3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

Yep, prices are definitely different now.

Earlier this year I paid $4500 (private craigslist seller) for a very nice 99 Limited with multimode/e-locker and good fresh tires, with 240k miles.
 
BoomSticks said:
Yep, prices are definitely different now.

Earlier this year I paid $4500 (private craigslist seller) for a very nice 99 Limited with multimode/e-locker and good fresh tires, with 240k miles.
Click to expand...

I was able to talk him down to $5300 for the 97 in really good shape with 129k on it...if it checks out mechanically would you say it's a good buy?
 
ejzee, I am relatively new to this forum and on a learning curve as well but I would have an expectation to put $2k in maintenance / repairs within the next 6 months in either vehicle. you may get away with $100. The Limited has the leather seats which typically don't age well. If you have limited funds you can just take a chance on the timing belt as it's a non interference engine and if it breaks, change with the water pump. One thing not mentioned in this guide (at least I didn't see it) are the valve cover gaskets typically last 100k -150k miles ($500 dealer to replace both sides)

IMO The manual is the most desirable, but I only buy manuals anyway.
The pull to the right could be as simple as-tire pressure or alignment or could have even been road camber but likely nothing serious.
 
Dougal said:
ejzee, I am relatively new to this forum and on a learning curve as well but I would have an expectation to put $2k in maintenance / repairs within the next 6 months in either vehicle. you may get away with $100. The Limited has the leather seats which typically don't age well. If you have limited funds you can just take a chance on the timing belt as it's a non interference engine and if it breaks, change with the water pump. One thing not mentioned in this guide (at least I didn't see it) are the valve cover gaskets typically last 100k -150k miles ($500 dealer to replace both sides)

IMO The manual is the most desirable, but I only buy manuals anyway.
The pull to the right could be as simple as-tire pressure or alignment or could have even been road camber but likely nothing serious.
Click to expand...


If it were me I'd go with whichever one is in better shape on the interior first.
If those are pretty similar Id go for the manual.
The mileage won't matter that much, and the extra money can be spent on maintenance items which both will likely need.

New radiator.
Also, the rear locking diff is a big advantage and you'll likely get slightly better MPGs with the standard.

If interiors are similar , I'd go with the manual and rear locking diff.
 
seeking advice 2000 T4R 136K miles $7000 -

Hi,

I'd start a new thread, but I'm a newb and can't until I do some replies. I think this the place to post.

I use to have a 1989 Landy... LOVED her. Was in Utah, NV and CO... got crunched :(

I've always kept an eye out for a good T4R and I think this might be it.

I'm under the gun. I put $500 down to hold this and need to decide in 2 days.

The price feels a bit high. I'm taking it to my trusted mechanic and doing a thorough rust inspection. My big concern is all the rusted frame horror stories. This has been in Maryland all its life - so winter salt is a common issue. There is definetly rust underneath, no body rust though.

2000-toyota-4runner-4-door-limited

CARFAX

All Wheel Drive, Leather, Sunroof, Retractable rear windshield, Excellent tires, Alloy wheels, Fog lights, Fresh Fluids, Fresh Inspection

2 owners, but appears from CARFAX it's been well maintained. EXCEPT a failed inspection in Maryland June 2016. It DOES have a clean and current inspection from Virginia.

Both front rack and pinon are brand new.

It had a loud muffler and they replaced it w/ a normal one. Had some minor other stuff (not mechanical). Dealer fixed the entire list.

  • Miles 136,989
  • Exterior Color Green
  • Interior Color Beige
  • Engine 3.4 Liter V6 24-Valve Engine
  • Transmission 4-Speed Automatic w/OD
  • Drive Train 4WD

Feb. 2012 @ 100K miles
  • Air filter replaced
  • Anti-theft/keyless device/alarm installed
  • Brakes checked
  • Drive belt(s) replaced
  • Exhaust system checked
  • Heat shield secured
  • Oil and filter changed
  • Tires rotated
  • Wheels checked

Much thanks... :lookout:
 
Last edited:
jdub23 said:
Hi,

I'd start a new thread, but I'm a newb and can't until I do some replies. I think this the place to post.

I use to have a 1989 Landy... LOVED her. Was in Utah, NV and CO... got crunched :(

I've always kept an eye out for a good T4R and I think this might be it.

I'm under the gun. I put $500 down to hold this and need to decide in 2 days.

The price feels a bit high. I'm taking it to my trusted mechanic and doing a thorough rust inspection. My big concern is all the rusted frame horror stories. This has been in Maryland all its life - so winter salt is a common issue. There is definetly rust underneath, no body rust though.

