99 4runner-why most desirable???

[Martinjmpr]

the limiteds had the newer t-case and clock relocated. the automatic a/c control unit and they started all them with the 5 spoke rims(which i like better) i am unsure if the t-case and auto a/c also came in the SR5 models but these are just some of the changes.

No, my '99 SR5 has the regular (part time) t-case and the manual HVAC controls.

 

[Martinjmpr]

So I bought a '99 4runner highlander yesterday! 5-Speed, E-Locker, Green. One Colorado Owner, 133,000 miles. Only flaw is a small transmission whine in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear. (ouch). Also it has no roof rack, or rear spoiler, but it does have small and bald tires.
Anyway i'll have pics up soon, and hello highlander club!

Outstanding! Now send us some pics!

What is the difference between the SR5 and the Highlander other than the hood scoop? Is it more or less cosmetic (fender flares, body cladding, color matched bumpers, etc) or does it include upgraded suspension/tires/other?

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Yes,the Highlander is more of an appearance package but does get the sport seating which has slightly different fabric and more adjustments and are the only model with a color coded grill.
It's more of a model that fits in between the SR5 and the Limited since all Highlanders did get the Limited wheels and other options that are standard on the Limiteds like bigger brakes, and 4:10 rear diff but those are optional on the standard SR5s. All Highlander models did get the taller coils offered in '99.

Toyota 4Runner Highlander Information

 

[SlowYourRoll]

Congrats.

Did you get a good deal on it? Sounds like it needs some work.

Got them down $1200 from asking price. Honestly it runs great, and shifts great. It may need transmission work in the future, but I hear these 5-speeds are pretty solid. I will be buying some bigger tires as soon as the old ones wear out more, and I am looking for someone to donate a '99 roof rack to the cause. No pics yet, after the new year i'll have the goods.

 

[topdown4runner]

Got them down $1200 from asking price. Honestly it runs great, and shifts great. It may need transmission work in the future, but I hear these 5-speeds are pretty solid. I will be buying some bigger tires as soon as the old ones wear out more, and I am looking for someone to donate a '99 roof rack to the cause. No pics yet, after the new year i'll have the goods.

$1,200 from asking price....what was the asking price??

Sounds like a sweet ride

 

[SlowYourRoll]

Out the door price $9200. Pictures soon.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Maybe prices are higher in Colorado, but that seems very expensive considering your going to have to put new tires on it and it may have small transmission problems.

 

[smallfry]

3rd gens never ever had a 3rd row seat. I want to see this article of the 96 4Runner you speak of!

Does this help some. Still trying to take down the article though all my boxes.

Toyota Part Numbers from ToyoDIY.com

79031A COVER SUB-ASSY, NO.3 SEAT CUSHION
71075-35370-E1 VZN185..LULI; MD.OAK, TRIM4* 1
71075-35370-E3 VZN185; VZN180..SR5V; MEDIUM OAK, TRIM4* 1 $329.89
79033A COVER SUB-ASSY, NO.3 SEAT BACK
71077-35630-E1 VZN185; VZN180..SR5V; OAK, TRIM4* 1
71077-35630-E2 VZN185; VZN180..SR5V; OAK, TRIM4* 1
79301 FRAME SUB-ASSY, NO.3 SEAT CUSHION
71015-35030 VZN185; VZN180..SR5V 1 $199.39
79303 FRAME SUB-ASSY,NO.3 SEAT BACK
71017-35070 VZN185; VZN180..SR5V 1
79309 BOARD SUB-ASSY, NO.3 SEAT BACK
79309-35010-E0 VZN185; VZN180..SR5V; OAK, TRIM4* 1 $150.92
79320A CUSHION ASSY, NO.3 SEAT
71460-35590 VZN185..LULI; *** 1
71460-35590-E1 VZN185; VZN180..SR5V; ***, MD.OAK, TRIM4* 1
79335 PAD, NO.3 SEAT CUSHION
71613-35010 VZN185; VZN180..SR5V 1 $116.75
79340A BACK ASSY, NO.3 SEAT
71480-35670-E0 VZN185; VZN180..SR5V; ***, OAK, TRIM4* 1
79375 PAD, NO.3 SEAT BACK
71653-35010 VZN185; VZN180..SR5V

 

[SlowYourRoll]

3rd gen 4runner + 5-speed + 4x4 + E-Locker + Colorado = top dollar.

Maybe prices are higher in Colorado, but that seems very expensive considering your going to have to put new tires on it and it may have small transmission problems.

 

[KellyJ]

3rd gen 4runner + 5-speed + 4x4 + E-Locker + Colorado = top dollar.

Kinda like finding a virgin in the Red Light District? Haha. Can't wait to see the pics man.

 

[topdown4runner]

O.K.
Went to see the 4Runner on the 1st.

