4Runner buyers guide

[Turbo224]

Hey everyone,

I am new to the forum because I am in the market for a 3rd gen (i think) 4Runner. My wife's Grand Cherokee is a ticking time bomb and we are looking for something a little nicer, newer, and more reliable. I browsed the forum but didn't see any sort of buyer guide. Can someone tell me what are the main problem areas I should be looking for when shopping for a 4Runner? I have quite a bit of experience working on cars, so I know most the basic stuff to look for, I was curious if there is anything out of the ordinary I should be looking for when test driving these.

My second question, I tried to read about some of the standard features these come with and I cant quite figure out the 4wd options. I have always hated when a truck is in 4wd all the time and cant be driven in 2wd. Are there models that have the full time 4wd? I definitely would like to avoid that.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

-Tyler

 

[SCRunner12]

If you post this in the 3rd gen section you will get a lot more info. There are some threads going on right now that are discussing the things to look out for with a 3rd gen. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/80243-newbie-looking-3rd-gen-weekender.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/80028-should-i-buy-99-164k.html
Here is one about the 4wd options of a 3rd gen. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...rs-3rd-gens-transfer-case-awd-multi-mode.html

 

[4-Ripcord]

Someone with some time on their hands and a lot of experience with 3rd gens should make a nice buyers guide sticky.

Having links to the t-case, 99+ mid-gen upgrades, 3rd gen lifting and FAQ threads in the buyers' thread.

 

[4-Ripcord]

here is some topics to add that I can think of.

-known issues and red flags to watch for
-regular maintenance items
-excellent reliability of drive train
-how to identify each trim level and/or year
-years and availability of e.locker
-years of 5-speed, which trim levels it was available on
-color availability
-'99 tall springs?
-mid-gen upgrade summary
-t-case differences summary
-emphasize that ALL 4runners are 2wd vehicles until some form of 4wd is engaged.
-'highlander' package information
-sport package information
-limited package information
-which ones have hood scoops?
-Basic starter mods (deckplate, Isr, diff breather, etc..)

Anyone think of anything else?

 

[SCRunner12]

I would add the strawberry milkshake issue and rust issues. I'm sure there are more, bu you covered most of the general things to look for.

 

[4-Ripcord]

indeed, those and the rear axle seal issue would fall under the known issues and red flags area.

 

[Turbo224]

Thanks for the info so far guys. I have been browsing the 3rd gen section and found a few threads that are pretty helpful. The more I look research the better I feel about buying a 4runner.