3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

[ticaz]

Should I Buy

Hello!

New to 4 runner forums.

Looking at a 1999 toyota 4runner with 3.4L v6. It has 125,000 miles (201,000km). It has the manual transmission, and fully equipped (Moon, cruise, power locks, ect).

I am very interested, owner is willing to certify it for $5000. It seems in very good condition, with solid floors and minimal to no rust. There is one golf ball sized hole on the rear of the left rocker panel. It has been undercoated regularly, and still has a thick layer.

My only issues are that the owner has parked it for just over a year due to his buying of a new tundra, and it's been sitting on grass. As I said, it's not too rust from this, however, I am concerned about a motor/transmission/transfer case sitting that long. It also has larger than stock tires (didn't catch the size, but look like 31s) so I am a little worried about the front end wear.

Owner says it burns no oil, and runs very good.

Any opinions/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!!

 

[4-Ripcord]

Change all the fluids and drive on. Sounds decent

 

[ticaz]

Hello,

Thank you 4-Ripcord, I called the owner. Made arrangements, told him I wanted it certified at the Toyota dealership.

He is gonna make arrangements to see what it needs.

Hopefully this all works out... really nervous about this one.

 

[ticaz]

Oooh,

One thing I forgot to mention!!! Owner says speedo is in kmh (located in Canada, so this is good), but odometer is in miles??? I am not sure if this is anything I should be worried about, but makes no sense to me. Sound like a possible tampering/instrument cluster swap?

P.S, I believe this truck has the rear diff lock option added too. yahoo.

 

[brothesda]

lets try this again

Toyota : 4Runner SR5 Toyota : 4Runner SR5 | eBay

The dealership doesnt get very good remarks on google, but hey thats a pretty sweet 3rd gen. Ran a carfax said it had a little ding on the front right side. Its a one owner as well.

The website had a coupon for $500 off, so we're lookin at $9500.

Thoughts?

 

[brothesda]

one more

2000 Toyota 4Runner Limited V6 4x4 $10,900 - C.L. Hyman Auto Wholesale Ashland Virginia 23005

also looking at that one..

 

[4-Ripcord]

Oooh,

One thing I forgot to mention!!! Owner says speedo is in kmh (located in Canada, so this is good), but odometer is in miles??? I am not sure if this is anything I should be worried about, but makes no sense to me. Sound like a possible tampering/instrument cluster swap?

P.S, I believe this truck has the rear diff lock option added too. yahoo.

That's pretty wierd, man. Idk sounds sketchy.

Toyota : 4Runner SR5 Toyota : 4Runner SR5 | eBay

The dealership doesnt get very good remarks on google, but hey thats a pretty sweet 3rd gen. Ran a carfax said it had a little ding on the front right side. Its a one owner as well.

The website had a coupon for $500 off, so we're lookin at $9500.

Thoughts?

Has it had the timing belt/WP done and has the LBJ recall been done?
yes - yeah that's a decent price for the mileage and condition.
no - take another 500-800 off the price.

 

[Kahu]

New to the forum, but have been lurking to this post for awhile now. Proud to say that all of your tips and experience helped me buy my T4R.

Thanks to all that contributed to this post!

 

[4-Ripcord]

Awesome. Looks like you picked a good one too.

 

[brothesda]

Once again

Thoughts?

Toyota : 4Runner 4runner leat Toyota : 4Runner 4runner leat | eBay

 

[snoope]

WOW,

Great eye openers here and I have been Toyota since 1981...

Took your time and gave us GREAT facts,ideas and solutions .....

Read and re-read this thread to ease my idea to trade across for a 2002 4-Runner with my '02 Tacoma..

Thank you...

 

[983RDGEN]

All I can say is thank you Sir. Great write up.

 

[4-Ripcord]

In my constant effort to make this thread easier to read and more informative.. and because I like to make charts..


also added to front page.

 

[SCRunner12]

Well aren't you fancy. Nice job!

 

[4-Ripcord]

Well aren't you fancy. Nice job!

Thanks. I was just bored, lol.

 

[settytb]

Thanks Ripcord...I was an idiot that posted a "hey guys i'm stoopid please help me figure out buying a 4runner..." Then someone gently suggested to check this out and I read all 15 pages now. Amazing job! I have a 4th gen and looking to possibly pick up a 3rd gen to replace a blazer. I have the awd on my 4th gen so I'll pick up something a little older i'm thinking 96-99 for a little cheaper like 5k or less. I'll look around and see if I can find a 5 speed and dream would be an elocker as well. We'll see. Thanks though I now know.

 

[potentialbuyer]

First time buyer needs advice

Hey Ripcord,

Thinking of making my first vehicle purchase and have been seriously considering a 4runner. i've spotted a 1996 with 330k km on it, or 205k miles, they are selling for 1500. Here is the link

1996 Toyota 4Runner SUV - Ottawa Cars For Sale - Kijiji Ottawa Canada.

Says it needs a new muffler and front brakes (any idea what type of $$$ that would be)

Your thread has been great at helping me ask all the right questions and guaging exactly what i'm getting into.

Thanks!

 

[potentialbuyer]

More info

Here is his latest reply to my questions (Also i addressed my initial post to Ripcord, but others are welcome to give their opinions as well):

I have had four years of trouble free driving in this truck.the truck was originally owned by a military person. I replaced the clutch a few years back and have kept up with the minor maintenance my self during my ownership. The truck is drivable but does not stop very well and should not be a problem test driving. The windshield also has a crack in it and the tailgate has some holes in the bottom edge the rockers also need repair. There is nothing on the vehicle that couldn't be repaired by a handy person. The drivetrain is very good and with the four cylinder motor it is quite economical to drive.

 

[BoricuaTL]

looking to pickup a 3rd gen and came across this locally. in negotiations now with the owner. any feedback would be appreciated.

is it a good buy? owner says its always been dealer maintained and he has all records in hand. i am more interested in a 99-00 because it appeals to me more with the diff front end and interior but will consider this if its worth the purchase price. thanx for the help everyone

1997 Toyota 4Runner Toyota : 4Runner Limited Sport Utility 4-Door in Toyota | eBay Motors

One owner since purchase by wife in 1997
Real 4 x 4 vehicle with leather, CD, electric seats, moonroof etc.
Everything works perfectly, solid and very tight, runs like new--except AC could use Freon charge
No dents but has scratches, nicks, and rusting back bumper
Toyota dealer serviced per schedule with all records available--Oil changed every 3,000 miles
Recent upgrades include shocks, exhaust/muffler, battery
Local pickup or buyer arranges for shipping
PayPal payment preferred
Can have your mechanic inspect.

 

[Texshark]

Issue with mods

Great article, but I've got a couple of questions:
First, I reset the efi relay and replaced the intake silencer with a straight pipe and it seems like my gas mileage has significantly decreased. Any particular reason for that? I also removed the efi fuse if that helps (the 15 amp fuse along with the relay)
Second, how did you manage to remove the bolts that secure the air filter housing in the deckplate mod? Mine is pretty snug in there and I've tried everything and can't seem to remove it. Any suggestions for how to remove it?