Best 3rd Gen

[paddlenbike]

The manual/auto debate is just preference. I hate automatics so manual is the only way I go. As for everything else, I would look for the cleanest and best maintained one you can find. I really like having an e-locker, but I would take a clean non-elocked one over a questionable locked 4Runner. Maintenance is key since 3rd gens now range from 12 to 18 years old.

 

[3rzrunner]

Was the 4.56 option available on auto and manual 3RZ 3rd gens?

ONLY on 4cyl/5spd/AND Elocker

 

[Hepar]

I would say to stay pretty open in your options and look for one that's been treated well. There's not too many options these things have that you can't add on later depending on how much effort you want to put into it.

 

[Dee3]

I also really like the 99 Highlander. I looked a few months when I found mine and it was my favorite stock locked 3rd gen. There is lots of different runners though that I like, I was just really wanting that 99 for a while so I got one and loved it.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

99 Highlander for the win...

My 99 was a base model 2wd auto, went through the trouble to make it look like a highlander. Sport hood, flares, color matched grille, mirrors, door handles, and bumpers, 99 tall springs, SR5 seats and other options added...

Things still weren't quite right. I fixed that with a supercharger, 4.56 gears, 4wd conversion, and 5-speed swap. It may not be an original highlander but it's pretty much one now. Just needs an E locker.

My point? Buy a highlander instead of wishing you did

 

[nmelkaholic]

Thanks for all the info guys... will keep looking till I find what I want...

 

[nmelkaholic]

Well... after searching and checking out a lot of runners, I found one that is in perfect condition!!! 2000 SR5 4x4 1 owner, always maintained at the stealers, 130k, has the rear locker in it, and it is loaded... this thing looks and drives like brand new!!

let me see if I can load a few pics??

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[1985taylor1925]

3rd gen 4runners are stupid. You should buy a jeep. then you can drive around saying, beep beep, Im a jeep

 

[MCObray]

I really like the '99 Highlander with the skinny black flares,locker and the taller coils as I've kept mine simple and still handles what I throw at it. Still pretty much as Toyota delivered it. The interior has really held up well also to the abuse of daily driving, camping and off roading.

Hands down one of my favorite 4Runner's!

 

[Scramble]

Well... after searching and checking out a lot of runners, I found one that is in perfect condition!!! 2000 SR5 4x4 1 owner, always maintained at the stealers, 130k, has the rear locker in it, and it is loaded... this thing looks and drives like brand new!!

let me see if I can load a few pics??

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Good things come to those who wait. Is it a 5 speed? Needs a SC!

 

[Scramble]

99 or 00, 5 speed, e-locker, 6cyl with SC.

 

[dominopizza]

2000 4runners are the best

 

[1985taylor1925]

Options have already been covered. But for looks, this is the best looking stock 3rd gen ever

 

[Singtoe]

The best 3rd gen 4Runner is the 99 limited with the 4.7 V8....

 

[Padre]

Op- you looked for a long time. Respect.

At the auto shop the guy said to me just yesterday "whatever you do never sell that 4runner"

He was being a little dramatic but still solid advice.

 

[jay00]

that's a bad ass runner elkoholic! Where did you find that one at? I just got a 00 limited a couple weeks ago and never saw that one, I looked all over. I really like the one I got but yours is really nice bro, congrats! what part of nm you in?

 

[Unner]

The best 3rd gen 4Runner is the 99 limited with the 4.7 V8....

I came here to say mine was the best and then you throw your blown V8 in our faces.

*Goes to look at superchargers and wrecked 1st gen Tundras*

 

[maclean216]

99-02 buy the nicest one you can afford. Won't matter especially if you plan on modifying the truck.

 

[amalik]

I came here to say mine was the best and then you throw your blown V8 in our faces.

*Goes to look at superchargers and wrecked 1st gen Tundras*

I stumbled across a rebuilt TRD supercharger listed on my local Craigslist for $2k. Want the link?

 

[MCObray]

Options have already been covered. But for looks, this is the best looking stock 3rd gen ever



View attachment 184408

Wish I'd never sold it!