3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide
- Thread starter 4-Ripcord
- Start date
I agree, well said. I have been looking for about two years for a 99-02 Limited E-locker in decent shape with low miles. Ebay, Craigs List, Auto Trader, everywhere. It can get really frustrating, but these are "common" as in not the rarest vehicles so chances are patience will still yield a nice find.
I lucked out- found one out of nowhere on Monday- a one owner 00' limited w/elocker, 115k miles and priced fair- 8500 (which I thought was decent). Not a scratch on it, full service records. I pick it up tonight- so happy....will post pics. Used this guide to "guide" me and learn in the meantime. Really like Ripcord's ride, the stance and so fourth so will build slowly...
Ok, here's the deal: My wife and I drove an Exterra yesterday. We didn't like it all that much, but are going to be looking at a pathfinder tomorrow. We are also going to look at a 4runner. I am starting to get discuarged about find the right one (with an e-locker, etc), and I am thinking it would be easier to just get an exterra, pathfinder, or a 4runner with no locker. Here is the link to the 4runner:
1999 4runner (white)
177k
$7995
1999 Used Toyota 4Runner SR5 at Central Autos Serving Castle Rock, CO, IID 9922070
1999 4runner (white)
177k
$7995
1999 Used Toyota 4Runner SR5 at Central Autos Serving Castle Rock, CO, IID 9922070
TBuzz
New member
Bought a 2000 SR5 "sport edition?"
A year ago I bought a lightly modded 2003 tundra that sparked my Toyota interest. It's my dd and I have enjoyed making it less off a mall toy. I quickly learned more about toyotas and started wanting a 4runner. Was able to start looking 2weeks ago and bam found one that left plenty o money to spare. Opened by a retired couple for 11.5 years of its life. Pampered as a single vehicle in a 2 car garage all those years. Maintained as per the manufacturers recommendations at the dealer. Presented with a 2-3" thick binder of records, and delivered 1hr from owners location for me.
Ok here the details on the truck as I know from some pics and my uninterested father in law's details. He is a hot rod buff and very picky so I take his word for it when he said " damn how did you find such a clean truck over the internet?". All though I had all ready agreed to buy it and just needed him to secure it physically.
It has 131,000 miles. Cloth interior, hood scoop, 5 star wheels, four wheel drive button on the shifter(and a button to the left of the steering column, god i hope its DDRL), sunroof, color matching bumpers and runs like a top. From the interior pics I saw it appears the buttons had orange print and not the white image. The PO called it a "Sports Edition". From my research that was only offered in 2001. So I'm not sure but can't wait to see. 15 hr countdown begins.
I'm about to drive it 8 hrs home any tips on what to check prior that I may not think of would be great. Of course I'm spending a night to review records and assess situation. He did say he send his 76 year old wife to NY in it. Wasn't sure if that was good or bad..
TBuzz
A year ago I bought a lightly modded 2003 tundra that sparked my Toyota interest. It's my dd and I have enjoyed making it less off a mall toy. I quickly learned more about toyotas and started wanting a 4runner. Was able to start looking 2weeks ago and bam found one that left plenty o money to spare. Opened by a retired couple for 11.5 years of its life. Pampered as a single vehicle in a 2 car garage all those years. Maintained as per the manufacturers recommendations at the dealer. Presented with a 2-3" thick binder of records, and delivered 1hr from owners location for me.
Ok here the details on the truck as I know from some pics and my uninterested father in law's details. He is a hot rod buff and very picky so I take his word for it when he said " damn how did you find such a clean truck over the internet?". All though I had all ready agreed to buy it and just needed him to secure it physically.
It has 131,000 miles. Cloth interior, hood scoop, 5 star wheels, four wheel drive button on the shifter(and a button to the left of the steering column, god i hope its DDRL), sunroof, color matching bumpers and runs like a top. From the interior pics I saw it appears the buttons had orange print and not the white image. The PO called it a "Sports Edition". From my research that was only offered in 2001. So I'm not sure but can't wait to see. 15 hr countdown begins.
I'm about to drive it 8 hrs home any tips on what to check prior that I may not think of would be great. Of course I'm spending a night to review records and assess situation. He did say he send his 76 year old wife to NY in it. Wasn't sure if that was good or bad..
