97-2002 ?

[3bears]

A co worker is looking at getting a 4 runner, esp after watching mine climb in and out of the snow up here. His price range puts him into 97-2002 and not that much to be honest

I love my 2000 just wish it had a locker

aside from what you are driving, is there a better year in those years, or a year that is iffy

btw, hes looking for an automatic, since his wife will drive it mostly, commuting form clear lake to sisters Oregon daily

last night we got 2 feet of snow

 

[SpidermanGeek]

The Buyer's Guide lists some of the main differences within third gens.

Mostly what people will consider is the 4WD system/transfer case differences.

Other than that, there's more electrical/computer stuff in the later years (like TCS/VSC) and more sensors for OBDII readings.

But basically, all 3rd gens pretty much have the same build reputation across the board.

Most differences are negligible to the average owner.

 

[SpidermanGeek]

As for me personally, I wouldn't mind trading up to a 3rd gen with Multi-Mode AWD and TRAC/VSC.

Not having these giszmos makes driving the truck a little more traitorous in road conditions that don't quite call for Full-Time 4WD.

As an example, I have been "stuck" in a parking lot before on a chilli 25F evening where a little patch of ice had formed on the ground and I just happened to have stopped my rig with one of the back tires on it. It was the only tire touching ice and I wasn't moving at all. had to engage 4WD just to move up about 1 foot.

AWD or TRAC would have avoided me having to do that.

 

[Dephcon]

I wouldn't go for anything older than a 98. The heating controls changed that year from the old slides (the knobs always come off) to the dial style. Also the cup holders moved from the dash to the center console. Cups never feel 100% secure in the dash holders and always tip to one side.

Personally I would been looking for a 99. They have the best options when it comes to the t-case and locker combination.

My 96 is still running strong, but its really showing its age especially compared to the newer vehicles on the market. So much so, I have been really considering the move to a 4th gen in the 2006 editions (projectors, vvti 4.7L).

 

[Rocky5000100]

For the intended purpose, I'd go for a model that has the Multi-Mode transfer case. The AWD on my 2002 is great in the winter.

I do recommend the Andymod on any 4runner with traction control though, as being able to disable TC in some situations is necessary.

 

[Kyngfish]

2 cents

These gentlemen have more experience off-roading than me, but I like the older ones with the simpler systems. That later ABS system can sometimes have problems, and is fairly expensive to replace.

In general, when it comes to longevity - simpler is better - which is why the 3rd gen is good to begin with - so within the 3rd gens - I'd recommend the simplest that meets your coworker's needs.

 

[MandAtaco]

Obviously everyone has their own opinion, but when I started shopping around, I would only look at 99-00. Main reason was because the cup holders were between the seats and not on the dash. I had a 96 and it was the dumbest thing!

Other reasons were, they didn't have all the electronics that the 01 and 02's had, and could still be had with the rear locker.

 

[nissanh]

If he wants peace of mind, stay away from lots of electronics that came in 01 and 02. The brake master pump is very expensive in these models Probably closer to a used engine.
All 3rd gens have ABS.
99 is the best been it got everything in the 3rd gen spectrum. But the price is high.
I have a 97 and most are mechanical.... life is easy. I just replace, tires, oil, belts and battery for the past 7 years of ownership.

 

[3bears]

so after days of helping my friend look, having him read all the info here on buying and what to look for, drive for two hours to look at one,
and he tells me he is on a tight budget
he goes to town the other day and comes back with a 2014 jeep wrangler sport. 30k miles, paid 20k
oh well , hes happy and now I don't have to hear him complain about having a 2wd out here in snow country.

 

[StreetCreeper]

so after days of helping my friend look, having him read all the info here on buying and what to look for, drive for two hours to look at one,
and he tells me he is on a tight budget
he goes to town the other day and comes back with a 2014 jeep wrangler sport. 30k miles, paid 20k
oh well , hes happy and now I don't have to hear him complain about having a 2wd out here in snow country.

​

 

[sambishop]

I have been really considering the move to a 4th gen in the 2006 editions (projectors, vvti 4.7L).

The 4th gens came out with VVTi in 2005, the LED tail lights came in 05.

 

[Dephcon]

The 4th gens came out with VVTi in 2005, the LED tail lights came in 05.

I was going by the information I found here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/136498-pre-purchase-info-modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html which states the following

2006 brought projector headlights and LED tail lights. The tail lights are a direct swap to 03-05 4Runners. The headlights will swap, you will need to buy the pre-painted trim pieces that fit under the projector headlights. There will also be a small gap between the lower corner of the headlight and the grill due to changes made from 05-06. The 06 grill is not a direct swap to earlier year vehicles.

From my findings and comparing models locally, I have to agree that projectors start on 2006 models. You are right however regarding the vvti 4.7 in 2005.

 

[BunBun]

​

I wouldn't be friends with that person anymore, i would probably disown my own family for that bullshit.:mad2:

 

[Kyngfish]

so after days of helping my friend look, having him read all the info here on buying and what to look for, drive for two hours to look at one,
and he tells me he is on a tight budget
he goes to town the other day and comes back with a 2014 jeep wrangler sport. 30k miles, paid 20k
oh well , hes happy and now I don't have to hear him complain about having a 2wd out here in snow country.

