Anything I should know?

N

Natsirt

New member
Hi there,

New to the forum and in the market for a new vehicle with a 3rd gen at the top of my list. I'll be looking for a 3.4l v6 auto. I was a mechanic for years so i know what to check from that standpoint but what I'm wondering is if there is anything specific I should be looking for? Better running gear from certain years or the like?

Any opinions would be much appreciated

Nat
 
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I have a '97, but from what I'v heard, 1999 and on have simpler mechanics on certain sensors and larger sprigs so they sit higher. I did read something about different gear ratios between the 2wd and 4wd. I dont have concrete proof but I do a lot of reading on this forum and have read stuff about all of this.
 
I love the simple setup of 96-99. Mechanical shift to 4lo, push button 4x4 and rear locker. Mechanical throttle rather than the sloppy fly by wire. The leather seats are much more comfortable too
 
Cool thanks. I forgot to add above that I will definitely get a 4x4 as well. Good to know about the newer ones too
 
brian2sun said:
I've given up. I've accepted the fact that it is our duty to link it to each and every one of the thousands of future threads asking the same thing over and over again, lol.
Click to expand...

have faith our brother... one day the sticky gods will accept our humble sacrifice....
 
look for rust rust rust... rear axle, frame, and bumper

check out the lower ball joints, search this forum, you will see the fatalities (not people!)

was the radiator changed? search for strawberry or pink milkshake

that should cover the major items. good luck.
 
Here's another good site with info about the different years.

Top4Runners.com - Toyota 4Runner Informational Website

The ideal (IMO) is 99.5 or 2000 (no difference if you replace the suspension). There were some minor upgrades in 99.5 that I like (see the sticky about it).

The next ideal to me is if you want a purely on-road vehicle, or if you are willing to add a rear locker, then get an 01-02 so you can have AWD and traction control.

That said, all years are good. Other stuff to look for would be signs of a pink milkshake, like a new radiator (search pink milkshake here and you will see what it is). Check the rear coolant lines to see if they have been replaced or are rusty.

Other than that, I think everything is just typical stuff to look at. General rust is a typical thing to look for , but like double A said, the worst parts on the 4runner for rust are 1. the rear axle, 2. the rear frame and bumper. Check the frame on the inside frame rail back near where the LCA connects to the frame.

During the test drive, hit some bumps at high speed if you can and feel for steering wobble. That is another common issue.
 
If I were to buy another one I would get the VIN, for starters and make an account here Toyota Owners - Official Toyota Owners Website and look up if it has any service records. I did this the other night and found out that the previous owner took it into Broadway Toyota in Portland for an issue with "running rough" that he never told me about. :dammit:

After I did the I would look for rust, ensure that EVERY panel on the thing has a VIN sticker. If he says it has not been wrecked, and there are VIN stickers missing, tell him to go :wow: himself. Also look for any bends or bubbles in the metal on the radiator core support, as that is a likely sign of a front end collision.

I would do a lot more, but what I am getting at, is be THOROUGH. I know that I myself get all giddy when I look at a new vehicle, and forget to look at stupid things like the 4WD or the if all the speakers work. Make a checklist, and work your way down!
 
A.Wilson013 said:
If I were to buy another one I would get the VIN, for starters and make an account here Toyota Owners - Official Toyota Owners Website and look up if it has any service records. I did this the other night and found out that the previous owner took it into Broadway Toyota in Portland for an issue with "running rough" that he never told me about. :dammit:

After I did the I would look for rust, ensure that EVERY panel on the thing has a VIN sticker. If he says it has not been wrecked, and there are VIN stickers missing, tell him to go :wow: himself. Also look for any bends or bubbles in the metal on the radiator core support, as that is a likely sign of a front end collision.

I would do a lot more, but what I am getting at, is be THOROUGH. I know that I myself get all giddy when I look at a new vehicle, and forget to look at stupid things like the 4WD or the if all the speakers work. Make a checklist, and work your way down!
Click to expand...

Cool link, I just looked up my vehicle history and found that PO's replaced the A/F sensor, MAF, alternator belt, transfer case (I knew that because if had salvage yard markings on it)
 
Nelsonmd said:
Cool link, I just looked up my vehicle history and found that PO's replaced the A/F sensor, MAF, alternator belt, transfer case (I knew that because if had salvage yard markings on it)
Click to expand...

I know, right?! I just found it in a random thread a couple of days ago. I am surprised it's not more popular!
 
Think I found a good one but I would appreciate your opinions. 1997 limited 178,000 km's (roughly 110,000 miles), v6, auto, rear locker, no rust, no tranny fluid in the coolant. Looks and drives great. $8500 Canadian. Thoughts?
 
Natsirt said:
Think I found a good one but I would appreciate your opinions. 1997 limited 178,000 km's (roughly 110,000 miles), v6, auto, rear locker, no rust, no tranny fluid in the coolant. Looks and drives great. $8500 Canadian. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Sounds good from that description... Vague though, any other info? Pictures?
 
Still sounds a little high to me for a 14yo car, but not by much if it's clean. Has it had the timing belt and water pump done?
 
I picked it up this morning. I went over it for quite a while looking for rust and found little to none. Timing belt and water pump have been done in the last year. It's really clean inside and out. The only thing I've noticed is that the oil pan gasket is weeping a bit. No drips really, just damp.

Assuming nothing major pops up mechanically, I figure it's not a bad deal. Thanks for the input.
 
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