TBuzz
got one
My wife and I bought a 99 4runner Limited with 178k on it for $5300. No e-locker I has an oil leak coming from someplace. Since we were prepared to pay $8000, I guess we will use the extra cash to pay for repairs. 2 questions:
It looks like the oil leak is coming from the valve covers. How much should I expect to pay?
How much will it cost to have an e-locker installed? Is it worth it?
I guess that is 3 questions-
My wife and I bought a 99 4runner Limited with 178k on it for $5300. No e-locker I has an oil leak coming from someplace. Since we were prepared to pay $8000, I guess we will use the extra cash to pay for repairs. 2 questions:
It looks like the oil leak is coming from the valve covers. How much should I expect to pay?
How much will it cost to have an e-locker installed? Is it worth it?
I guess that is 3 questions-
Nachtjager
New member
Mine's going in the shop tomorrow to get valve cover leaks fixed - along with a few other things. Will let you know what the going rate is, but leaks along the lower edge of the valve covers on these things seems to be extremely common and it slings oil everywhere down there. :cowboy:
pdx650
Member
I would love to have a factory locker in my 4runner, but it was passed up on by the original owner. You living in CO, I would imagine you should have one installed if you are planning on wheeling it.
SuboptimusPrime
New member
what do you guys think about this?
Hi all, long time lurker, first post. As others have said, this thread is an amazing resource. Thanks to all who have contributed. I'm considering the 4Runner below. They are asking 9k but I think that's a little high. Checked with the local toyota dealership and it has been in every 5k as far back as they have records. Timing belt and waterpump done around 125k. Looks really clean, no rust or anything.
02 Toyota 4Runner Sport, Leather, clean!
This would be my DD and would be for family (me, wife, kid(s), dog) trips to the mountains, camping, biking. No serious wheeling but definitely forest roads, shuttling bikes, etc.
Any red flags? What would you offer as far as price. He started at 10,200 3 weeks ago and has dropped to 8995 recently.
thanks!
Hi all, long time lurker, first post. As others have said, this thread is an amazing resource. Thanks to all who have contributed. I'm considering the 4Runner below. They are asking 9k but I think that's a little high. Checked with the local toyota dealership and it has been in every 5k as far back as they have records. Timing belt and waterpump done around 125k. Looks really clean, no rust or anything.
02 Toyota 4Runner Sport, Leather, clean!
This would be my DD and would be for family (me, wife, kid(s), dog) trips to the mountains, camping, biking. No serious wheeling but definitely forest roads, shuttling bikes, etc.
Any red flags? What would you offer as far as price. He started at 10,200 3 weeks ago and has dropped to 8995 recently.
thanks!
Last edited:
DirtDawg
New member
Id say go check it out in person and see if everything seems right. Check everything that ripcord has listed and just make sure nothing seems funny. Bring your findings back here and we can tell you if anything is funky. Dont be afraid to take pictures, record stuff, and even request a mechanic to look over it.
SuboptimusPrime
New member
As posted above, I've been looking at a 2002 SR5 4WD Sport Edition with 169k miles. Owner is asking 8995.
I looked it over today and it is immaculate. Not a speck of rust, no signs of leakage at the axle seals, no oil or other fluids pooling anywhere. There are a couple paint nicks, and minor imperfections in the wood trim inside. He has every record organized as well. Drives great, no smells, noises or wobbles and shifts well. 4x4 worked the way it should also. Also has really clean, dealer installed leather, aftermarket Pioneer stereo with blue tooth, TRD floor mats and the FJ wheels which make the wife happy.
It has had the LBJs done, timing belt, water pump, new tires, battery and all regular scheduled maint (oil, differential service, tranny fluid, plugs, etc) at the dealer. Never had axles or seals and no brake work in a while (although they felt/sounded good to me), so those would be the things I'd watch if I picked it up. I guess at some point I'd entertain the idea of the auto tranny cooler just to avoid milkshake issues down the line and the tundra upgrade when the time came for brake work. Would plan to keep the truck for a good while and take good care of it along the way.
He doesn't seem like he wants to move much off 9k, but seems like an honest, good guy. I don't want to scare him off or screw him over, but don't want to massively overpay either. What would you guys offer in my shoes? Thanks all!
