3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

[pdx650]

Hi All! I just want to say thanks because this guide helped me buy my 2000 sr5 v6 4x4. I also have a question my 4Runner has 188k and had been well taken care of. I plan on doing the o2 sensors, pcv valve, plugs and wires, and clean the maf and throttle body just for peace of mind. But I don't know if I should seafoam it. It runs perfectly fine, but I was just wondering if it was worth doing, I'm nervous it might loosen something up that shouldn't be and do more harm than good. Am I just being paranoid? And is it really going to do much good and be worth it?

Seafoam is a safe bet, I think and welcome to the forum. A good idea, if you have an automatic transmission, look up the 'remote trans cooler mod' several of us 'Runner owners have completed. Follow this link for info. Permalink 39. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...er-transmission-cooler-install-3rd-gen-3.html

 

[Cali_4Runner]

Seafoam is a safe bet, I think and welcome to the forum. A good idea, if you have an automatic transmission, look up the 'remote trans cooler mod' several of us 'Runner owners have completed. Follow this link for info. Permalink 39. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...er-transmission-cooler-install-3rd-gen-3.html

Thanks for the quick response! And i am sure you are right, I just get nervous with everyone saying it can foul plugs and O2 sensors, i just feel that that can't be good. And I'm definitely going to have to add that mod to my to-do list! Because, yes, mine is automatic. (Even though I kind of wish I would have found a manual, but they are hard to find and I am happy with what I got!)

 

[kameleon]

I too just bought a 4runner (2000 SR5 v6 auto 2wd). I dropped a can of seafoam in the tank the other day along with a half a can in the oil. The other half I will suck in through the intake when I go to do the tuneup and oilchange this weekend. Also got me a can of CRC MAF cleaner to clean that bad boy up. Mine seems to run ok but to me seems low on power. I already have a bad #1 o2 sensor so I will be replacing it also.

 

[97Run-Man]

Hey guys I am looking at this 4Runner to buy. Unfortunately I totaled my old one on Friday. I could use some advice on this since it has quite a few miles on it and the scares me a little bit. Thanks for any and all advice.
1997 Toyota 4runner limited 4x4

 

[awdjunkies]

Hey guys I am looking at this 4Runner to buy. Unfortunately I totaled my old one on Friday. I could use some advice on this since it has quite a few miles on it and the scares me a little bit. Thanks for any and all advice.
1997 Toyota 4runner limited 4x4

Not bad... Make sure suspension(LBJs), Rust check(Rust and or frame damage), TB(Timing Belt, Transfer Case, 4wd, no pink milk shake) Services have been performed..

Just as this 3rd Gen B.G. suggest, Go look at it if you are interested, and make an educated decision. Good Luck... :hatsoff:

 

[97Run-Man]

Not bad... Make sure suspension(LBJs), Rust check(Rust and or frame damage), TB(Timing Belt, Transfer Case, 4wd, no pink milk shake) Services have been performed..

Just as this 3rd Gen B.G. suggest, Go look at it if you are interested, and make an educated decision. Good Luck... :hatsoff:

Would you be afraid of the miles assuming the other things check out?
Also what about this? I know he is asking a lot but I have him down quite a lot for it. I could get it for $4,250 with damn near brand new tires and all that you see on it.
RARE, 1997 Toyota 4runner lifted 6cyl, 5speed, 4wd, Clean!

 

[awdjunkies]

Would you be afraid of the miles assuming the other things check out?
Also what about this? I know he is asking a lot but I have him down quite a lot for it. I could get it for $4,250 with damn near brand new tires and all that you see on it.
RARE, 1997 Toyota 4runner lifted 6cyl, 5speed, 4wd, Clean!

All I had to read on the second ad was "5 Sp." and it was all over!!!

Seriously though, buy what ever makes YOU happy. Although, the manual transmission makes everyone around here salivate, that is one option you can look at of course pending everything else works...

When I looked at purchasing my 3rd gens. I preferred the body cladding on the Limiteds, cleaner look in my book, but again, It ultimately is what you are more comfortable with..
In terms of mileage? NO!! that doesn't scare me, as long as maintenance shows on paper...

 

[97Run-Man]

All I had to read on the second ad was "5 Sp." and it was all over!!!

Seriously though, buy what ever makes YOU happy. Although, the manual transmission makes everyone around here salivate, that is one option you can look at of course pending everything else works...

When I looked at purchasing my 3rd gens. I preferred the body cladding on the Limiteds, cleaner look in my book, but again, It ultimately is what you are more comfortable with..
In terms of mileage? NO!! that doesn't scare me, as long as maintenance shows on paper...

