Hey all, I've been lurking on the forum for a few weeks now researching problems and fixes on 3rd gen 4runners while shopping for one and last week I picked one up:
It's my first Toyota and so far I'm impressed. My previous ride was a Wrangler Rubicon (sold to my parents to use as a tow vehicle behind their RV) so although I'm giving up a ton of off-road capabilities I'm gaining better MPG, a nice highway ride and most importantly a huge amount of cargo space. I'm looking forward to camping out of the back of the 4runner.
Got it pretty reasonably from a local dealership, I guess because no one wants 5-speeds around here? It was the lowest mileage 3rd gen unit they had on the lot and it was cheaper than the rest by $2k easy... go figure. It was even cheaper than the automatic equipped 2nd gen units they had, and one wasn't even a 4x4. Something has to be wrong with it is what I keep thinking but so far I can't figure that out.... I'm just hoping it's the manual trans thing. If the motor blows up next week I'll know what they were hiding.
It's at 172k miles, had the timing belt and water pump done at 136k, one owner with a clear carfax showing they took it to the same dealer they bought it to for servicing over the years and the 4x4 works well but doesn't show signs underneath of any off-road action. No locker but that's easy to add aftermarket if I find myself missing those in the Rubi.
So far I've swapped the battery and put some General Grabber AT2s on it to replace the mall-terrain tires that were on it. Guys mounting up the tires pointed out my steering rack was leaking so I may take that on next or just try the leak-fix additives first.
That's it for now, hopefully I can add some value to the board with stories because it looks like the technical aspects are well covered by everyone.
It's my first Toyota and so far I'm impressed. My previous ride was a Wrangler Rubicon (sold to my parents to use as a tow vehicle behind their RV) so although I'm giving up a ton of off-road capabilities I'm gaining better MPG, a nice highway ride and most importantly a huge amount of cargo space. I'm looking forward to camping out of the back of the 4runner.
Got it pretty reasonably from a local dealership, I guess because no one wants 5-speeds around here? It was the lowest mileage 3rd gen unit they had on the lot and it was cheaper than the rest by $2k easy... go figure. It was even cheaper than the automatic equipped 2nd gen units they had, and one wasn't even a 4x4. Something has to be wrong with it is what I keep thinking but so far I can't figure that out.... I'm just hoping it's the manual trans thing. If the motor blows up next week I'll know what they were hiding.
It's at 172k miles, had the timing belt and water pump done at 136k, one owner with a clear carfax showing they took it to the same dealer they bought it to for servicing over the years and the 4x4 works well but doesn't show signs underneath of any off-road action. No locker but that's easy to add aftermarket if I find myself missing those in the Rubi.
So far I've swapped the battery and put some General Grabber AT2s on it to replace the mall-terrain tires that were on it. Guys mounting up the tires pointed out my steering rack was leaking so I may take that on next or just try the leak-fix additives first.
That's it for now, hopefully I can add some value to the board with stories because it looks like the technical aspects are well covered by everyone.
