3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide

[Endlessblockades]

When I was first looking I hated the cladding too and thought I'd hold out for one without it. But I saw a good deal and couldn't pass it up. I found I got used to it pretty quick, now it doesn't bother me in the least. Same is true for the fat lip bumper. But YMMV.

I had a duplicate/empty post here so I'll add something to the space: Took a 2000 LTD on a test drive (solo) last night and had a hell of a time getting it out of 4wd! Still not sure what I did, but I should've done some homework. Even Google and YT had conflicting advice. Quite a bit more complex that my 2nd Gen, with flashing lights on the dash and buttons on the transfer shifter. This is happening in a Best Buy parking lot in the middle of S.F., so it could have been a worse spot but still too far to limp back to the owner's work where I took it from. The original owner never used 4WD so he wouldn't have been any help. Gonna need to find the operator's manual online. Pretty sure I'm going to buy this rig tomorrow for 3K, though, so I'm pretty stoked. This thread has helped a lot!

 

[kyledlavelle]

I can't thank you enough for this post. It was so valuable for me finding the right 4wd 4Runner, and jumping on the one that I did because of how quickly they sell around here. I circled back to the information here weekly or more to remember the bullet points while I was out looking. THANK YOU!

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[brillo_76]

When I was first looking I hated the cladding too and thought I'd hold out for one without it. But I saw a good deal and couldn't pass it up. I found I got used to it pretty quick, now it doesn't bother me in the least. Same is true for the fat lip bumper. But YMMV.

Interesting view on the cladding. I actually added it all to an sr5 for the fender flares. The rig is alot cleaner and everything stays in the fender wells. That improvement alone was worth it to me.

My parts mobile was a limited so i had access to it all as the limited bumpers had more chromium on them. Granted my sr5 is a 98.

However I have a 2001 sport that has all the cladding etc. On it.

I also realize some people dont like the cladding. I just dont understand why they do just buy the vehicles with it not there as it's a limited only option.

They made a pile of 3rd gens with many of them still on the road out of the rust belt.

However we are all unique in our own way.

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[Jidaran]

I hadn't thought about the functional aspect of the cladding, that's a fair point.

My bias against cladding is just a personal preference, having driven cars that were designed in the 70s and 80s for most of my life. I like the boxy stripped down look, not the soft edges and extra doodads they started adding in the 90s and 00s. To me, each 4Runner gen looks worse than the one proceeding it, with an except for 5th Gens which are definitely a step up from the minivan styling in the 4th.

 

[Goddard]

Thank you for the guide Ripcord and some of the other members. It has been extremely helpful. I am searching for a 3rd gen 4runner. I came across this 2 owner runner with just under 150k miles. It has only been in the south. He is asking $10k. Thus far not flexible on the price. My husband isn't sure about buying a 4runner this old, but from what I have read they are great trucks. We have a 5th gen now. Thoughts?

 

[Jidaran]

10K is pretty high, but clean low mileage 4Runners can go for that price. If there's no rust, complete repair history, lots of preventative maintenance done, and you have faith in the seller, than maybe. Hard to say since the price varies according to location.

 

[PNW RJ]

Change IN to 4WD when stuck

had a hell of a time getting it out of 4wd!

You probably figured this out by now, but changing to/from accelerating/decelerating usually does it. That's a tip in the owner's manual and on the sun visor.

What they don't say is how to get it IN to 4WD if you're already stuck. Here's one way: While the 4 lights are flashing, go from Drive to Neutral, wait a few seconds, then back to Drive. Or go N to Reverse.

 

[KobraKai]

Great thread. I recently purchased a 2002 4runner with over 400,000 miles. The plan is for my oldest daughter to learn to drive on it.
Thanks to each member for their contributions. With any luck, our high mileage 4runner will last for several thousand more miles.

That's the plan!

 

[HunterG425]

So, I'm in the market for my first 4runner. I've read through all of this, but how many miles is too many, in general, to buy? I'm aware it's mainly dependant on maintenance, but at what point am I going to be forced to replace the transmission and/or motor, regardless of maintenance?

