3rd gen purchase opinions / advice

[Dezerts10]

I recently blew up my daily driver ford explorer and do not want a car payment. I have been tossing around the idea of spending $5 or $6K on a 4x4 3.4L hopefully 2000 or newer 3rd gen 4runner.

My 1996 3rd gen with 208K miles has been great to me but its only my spare car / weekend toy. If I get another one it would be my daily driver that I would commute to work in 20 miles round trip but id also want to be able to have confidence in it enough if I wanted to take a run to the mountains or Beach or just need it for more than my 20 mile commute.

With that said, if I find something 160K - 200K miles that looks decent and seems to be decent but with a really unknown service history. what should I check for?

they are not terrible to work on and Ive done enough work on my 1996 that im confident I could do most all the minor / medium service work just not sure if there are big red flags to look for?

Id probably have the water pump / timing belt done within the first few months or maybe weeks if unknown if it had been do but what else?

thanks,

 

[Hepar]

To me the go to sign that a car has been well taken care of is one with a good documented service history. I've seen plenty of cars that the exteriors looked great, but the internals were heavily ignored.

If this is going to be your DD, I'd have patience and find one that has that. Will pay off in the long run.

 

[mtbtim]

I'd personally avoid the 01 and 02 models due to a known weakness in the auto trans. The OD planetary gear is knows to fail.

Just like any used vehicle purchase, it would be ideal to find one from an original owner with very complete service records so you know how well it was maintained. The service records could also tell a story. If I saw a radiator replacement and a trans flush, that would be a huge red flag they had a trans cooler failure (pink milkshake). If I saw a rear axle seal replacement but no mention of replacing the bearings, I'd know the seal is probably already leaking and I'm going to have to go in and do the job right.

If there is rust issues where you live, make sure you get under the vehicle and check the frame really well. You wouldn't want to buy somebody's problem they are trying to unload.

Since, rear axle seals leaking is super common on these rigs, look for signs of that on the inside of the rear wheels. If you see gear oil on the tires or signs of it on the brake backing plates, it could be a bargaining chip for you to talk them down.

Once you buy one, the first things I'd do is renew all the fluids, replace the LBJs, replace the radiator & hoses, and I'd probably install an external trans cooler (ran in-series).

 

[Dezerts10]

Another question, what would you guys consider a good service record is?


Thanks Tim, I guess my biggest concern in buying used is a major engine or trans failure. I’ll also keep the 01 and 02 out of my sights for the most part.



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[mtbtim]

Another question, what would you guys consider a good service record is?


Thanks Tim, I guess my biggest concern in buying used is a major engine or trans failure. I’ll also keep the 01 and 02 out of my sights for the most part.



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You want to see consistency. No large mileage gaps in the history. Regular oil changes, like every 5k miles. Trans fluid changes at least every 30k. Differential and transfer case gear oil changes at least every 30k. Coolant changes every 30k. If it has over 100k, has the timing belt job been done. The timing belt is an expensive service if you're going to pay to get it done.

Most people don't keep good records which is unfortunate. This is especially true if you're buying it from the 2nd or 3rd owner because records don't always get passed on. A Car Fax report will show maintenance records especially if they brought it to a dealer for service.

I would definitely run a Car Fax type of report on the vehicle to make sure there are no issues with the title, any accidents, and there's no signs of odometer fraud. I looked at one 3rd Gen that was advertised with around 130k miles. When I ran the carfax, it had records of a smog check in the upper 200k so I knew the owner was full of shit and was trying to scam me. The vehicle also had like 5 owners which is another huge red flag. The carfax will also let you know if the vehicle was sold at an auction.

 

[jgue467]

I’ll also keep the 01 and 02 out of my sights for the most part.



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Yeah those are TERRIBLE! Ask me how I know..... :cowboy:

 

[phattyduck]

If its going to be a daily driver (no offroad, no snow) go with a 2WD. Cheaper, less to go wrong, better gas mileage, etc... And less likely to be beaten up mechanically.

-Charlie

 

[WeakSauz]

If its going to be a daily driver (no offroad, no snow) go with a 2WD. Cheaper, less to go wrong, better gas mileage, etc... And less likely to be beaten up mechanically.

-Charlie

+1 to this, especially since you mention you already have a weekend toy.

And, you'll be less prone to modifying a 2WD (well.. likely less prone)

I wouldnt discount a 2WD truck for DD use

 

[97Cruiser40th]

I'd personally avoid the 01 and 02 models due to a known weakness in the auto trans. The OD planetary gear is knows to fail.

Just like any used vehicle purchase, it would be ideal to find one from an original owner with very complete service records so you know how well it was maintained. The service records could also tell a story. If I saw a radiator replacement and a trans flush, that would be a huge red flag they had a trans cooler failure (pink milkshake). If I saw a rear axle seal replacement but no mention of replacing the bearings, I'd know the seal is probably already leaking and I'm going to have to go in and do the job right.

If there is rust issues where you live, make sure you get under the vehicle and check the frame really well. You wouldn't want to buy somebody's problem they are trying to unload.

Since, rear axle seals leaking is super common on these rigs, look for signs of that on the inside of the rear wheels. If you see gear oil on the tires or signs of it on the brake backing plates, it could be a bargaining chip for you to talk them down.

Once you buy one, the first things I'd do is renew all the fluids, replace the LBJs, replace the radiator & hoses, and I'd probably install an external trans cooler (ran in-series).

Would these tasks be based on age or mileage? I ask as mine has super low mileage and all records up through last 2k miles so I know fluids are fine Im more concerned about LBJ's and radiator and hoses. Hoses are very pliable and I tried your test on LBJ and there is zero movement. On radiator i know its original and see its available through Toyota should I still replace?

