4Runner Shopping

[swedge]

Thanks to everyone who contributes to this forum. It has helped me immensely while shopping for a 4runner.

I owned a 2000 Tacoma 2.7L that I had for 10 years and 170K miles without anything more than a brake job. I went to the grave early with the frame rust recall. Having a pregnant wife, I shopped around for another vehicle to fit my needs and ended up with a used 2007 Honda Ridgeline. Luckily I bought the extended warranty, because there were numerous things that had to be fixed and the truck only has 80k miles. I will admit, the truck rides nice, and is very convenient.

Anyway, the baby is a year old, we just moved to a new home and because of that my bank account has been drained like a cyst, I've decided to sell the Ridgeline, take half of the cash, get a 3rd generation 4runner and drive it until my daughter is goes to college.

I'm shopping now and hopefully will be back on here with pictures in a few weeks. Any tips for shopping are appreciated!

 

[swedge]

Now I'm wondering if I should spend the extra couple of thousand and get a 4th gen. I've found a few in the area. Any advice?

 

[thorrunner]

Are you looking for 4wd? I know out by me (Phoenix) there are quite a few 4th Gen 2wd for a reasonable cost. Where are you located? Even some 06 and later Runners with the upgraded headlight / brakelights and IPOD port in the console.

I love my 4th Gen, the only issues are the driveline clunk that has been beat to death on the board (grease the snot out of the driveline) sometimes brake caliper seizing up and burning through pads.

Good luck!

 

[4-Ripcord]

Its all about the 3rd gens! Best truck ever.

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

 

[swedge]

I'm on the PA/MD line. 4wd is a requirement for this purchase. I'm was looking for a late 3rd gen sr5 sport or limited. These are usually around 10k with 110k to 130k miles. I found a few 2003's with 120k miles for 11 to 12 grand. Trying to decide what to get. I like the idea of a little more room and a timing chain vs. belt.

 

[thorrunner]

I'm on the PA/MD line. 4wd is a requirement for this purchase. I'm was looking for a late 3rd gen sr5 sport or limited. These are usually around 10k with 110k to 130k miles. I found a few 2003's with 120k miles for 11 to 12 grand. Trying to decide what to get. I like the idea of a little more room and a timing chain vs. belt.

Ah yes, I remember my east coast days in NY MA and NH, 4wd is a must!! the 4th gens loose a little ground clearance but in my opinion have a more comfortable interior. Sounds like either way a good deal. Only the v6 4th gens run the timing chain but it sounds like you are really doing your research so you probably already know that.... Good luck!

 

[swedge]

This site has helped with my research immensely. I was first looking at cherokee's, then nissan pathfinders and 4door trucks, then early 2000 mercedes eclass wagons. I finally settled on the 4runner for practicality as well as toughness. I had a 2.7L Tacoma that went 170K miles before the frame rusted out. I didn't do anything but change the oil, brake pads, and tires. Toyota bought it back from me for way more than it was worth.

Found this one today:

2003 4Runner Excellent Condition