Best Off Road Gen 3? Help me decide my next purchase.

[cobra2top]

Hello all, this is my first post and hopefully many more to come.

Long story sort of short, I have been looking for a 4x4 to tool around in the areas off road parks and then take it to park at the airport during the week.

I have been "smoked up" over the 99-02 Discovery's. I always wanted one when they were new, actually test drove one and loved it but just realized back then it was not in the budget. Now ones with 100K can be found for $5K-$7K!!

I joined a Discovery Forum and started my search. The problem was reliability. Since this would be a 2nd car, it was not as much a issue until I kept reading about this and that breaking and the cost of parts.

As I searched Craigslist, someone with a 4runner added "Discovery" to their ad and it popped up. The truck was a 97 Limited 4wd with 100K for $6K!!! I have to be honest, it was not even on my list and it really should have!! I have a GS400 as my current car and it is a tank! I have 89K and the thing drives like it is new. How Toyota did not end up on my list is shocking but now the Discovery search is over and I am totally focused on picking up a 4runner.

Now to the question, what is the best year to buy for off roading? I want to start small, hit some local trails, cross a creek or 2. Eventually, I would want to take it up a few notches with lifts, winch, etc.

I test drove a 97 Limited today with 107K for $6K. It was a little rough but strong. It had the Rear locker which after reading the site is something I need.

My budget is around $7K and I am not afraid of a 100K plus after my Lexus and my first car was a 83 Celica with over 200K and zero issues. The 97 I drove today even though it had a rough life still drove really well. I found a 99 Limited 4x4 with 104K on line for $7K. Not sure about the locker but it was at a dealer in North Jersey so they are out there. The 99 also has more comfort things like climate control and 2 power points (there may be more but that is all I could tell in the pictures). I'm not in a rush but am looking for the right one.

Thanks all for your help!! I look forward to getting more active as I get the Runner in the stable!

***
One note, I tried to search the site but not finding what I need. Sorry if this has been asked many times.

 

[(4)runnin'it]

i had a 97 sr5 2wd. i sold it and bought a 97 limited 4wd. it has the rear locker too. the main thing i noticed is the limited rides a lot better than the sr5 and it looks a lot better with the fatter fenders. i'd go with with any 3rd gen limited, as far as i know they all have the same capabilitys, depending on if they have the rear locker, and the push button 4wd is pretty handy as well.

 

[kellogg]

From what i've read, the 99 4x4's have the tallest springs of all the 4runners. 99 was also the year that they upgraded the body style and freshened up the interior among other things. Honestly a 4runner is a 4runner and I think you will be satisfied with whatever year 3rd gen you end up with.

 

[cobra2top]

thanks for the help. I am leaning towards the 99 and the limited unless a super deal is found on a 96-98.
Like you said I can not go wrong with any.


What is the difference with the 00-02's? I read they are lower but how about the 4x4 system? One craigslist car stated their 99 was better then the 00-02 as the system changed. Is this true? What changed?

Also the limited I drove had a 4x4 lever and a 4wd button on the side. I thought they all had a traditional 4x4 shift on the fly. Is this a limited specific system?

 

[shawnstcyr]

I have a '99 Sr5. Love this truck. The shift on the fly is nice. You can shift into 4H up to 25mph. Dependability is never an issue. At this point I have 206,000 miles on it.

 

[Stick Figure]

not to get too off topic here, but everyone is always mentioning the 99 for the taller springs, but i'm really thinking it was still part of the highlander option in the 2000 model year. Suspension on my 00 looks to be stock, but it does sit about an inch higher than some of the other 4runners i have parked next to.

to the original poster start reading this site to learn the changes in trim and years. http://www.top4runners.com/ja/index.html

 

[sn0wrunner]

I've shifted into 4H going faster than 25. If your going to fast it'll beep at you.

