3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

[kynikos]

Hi all, I am seriously looking at a 2001 SR5 Sport 2wd with just under 140k miles. I had a pre-purchase inspection done at my local Toyota dealer yesterday and the report came back with the following maintenance items to be addressed:

Left front strut leaking, transmission pan gasket leaking, and valve cover gasket leaking. The report also mentioned that the door lock was "inoperable at times" and that the front end had a shake over bumps (possibly due to the front strut leak?).

They did not find anything major and the car has been barely driven for the past two years. Is there anything concerning I should be aware of or is just a matter of replacing the struts and replacing the gaskets in question? I had not noticed the door lock issue when I looked it over but the truck appears to have an aftermarket alarm (w/ fob) and the current owner only has a hardware store copy of the key. Thanks in advance!

 

[trovergraywilson]

Left front strut leaking, transmission pan gasket leaking, and valve cover gasket leaking. The report also mentioned that the door lock was "inoperable at times" and that the front end had a shake over bumps (possibly due to the front strut leak?).

Front struts on a 2002 doesn't surprise me - bought mine in January and replaced front struts (do the top mounts as well) and rear shocks bc of the sag. Gabriel Ultras for on-road are OEM-spec and way more economical. Ride is way better, albeit still an old truck. :wow: Valve cover gaskets also just about up for replacement - some say they'll go to 180-200K but I haven't seen it. Mine were leaking and the dealer replaced them @ 148K when I bought her. Did a cleandown on the engine and not a single leak since. Check the radiator and hoses, make sure the fan clutch (loud when you crank the engine @ first) is working, transmission should shift well, multi-mode 4WD in AWD, locked center diff, and low modes are all working well. Good luck!

 

[BoomSticks]

Moved to other post.

 

[Kowitz]

I don't own a T4R yet, but hopefully soon.

Yesterday I test drove a Black 2002 sport package with tan leather, it drove nice and was super clean on the inside, but had too much rust underneath for my taste, and I saw some bubbling around some of the windows. So I passed it up.

Hopefully tomorrow I will be looking at a 2000 4Runner "highlander". It's silver, with tan cloth interior. Automatic, unfortunately it doesn't have the elocker. But it appears very clean in pictures. Has 191k miles, timing belt was done at 160k. He's asking $5500. Does that seem about right?

 

[eddie_93]

I don't own a T4R yet, but hopefully soon.

Yesterday I test drove a Black 2002 sport package with tan leather, it drove nice and was super clean on the inside, but had too much rust underneath for my taste, and I saw some bubbling around some of the windows. So I passed it up.

Hopefully tomorrow I will be looking at a 2000 4Runner "highlander". It's silver, with tan cloth interior. Automatic, unfortunately it doesn't have the elocker. But it appears very clean in pictures. Has 191k miles, timing belt was done at 160k. He's asking $5500. Does that seem about right?

Seems pretty right for Colorado area in my opinion. Depends alot on maintenance history and rust for me.

 

[Kowitz]

Sorry to blow this thread up, just looking for some opinions on truck choices, given basic info.

#1: 1999, Black, "Highlander" 172k miles, automatic, elocker. TB done at 150k. And probably the "cleanest" of the trucks I am looking at. $7400

#2: 2000, Silver, "Highlander", 210k miles, automatic, elocker. TB done at 150k. Some front bumper damage/bumper flare not fitting straight. Still clean overall. $5900

#3: 1999, Black/tan trim Limited. 205k miles, elocker. Timing belt done recently, but I don't recall the mileage he told me. Clean all around. $5800

#4 2000, Silver, "highlander" automatic, 191k Miles, NO locker, timing belt done at 160k. Clean all around. $5500

Based on that little info, which truck would you guys lean towards? The one that stands out most to me, in my head, is truck #1, but the higher price point is maybe pushing me towards one of the other trucks. Not opposed to spending more, just looking for a variety of opinions!!

 

[4-Ripcord]

#1 if you can get it for $6500. Then #3.

 

[Kowitz]

#1 if you can get it for $6500. Then #3.

He said he is very firm at 7400. And doesn't want to waste my time or his time, if I plan on negotiating anymore. Haha.

And reason for the choice? Just trying to get some good info, and your opinion means a lot, I've read your builds a lot the last few days.

 

[4-Ripcord]

He said he is very firm at 7400. And doesn't want to waste my time or his time, if I plan on negotiating anymore. Haha.

And reason for the choice? Just trying to get some good info, and your opinion means a lot, I've read your builds a lot the last few days.