LOL - for 20k he could have had a 3rd gen with top of the line everything or even a fairly tricked out used Land Cruiser.

I'm sure your friend is a nice guy but:

 

[sdwaltz]

Hate to do this, but I have a 4Runner buying question - I'm new to this site and never owned a 4Runner (but my mom had a '95 for a few years). Since apparently I have to make 15 posts before I can make a new thread (annoying), I'll ask here:

Looking to buy a 2000 4Runner Limited 4x4 auto. Guy was asking 5,700 and said he'd take 5,000. I drove it and loved it, of course. Mileage shows 140,000. I get back home and run the CarFax, and find out actual mileage is right around 215,000, but you wouldn't know it by looking at it or driving it, that's for sure. It is CLEAN. The leather seats are even in good shape! Poor guy had absolutely no idea his odometer had been rolled back, which the dating on the CarFax proves. He believed he purchased it with 109,000 miles, so he has a bone to pick with the dealer he purchased from. Anyway - he owes about 3,900 on the car, so I jokingly told him I'd give him 3,900 for it to clear his loan - to my surprise, he said he'd take it if I was still interested.

Maintenance has been done almost exclusively at Toyota dealers prior to this guy purchasing it, so it is well-accounted for on the Carfax - regular oil changes, plugs/wires, etc. Seems to be a very well-maintained car. Last reported Toyota service was done at 183k, and I see no evidence that the timing belt has been replaced since its 90k service. Aside from ball joints, that's the only thing I'm potentially worried about.

In the last 30k miles, he has replaced:
tires
starter
radiator
rear axle seals
valve cover gaskets
plugs
trans fluid & filter
and throttle position sensor

Link to Craigslist ad is here: 2000 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4X4 (CARFAX REVISED)

Is this a good buy, for 3,900, with 215,000 miles? I appreciate and welcome all comments - and if I do this, you'll see me here more often!

Thanks,
Steve

 

[vukos]

'99 Limited has the multi-mode transfer case option, giving you essentially AWD. It has been absolutely invaluable in the snow around here. Like mine, many/most seem to come with the electronic rear diff locker as well.

If all of the above was also available in the 5-speed manual, I would be in vehicular heaven. Unfortunately this does not exist

 

[Scramble]

so after days of helping my friend look, having him read all the info here on buying and what to look for, drive for two hours to look at one,
and he tells me he is on a tight budget
he goes to town the other day and comes back with a 2014 jeep wrangler sport. 30k miles, paid 20k
oh well , hes happy and now I don't have to hear him complain about having a 2wd out here in snow country.

Loser!

 

[StreetCreeper]

Hate to do this, but I have a 4Runner buying question - I'm new to this site and never owned a 4Runner (but my mom had a '95 for a few years). Since apparently I have to make 15 posts before I can make a new thread (annoying), I'll ask here:

Looking to buy a 2000 4Runner Limited 4x4 auto. Guy was asking 5,700 and said he'd take 5,000. I drove it and loved it, of course. Mileage shows 140,000. I get back home and run the CarFax, and find out actual mileage is right around 215,000, but you wouldn't know it by looking at it or driving it, that's for sure. It is CLEAN. The leather seats are even in good shape! Poor guy had absolutely no idea his odometer had been rolled back, which the dating on the CarFax proves. He believed he purchased it with 109,000 miles, so he has a bone to pick with the dealer he purchased from. Anyway - he owes about 3,900 on the car, so I jokingly told him I'd give him 3,900 for it to clear his loan - to my surprise, he said he'd take it if I was still interested.

Maintenance has been done almost exclusively at Toyota dealers prior to this guy purchasing it, so it is well-accounted for on the Carfax - regular oil changes, plugs/wires, etc. Seems to be a very well-maintained car. Last reported Toyota service was done at 183k, and I see no evidence that the timing belt has been replaced since its 90k service. Aside from ball joints, that's the only thing I'm potentially worried about.

In the last 30k miles, he has replaced:
tires
starter
radiator
rear axle seals
valve cover gaskets
plugs
trans fluid & filter
and throttle position sensor

Link to Craigslist ad is here: 2000 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4X4 (CARFAX REVISED)

Is this a good buy, for 3,900, with 215,000 miles? I appreciate and welcome all comments - and if I do this, you'll see me here more often!

Thanks,
Steve

If everything is as you stated — I'd snap that up in a heartbeat. 215k is no big deal especially on a well maintained truck. My truck was neglected and abused for the first 350,000 miles — then I got her.

She has 416,000 now...

 

[sdwaltz]

If everything is as you stated — I'd snap that up in a heartbeat. 215k is no big deal especially on a well maintained truck. My truck was neglected and abused for the first 350,000 miles — then I got her.

She has 416,000 now...

Thank you, [MENTION=115590]StreetCreeper[/MENTION]!

I'm inching closer and closer in the direction of doing it, but I've never purchased such a high-mileage vehicle before so I'm leary for obvious reasons. I've always wanted a 3rd gen, and I know they're pretty bulletproof, but it still makes me nervous. I feel like this is a good one though.