 

[p nut]

In your situation, you should also consider the FZJ80 Land Cruisers. They can also be had for about the same price. but it will require some more effort on searching. They are better prepped from the factory for wheeling. Front and rear lockers, SFA. They are bigger, but they are tanks! Maintenance will require more attention, but many say it's worth it.

But if a 4Runner really is a better fit, try to find a 99-00 Limited. I believe they are the best 3rd Gen's produced, because they come with a multi-mode 4WD (basically an AWD) and a rear locker.

 

[cobra2top]

In your situation, you should also consider the FZJ80 Land Cruisers. They can also be had for about the same price. but it will require some more effort on searching.


GOOD ONE! Another I did not think about. I did a quick search on ebay and there are a few in the $5K range with similar miles as a Runner. One thing I noticed about the Runner was the width of the truck. We have a 03 AWD Explorer Eddie Bauer and that was the truck I took to the dealer to test drive the 97. After getting back into the Explorer I noticed the Runner is narrover. Not that is a issue, just something I noticed. The J80 is pretty wide. I now just need to search reliability as the Runner is amazing.

I wonder which plant the J80 was made? I know the Runner along with my GS400 were made in Toyota's top plant. I am sure any Toy plant is great, it's just one more thing in the Runner's favor.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Mine has been quite capable in stock trim and really the only thing I wish I had is the multi-mode auto from the Limiteds which really only matters on road but off road I'm partial to the black skinny flares since those handle brushes with branches better than the all painted flares and lower front valance of the Limiteds and the later painted widebody flares on the SR5s after '99.

 

[NDRYDEN123]

In your situation, you should also consider the FZJ80 Land Cruisers. They can also be had for about the same price. but it will require some more effort on searching.


GOOD ONE! Another I did not think about. I did a quick search on ebay and there are a few in the $5K range with similar miles as a Runner. One thing I noticed about the Runner was the width of the truck. We have a 03 AWD Explorer Eddie Bauer and that was the truck I took to the dealer to test drive the 97. After getting back into the Explorer I noticed the Runner is narrover. Not that is a issue, just something I noticed. The J80 is pretty wide. I now just need to search reliability as the Runner is amazing.

I wonder which plant the J80 was made? I know the Runner along with my GS400 were made in Toyota's top plant. I am sure any Toy plant is great, it's just one more thing in the Runner's favor.

I believe that if the 11th digit is a zero it was made in the tahara plant or what ever their top plant is located. I think all Land Cruisers were made there but I cant remember.

 

[p nut]

GOOD ONE! Another I did not think about. I did a quick search on ebay and there are a few in the $5K range with similar miles as a Runner. One thing I noticed about the Runner was the width of the truck. We have a 03 AWD Explorer Eddie Bauer and that was the truck I took to the dealer to test drive the 97. After getting back into the Explorer I noticed the Runner is narrover. Not that is a issue, just something I noticed. The J80 is pretty wide. I now just need to search reliability as the Runner is amazing.

I wonder which plant the J80 was made? I know the Runner along with my GS400 were made in Toyota's top plant. I am sure any Toy plant is great, it's just one more thing in the Runner's favor.

The FZJ80's are very very well engineered and many have gone well into the 300k+ mileage range. They are used all over the world and is a choice vehicle for many expeditions and everyday workhorse. Check out ih8mud.com. It is THE place for Cruiser nuts.

Other than the extra maintenance, I would put the LC right up there with the 4Runner in reliability. I'd love to get one myself, but finding a nice one is very hard. Good luck on the search.

 

[techno]

I'll probably get flamed for this, but if you are looking at your 2nd vehicle as an off roader, I would choose the disco over the 4runner any day. Off-road it is far superior and built just as strong as the toyota. The SFA is a massive bonus because you can now throw in a locker without fear of axle and cv's exploding, and you get much better flex. The stock vehicle dimensions (approach, departure and ramp-over angles)are better too. There are also a lot more aftermarket options to choose from.
The series II discos that you were originally looking at were much better than the series I's and LR fixed many of the little things that bugged people. The only mistake they made was dropping the center diff lock (in the misguided believe that the trac control was enough) althought they fixed that too after a while.
Don't get me wrong, I love the 4Runner, they are very capable, but for off road, I would build up the Disco.