2000-toyota-4runner-4-door-limited

CARFAX

All Wheel Drive, Leather, Sunroof, Retractable rear windshield, Excellent tires, Alloy wheels, Fog lights, Fresh Fluids, Fresh Inspection

2 owners, but appears from CARFAX it's been well maintained. EXCEPT a failed inspection in Maryland June 2016. It DOES have a clean and current inspection from Virginia.

Both front rack and pinon are brand new.

It had a loud muffler and they replaced it w/ a normal one. Had some minor other stuff (not mechanical). Dealer fixed the entire list.

  • Miles 136,989
  • Exterior Color Green
  • Interior Color Beige
  • Engine 3.4 Liter V6 24-Valve Engine
  • Transmission 4-Speed Automatic w/OD
  • Drive Train 4WD

Feb. 2012 @ 100K miles
  • Air filter replaced
  • Anti-theft/keyless device/alarm installed
  • Brakes checked
  • Drive belt(s) replaced
  • Exhaust system checked
  • Heat shield secured
  • Oil and filter changed
  • Tires rotated
  • Wheels checked

Much thanks... :lookout:
Click to expand...

For those miles and that condition, you aren't far off of the price.
 
02 toyota 4runner 4×2

I have a toyota 4runner and its a limited v6 4×2 and i accidently put aftermarket rear coils on the back and now it sags so im trying to see what rear coils are compatible with a toyota 4runner limited v6 4×2 its not 4wd so i need something to get that 1.5 inches back so my suv sits even please help
 
Cilos711 said:
I have a toyota 4runner and its a limited v6 4×2 and i accidently put aftermarket rear coils on the back and now it sags so im trying to see what rear coils are compatible with a toyota 4runner limited v6 4×2 its not 4wd so i need something to get that 1.5 inches back so my suv sits even please help
Click to expand...

get ome 906
 
Gang,

I need help. I've been scouring for a 4Runner for a while and have been very picky so far, but due to the very recent break down off my DD I'm a little less picky now and will settle a bit.

A 2002 SR5 came up for sale in my area, low-ish mileage, allegedly 1 owner, looks clean in person. It has the base seats and no frills. Multi-mode transmission and center diff-lock.

Here is the deal though. According to service records via the Toyota site, it went into a Toyota dealer last tuesday (the 13th) and had oil light on, VSC and TRAC light on, and was unable to move but could go into gear. It may have been towed in. The service note does not show what all was done to it other than engine oil was low and they topped it off, OR the transmission oil was low and they topped that off.

After its visit to the dealer, the next day, it appears at an Infinity dealership across the highway as a trade in, it now drives and shifts. I looked at it yesterday. The transmission fluid is definitely brand new, and so is the engine oil (contrary to what the windshield sticker says).

The dealer wants low-milage, clean SR5 price for it. I was hoping to find a Sport Edition eventually but given my current lack of a daily car I'm willing to settle for a base (I want cloth seats, might swap in some sport seats later)

Would you guys even consider this car? Given that it was possibly towed into the Toyota dealer, the customer might have just added some transmission fluid, drove it across the street and traded it in that day.

I'm worried the transmission was without fluid for a bit, although the records show regular maintenance but only up until 2013, after that they stopped
going to the dealer (for some reason).

I'm worried about having to drop the transmission as soon as buy it, I really don't have the budget for that currently.

I would appreciate your thoughts and input.

Here are the service record notes:

JOB DATE OPERATION DETAILS PAYMENT
1 09/13/2016 VEH. TOWED BY___________________
VEH. TOWED BY___________________ INV#_________PO#_______________ ~|~ ~|~
CUSTOMER PAY
2 09/13/2016 YOUR VEHICLE WILL BE TEST DRIVEN
VEH. TOWED BY___________________ INV#_________PO#_______________ ~|~ ~|~
INTERNAL (DEALER) PAY
3 09/13/2016 SUBLET REPAIRS VEH. TOWED BY___________________ INV#_________PO#_______________ ~|~ ~|~
INTERNAL (DEALER) PAY
4 09/13/2016 CUSTOMER STATED CHECK ENGINE LIG
CUSTOMER STATED CHECK ENGINE LIG HT IS ON VSC TRAC LIGHTS ON ~|~ ~|~
INTERNAL (DEALER) PAY
5 09/13/2016 COMPLIMENTARY VEHICLE INSPECTION
CUST STATES OIL LIGHT ON ~|~ ~|~ INTERNAL (DEALER) PAY
JOB DATE OPERATION DETAILS PAYMENT
6 09/13/2016 COMPLIMENTARY VEHICLE INSPECTION
HAD OIL CHANGE DONE A JIFFY LUBE FOUND LOW ON OIL HAD TO ADD 2QT S OF OIL ~|~ ~|~
INTERNAL (DEALER) PAY
7 09/13/2016 COMPLIMENTARY VEHICLE INSPECTION
CUST STATES WILL GO INTO GEAR NO W BUT WILL WILL NOT MOVE ~|~ ~|~
INTERNAL (DEALER) PAY
8 09/13/2016 MULTI-POINT INSPECTION MULTI-POINT INSPECTION ~|~ ~|~ INTERNAL (DEALER) PAY
 
JustPassingThru said:
Gang,



I need help. I've been scouring for a 4Runner for a while and have been very picky so far, but due to the very recent break down off my DD I'm a little less picky now and will settle a bit.



