3rd Gen as a Daily Driver?

[MrRoo]

How could you go wrong with a 3rd gen for daily driving? That's what they were built for. I honestly think the 3rd gen are the one the most reliable vehicles on the road. My 97 has 233,000 on it with no issues. I love these things!

 

[HvacTim]

4WD is the way to go in the snow

Make sure you get a 4WD for the snow. 2WD tends to slide in the rain/snow surface. These 4Runners are built to last and cheap to maintain. Change out engine oil/ transmission oil/ valve cover gaskets/ spark plugs / check valve in the fuel tank and maybe the EVAP charcoal canister (when EVAP codes appear) and you're good to go for another 100k miles.

 

[98WhiteT4R]

I DD mine 40 miles a day with a 3in lift and 33s. I don't mind it but eventually would like to get a something better on gas for a DD and have the T4R as a weekend vehicle.

 

[calithirteen]

beware of rust!

Love this truck. Got it almost 2 years ago and like you have 2 kids youngins and a wife who was tired of my beat up old jeep. My only regret is that I didn't check for the rust. I just assumed being here in NY everything has rust but this truck is very susceptible to rust, in particular the rear the 3rd member cover plate. If you can, look south of the rust belt, have it sprayed with a rust inhibitor and you'll be set! I'm a backyard amateur mechanic at best and so far have had much success with the truck. Use as a daily, beach traveler, trailer hauler and it has never let me down! And like you I was looking at a tacoma (never FJ because they look hideous to me) but was quickly priced out of them and honestly with kids you are better off with the SUV for all of their crap! Good Luck!arty:

 

[dayturnsnight]

Made an account just to say, if you can find a low-rust 3rd gen you will not be disappointed. I've daily driven my '97 for a year and a half now and it has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, even with 360'000 kms. I'm also from Ontario and there was not a day last winter where I couldn't make it to work. Very capable and fun vehicle, and not awful on gas either. If you're going to drive in the winter make sure you oil spray, because the salt will kill it.

 

[Jake2014]

Thanks again for all the responses. I think I was wanting to be convinced that the 3rd Gen would work out well for my needs/wants, and I feel you have all done a good job with that! I guess it's just a matter of being patient and finding the right one. I've been following Kijiji (Canada's CL) for the last 6 months and the few really clean ones with solid maintenance records and little to no rust are scooped up within a matter of days.

 

[poleclimber63]

Its a great, reliable truck. Compared to other 4x4 trucks it gets pretty good mileage. I love my truck, however, I took a gamble on a really clean 98 SR5 without records and ended up replacing the engine (lack of maintenance probably from the previous owner) after 2 yrs of ownership. The great thing was it wasnt a difficult job to replace the engine and there were lots of engines to choose from for a wide range of prices--- I went for the top end $1400US, a JDM with 65K km. I've now put 5k on it and it purrs like a kitten! If you're out EAST, your biggest challenge will be finding one not rusted. These trucks arent the most rust resistant. If you cruise the threads, you'll come across lots of posts on rust repairs and frame rust issues. RUST should be your main concern. If you can find one with little rust, records, and has been taken care of, you'll have a winner. Expect to pay $6-8k for an example in excellent shape. If towing isn't a big deal, your best bet for a basic 3rd gen would be a 2.7l 4cyl. 5spd, they get significantly better gas mileage (as long as your drive it reasonably!) A co-worker of mine drives a 97 2.7l (he paid $5500cdn) and he drives it routinely from Kelowna to Vancouver all-year round and in the 2 yrs he's had it, he's never had a problem. Yes, the 2.7l doesn't have quite as good a rep as the 3.4l but the 5spd and the fuel economy can't be ignored. If you want to go a little more sophisticated a 01 or 02 has more options--- AWD etc. and these will cost you more. I don't generally go off road, but I tow all Summer and use it for Winter driving, as I live in the mountains. For the money, there really isn't much more to choose from.

 

[96 ToyRunner]

My 3rd gen 4runner is my first vehicle and daily driver its super reliable never gave me problems .Take care of it and it will take care of you.To give you a heads up if you get one and read posts on this fourm the mod bug well bite :nod:

 

[3rzrunner]

I've been following Kijiji (Canada's CL)

fftopic:

What are you talking about? Craigslist is all over Canada, I Live In Vancouver British Columbia....

In Fact Kijiji SUCKS in my area there's nothing good on it, Craigslist is much better.....


also are you planning on an auto or 5speed? just curious.

I also agree with [MENTION=81614]poleclimber63[/MENTION]
but you don't have to have a "basic 3rd gen" to have a 4cyl they did come LOADED if you custom ordered. eg, you could get a 4cyl WITH leather you would just have to pay more.

The best combo IMO was the Canadian 4cyl/5speed/elocker combo. (its the ONLY 3rd gen with factory 4.56 gearing)
In USA they only offered the 4cyl/5spd but no elocker.

like my truck for example, has everything a Loaded SR5 would have minus a sun-roof, which wasn't ordered because the truck was going to be an off road truck and SR's leak offroad.

its a 4cyl 3rz
5speed w59
elocker
A/C
ABS
ADD
roof-rack
chrome fender trim.
Power Windows/Locks
Toyota Alarm
Cruise Control
sr5 seats, gone though!


so it all depends on your needs and wants.