YA and it drove like a dream its just that he wants to much in my opinion. I think I am going to look for a limited just cause I also like the style of it and its what I had too.
Thank you for all this advice. I appreciate it.

 

[awdjunkies]

YA and it drove like a dream its just that he wants to much in my opinion. I think I am going to look for a limited just cause I also like the style of it and its what I had too.
Thank you for all this advice. I appreciate it.

No problem.. glad to help... :hatsoff: Good Luck Sir.. Let us know what you purchase.. :becky:

 

[M-Piers97]

Lots of these links quit working, can someone fix them? thanks

 

[Salman]

Price Difference

Yesterday, I received coupon in my mail from local toyota dealership. I got all excited as I was planning to buy some OEM items for my 4runner. Thanks to this forum, I read somewhere about low prices of toyotaofdallas, so decided to compare prices of two. So, I am sharing here...

 

[T4R2014]

Yesterday, I received coupon in my mail from local toyota dealership. I got all excited as I was planning to buy some OEM items for my 4runner. Thanks to this forum, I read somewhere about low prices of toyotaofdallas, so decided to compare prices of two. So, I am sharing here...

Also, try contacting Lowe Toyota at IH8MUD.com. I found their prices to be the best even when compared to Toyota of Dallas.

 

[r1ren]

Hello

Hi

I'm a new member and would like to say that this site is awesome!! Very good info. I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on this 4runner i found on CL. Just wondering what your thoughts are. Any input is greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance

Toyota 4Runner 98 4x4

 

[bdasan]

1997 4runner

Thanks for the wealth of knowledge posted in this buying guide!

Im currently looking at a 97 4runner with the following specs:
4x4, 5spd, 3.4l V6, 134k
new tires and rims BFG all terrains (5,000 mi)
timing belt done @ 123,000
clutch done @ 125,000
it also has a TRD supercharger (first gen)
new tint
Lived in AZ all its life.

asking 5500

I took it for a test drive and enjoyed it. The current owner has had it for a year and he states the previous owner was his friend and had it for 3 years prior.

Im hesitant because it appears though that either the engine or hood has been swapped at some point... The vin sticker under the hood states 2.7L engine. Clearly something happened along the way. The owner states he and the previous owner have no knowledge of the swap.

kbb says 2,800 - edmunds says 2,400 - both don't take into account supercharger or new rims and tires... Im thinking about offering 4200.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Thank you in advance.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Lots of these links quit working, can someone fix them? thanks

Which links?

Besides the FSM links, I know those are down.

 

[Daniel furtado]

3rd generation I found.. Please dissect

What do you guys think? Worthy purchase? Potential new
Owner.. First time poster http://mobile.dealercarsearch.com/largephotos.aspx?id=3090370

 

[GrampsT4R]

What do you guys think? Worthy purchase? Potential new

Owner.. First time poster http://mobile.dealercarsearch.com/largephotos.aspx?id=3090370

How much are they asking and how is the rust on the underside?

 

[Salman]

What do you guys think? Worthy purchase? Potential new
Owner.. First time poster http://mobile.dealercarsearch.com/largephotos.aspx?id=3090370

Looks clean from out side and inside except engine area and exhaust pipe.

Dealer has done lot of cleaning & polishing that's why it is all shiny. 96K Mileage is really low for years... :shrug:

Personally, I will never buy from Dealer/re-seller unless you personally know them or they have one of a kind. Make sure you check underneath for rust. I am little concerned about engine condition. So, check it carefully.

Best of luck. Do not rush take your time.

 

[Daniel furtado]

Help a NOOB out please!!

What do you guys think of this one? The previous owner kept it meticulously updated. Timing belt and radiator has bee replaced at 80k. Mileage seems a little high for me. Guy bra around 6k.. Please dissect for a newbie!!!1999 Toyota 4Runner SR 5 low miles

 

[billman0]

Please Help!

I am in the process of looking at two 4runners and need advice. The first one is closer and is a 99 limited E-Locker with 112K miles looks very clean but is from canada and has no service records. $6K

The other is a 99 SR5 with 190K miles 4 hours away but is a 5 speed and is owned by a mechanic from california. The 4runner also has body armor all over rear bumber, front grill and underbody amor a 4" lift and newer tires. He has also changed all the fluids and replaced rear diff seals. $5200 OBO

Which 4runner is the better buy? I want sothing that will have a relativly low startup cost and last me a long time. It will be used for my family on vacations but I wont be rock climbing or anything extreme.

Thanks