The pictures near the begining of the thread do not do this truck justice. They obviously were not recent pics.

This thing is trashed inside. Looks like a pigsty.

There are several paint "rubs" where a brush guard was not installed right and wore the paint down to the primer on both fenders. Probably was a light tap that pushed it into the fenders.

Seemed to start and run fine. Definately has more power with the supercharger. Does not have the 7th injector.
Last timing belt change was at 79K miles, currently has 141K miles on the truck.

Has a "thump" in the driveline when letting off semi-hard acceleration.

Has a "thump" in the driveline when engaging & dis-engaging 4wd system on a dirt road.

The BFG mud terrains that are on the truck in the ad pictures are not there. It has mis matched car tires now.

This guy wants $7,500 for it. Yea, right.

Will have some pix posted up soon.

 

[topdown4runner]

Here are the pictures... What a waste of a formerly nice truck...looks like a pig lives here...sad....

 

[RonMAIDEN]

It's amazing how some people just can't take care of cars;mine looks almost mint compared to that. Mine just has some normal wear and some off road scuffs here and there but otherwise very mechanically sound @154000 miles and I would be lucky to see $7k from mine and that's in Colorado.

 

[JohnsD90]

It's amazing how some people just can't take care of cars;mine looks almost mint compared to that. Mine just has some normal wear and some off road scuffs here and there but otherwise very mechanically sound @154000 miles and I would be lucky to see $7k from mine and that's in Colorado.

I know, My car looks very clean on the interior except for a few little niches, and my headliner is scuffed and dirty pretty badly in the back but thats about it, If he wants $7500 for that, SHlT I'll buy a supercharger and you can have mine for $7,500.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

If people are paying over $7k it should at least look similar to mine in condition.

Even dirty mine looks better than that poor abused 4Runner.

 

[topdown4runner]

I sold my '96 a little over 2 years ago.
She was in much better shape at 145K miles. I should have kept her....now I want another one, just green this time!

Here is how mine looked when I sold her ( minus the roof rack, I put it on my Wife's '97 )

 

[KellyJ]

To be honest topdown, it doesn't really look that bad. Sure there is a bunch of crap in it, and the front seats are thrashed, but even mine has had that much, or even more, crap in it at one point or another. I agree the owner could've made the truck a bit more presentable if he is trying to sell it...however, it clearly looks like he is some type of handyman where he uses all the space in the 4R all the time, even if it's messy. The 2nd generation S/C is a nice easter egg though. Driveline thump/4wd thump is normal, my 2002 does it and it's annoying but hey, my 4R has over 145k on it now, it's something I can expect from a seven year old vehicle - let alone a ten year old one. If you're really that unhappy with it's condition offer him 6k and work your way up from there. If I were in the market for another 4Runner, I'd probably be willing to offer him $6750 or maybe 7k for it, pay $100-150 for a professional detail and another couple hundred looking for a replacement driver seat. Marks on paint wouldn't bother me too much unless it led to rust.

 

[Hacker]

To be honest topdown, it doesn't really look that bad.

+1.

It's going to take some cleanup, but looks like a pretty solid truck.

How is the carfax/service history? Did the owner take care of the mechanical stuff the same way he treated the interior??

 

[topdown4runner]

+1.

It's going to take some cleanup, but looks like a pretty solid truck.

How is the carfax/service history? Did the owner take care of the mechanical stuff the same way he treated the interior??

I had a toyota mechanic pull the service history. Was well maintained by the Clearwater Toyota dealership until 2 years ago when it was sold to the guy near me. He bought it with about 100K on it. He put 41K on it in 2 years.
Has had some Toyota service at our local dealership, nothing major. just a starter.
When I asked about service records...." yea, I have some here and there"
That sent up a red flag to me...
The way a person treats the inside of a vehicle is a strong indicator of how it is maintained.
I used to be in the car wash business, so I can do the detail myself. I can see "past" the dirt to what it could look like. I am just looking at the mess in relation to it's care and the care shown by it's current owner.
I also do handy man type work on the side, and MY truck NEVER looks like that.
My Toyota mechanic is mobile. The economy made it not feesable to stay working at the dealership, so he went out on his own.
He works out of his '03 4Runner. It is pristine in & out. He also has a tool box in the back, but he treats his truck like he should.

As to the driveline "thump"....My old 96 did not do it, my Wife's 97 does not do it, my 95 T100 4x4 does not do it...other 4Runners I have test drove did not do it...I was told it is probably in the transfer case...stretched chain in my opinion...these are chain driven, right?
He tows a large trailer at times.

Now for the kicker....he just increased his asking price on Autotrader from $7,500 to $9,000.
I think he is smoking crack...imp:

 

[JohnsD90]

The way a person treats the inside of a vehicle is a strong indicator of how it is maintained.

Don't follow that at all. That is not a good indicator, stick with a mechanic.