3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

SCTRD said:
Would you jump on a black 02 sport edition 4x4 with 131,000 miles for $9500? It's super clean, with fresh timing belt change, new exhaust, and rust free. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

You may get more responses if you start a new thread, With pics!

But based on this bit of info, no I "wouldn't jump on it".

I'd take my time looking it over, under, in hood then test drive. $9500 isn't cheap for this, know what i mean? :cowboy:
 
Hey guys, new here and thanks for all the info. Looking for some help on evaluating this 99 Limited with 287k miles. Appears to have e-locker + multi-mode. Haven't reached out to seller yet.

Any advice on good questions to ask to understand whether there are major red flags? Don't want to deal with strawberry milkshake right after buying...

What are your thoughts on price?

Any thoughts would be appreciated, hoping to find myself a nice 3rd Gen soon.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/d/toyota-4runner-4x4/6268262494.html
 
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SCTRD said:
Well I'm posting here because I haven't reached alloted amount to create a thread of my own. I'm considering buying this 02 black sport edition with 131,000 miles. Guy is asking $11,000, got him down to $9,500. Here's the ad: https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/6285803312.html
Click to expand...

Got it. Looks pretty clean inside. Unless you're willing to drive to it to inspect, I'd start with asking for underside pics looking for rust. If that pans out, I'd start driving to it for a closer look/test drive. Just use the buyer's guide as far as what to check out. Looks worth it! :cowboy:
 
kmj24 said:
Hey guys, new here and thanks for all the info. Looking for some help on evaluating this 99 Limited with 287k miles. Appears to have e-locker + multi-mode. Haven't reached out to seller yet.

Any advice on good questions to ask to understand whether there are major red flags? Don't want to deal with strawberry milkshake right after buying...

What are your thoughts on price?

Any thoughts would be appreciated, hoping to find myself a nice 3rd Gen soon.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/d/toyota-4runner-4x4/6268262494.html
Click to expand...

Ask for undercarriage pics to determine level (if any) of rust first. Ask for an engine bay pic, looking for the tell tale sign of a new radiator or one that is old and looks brown (just means you'll need a new one soon - they have a date stamp - ask for pic of that).

Can't tell how close you are to it but most of the rest you've got to go inspect in person and of course drive it. It is somewhat rough inside and reconditioning does cost time and money. So I'd suggest offering $3000 and maybe negoiate up to 3400 if necessary. Luck. :cowboy:
 
Something I have found helpful with long distance purchases to judge on rust questions. Use the VIN to find out where it has been titled, rust belt or not? I hunted for a year, 17 vehicles, for the 01 I bought end of Feb, entire US. I found anymore than 8 yr range in rust belt, things getting rusty. When Engine Bay pics are posted look at the mounting hardware, if rust is present you have a rust belt truck. If intake/cast Alum parts have a white powdery residue on them same thing.

Atlanta has had a lot of the high dollar Runners over the last 18 months, I looked at 5 in link milage range. All 5 needed the milage appropriate maint, your good on that with the AtL 02

Grandpa always said, If you don't offend them with the first offer your paying too much!!
 
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Please, my apologies if I missed it...

With respect to the first sub-gen (1996 - 1998), what are the differences, even minor?

A '96 is for sale now about 30 minutes from my home... Thanks.
 
4-Ripcord said:
go back to page one, read post 5
Click to expand...

Thank you! Off/on, about week to read this thread, and I knew it was somewhere in here, early-on!

The subject line for post #5 is "99+..." so I glossed over it during my scramble to find this info...

The differences within the this first sub-gen were in '98:

Redesigned steering wheel, passenger vanity mirror.

Thanks again.
 
TonyB66 said:
The differences within the this first sub-gen were in '98:

Redesigned steering wheel, passenger vanity mirror.

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Small rear storage area, no front cupholders, different locations for ECT and rear window switches, different headlights (worse ones), less 12v outlets (only one stock).

That's what comes to mind right now. Most of the that stuff is easy to swap out and bolt on.
 
JBurt said:
Small rear storage area, no front cupholders, different locations for ECT and rear window switches, different headlights (worse ones), less 12v outlets (only one stock).

That's what comes to mind right now. Most of the that stuff is easy to swap out and bolt on.
Click to expand...

Jeff - Thanks for the follow-up.

To be clear, those changes you note are from the '96 to '98?
 
Rust on a 4Runner?

Replying to this very helpful thread, since I don't have the required amount of posts. I'm considering purchasing a used '02 4Runner for $5500 with 150k miles on it. I will need to get the timing belt replaced because according to the CarFax report it hasn't been replaced yet. I was also concerned about rust, and the dealer sent me these pictures: https://imgur.com/gallery/YY7Gb

So my question is, how bad is the rust on this thing?

Thanks!
 
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