3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

[4-Ripcord]

Will do thanks for the advice. I'll post an update tomorrow. I was looking over your build and just wanted to say wow that is one pretty 4Runner!

Thanks dude. Good luck with the negotiations.

Here is where im coming from on this, 4 1/2 years ago I paid 13k for mine with 74k miles and it was in super-cherry condition. Best maintenance records I had ever seen. And that was 4 1/2 YEARS AGO.. back when this thing was only 6 years old!


12.5k or walk away.

 

[amax_08]

Thanks dude. Good luck with the negotiations.

Here is where im coming from on this, 4 1/2 years ago I paid 13k for mine with 74k miles and it was in super-cherry condition. Best maintenance records I had ever seen. And that was 4 1/2 YEARS AGO.. back when this thing was only 6 years old!


12.5k or walk away.

I here ya. I think part of the jacked up price is the demand here in combination with the low miles. I've been looking for a couple months now and almost all the '02 4Runners have 150k+ miles and are listed at $10k-11k...just ridiculous. Problem is I'm buying on a loan so I don't think it's quite as enticing to a dealer as cash. I'll try my best though haha not much of a negotiator. Thanks again.

 

[amax_08]

Ended up buying it! Couldn't be happier. Looking forward to getting some awesome ideas from this site!

 

[PATSWIN4]

New to this site, and looking forward to being a 4Runner owner once again. Had a '92 awhile ago, and will be looking for a '99 Highlander Edition in the next 6 months or so. A manual is going to have to be a must, and mileage somewhere between 150k - 200k for about $4,500-6,500...............seem reasonable? Has anyone had any luck with Copart? Thanks

 

[Kraze]

New to this site, and looking forward to being a 4Runner owner once again. Had a '92 awhile ago, and will be looking for a '99 Highlander Edition in the next 6 months or so. A manual is going to have to be a must, and mileage somewhere between 150k - 200k for about $4,500-6,500...............seem reasonable? Has anyone had any luck with Copart? Thanks

I just picked up exactly what you're looking for, back in January, for right around that price range down here in Southern California. I'd say it's reasonable, but will probably take awhile to find.

I don't have any experience with Copart though. I found mine on Craigslist.

 

[PATSWIN4]

Good job on your new 4Runner! I'm in no rush to find what I am looking for, if it's a year or so.....I'm cool with that. Good things come to those who wait.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Hey guys take a look at this craigslist ad, its a great example of a strawberry milkshake that the owner unintentionally told us about. Due to the red flags in went over..

Supercharged '98 Toyota 4Runner

Notice the two points I highlighted..

160,000 miles
Power sun roof
Towing Package
New gas tank
New radiator
New shocks
New plugs and wires
Transmission serviced last fall
Leather power seats
Fog lights
Custom horn
Alpine stereo
Remote start
New exhaust

 

[Jumpkix]

Man, 5G for a Runner? I probably would have been stupid enough to fall for it :doh:

 

[PATSWIN4]

Hey guys take a look at this craigslist ad, its a great example of a strawberry milkshake that the owner unintentionally told us about. Due to the red flags in went over..

Supercharged '98 Toyota 4Runner

Notice the two points I highlighted..

I like the custom horn myself. :thumb3:

 

[Mickyps]

Wow, thank you! I have bookmarked this and will refer to it often.

Cheers!

 

[soulstealer]

I was thinking of going to take a look at this 4runner. Thats until I saw the "Replaced Transmission with a 70k miles used one." I think that is suspicious of a past strawberry milkshake. Should I still take a look and see if it was replaced by a certified toyota tech. Would it still be ok?

1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4

 

[Nelsonmd]

I was thinking of going to take a look at this 4runner. Thats until I saw the "Replaced Transmission with a 70k miles used one." I think that is suspicious of a past strawberry milkshake. Should I still take a look and see if it was replaced by a certified toyota tech. Would it still be ok?

1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4

at $4700 or less with negotiation with (allegedly) no rust in CT, I'd be willing to entertain it if it is in good condition. I see rust in the engine bay though, so take a good look underneath it to make sure he hasn't just painted over a big rust problem.

It may have had a milkshake, but the tranny has been replaced, so the damage is gone (you might look at installing an external tranny cooler though if you buy it). You might inquire who did the replacement, but a decent shop should be able to do that without much problem.

I have been a doomsayer in the past about something like seeing a tranny replacement, but in my older age, I realize that if it is done right, then it is probably fine. It could be done right buy a toyota tech, by a regular mechanic, or by the PO in his driveway. It could also be done wrong by any of them too. I'm not sure there's a way to tell, so just know that that's a risk, but be realistic about how big that risk is.

Ask how long ago the tranny was replaced. If it was 30k ago, then I'm guessing it was done right since it hasn't broken since.

 

[soulstealer]

Sounds good man, thanks. I'll ask if it was done by a certified tech if i see it.

 

[vink]

great write up

Great write up on the 3rd gen T4R.
A lot of excellent info.
I am just starting to shop for one and the info is priceless.
Thanks
Vink

 

[pdx650]

New to this site, and looking forward to being a 4Runner owner once again. Had a '92 awhile ago, and will be looking for a '99 Highlander Edition in the next 6 months or so. A manual is going to have to be a must, and mileage somewhere between 150k - 200k for about $4,500-6,500...............seem reasonable? Has anyone had any luck with Copart? Thanks

Bought my base model '97 4runner with auto trans. for $4,500. It had 163k on the odometer. Has a 2.7 liter 4cyl engine. Not too bad considering the seller Craig-posted it for $5,200. I offered 4,500 and he immediately said sure.Should have started lower. But I got it for a good price anyway.

 

[Bonedale]

Looking for a 99 or 2000 4runner

Hey everyone. My wife an I are looking to buy a 3rd gen 4runner. We have a baby on the way and would like a vehicle to take camping and skiing, etc. I would really like to have the rear locker. Here are some of the ads we have found so far:


2000 4runner (Silver)
191k
$6990
00 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD


2000 4runner (Green)
176k
$7000
2000 Toyota 4Runner

1999 4runner (Red)
170k
$9500
supercharged
99 Toyota 4runner 5sp V6 Diff lock


2000 4runner (White)
142k
$6498
sunroof
2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD, $6,498 - Cars.com


1999 4runner
?
$7499
Sunroof
Center locker
1999 4Runner Limited 4x4 V6


Thoughts?

 

[pdx650]

Living in CO, knowing what elevation you could be at....I'd go with the supercharged 'Runner with the locker, but if you don't care and are able to install an ARB Airlocker, do that instead. And don't forget about ksl.com, too.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Thats the one I would stay away from actually, 170k is a ton for a supercharger to go through. Guarantee it needs a rebuild.
Unless you are willing to rebuild it of course.

The non stock bumper on the last one is sketchy.

 

[Bonedale]

The last one is sketchy. We emailed last night, and the owner said that it had the milkshake. The engine was replaced (I think with a junk engine), but not the trans. I'm guessing I should stay away.

I live a 6,200 feet. I not so worried about speed though, just the ability to get where I need to get. If I am feeling the need for speed, I'll drive my WRX.

 

[Bonedale]

Oh, and 4-ripcord, I forgot to say thanks for writing this. SO helpful. I feel much more confident on what to look than before I read this-