I looked it over today and it is immaculate. Not a speck of rust, no signs of leakage at the axle seals, no oil or other fluids pooling anywhere. There are a couple paint nicks, and minor imperfections in the wood trim inside. He has every record organized as well. Drives great, no smells, noises or wobbles and shifts well. 4x4 worked the way it should also. Also has really clean, dealer installed leather, aftermarket Pioneer stereo with blue tooth, TRD floor mats and the FJ wheels which make the wife happy.
It has had the LBJs done, timing belt, water pump, new tires, battery and all regular scheduled maint (oil, differential service, tranny fluid, plugs, etc) at the dealer. Never had axles or seals and no brake work in a while (although they felt/sounded good to me), so those would be the things I'd watch if I picked it up. I guess at some point I'd entertain the idea of the auto tranny cooler just to avoid milkshake issues down the line and the tundra upgrade when the time came for brake work. Would plan to keep the truck for a good while and take good care of it along the way.
He doesn't seem like he wants to move much off 9k, but seems like an honest, good guy. I don't want to scare him off or screw him over, but don't want to massively overpay either. What would you guys offer in my shoes? Thanks all!
notenoughtime_or$
New member
Strawberyy Milkshake
The most helpful post I have ever read on a forum for any vehicle I have ever owned (including Jeeps). :bravo:
Quick question on the strawberry milkshake issue: I bought my 1996 4Runner Limited a month ago and the transmission had been rebuilt about 8k miles ago. There was no mention of anything with the radiator....could it be leaking in the tranny still? Would anything have been done with the rebuild?
The warranty was done by a good transmission place with a 1 year warranty (good until August 2013).
Let me know what y'all think!
The most helpful post I have ever read on a forum for any vehicle I have ever owned (including Jeeps). :bravo:
Quick question on the strawberry milkshake issue: I bought my 1996 4Runner Limited a month ago and the transmission had been rebuilt about 8k miles ago. There was no mention of anything with the radiator....could it be leaking in the tranny still? Would anything have been done with the rebuild?
The warranty was done by a good transmission place with a 1 year warranty (good until August 2013).
Let me know what y'all think!
pdx650
Member
I started mine on this link:http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...er-transmission-cooler-install-3rd-gen-3.html
perma link #39. I did my own work, but I followed other members queues. I might have added a few things that were different, but not much.
I must thank you 4-Ripcord, i've just bought a a thousand worth of toyota OEM parts for a complete "restoration" of my truck, from a spark plug to lower and upper joints (ball joints were the only not toyota components, together with BM 70268 transmission cooler and the KN stock box filter). Thanks a lot man!
Canderson061
New member
Great stuff
Thanks for putting all that together. Especially great since I'm in the market. Do you think that 5 to 7k is still good deal for the 99 limited in good condition with 152k? Thanks again
Thanks for putting all that together. Especially great since I'm in the market. Do you think that 5 to 7k is still good deal for the 99 limited in good condition with 152k? Thanks again
pdx650
Member
I paid $4,500 for mine. '97, base, 4wd, 2.7 liter, auto trans, w/ power options. It had 163k miles. This probably doesn't help you at all.
Hey guys I have been lurking for some time doing some learning on picking upi a 3rd gen, My question is I found a clean 2000 Sr5 4x4 but when I was getting info about the truck I learned that the headgasket has been done. Is that a flag that the car has had an over heat? Should I walk away??
thanks
-Max
thanks
-Max
T4Rfirefighter
New member
Hey guys, I'm new but had a question about the value of my 3rd Gen.
It's a 1999 SR5 2wd V6 auto with 152k on the body and 75k on the engine (oil change shop forgot to replace the drain plug and bought the previous owner a new engine), and leather seats. I paid $3900 for it in February and I'll I've had to do is replace the MAF sensor, accessory belts and tires.
I like it as a DD for now but my fiance and I would like to get more into camping and hiking, so I'd prefer a 4x4. If I go to sell my 4Runner, how much should I expect it to be worth?
Thanks in advance.
It's a 1999 SR5 2wd V6 auto with 152k on the body and 75k on the engine (oil change shop forgot to replace the drain plug and bought the previous owner a new engine), and leather seats. I paid $3900 for it in February and I'll I've had to do is replace the MAF sensor, accessory belts and tires.
I like it as a DD for now but my fiance and I would like to get more into camping and hiking, so I'd prefer a 4x4. If I go to sell my 4Runner, how much should I expect it to be worth?
Thanks in advance.
