3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

[906-Runner]

Didn't realize how rare my rig was until I found this thread, I always just thought it was a plain old SR5 cause I had no idea a "Highlander" edition existed. Turns out my 2000 4runner with a 5-speed and elocker is in high demand

 

[Mark_BC]

Didn't realize how rare my rig was until I found this thread, I always just thought it was a plain old SR5 cause I had no idea a "Highlander" edition existed. Turns out my 2000 4runner with a 5-speed and elocker is in high demand

Only thing better than a 2000 5 speed manual is a 1998 5 speed manual!

 

[906-Runner]

Only thing better than a 2000 5 speed manual is a 1998 5 speed manual!

Mines got the factory E-Locker in it too, and the “grey wire mod” was already done so I have yet to get stuck while off roading

 

[TheFormer]

thank you

as a Jeep Guy making the jump to toyota. You sir have cleared alot for me. I am glad i made the jump. I love that i can actually put a factory elocker on my 1997 4runner for less than $500. that is comforting:whoo:

 

[Jidaran]

Question on fender flares:

So this guide says that the wider "limited style" fender flares were added in 2000 to the SR5:

"'00: Redesigned Side mirrors, daytime running lights, Limited-style fender flares replaced Skinny SR5 flares for SR5 and Sport models."

However, I found this 2001 on CL with what appears to be the old style.

Here's a pic:

He's got a carfax, which says 2001:

Can anyone explain the discrepancy?

I'm in the market for a 99-00 Limited or 01-02 of any trim (I want full time 4WD) though I hate the fender flares that come with those models. Is this truck an anomaly? If so, I'd be a little more likely to buy. Thanks!

 

[4-Ripcord]

the one you pictured doesnt have ANY flares. Also flares were just an option unless you had the higher trim packages.

 

[Jidaran]

ah, that makes sense.

for any truck that came with flares, you couldn't simply remove them to obtain the same look as the truck above, as they're attached to holes in the fender, correct? you'd have to actually get it from the factor sans flares.

 

[4-Ripcord]

correct

 

[Jidaran]

good to know - thanks!

 

[phattyduck]

ah, that makes sense.

for any truck that came with flares, you couldn't simply remove them to obtain the same look as the truck above, as they're attached to holes in the fender, correct? you'd have to actually get it from the factor sans flares.

The "skinny black" and chrome trims come off with no visible holes. The Limited and 'wide' SR5 flares have holes on the fenders.

All 16" wheel trucks had *something* on the fenders from the factory (normally just the chrome strips). If the truck never had anything on the fenders, it was a 15" wheel truck (small tires, smaller brakes, different axle ratios).

-Charlie

 

[Jidaran]

forgive my ignorance, but this is a 16" truck, right? based on the "star" wheels.

so that would mean that it had the skinny black or chrome trim, which was later removed.

 

[phattyduck]

forgive my ignorance, but this is a 16" truck, right? based on the "star" wheels.

so that would mean that it had the skinny black or chrome trim, which was later removed.

No way to know from here. It has the non-flare/non-running board front mud flap, so it probably never had running boards (which hints that it was close to a 'base' model, but most 4WDs had 16" wheels). Wheels may have been swapped at some point, or the chrome trim has been removed.

Check very closely for rust on the frame - I noticed some rust on the tailgate latch...

-Charlie

 

[Jidaran]

yeah, i noticed that. guy said "no rust" in our email conversation, so that's not a great sign. i'm gonna call tonight and size things up. it's about 90 minutes round trip for me so i'm really not trying to waste that time. otherwise it's just what i'm looking for. thanks for the help!

 

[deeleypdx]

Hi. Been awhile since I've been on this forum. Had a 2014 TRD that I sold for a 2004 GX 470 that I loved. Last month the GX was totaled in a wreck so I'm back in the market. I loved the 2014 but don't want to have that kind of cash wrapped up in a rig again.

I have a line on a 2001 Limited with 183k miles. Clean title, 3 owners and I know the guy selling it. Has new Falken Wildpeaks, service records look pretty good with timing belt service done at 140k and other fixes like AC system recharged and new radiator with hoses. Can get it for 7k which I think is pretty fair. My only concern is based on the Carfax it spent it's first 4 years in NY so I'm worried about rust. It then came out west and has lived here ever since and was serviced at the dealer the whole time after.

Is it realistic to think it could have serious rust issues from those first 4 years? I'm going to have my mechanic look it over first but was curious on opinions here. Also does 7k sound about right?

 

[onemanarmy]

^ Totally depends on the amount of rust. The frames rust from the inside out, so feel inside the frame for rust chunks. They also rust at all the welded seams on the outside of the frame, that is a good place to start.

 

[Mark_BC]

Post pics and it will be pretty obvious

 

[rookervt]

Great thread

Super useful thread. Thanks for posting!

 

[rookervt]

Great post. I used it all when buying an '01 recently.

 

[Scoop'02]

Thanks for this, it's full of so much useful info! I wish I had seen this a week ago, just picked up my "new" 2002 sport ed. last Saturday. 142000 miles, thundercloud metallic, and best of all no rust!

 

[T4walker]

Someone should probably buy this

https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/d/1999-toyota-4runner-limited/6745905884.html