5th Gen observation on 3rd Gen

[mnofpeace]

are these things made of titanium or something.

on my way to work today, i saw no less than 8 or 9 of them, in all realms of build and upkeep. one really nicely lifted and tricked out, many more just stock, and a few that were on their last legs. But all, of course, were alive and kicking...


i hope that our 5th gen can last the test of time like these 3rd gens seem to. i hope that i am still the proud owner after 15+ years of ownership.

arty:

 

[Jetboy]

Basically yes. My 1996 had 210k miles on it when I sold it. It literally never once broke down in the 100+k I owned it. The only parts I ever replaced were spark plugs and wires once, one electric relay for the rear window, and wheel bearings in the rear at 205k miles. Otherwise just routine maintenance stuff.

Even at the 210k mile oil change - the oil still poured out caramel color - not black. It didn't leak or use a drop of oil. It still had the original U-joints, ball joints, steering joints, and all suspension bushings. And they were all tight. So far it was the most reliable vehicle I've ever had. I have no doubt it's possible to see 4-500k miles when well maintained.

I suspect the 5th gen will be very reliable as well, but I'm not sure we know yet whether they're as reliable. Not reason to think not.

 

[DannyLlama]

I plan for my son to drive my truck, he's 2 1/2

 

[SuboptimusPrime]

My 3rd gen has been amazing and I also see them everywhere, lots of 96 and 97 trucks even. We'll cross 200,000 miles before the holidays and the truck has been rock solid. The 3rd gen is pretty much for me, my buddies and the dogs to get our bikes into the woods for either riding or trail building. I've got a 5th gen as the road trip vehicle which is usually piloted by the wife for now but I'm hoping the 5th gens are similarly solid since it will eventually take over when my 3rd gen is retired.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

That 5VZ-FE is a pretty stout engine and those 4Runners are well.. 4Runners, tke care of them and they last a long while.

 

[manofsteele2003]

I loved my 3rd gen I'm thinking of getting another one. My friend had a 97 that he changed oil once every 2 years or so and it wouldn't die.

 

[Hamburgerpimp]

3rd gen had to be good after what a miserable failure the 2nd gens were.

 

[T4R2014]

My friend had a 97 that he changed oil once every 2 years or so and it wouldn't die.

Sounds like a genius.

 

[Jeremy556]

I know they sold a ton of them, they were everywhere when new. Despite what many here say, Toyota has learned and improved their products along the way. As long as you don't crash it, get tired of it and sell, keep up with maintenance, and don't live in the rust belt, it will last a very, very long time.

 

[manofsteele2003]

Sounds like a genius.

Lol yes, very smart just didn't give a shit about his vehicles.

 

[ECBMCC]

Had a neighbor who bought his 3rd gen new in 2001, it had over 325K miles, still looks and runs like new. Very impressive indeed.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Those 3rd Gens are great vehicles. Basic maintenance keeps them going forever. Just have to keep them from rusting. I owned 9 3rd Gen 4Runners I believe, some for me, some for flips. They're the reason I bought my 5 Gen. (My wife also has a 5th Gen, I have a problem)

 

[gimbalsoph]

The only parts I ever replaced were spark plugs and wires once

 

[Large Saints Fan]

I had 285000 on my 2000 when I gave it to my son. he is almost at 300k and it still makes any trip needed and runs like a tank.

 

[TheLast13]

The only parts I ever replaced were spark plugs and wires once

Werent they coil packs on one side and wires on the other? I feel like the 3.4 had some weird feature like that.

 

[The Waco Kid]

Those 3rd Gens are great vehicles. Basic maintenance keeps them going forever. Just have to keep them from rusting. I owned 9 3rd Gen 4Runners I believe, some for me, some for flips. They're the reason I bought my 5 Gen. (My wife also has a 5th Gen, I have a problem)

Sounds like you're a lot more than just a Pitbull rescuer! haha

 

[Blue Seat Lyfe]

Damnit guys, I gave my sister my 2010 Limited (she was moving and needed a 4WD) and got her 2002 SR5 RWD (plus cash) and planned drive it until it dies and then get a newer Land Cruiser / 4Runner.


Looks like its going to be awhile, 3rd gen is only at 112k miles. wonder how long I can last without leather seats and creature comforts.

 

[Paradigm]

I had a 3rd Gen v6 MT with 170k on it. Literally never touched it. Oil and Brakes. Traded it in 05 for my LTD V8 because I thought for sure its time was coming and better get out of it before.. Well now the 05 has 227k on it. Runs like new, never needed a thing except the stupid solenoid for the rear air. I just ordered a 16 TRD Pro because I thought for sure this thing can't last forever. However this time I think I might just hang on it and see. Cant go wrong with too many 4runners right?

 

[ryanbt]

I sold my '96 to a good friend last year. It is still going strong at 250,000 miles and no problems other than a starter and routine maintenance.