A 2002 SR5 came up for sale in my area, low-ish mileage, allegedly 1 owner, looks clean in person. It has the base seats and no frills. Multi-mode transmission and center diff-lock.



Here is the deal though. According to service records via the Toyota site, it went into a Toyota dealer last tuesday (the 13th) and had oil light on, VSC and TRAC light on, and was unable to move but could go into gear. It may have been towed in. The service note does not show what all was done to it other than engine oil was low and they topped it off, OR the transmission oil was low and they topped that off.



After its visit to the dealer, the next day, it appears at an Infinity dealership across the highway as a trade in, it now drives and shifts. I looked at it yesterday. The transmission fluid is definitely brand new, and so is the engine oil (contrary to what the windshield sticker says).



The dealer wants low-milage, clean SR5 price for it. I was hoping to find a Sport Edition eventually but given my current lack of a daily car I'm willing to settle for a base (I want cloth seats, might swap in some sport seats later)



Would you guys even consider this car? Given that it was possibly towed into the Toyota dealer, the customer might have just added some transmission fluid, drove it across the street and traded it in that day.



I'm worried the transmission was without fluid for a bit, although the records show regular maintenance but only up until 2013, after that they stopped

going to the dealer (for some reason).



I'm worried about having to drop the transmission as soon as buy it, I really don't have the budget for that currently.



I would appreciate your thoughts and input.



Here are the service record notes:



JOB DATE OPERATION DETAILS PAYMENT

1 09/13/2016 VEH. TOWED BY___________________

VEH. TOWED BY___________________ INV#_________PO#_______________ ~|~ ~|~

CUSTOMER PAY

2 09/13/2016 YOUR VEHICLE WILL BE TEST DRIVEN

VEH. TOWED BY___________________ INV#_________PO#_______________ ~|~ ~|~

INTERNAL (DEALER) PAY

3 09/13/2016 SUBLET REPAIRS VEH. TOWED BY___________________ INV#_________PO#_______________ ~|~ ~|~

INTERNAL (DEALER) PAY

4 09/13/2016 CUSTOMER STATED CHECK ENGINE LIG

CUSTOMER STATED CHECK ENGINE LIG HT IS ON VSC TRAC LIGHTS ON ~|~ ~|~

INTERNAL (DEALER) PAY

5 09/13/2016 COMPLIMENTARY VEHICLE INSPECTION

CUST STATES OIL LIGHT ON ~|~ ~|~ INTERNAL (DEALER) PAY

JOB DATE OPERATION DETAILS PAYMENT

6 09/13/2016 COMPLIMENTARY VEHICLE INSPECTION

HAD OIL CHANGE DONE A JIFFY LUBE FOUND LOW ON OIL HAD TO ADD 2QT S OF OIL ~|~ ~|~

INTERNAL (DEALER) PAY

7 09/13/2016 COMPLIMENTARY VEHICLE INSPECTION

CUST STATES WILL GO INTO GEAR NO W BUT WILL WILL NOT MOVE ~|~ ~|~

INTERNAL (DEALER) PAY

8 09/13/2016 MULTI-POINT INSPECTION MULTI-POINT INSPECTION ~|~ ~|~ INTERNAL (DEALER) PAY
Click to expand...



I bet that owner literally got it good enough to drive and sold their headache. I wouldn't touch it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
JustPassingThru said:
Thanks for the input.
My decision was made for me, someone else snagged it up. Back to searching.
Click to expand...

If you want to fly over and buy my 96 sr5 for $5k :)

Motor was recently refreshed with all new gaskets and head work was done as well as belts and water pump

High miles though 207k but with the motor work, this be good for another 200k
 
devon.sprague said:
Long time lurker just collecting information so first post celebration woohoo

Anyway, dont know if this is the correct place to be posting it but i seemed to have stumbled upon a potential gem on craigslist

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5746663302.html

99 Limited 4wd w/ 5 speed swap


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...



It's priced like a gem but it's not. Rough country lift (thumbs down) and $9k? Idk about all that. Maybe $6-$7k max. Although the 5 speeds are becoming harder to come across, there just isn't that "need" for them so bad they need to try to charge extra for it. Locker > manual ANY day of the week. Except Sunday. I don't drive much on Sunday.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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