 

[beklemmung]

So, I'm in the market for my first 4runner. I've read through all of this, but how many miles is too many, in general, to buy? I'm aware it's mainly dependant on maintenance, but at what point am I going to be forced to replace the transmission and/or motor, regardless of maintenance?

Impossible to say for sure, but likely somewhere around 400-450k.

 

[blip6]

grateful to have found such a helpful thread

so I've been unsure what to get for a new vehicle and I've finally been pushed in the right direction and realized, I think I need a 3rd gen 4runner! I haven't done extensive searching but this is one of the only ones in my area thats in good condition and priced well(on CL). I'm going to message the owner in the morning for more pictures and info but if its pretty rust free, doesn't have the strawberry milkshake coolant, and has had its regular maintenance is this a good price? I plan on trying to negotiate a bit but I'm just wondering if there is anything else I should really look out for or ask about. 1998 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 Limited Edition - cars & trucks - by owner -...

 

[pluton]

I haven't done extensive searching but this is one of the only ones in my area thats in good condition and priced well(on CL).

In your area, it's all about the rust. $5000 is possibly a reasonable price---IF it's not dying of rust underneath. To make that determination, you'll have to see it in person and be prepared to instantly walk away if it's terrible.
For reference, my '97 cost me $8000 in 2013 with 120K miles, in excellent condition(including cosmetics), and zero rust (Arizona car).

 

[plcfcng]

Bring a creep or at least a large piece of card board so you can look under it. Looking for oil leaks including the rack and Pinion, look at the rear axles if they have any oil on them use that to work the price down. Remember you will most likely be spending about 500 in parts unless this person does maintenance by the numbers. :banana:

 

[Christmas]

Interested in this 2002, but am a bit wary.

Hi all,

Came across this listing in my search for a 4Runner. The car looks good, but the dealer has some suspect reviews.

If I were to check this out, what should I look for to see if the lift is properly installed?

 

[TheShowtime]

Hi all,

Came across this listing in my search for a 4Runner. The car looks good, but the dealer has some suspect reviews.

If I were to check this out, what should I look for to see if the lift is properly installed?

Hey man walk away and do not buy from that place. They are way overpriced and I heard that place fixes junked cars that have tons of problems and make them look nice and sell for 5x the price. 15k is way too much for a vehicle almost 20 years old also.

 

[Christmas]

Hey man walk away and do not buy from that place. They are way overpriced and I heard that place fixes junked cars that have tons of problems and make them look nice and sell for 5x the price. 15k is way too much for a vehicle almost 20 years old also.

Thanks so much. You confirmed my gut.

 

[Thebeastlives]

Hi all,

Came across this listing in my search for a 4Runner. The car looks good, but the dealer has some suspect reviews.

If I were to check this out, what should I look for to see if the lift is properly installed?

That is a ridiculous price for any 3rd gen 4 runner. You can get a FJ with less miles and more power and capability for that price. You really shouldn't pay more than 5k for a good 3rd gen maybe 6500k for a great one. As much as I like my 3rg gen it is a 25 year old suv with 25 year old parts and technology. The 4th, 5th gen, gx 470 and FJ are more updated and either more capable or just as capable with newer parts. Be patient and smart and you can get a good 3rd gen that has a great maintenance record runs good and looks ok. Damn make me an offer on the beast and maybe I might sell it to you...lol

 

[Christmas]

That is a ridiculous price for any 3rd gen 4 runner. You can get a FJ with less miles and more power and capability for that price. You really shouldn't pay more than 5k for a good 3rd gen maybe 6500k for a great one. As much as I like my 3rg gen it is a 25 year old suv with 25 year old parts and technology. The 4th, 5th gen, gx 470 and FJ are more updated and either more capable or just as capable with newer parts. Be patient and smart and you can get a good 3rd gen that has a great maintenance record runs good and looks ok. Damn make me an offer on the beast and maybe I might sell it to you...lol

Thanks Beastmaster! Let's see a picture of the beast!

 

[Thebeastlives]

Thanks Beastmaster! Let's see a picture of the beast!

The beast is longest owned vehicle I have ever had and for some jacked up reason i like it more with each year...lol

Btw I was just kidding about selling the beast

 

[da_crew10]

Very greatful for this thread. Will be using a lot of this documented knowledge on my new to me rig!