Fewest miles, most recent timing belt, them tires, and I like black. But for that price I would not.

 

[Kowitz]

Yeah, the price seemed a little steep. But I just wasn't sure, and he doesn't want to budge on price. He has it listed at 7500, but said he would take 7400, and that any more negotiating would be wasting both of our time.

 

[Kowitz]

Sorry to blow this thread up, just looking for some opinions on truck choices, given basic info.

#1: 1999, Black, "Highlander" 172k miles, automatic, elocker. TB done at 150k. And probably the "cleanest" of the trucks I am looking at. $7400


#2: 2000, Silver, "Highlander", 210k miles, automatic, elocker. TB done at 150k. Some front bumper damage/bumper flare not fitting straight. Still clean overall. $5900


#3: 1999, Black/tan trim Limited. 205k miles, elocker. Timing belt done recently, but I don't recall the mileage he told me. Clean all around. $5800


#4 2000, Silver, "highlander" automatic, 191k Miles, NO locker, timing belt done at 160k. Clean all around. $5500

Test drove #2 and #4 today. Ruled #2 out, just wasn't up to standards, and had some drivetrain noise.

#4 was very nice. drove like a dream, probably would have purchased it today, if it had the Elocker.

Going to be test driving #1 and #3 tomorrow. I have a feeling I will fall in love with #1, but the higher price point does hurt a little.


PS: I really like how these trucks look in Silver in person. The color makes the body lines pop.

 

[Unner]

I'm partial to black trucks myself, but I'd go number 1. Buy the lowest miles, nicest one you can afford.

 

[BoomSticks]

Never mind. Checked it out and test drove it, and it's got problems I don't want to mess with.

 

[Zerocool112]

what a great thread man very well done.

 

[Dabird]

New member looking for opinions on a possible purchase.
99 Limited with 170k for $3800.

here is the ad
https://louisville.craigslist.org/cto/5521499844.html

every other 3rd gen that I've seen on my local craigslist in this price range has well over 200k on it, with most of them being over 250k. I'm contacting the seller to find out about the timing belt etc.

 

[HammerTime]

New member looking for opinions on a possible purchase.
99 Limited with 170k for $3800.

here is the ad
https://louisville.craigslist.org/cto/5521499844.html

every other 3rd gen that I've seen on my local craigslist in this price range has well over 200k on it, with most of them being over 250k. I'm contacting the seller to find out about the timing belt etc.

Looks like somebody else got to it. I gave 5000 for a 2000 limited with 180k not far back, and it was in real good shape. I thought I did really good, so if that one wasn't destroyed, it would've been a steal. I wouldn't hesitate to pay well over kbb for a good gen 3.

 

[jazman1]

This thread saved my butt from making a BAD purchase yesterday. Thanks a Ton. This site has sent me down a path to be a 4Runner owner. Wow this is a great community, much different (nicer) than the other one I am heavily involved in. (well versed and known on NASIOC).
Just wanted to say Thank You again.

 

[sline3point2]

Future 4Runner owner also looking for purchase advice.

1999 SR5 V6 Automatic. 267,000 km's. Asking $7,300 (Canadian).

Body seems to be I great shape and it seems to drive well in town. Haven't test drove it on the highway. Any advice appreciated!

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[calithirteen]

The third member looks very rusted like mine did. I had to replace the whole axle housing due gear oil seeping through the metal as it rusted through. Also check the rear drums for signs of gear oil leaking. Another headache. It wouldn't keep me from buying it but definitely knock the price down. Good luck.


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[RCopp17]

Hey guys. First just want to thank ripcord for putting together an awesome post, and everyone else for all their additions. I've learned a lot.
Just wanted to throw this up here and get a few opinions as you all know much more than i do. Been in the market for a new vehicle and have really wanted a 3rd gen. Found this on craigslist this week: http://https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/cto/5556350497.html

Doesn't look bad from the pictures. Called the guy up today who was able to get me the vin but couldn't answer many of my questions as far as repairs and up keep. Guess he got it from a dealer a few days ago and had only checked the carfax there. Car has had 2 previous owners (in RI and MA). Everything checks out in terms of no accidents having a clean title and true mileage report. However makes no mention of any oil changes or maintenance w/in the first 75k, which could've been done by the owner. It did fail an emission and safety inspection back around 2006 but it appears as though those issues were fixed as thy passed the next entry soon after the failure. No mention of recalls (which i checked on the toyota website) but also no mention of a timing or water pump replacement (which is strange at 168k). Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!