nc-grayson
Member
That rear hitch has been painted and is super rusty. check the entire undercarriage before your proceed.
3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide
- Thread starter 4-Ripcord
- Start date
That rear hitch has been painted and is super rusty. check the entire undercarriage before your proceed.
Agreed, great source of information. I just bought a 99 for my son (college car with 263K miles) and liked it so much that I just bought an 02! I love'em!
Great guide, but I feel like this guide could go a bit more in depth on the rust issue.
Like most 20 year old Toyota trucks will have surface rust, but where are specific problems. What's the problematic vs normal?
I sort of glossed over looking for rust because it seemed like a minor topic compared to the rest of the problems with specific detailss. Arguably its the only one you can't fix.
that said, I think I got 4-runner fever (5speed) so I'm not sure anything more than opening my eyes would have mattered.
Like most 20 year old Toyota trucks will have surface rust, but where are specific problems. What's the problematic vs normal?
I sort of glossed over looking for rust because it seemed like a minor topic compared to the rest of the problems with specific detailss. Arguably its the only one you can't fix.
that said, I think I got 4-runner fever (5speed) so I'm not sure anything more than opening my eyes would have mattered.
hawkmanjr
New member
Along these same lines, I would like to see a comprehensive thread about different techniques to remove rust, pros/cons of each, etc. There doesn't seem to be a ton of solid information out there about proven ways to eliminate and prevent rust.
dextermaller
New member
4wd light on. big concern?
https://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5653814000.html
Im interested in this 4runner. Only one owner, but the warning light is shown for the 4wd. Has anyone had this problem, and is this a red flag?
https://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5653814000.html
Im interested in this 4runner. Only one owner, but the warning light is shown for the 4wd. Has anyone had this problem, and is this a red flag?
markymark191
New member
The biggest thing I look out for now is the rust. Wish that would have been higher on my list on the last one I bought. Checking the frame is the first thing I ask about, look at, or ask for pictures of. Make sure it is not just painted over because I have ran into that also. I would rather have one with 230,000 miles with no/minimal rust, than one with 100,000 miles and a decent amount of rust, especially the frame.
Very well written and helpful post. I am not quite finish reading it yet, but great so far as I am in the market for one. :whoo:
Quick question, do anyone know what the rectangular piece is called located above the front bumper and right below the headlight? Also, is it easy to replace?
Thanks in advanced!
Quick question, do anyone know what the rectangular piece is called located above the front bumper and right below the headlight? Also, is it easy to replace?
Thanks in advanced!
idlingmike
New member
Very helpful thread.
4-Ripcord. That really helped me out; excellent write up. I have a 2000 4Runner SR5 Manual with around 110K miles and am trying to work out what maintenance to do. It looks and runs beautifully; Why did they stop making the manual!!!! it's so much fun on and off road.
Anyway I noticed there isn't anything about brake fluid change in the sticky in maintenance. I haven't changed the brake fluid on mine since I bought it at 60K and the brakes work great. If the brake fluid is clear would you say is OK or do a boiling point test?
Also I haven't changed the brake pads since I bought it and they aren't worn down yet. I tend to down shift a lot but good to know about the thin rotors; I'll replace the pads soon so I don't damage the rotors.
Anyway I noticed there isn't anything about brake fluid change in the sticky in maintenance. I haven't changed the brake fluid on mine since I bought it at 60K and the brakes work great. If the brake fluid is clear would you say is OK or do a boiling point test?
Also I haven't changed the brake pads since I bought it and they aren't worn down yet. I tend to down shift a lot but good to know about the thin rotors; I'll replace the pads soon so I don't damage the rotors.
4-Ripcord
New member
I would say you are fine for a while, but changing brake fluid is always a good move.
Check out the 3rd gen section as well. Tons of people's threads have very good maintenance.
New guy, here! This community has already been exceedingly helpful. I was hoping to get advice/feedback on a purchase I plan to make in the very near future. --I'm attempting to decided which of two '96 4runners to go after.
Both have the 3.4l v-6.