...and the LR V8 can pump out a great rumble with a good exhaust!

 

[cobra2top]

You are not making this any easier!!

1) Discovery - $6K = 99-02 with 100K. unique look, loaded, not many on the road, excellent off roader, but...cost of upkeep, fear of it not starting when I just returned from a week on business.

2) 4 Runner - $6K = 96-99 Limited with 120K. agressive look, loaded, smaller excellent off roader, plenty on road. Super reliable so no fear of it not starting when sitting at airport for a week when it is 10 degrees out.

3) Land Cruiser LX450- $6K = 93-98 with 120K+. Classic look, loaded, excellent off roader but big, Super reliable, big for taking the family out on a weekend ride, 3rd row.

Still leaning towards one of the Toyotas. The reliability is such a bid issue for me along with maintainence cost. I dont want to have to put thousands into this car just to keep it on the road and it seems the Discovery will require that(rarer so parts are more $). Also something about coming home after a week away, sitting at the airport, turning the truck on at 9pm on a cold Friday night and nothing. That would suck!!

So, J80 or Runner?? I need to test drive a J80 but there are zero in my area right now. I called one dealer with a LX450 with 125K for $7K but it was sold Saturday.

I have time so I will keep looking over Craigs, Autotrader, etc.

 

[JC_ez]

thanks for the help. I am leaning towards the 99 and the limited unless a super deal is found on a 96-98.
Like you said I can not go wrong with any.


What is the difference with the 00-02's? I read they are lower but how about the 4x4 system? One craigslist car stated their 99 was better then the 00-02 as the system changed. Is this true? What changed?

Also the limited I drove had a 4x4 lever and a 4wd button on the side. I thought they all had a traditional 4x4 shift on the fly. Is this a limited specific system?

1996-1998 4Runner SR5 and Limited with 4WD had no center differential. Some models have a locking rear differential. Limiteds had the shift on the fly 4WD HI button on the shift lever and you had to shift the 4WD lever to go into 4 LO.

1999-2000 4Runner Limiteds with 4WD have a center locking differential. The SR5 have no center differential. Some models have a locking rear differential

2001-2002 4Runner SR5 and Limiteds with 4WD have a locking center differential but none have a rear locking differential. ATRAC and VSC were added.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Actually the button on the 4wd shifter on models with the multi-mode auto engages the AWD but you still need to pull the lever back for 4hi and then to to the right and forward for 4lo.

 

[p nut]

You are not making this any easier!!

1) Discovery - $6K = 99-02 with 100K. unique look, loaded, not many on the road, excellent off roader, but...cost of upkeep, fear of it not starting when I just returned from a week on business.

2) 4 Runner - $6K = 96-99 Limited with 120K. agressive look, loaded, smaller excellent off roader, plenty on road. Super reliable so no fear of it not starting when sitting at airport for a week when it is 10 degrees out.

3) Land Cruiser LX450- $6K = 93-98 with 120K+. Classic look, loaded, excellent off roader but big, Super reliable, big for taking the family out on a weekend ride, 3rd row.

Still leaning towards one of the Toyotas. The reliability is such a bid issue for me along with maintainence cost. I dont want to have to put thousands into this car just to keep it on the road and it seems the Discovery will require that(rarer so parts are more $). Also something about coming home after a week away, sitting at the airport, turning the truck on at 9pm on a cold Friday night and nothing. That would suck!!

So, J80 or Runner?? I need to test drive a J80 but there are zero in my area right now. I called one dealer with a LX450 with 125K for $7K but it was sold Saturday.

I have time so I will keep looking over Craigs, Autotrader, etc.

Here is what I say -- If it will be a daily driver and part time wheeler, go with the 4Runner, because it will be less to maintain and less on gas.

