and on and the lights kept blinking on the dash (with the 4 tires lol).

Can anyone give me a quick rundown of how to change/what each means (ill attempt to search as well)?


Any other advice would be appreciated. I am going to see one in CT a little later on, hope it goes through.

Thanks in advance and hope this tedious long post wasn't an eyesore .

I am going through the 3rd gen 4runners buyers guide..well written! Seems to answer most of my questions.

Thats a great buyers guide you wrote up! Coming from purchasing an Acura, where the only option is navi lol, the trims and available options got a bit confusing. However, I am pretty sure on what I am looking at now!

Thanks again, hope to own one soon so I can be posting away

let me know if there is any other questions.

Appreciate the willingness to help; though I think for the most part I got a good idea. When it comes to conciseness, I will definitely have questions.

Well, on a more random note, what would you say the going price would be for a 99 sr5 with the highlander/sport trim with 149k miles. Gorgeous green exterior, Cloth interior, quite mint overall and timing belt was serviced in 2007 at 113k miles.

I am a stickler for being specific, and while I am extremely hell bent on getting a 99-02 limited with leather, this color keyed bumper/color is really nice, it defeats all the rusted chrome ones I am seeing; though it lacks the flared fenders and leather.

Why not trying to buy a west coast car and start fresh without worrying how much rust a vehicle have.I'm sure someone here will help you to check on any car you might be interested in.check the classified on this forum and maybe you spot a clean T4R.

I'd love to but I just picked this baby up...



99 sr5 with the highlander package..

It may not have stuff my Acura has (like nav, heated seats, LEATHER, memory seats, auto dimming mirror, HIDS, bluetooth) but its very durable and so far the drive from South NJ to NYC was very comfortable...

I will definitely mod this car a little (Hid headlights, perhaps fogs, LEDs), it has some minor issues that need to be addressed:

*hvac lights are somewhat out
*car vibrates when braking (rotors)+ when going over 60, during acceleration and coasting (wheel vibration, thankfully not driveshaft issue I believe)
*tires are worn


On the plus side, the car has a builtin auto start, timing belt was done recently, not much rust (just a little bubbling), radiator seems new, transmission shifts smooth, and the 4WD mode engages between 4LO and 4HI seamlessly.

Anyways thanks for the help!

Nice find!

Time for tundra brakes and HIDs or projectors!