The first option has the Limited trim package. Automatic, 4WD, without the rear locking differential. 218,xxx miles. Timing belt was done at 168k. Relatively new battery, alternator, brakes, rear coil springs, shocks and catalytic converter; starter was replaced in 2012. No rust. Tires have lots of life. Owner claims it gets 14-16 mpg in the city and ~21 on the hwy. The vehicle has been very well maintained. Interior and exterior are in great shape. Power windows, sunroof, ac/heater are functioning.
There's been two owners. The last of which is a family friend who's also sold a Trundra to my brother.
Struts need to be replaced, although the seller may do this beforehand.
Seller is asking $4250.
Con: this truck is in California and I'm in Colorado. A road trip would be necessary.
The second option has the SR5 trim package. Manual, 4WD, with the rear locking differential. Also has 218,xxx miles. Dealer claims that the timing belt "has probably been done." (Is there a way to determine this?) No sticker or other records. The maintenance history is a bit of a mystery. However, the vehicle does appear to have been well cared for. Interior and exterior are quite clean. No signs of leaks. No rust. The rear end does not appear to be sagging. Clutch feels good. All the gears shifted in/out smoothly. Tires have decent tread and look to have worn evenly. There was an ever so slight shudder of the brakes at hwy speed. There was also a very small, but noticealbe pull to the right at highway speed. Otherwise, the truck rode excellent.
Seller is asking $3488. And it's only a few miles away. I could make the buy as soon as tomorrow.
The potential to mod this thing into badassery is real.
Help, please!!
Both have the 3.4l v-6.
The first option has the Limited trim package. Automatic, 4WD, without the rear locking differential. 218,xxx miles. Timing belt was done at 168k. Relatively new battery, alternator, brakes, rear coil springs, shocks and catalytic converter; starter was replaced in 2012. No rust. Tires have lots of life. Owner claims it gets 14-16 mpg in the city and ~21 on the hwy. The vehicle has been very well maintained. Interior and exterior are in great shape. Power windows, sunroof, ac/heater are functioning.
There's been two owners. The last of which is a family friend who's also sold a Trundra to my brother.
Struts need to be replaced, although the seller may do this beforehand.
Seller is asking $4250.
Con: this truck is in California and I'm in Colorado. A road trip would be necessary.
The second option has the SR5 trim package. Manual, 4WD, with the rear locking differential. Also has 218,xxx miles. Dealer claims that the timing belt "has probably been done." (Is there a way to determine this?) No sticker or other records. The maintenance history is a bit of a mystery. However, the vehicle does appear to have been well cared for. Interior and exterior are quite clean. No signs of leaks. No rust. The rear end does not appear to be sagging. Clutch feels good. All the gears shifted in/out smoothly. Tires have decent tread and look to have worn evenly. There was an ever so slight shudder of the brakes at hwy speed. There was also a very small, but noticealbe pull to the right at highway speed. Otherwise, the truck rode excellent.
Seller is asking $3488. And it's only a few miles away. I could make the buy as soon as tomorrow.
The potential to mod this thing into badassery is real.
Help, please!!
Thanks in Advance!
This guide has been really helpful for me. I've never had a 4Runner but have always longed for the day I could get one. My wife is trying to convince me to get a early/mid 2000's Highlander but I don't know if I can bring myself to give up looking at 4Runners for that. I'm looking into getting a 97 and this will definitely help me know what to look for and certain questions to ask. The one I'm looking at in particular is listed at $6,400 with 129,000 miles on it. This guide says that's about right but KBB says the value is around $3,400. Just making sure I'm looking at something in the right price range. What do you guys think?
Any help with that question and any other advice for a 1st time 4Runner shopper would be appreciated!
This guide has been really helpful for me. I've never had a 4Runner but have always longed for the day I could get one. My wife is trying to convince me to get a early/mid 2000's Highlander but I don't know if I can bring myself to give up looking at 4Runners for that. I'm looking into getting a 97 and this will definitely help me know what to look for and certain questions to ask. The one I'm looking at in particular is listed at $6,400 with 129,000 miles on it. This guide says that's about right but KBB says the value is around $3,400. Just making sure I'm looking at something in the right price range. What do you guys think?
Any help with that question and any other advice for a 1st time 4Runner shopper would be appreciated!