But if it will be mainly a wheeler, expedition rig, 80 wins hands down. It is bigger to accomodate more people or gear. It is better equipped to go further (SFA, lockers). Like I said, that is the exact purpose the Land Cruisers were built for--expedition travels. I have a Tacoma as of now, and as soon as I can make space in the garage, I am going to get an 80.

 

[The Dude]

Here is what I say -- If it will be a daily driver and part time wheeler, go with the 4Runner, because it will be less to maintain and less on gas.

But if it will be mainly a wheeler, expedition rig, 80 wins hands down. It is bigger to accomodate more people or gear. It is better equipped to go further (SFA, lockers). Like I said, that is the exact purpose the Land Cruisers were built for--expedition travels. I have a Tacoma as of now, and as soon as I can make space in the garage, I am going to get an 80.

I'm going to have to agree with p nut...

I love my 4runner. It's reliable and practical... it handles and drives well, and I know that it will never let me down as my daily driver. But as a weekend cruiser/lifelong project/future classic, I also have an 88 FJ62 Landcruiser, and i probably enjoy driving it more than I like driving the 4runner. But when it's time for me to get myself a new daily driver, I'll be trading in the 4runner (probably for another 4runner) and I'm keeping the Landcruiser. The 80's are awesome too, and I'd probably be in the market to purchase one if I didn't have my 62.

As for the Discovery. I've driven my friend's before and I've gotta say, it's in a different league from the 4runner. It just feels like a rock solid luxury safari vehicle. My buddy likes it a lot, but he spends too much money on maintenance and costly repairs to be able to fully enjoy it.

I would suggest test driving both a 4runner and a landcruiser to see which one suits you better before making the purchase. They're both great vehicles, but they're also very different.

 

[p nut]

I'm going to have to agree with p nut...

I love my 4runner. It's reliable and practical... it handles and drives well, and I know that it will never let me down as my daily driver. But as a weekend cruiser/lifelong project/future classic, I also have an 88 FJ62 Landcruiser, and i probably enjoy driving it more than I like driving the 4runner. But when it's time for me to get myself a new daily driver, I'll be trading in the 4runner (probably for another 4runner) and I'm keeping the Landcruiser. The 80's are awesome too, and I'd probably be in the market to purchase one if I didn't have my 62.

As for the Discovery. I've driven my friend's before and I've gotta say, it's in a different league from the 4runner. It just feels like a rock solid luxury safari vehicle. My buddy likes it a lot, but he spends too much money on maintenance and costly repairs to be able to fully enjoy it.

I would suggest test driving both a 4runner and a landcruiser to see which one suits you better before making the purchase. They're both great vehicles, but they're also very different.

I love 60's, too. Actually, I like them all! Land Cruisers are just classics with designs that are timeless. My friend has a 40, my other friend wants to build up a 60, and my favorite is the 80. But really, you cannot lose with a LC. Post up some pics of your, Dude. :bigok:

 

[The Dude]

I love 60's, too. Actually, I like them all! Land Cruisers are just classics with designs that are timeless. My friend has a 40, my other friend wants to build up a 60, and my favorite is the 80. But really, you cannot lose with a LC. Post up some pics of your, Dude. :bigok:

Yeap they're great rigs! I like the 40, 60, 80 series, but I was never really too big on the 50 series.

Mine's pretty much stock except for the 31" BFG's that I switched out for the original 235's. I'm still deciding whether I want to keep it stock or not. The main thing that's holding me back from modding it is that it's in really good original condition. It's super clean inside and out, and it's only got a little over 100k miles on it. It seems like it's been pampered too much by the previous owner for me to be able to take it out on the trails. I'm leaning towards keeping this one as an original classic and eventually picking up a 40 or an 80 series to build up as an expedition vehicle. Maybe the most I'll do is a 2" lift with some 33's.

Don't have any pics of it yet, but I'll post em up as soon as I do!