 

[4-Ripcord]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

 

[Lindenwood]

I'd personally avoid the 01 and 02 models due to a known weakness in the auto trans. The OD planetary gear is knows to fail.

I have never heard of this. Could you provide a link so I could better understand this? I thought they were all the same A340F transmissions, no?

As to maintenance, when you get to vehicles this old, usually it is pretty obvious if it has been maintained. I would not look at service history as the only marker; I'd happily buy a truck off of Timmy the Toolman, but I wouldnt expect he has Toyota update their records every time he replaces a part .

 

[Dezerts10]

+1 to this, especially since you mention you already have a weekend toy.



And, you'll be less prone to modifying a 2WD (well.. likely less prone)



I wouldnt discount a 2WD truck for DD use

This is where im torn. 3rd gen or 4th gen 2wd are significantly more affordable but I do want to use it as a family vehicle to go to the mountains and snow in or take camping or something like that. I don’t think I’d do much to what ever I get but the 4x4 option just makes everything alittle better


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[mtbtim]

Would these tasks be based on age or mileage? I ask as mine has super low mileage and all records up through last 2k miles so I know fluids are fine Im more concerned about LBJ's and radiator and hoses. Hoses are very pliable and I tried your test on LBJ and there is zero movement. On radiator i know its original and see its available through Toyota should I still replace?

Based off mileage mostly. How many miles are on your rig?

 

[mtbtim]

I have never heard of this. Could you provide a link so I could better understand this? I thought they were all the same A340F transmissions, no?

As to maintenance, when you get to vehicles this old, usually it is pretty obvious if it has been maintained. I would not look at service history as the only marker; I'd happily buy a truck off of Timmy the Toolman, but I wouldnt expect he has Toyota update their records every time he replaces a part .

I know the issue with the 01 and 02 transmissions from my personal experience . Sean is the 3rd person I know that has had a trans failure with these 01 and 02 models. And, all of them had pretty low miles. I also spoke to a transmission rebuild specialist on the east coast that told me the failures are due to the OD planetary gear. The 01 and 02 models are different from the other years. This transmission is one of the achilles heals of these models.

Do a search for 3rd Gen 4runner planetary gear failure and you'll find links to several forums that discuss it. How prevalent is this failure? I don't know.

Maintenance is not 100% obvious. Some things are obvious like whether the shocks have been replaced or the bushings have been renewed but you can't look inside the engine, transmission, transfer case or differentials. A vehicle could have awesome paint and spotless interior and be a hunk of shit mechanically. And, just because the current oil in the crankcase and transmission looks good doesn't mean it was regularly changed. Service records are paramount for a used vehicle purchase. As for guys like me who do their own wrenching, I keep meticulous maintenance records. Now, the person could think I just sat down and wrote a bunch of BS but you can sort of get the feeling from people if they're giving you the truth just by chatting with them to see if they know what they're talking about with the maintenance, repair and modification of the vehicle.

 

[gamefreakgc]

This is where im torn. 3rd gen or 4th gen 2wd are significantly more affordable but I do want to use it as a family vehicle to go to the mountains and snow in or take camping or something like that. I don’t think I’d do much to what ever I get but the 4x4 option just makes everything alittle better


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I'm the same way. 4x4 or bust. I wouldn't know what to do with a 2WD 4Runner.

 

[97Cruiser40th]

Based off mileage mostly. How many miles are on your rig?

Thats what I was figuring, I am at 39k

 

[mtbtim]

Thats what I was figuring, I am at 39k

Wow, that rig spent most of it's life sitting around.

 

[97Cruiser40th]

Wow, that rig spent most of it's life sitting around.

Yea Im 2nd owner, FLA truck snow birder. PO did regular maintenance. I used the videos from you and guides on forum to validate truck along with PPI. Ill hold off then on swapping that stuff out then, thanks

 

[Zorrota]

I recently blew up my daily driver ford explorer and do not want a car payment. I have been tossing around the idea of spending $5 or $6K on a 4x4 3.4L hopefully 2000 or newer 3rd gen 4runner.

My 1996 3rd gen with 208K miles has been great to me but its only my spare car / weekend toy. If I get another one it would be my daily driver that I would commute to work in 20 miles round trip but id also want to be able to have confidence in it enough if I wanted to take a run to the mountains or Beach or just need it for more than my 20 mile commute.

With that said, if I find something 160K - 200K miles that looks decent and seems to be decent but with a really unknown service history. what should I check for?

they are not terrible to work on and Ive done enough work on my 1996 that im confident I could do most all the minor / medium service work just not sure if there are big red flags to look for?

Id probably have the water pump / timing belt done within the first few months or maybe weeks if unknown if it had been do but what else?

thanks,

I'll throw in a different spin.
How long have you had your current 3G? Is it well maintained? Rust?
What would be wrong with spending a few bucks to get it into tip-top shape and using it as both your toy and your DD? Or do you want one for DD and another for weekend play?
I'm not the one to talk since I have some redundancy in my vehicles-just thought I'd throw out that idea.

 

[Dezerts10]

I'll throw in a different spin.
How long have you had your current 3G? Is it well maintained? Rust?
What would be wrong with spending a few bucks to get it into tip-top shape and using it as both your toy and your DD? Or do you want one for DD and another for weekend play?
I'm not the one to talk since I have some redundancy in my vehicles-just thought I'd throw out that idea.

weekend toy needs to much work to be a comfortable daily driver plus wanting to throw more money in it for more enjoyable weekend activities which means it would be down from time to time.