3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

Thanks for the write up! Super helpful! If the ABS light is on, is this a red flag?

Can be a few things. Either an abs sensor has gone bad or their isn’t enough brake fluid in the reservoir. I think if someone has put LED bulbs in the rear it can cause the light to come on too. Not the biggest red flag just means that something needs to be repaired.
 
interchangeable doors?

Thanks for all this info. I need to replace a driver door on a 2000. Is it the same door as on '99 & '01?

Appreciate your expertise!
 
Help Buying My First 4Runner

Hey everyone, really appreciate all the helpful advice on here, this is an awesome community. So I've been looking to get a 4Runner for a long time now and I found one close to me that I'm thinking about getting. It is a 2002 SR5 with 165k miles on it. It was in an accident, but the owner claims everything is fine mechanically and it runs well, just damaged cosmetically.

I attached two pictures of it, and the biggest thing I am worried about is damage to the frame. I am trying to set up a time to look at it and test drive it. Would anyone who is more familiar with 3rd Gen T4Rs know how likely more serious damage is, or what I could look for when looking at it and driving it?

It needs some work but the price seems to good to pass up if it only has surface level damage.

Thanks in advance for any help!


https://images.craigslist.org/00C0C_8h485enjkly_600x450.jpg
https://images.craigslist.org/00z0z_2O42gdBPapI_600x450.jpg
 
Man this is a great thread. Learning alot here!! Starting to look for a 4runner as a 1st car for my son...alot if research to do!! Have found a couple 1999s that are decent, but so many years to consider...looking to stay between 4-6k? Any and all advice is appreciated!!!
 
Hey everyone, really appreciate all the helpful advice on here, this is an awesome community. So I've been looking to get a 4Runner for a long time now and I found one close to me that I'm thinking about getting. It is a 2002 SR5 with 165k miles on it. It was in an accident, but the owner claims everything is fine mechanically and it runs well, just damaged cosmetically.

I attached two pictures of it, and the biggest thing I am worried about is damage to the frame. I am trying to set up a time to look at it and test drive it. Would anyone who is more familiar with 3rd Gen T4Rs know how likely more serious damage is, or what I could look for when looking at it and driving it?

It needs some work but the price seems to good to pass up if it only has surface level damage.

Thanks in advance for any help!


https://images.craigslist.org/00C0C_8h485enjkly_600x450.jpg
https://images.craigslist.org/00z0z_2O42gdBPapI_600x450.jpg

If you're worried about frame damage take it to a shop before buying and spend $100 on a pre purchase inspection for peace of mind. If the owner doesn't want to go along with that forget this truck, there are other T4Rs out there.
 
So helpful when looking for a 3rd gen, thanks a ton OP!

If I felt anything was missing it would be a comprehensive guide to options and packages across the years. I was using 3-4 resources trying to decode the toyota spec sheet and at times was still having to guess.

Would be glad to contribute what I could.
 
Trim levels like sport, limited, etc. were really the bulk of the options on most 4runners. Outside of those it was pretty limited to things like color, fender flares, sunroof, e-locker (which was covered), tow hitch, and interior color/seat material.

I didn't feel those were worth covering since that's how literally every car is.
 
Trim levels like sport, limited, etc. were really the bulk of the options on most 4runners. Outside of those it was pretty limited to things like color, fender flares, sunroof, e-locker (which was covered), tow hitch, and interior color/seat material.

I didn't feel those were worth covering since that's how literally every car is.

[MENTION=57546]4-Ripcord[/MENTION] I see that new sig there. You got a build thread for the Taco yet? Specs?
 
No build thread yet. I will share the link in my 4Runner build thread once I have the new thread made. Probably near the end of the month.
 
Indeed! its a 2013 DCSB TRD offroad in spruce mica.

I've got a garage full of parts waiting for me to install. Just need to finish up a few suspension details then it can all go on.
 
Mmmmm Golden Pearl, love that color.

Saying the timing belt was "3 years ago" doesn't really tell us anything. It could be due again for all we know.

Not much else to go on from the ad, check everything mentioned on page 1.
 
Potential Purchase

Hi everyone!

I've been interested in purchasing a 4Runner for some time now. I think I may have found a solid option. Please let me know if you all have any input. THe vehicle is about 3.5 hours away, so I haven't seen it in person. I am pretty skeptical when it comes to car buying. However, I have found the salesman that I've spoken with a few times to be pleasant and straight forward. I asked about rust and he said there's not rust anywhere on the vehicle. The carfax is available and it is a one-owner vehicle. Also, low miles!! I really like this one, but I'm trying to not get my hopes up! Thanks for looking!

https://www.schaumburghondaautos.com/vehicle-details/2001-toyota-4runner-limited-schaumburg-il-id-21318352
 
Hi everyone!

I've been interested in purchasing a 4Runner for some time now. I think I may have found a solid option. Please let me know if you all have any input. THe vehicle is about 3.5 hours away, so I haven't seen it in person. I am pretty skeptical when it comes to car buying. However, I have found the salesman that I've spoken with a few times to be pleasant and straight forward. I asked about rust and he said there's not rust anywhere on the vehicle. The carfax is available and it is a one-owner vehicle. Also, low miles!! I really like this one, but I'm trying to not get my hopes up! Thanks for looking!

https://www.schaumburghondaautos.com/vehicle-details/2001-toyota-4runner-limited-schaumburg-il-id-21318352

I'd be more than happy to take a look at that 4runner for you as I work about 10 minutes from there. I'm very skeptical about the "no rust" statement because if it's been in Chicagoland/midwest even 1 winter it will have at least some surface rust. From my experience when someone says no rust, 99.99% of the time it simply means no panels are rusting. Even then, it simply means it's nothing too noticeable, but may actually be rust.

Let me know if you want me to take a look. I can probably go tomorrow afternoon, but if not definitely Thursday.
 

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