I get 10.5L/100km HWY with 2.5" lift 32" tires and lots of extra weight. And really the truck isn't that slow its got decent grunt.

also the 3rz has a lot more room in the engine bay for maintenance, which is another bonus. oh also timing chain vs belt.

good luck finding a rust-free one!

 

[bpowa]

Did you look into a 4th gen. I loved my 3rd gen but felt I needed a bit more space for the family. Its a perfect size for a small family. It also rides a lot smoother with more power. There are things I miss about a 3rd gen. It feels more rugged more like a truck and built like one. There are no blind spots and easier to maneuver. It almost feels like driving a sedan in the sense of maneuverability and parking. Not that the 4gen is difficult to maneuver (like my tundra). Its obvious I miss the 3rd gen. Since I still linger here. But I made a good decision going to 4th gen. Mpg is I get 1-2 miles less but its worth it with a v8. This is with the same wheels and tires and a slight lift.

 

[Castaway]

If you need any more evidence, here's my story.

I bought a 1996 T4R Limited in Summer 2011, it was the summer before my third year in college. This was my first car and I am currently attending college at Mississippi State University, 4 hours away from home (prior I drove whatever my parents needed least).

I purchased the 4Runner with 225k miles on it and basically no service history. I have had a few problems with it; ball joints broke, Rack and Pinion started leaking, CV axle broke (after the ball joint took out the other side), shocks needed replacing, springs still need replacing (haven't gotten there yet).

This might seem like a lot of things, but every part that broke or is need of replacement was installed by Toyota in 1996, and given the millage I am not surprised they failed.

Living next to school I don't drive much (I'm up to almost 250k miles now), but I think nothing of jumping in my truck and driving 12 hours to see my grandparents, or wonder if my truck will start when I go out in the morning (on the days I drive).

When it's all said and done, I have gotten a very reliable truck that has taught me a lot about being a mechanic, and even with the repairs it has still has cost me less than buying any of the PoS vehicles that I was considering instead of it (you know, the ones that cost 10k and immediately need 15k worth of work)

 

[Jake2014]

fftopic:

What are you talking about? Craigslist is all over Canada, I Live In Vancouver British Columbia....

In Fact Kijiji SUCKS in my area there's nothing good on it, Craigslist is much better.....


also are you planning on an auto or 5speed? just curious.

I also agree with [MENTION=81614]poleclimber63[/MENTION]
but you don't have to have a "basic 3rd gen" to have a 4cyl they did come LOADED if you custom ordered. eg, you could get a 4cyl WITH leather you would just have to pay more.

The best combo IMO was the Canadian 4cyl/5speed/elocker combo. (its the ONLY 3rd gen with factory 4.56 gearing)
In USA they only offered the 4cyl/5spd but no elocker.

like my truck for example, has everything a Loaded SR5 would have minus a sun-roof, which wasn't ordered because the truck was going to be an off road truck and SR's leak offroad.

its a 4cyl 3rz
5speed w59
elocker
A/C
ABS
ADD
roof-rack
chrome fender trim.
Power Windows/Locks
Toyota Alarm
Cruise Control
sr5 seats, gone though!


so it all depends on your needs and wants.

I get 10.5L/100km HWY with 2.5" lift 32" tires and lots of extra weight. And really the truck isn't that slow its got decent grunt.

also the 3rz has a lot more room in the engine bay for maintenance, which is another bonus. oh also timing chain vs belt.

good luck finding a rust-free one!

Well, I learned something new today. I didn't realize that Craigslist was used much in Canada.

To answer your question, I would love a manual, but realistically would be happy with either/or so long as it was properly maintained with minimal rust.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Chrez]

Thanks again for all the responses. I think I was wanting to be convinced that the 3rd Gen would work out well for my needs/wants, and I feel you have all done a good job with that! I guess it's just a matter of being patient and finding the right one. I've been following Kijiji (Canada's CL) for the last 6 months and the few really clean ones with solid maintenance records and little to no rust are scooped up within a matter of days.

Hi Jake, welcome to the forum. I'm new here as well.
I have a suggestion if you want a pristine, like new vehicle for a great price. Take a week off work, fly out west to Vancouver, take a ferry to Victoria & buy one there. The drive-on price for a ferry makes sure that island vehicles have very low mileage & they haven't seen a flake of snow or any road salt, so no rust. Check out Victoria's CL & Auto Trader. Do a synthetic oil change and drive it home to Ontario, then do one as soon as you get home. That engine will be so happy.
Oops, I just gave away the best kept secret about buying an older car in North America. Find an island with outrageous ferry prices.

Best of luck Jake, let us know how you make out?
Chris.

 

[3rzrunner]

Well, I learned something new today. I didn't realize that Craigslist was used much in Canada.

To answer your question, I would love a manual, but realistically would be happy with either/or so long as it was properly maintained with minimal rust.

Thanks for the input.

Where do you live in Ontario? I have family that lives near Sudbury.

 

[Jake2014]

Where do you live in Ontario? I have family that lives near Sudbury.

A little ways East of Toronto, so I've been tracking the Toronto and Ottawa markets.

 

[slapdappy]

'99 Ltd with Muilti-mode transfer case and locking rear diff. Or the Highlander/Sport model with same except fabric interior. Up to 60 mph shift on the fly from 2wd to AWD (open center differential) to 4high (lock center differential). Stop to shift to 4 low and/or lock rear diff.
better dash and console layout than earlier years, plus the extra storage nook in rear right. It has all these small refinements that make it a simple pleasure to drive.