3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

[4-Ripcord]

Yes! I'm gonna go check it out tomorrow. Whats up with the whole millennium thing?!

Ive been watching that one. He was originally asking 14k.

Also, where he says it has a limited slip. He probably meant to say center diff, we dont have LSDs. Any maintenance records? That thing is due for a few things, like timing belt.

As far as millennium package. I have never heard of one. Google search netted me next to nothing. Could have been a package the dealer itself offered, but its nothing that toyota offered.

 

[timharty]

Ive been watching that one. He was originally asking 14k.

Also, where he says it has a limited slip. He probably meant to say center diff, we dont have LSDs. Any maintenance records? That thing is due for a few things, like timing belt.

As far as millennium package. I have never heard of one. Google search netted me next to nothing. Could have been a package the dealer itself offered, but its nothing that toyota offered.

Cool thanks for the info. I'll ask him about it tomorrow. Yes he was originally asking 14k and he said he's still willing to bring it closer to kbb price. Just curious what do you think is a good price for it if it's a solid car?

 

[TheToy]

Fantastic thread. Great help for sellers too. I really could have used this thread last summer. I have a better idea on info to post in my ad.

One thing - if it helps - in Canada apparently Carfax is not as reliable as a Canadian company used vehicle report called Carproof. So for any fellow canucks, get that report. Link to site is here - https://www.carproof.com/home.aspx I'll get one for my truck after I get it serviced next month as the reports are only good for 30 days. I guess you could get Carfax too but CBC did an investigation and found Carfax not great in Canada. Not sure who to believe but in any case, FYI.

Dealer service/maintenance history in Canada isn't available at Toyota.com I don't think. In Canada I have ClubToyota.ca which has vehicle maintenance history however they are missing the first 5 years of service records! Not cool & not full on reliable. Link for that is here - https://clubtoyota.toyota.ca/ I don't know if the general public can search but registered owners in Canada can use it.

 

[wildcatt]

Thanks for the post!

I will be picking up my 98 4runner limited next weekend.

Been pouring over the posts trying to find info and specs in anticipation of picking it up.
I'm downsizing from a 5.4 lt - 01 F150 Supercrew for the better milage, and looking forward to different experience. Everybody I've talked to, that has one, is gaga over them.

I've loved the look of the 4runner since the truck versions, and especially like the 2nd and 3rd gen. I could have gone for a 4th gen as the money was there, but really liked the 3rd gen. So that's what I got
Can't wait to start doing some of the mods.

This thread is "the bomb" for newbies like myself

Like BrandonF said. They are pretty hard to find around my parts (Peterborough Ontario) and go for a high dollar. I contacted the seller, looked at, and committed to mine the first day it was on Kijjiji

The seller had 3 other people interested at that point.

Keep up the good work

Cheers

 

[Jbird123]

Great summary

New to the forum, great to read through this. While after the fact for me and my 16yr old daughter (a co-purchase), seems like we got lucky and no red flag issues for our 96 LTD. Lots of miles but feels like a horse, could not be happier with it! Still learning the quirks, love the fact that each of these rigs has a personality.

 

[4-Ripcord]

welcome to all of the new guys!

 

[rrcool]

So I just finished reworking the thread a decent amount.

Added a new owners section, pretty much to point out all of the recommended steps in a tune up.. since that seems to come up a lot too.

Anything else you guys think I should add to that new area?

WOW :nicethread:!! Wish I had read all those links LAST weekend. Just got a 98 T4R SR5 "given" to me 3 weeks ago (191,000km owned by my buddy's wife since 22,000km) I let my wife drive it for a week or so and after the first day she HATED the cupholders!! I found a 2000 T4R being parted out and grabbed the console and roof rack for $70. I left the bumper (slightly damaged) and wheels (31-10.5R15 on stock black rims, mine has 16").
But (and my reason for posting) I never thought of grabbing the parts for the air intake mod (until now) and who knows what else I missed out on (it's crushed now :moping Is there a "list" anywhere or could someone compile one of parts us noob's should grab for upgrades when given the chance? I can only read and do so much at a time and don't want to miss out on my next opportunity.
Once again ... GREAT THREAD and SITE!!

