Austin 3rd Gens?
- Thread starter Tom P.
- Start date
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kolbydmc
New member
I live in Houston but might be coming to Austin pretty soon to pick up another 3rd gen! Maybe we could meet up.
Another 3rd gen?! Beware, my friend, I hear they're addictive. Let me know when you come into town. We can meet up and compare notes. Which one are you looking at in Austin? I'm having to wean myself from looking at craigslist every day, every hour... a habit I got when I was searching for mine.
kolbydmc
New member
I know what you mean about craigslist. I'll let you know for sure.
Funny thing... You're in Houston looking in Austin. I'm in Austin and found mine in Houston. (lol) I thought there was more selection in Houston and Dallas. Btw, there was a really sweet one in Lufkin that may be still waiting for you. Good luck, and if you want any info I may be able to help. I've driven a few around here.
kolbydmc
New member
I'm sick of seeing the same ones reposted in the Houston area so I branched out to Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. Can't find that one in Lufkin but thanks for the info. Which ones did you drive?
Drove this one, but didn't feel the love:
1998 Toyota 4 Runner 4x4
This one was very vague about VIN and then wouldn't return calls:
*2000 Toyota 4runner SR5 4WD
I drove a couple of 5-speeds that were dogs; a black one and a silver one, but I don't see them listed. The black one had odometer and mechanical issues, the silver was painted, leaked, dirty inside and had butt-ugly rims.
The lufkin one is off the list but he posted here on the boards a while back:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-vehicles/112720-sale-2000-toyota-4runner-limited.html
Looks sweet but the VIN search listed something about being in a storm/flood zone and he didn't reply to my question about it.
This one just popped up. Looks clean but a bit high priced:
1996 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD
Looking in other markets is good. The Runner's always shinier on the other side of the fence, or something like that.
Good luck!
1998 Toyota 4 Runner 4x4
This one was very vague about VIN and then wouldn't return calls:
*2000 Toyota 4runner SR5 4WD
I drove a couple of 5-speeds that were dogs; a black one and a silver one, but I don't see them listed. The black one had odometer and mechanical issues, the silver was painted, leaked, dirty inside and had butt-ugly rims.
The lufkin one is off the list but he posted here on the boards a while back:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-vehicles/112720-sale-2000-toyota-4runner-limited.html
Looks sweet but the VIN search listed something about being in a storm/flood zone and he didn't reply to my question about it.
This one just popped up. Looks clean but a bit high priced:
1996 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD
Looking in other markets is good. The Runner's always shinier on the other side of the fence, or something like that.
Good luck!
kolbydmc
New member
Crap, this was the one I was interested in. I gave him a call, no answer. I left a message, no call back. I'll keep trying. I was also looking at a '99 in San Antonio but it had 214k miles. I don't really want to start with that many miles when I plan on having this one for a while. My two requirements for my next one is 1999 and up with 4WD.
Yeah, that white one popped up one day, about a month ago, and I hopped right on it. He said he'd driven it from Seattle... A lot of people were calling... blah, blah. I asked for the VIN. 'Don't have it with me.' Can I come by to take it to my mechanic? 'Not now.' Basically, it was 'wait two days until everyone can come by and see it.' I wasn't interested in an auction so I waited to see what would happen. He re-posted it on craigslist again after everyone supposedly came by. So much for people beating down his door. Or... there could be something wrong. Anyway, I called back the following week, left messages, no return call. Life's too short for that. I walked.
I eventually found a '99 Highlander in Houston. That's a story I'll leave for another day.
My recommendation is to search patiently and persistently for the right one, if you have the time, with as many of the important features as you can get. It'll turn up. Perhaps the most important thing you can get is a lengthy and thorough maintenance record. Garage kept and low miles are nice, too. And maybe a plate of hot brownies on the hood.
kolbydmc
New member
Yeah, that white one popped up one day, about a month ago, and I hopped right on it. He said he'd driven it from Seattle... A lot of people were calling... blah, blah. I asked for the VIN. 'Don't have it with me.' Can I come by to take it to my mechanic? 'Not now.' Basically, it was 'wait two days until everyone can come by and see it.' I wasn't interested in an auction so I waited to see what would happen. He re-posted it on craigslist again after everyone supposedly came by. So much for people beating down his door. Or... there could be something wrong. Anyway, I called back the following week, left messages, no return call. Life's too short for that. I walked.
I eventually found a '99 Highlander in Houston. That's a story I'll leave for another day.
My recommendation is to search patiently and persistently for the right one, if you have the time, with as many of the important features as you can get. It'll turn up. Perhaps the most important thing you can get is a lengthy and thorough maintenance record. Garage kept and low miles are nice, too. And maybe a plate of hot brownies on the hood.
Thanks a lot for all the intel on the white runner. and thanks for the tips, I'll for sure use that site.
99TX4runner
New member
I am in Austin. I chill with another 3rd gen runner owner and some other buddies from Tacoma World forum. We have monthly meets and wheeling trips. Send me a PM and I will give you the details.
