Well, the huge hood scoop is a dead give away. Also, the Limited usually came with a two-tone paint, with the body cladding being a different color (which is another difference). No emblems/badge on Highlanders until 01, when they got the "Sport Edition" emblem.
Best 3rd Gen
- Thread starter nmelkaholic
- Start date
Well, the huge hood scoop is a dead give away. Also, the Limited usually came with a two-tone paint, with the body cladding being a different color (which is another difference). No emblems/badge on Highlanders until 01, when they got the "Sport Edition" emblem.
98WhiteT4R
New member
Hello all, I am new here to this forum and am looking to buy a 4runner, I like the looks of the 3rd gen models and wanted to get some advice from 3rd gen owners.
I currently have a 83 Toyota 4x4 that I still enjoy driving... here is what I would like to know.
out of the 3rd gen 4runners, what year is the best as far as reliabilty, gas milage, motor and best offroad.. etc...
My usage would be for hunting/fishing.. daily driver, must be offroad worthy.. where I hunt it is rough!!
future mods= bigger tires /rims small lift, roof rack etc... (once you start it is hard to stop!!)
any info would be greatly appreciated..:thanks:
Before I bought mine I checked Craigslist and autotrader every day for a 99 highlander because everyone said it was the best. I ended up finding one (might have been a 2000) the guy wanted a a premium price for it and it wasent in that great of shape and need maintenance anyway. By the way the rear was sagging, but since I planned on lifting it anyway I didn't really care. After that I started looking for other years and ended up with a 98 with elocker that I got a pretty good deal on and it was in good shape. The point is get a Runner you like and that best fits your needs. Does an extra inch on stock suspension 15 years ago that's going to be sagging now anyway matter to you? Does a non functional hood scoop matter to you(I agree they look cool though). If not then pick one that you like and is in your price range.
drdolittlerwc
New member
Rollin' '00 SR5 5spd 4x4 w/flared fenders, 135K... Wish I had the E-locker, but hey that's how it's played. Never been stuck and lovin' every minute...
Been thru plenty mud too, with street tires... The good stuff is on the way...
Been thru plenty mud too, with street tires... The good stuff is on the way...
Singtoe
New member
My Vote: 1999 Limited 4wd e locker with rare V8 option. :attention:
awpsome
New member
eep:
nmelkaholic
New member
I am looking every day... I will find one I like (99,00)
Thanx for all the replys!
Thanx for all the replys!
1999 Highlander SR5 - Manual - Locker - running board delete - cloth (leather can turn to bacon if not treated right).
A supercharger would tick the last bling checkbox, but a somewhat quicker 4Runner is still a bit of a 'jumbo shrimp'.
I had to search for a long while to find mine. I wanted a manual and a locker, the first one in the right combination of price and condition I found happened to be a 99 Highlander.
If you're looking for a manual, be prepared to look for a long time. They're pretty rare. Limited's are all auto, so it's SR5 or lower package. And most of the lockers you'll find are on the Limited's, so finding a manual locker will take a while.
A supercharger would tick the last bling checkbox, but a somewhat quicker 4Runner is still a bit of a 'jumbo shrimp'.
I had to search for a long while to find mine. I wanted a manual and a locker, the first one in the right combination of price and condition I found happened to be a 99 Highlander.
If you're looking for a manual, be prepared to look for a long time. They're pretty rare. Limited's are all auto, so it's SR5 or lower package. And most of the lockers you'll find are on the Limited's, so finding a manual locker will take a while.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
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.
4Runner_101
Banned
My Vote is a 2.7L 5speed/ elocker!(some may say im partial!)
The only combo with 4.556 gearing from factory in a 3rd gen is some of the 2.7L/5spd/Elocker/265/70/16 Tires
Less fuel usage+1
Less weight up front+1
Engine bay is less JAM PACKED+1
Timing Chain+1
im from Canada, seen and owned a lot of 4runners but never seen a 4cyl with a e-locker, never knew they came in the 4cyl
3rzrunner
Member
Yes They are EXTREMELY rare.
My Friend bought his 97 4cyl/5spd/elocked brand new from the Toyota dealer back in 97.
I got mine back in 2012
You can check axle codes and vin# to find out if it came with a Elocker from factory.
As I said before its the only combo in a 3rd gen to come with 4.556 gearing.
And mine is actually a really cool one
its the (4cyl 5spd elocked combo)
With Everything power
A/C
Sr5 seats
all the bells and whistles of a limited exept leather, chrome, and a sunroof.