 

[pdx650]

Sorry to hear of a great 'parts' vehicle being crushed. That's never good

 

[4-Ripcord]

Mods,

Please remove the Viglink ads from this thread. You are destroying the usefulness of this thread.

Take a look at the first post.. nothing but ads and the occasional link I actually put there. All of the amazingly useful links I have put in my posts are hidden among the sea of ads you have made from my words.

Words such as but not limited to.. radiator, air filter, OEM toyota , 4runner , sport editon , SR5 4x4 , 5W-30 , and pretty much every single part number you can think of. Such as 90915-YZZD1
Check the first page, they are ALL OVER THE PLACE! mainly the first and last posts in the guide.



You are hurting every new member that joins this site by making it harder and more tedious to gain the knowledge they came seeking.


More info for those who are unaware: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/softw.../105753-sudden-influx-post-links-viglink.html

 

[JasetheDamager]

Hey 4-Ripcord, I just want to say thanks for your awesome and thorough contributions to the forums. I'm a new member who finally bought a 97 SR5 4x4 and a friend recommended this site to me. It's the best advice I've ever been given. I have a complete build plan, for the most part (the mods will never end I'm sure), and I have so many contributors to thank. So keep up the great work and congrats on a great rig!

 

[JWaldz]

you forgot the ever so popular - tires

 

[4-Ripcord]

Hey 4-Ripcord, I just want to say thanks for your awesome and thorough contributions to the forums. I'm a new member who finally bought a 97 SR5 4x4 and a friend recommended this site to me. It's the best advice I've ever been given. I have a complete build plan, for the most part (the mods will never end I'm sure), and I have so many contributors to thank. So keep up the great work and congrats on a great rig!

That was a well worded post, thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

you forgot the ever so popular - tires

I have begun replacing all of my i's with !'s. Such as t!res and rad!ator.. Stupid ads

 

[awdjunkies]

That was a well worded post, thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!



I have begun replacing all of my i's with !'s. Such as t!res and rad!ator.. Stupid ads

:crybaby: I was just getting ready to ask if they had done anything about the VigLink ads. I guess you found a solution though. Crappy you had to, but at least it guarantee's it's efficiency.

 

[pdx650]

:crybaby: I was just getting ready to ask if they had done anything about the VigLink ads. I guess you found a solution though. Crappy you had to, but at least it guarantee's it's efficiency.

Awesome avatar!!

 

[BrandonF]

I realize this topic has been beat to death, but...

I have a 97 5 spd v6 4x4 and I am averaging 12-14 mpg. 14 mpg is when I drive like a grandma, accelerating slowly, and coasting in neutral whenever possible. So far, I have changed the air filter, upstream O2 sensor, cleaned the maf and throttle body, rebuilt my parking brake bell cranks (one of them was seized in the on position and causing drag), checked the tire pressure and did the deckplate mod. After all of this, I have seen absolutely no increase in my mpg.

I plan to do the seafoam treatment and change the oil, plugs, wires, pcv valve, fuel filter and oil filter next. I am worried, however, that the seafoam could screw up my brand new O2 sensor? Any other suggestions?

 

[Millerad1651]

Check your exhaust. Another member was having the same problem, and found that his muffler had a leak in it.
The plan of seafoaming and changing plugs and wires and the rest of those items should help. As for damaging the O2 sensor, I've heard arguments that it does and doesn't...skip the seafoam part but do the rest and see what happens.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Also, dont coast in neutral, idles higher than coasting idle.

 

[BrandonF]

Thanks for the suggestions.
I will check my exhaust for leaks. It has an odd smell to it to be honest. I can't explain what it is.

Today, I swapped my old O2 sensor back in in preparation for seafoaming, just to be extra cautious.

I have a manual transmission, so coasting with the clutch in revs lower than keeping it engaged.

Anyone know what brand the OEM fuel filter is? Or, what is a good fuel filter to go with?

 

[zgensler31]

hey guys. so im not a new memebr but im a mmeber who unfortunately is looking for a new t4r. see...http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/114102-someone-just-hit-my-rig.html

so what do you think?

**** Toyota 4runner Limited 4x4 W/ low miles****

 

[Millerad1651]

Ya, like I said in your other thread, I'd go for this one ina heartbeat. Offer $4800, and he'll probably take $5...although I'd probably still pay $5300. Its got a good history and upkeep, no rust, and all the options.