Best region to buy a 3rd gen?

[pluton]

Best is Arizona, in terms of climate.
Utah and eastern Washington state can have rust. Not as bad as back east rust. Mine came from Tucson: No rust, no rot, shiny, and not trashed.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

...I don't want to discourage you, but prices will not waver much in our region. Depreciation will take it's toll with a new year, but those rare, excellent condition 4Runners with the features you want will command a higher price. I've all but given up on finding a Sport Ed. in these parts. I would definitely suggest you continue to scour through CL in the southwest areas and especially Texas. A one way plane ticket plus the cost of driving it back could still save you a significant amount of money if you plan everything well.

Having said that, what's your requirements for your Runner?

I'm not discouraged at all. In fact, your input is helpful in letting me know that I should just get the cash and be ready to pounce when I find what I want. I already have financing set up through my credit union, but it is only valid to purchase from a dealer. I should have them send me a loan check, so I can buy from anyone. Like you, I definitely want something that has spent its life away from the salted regions.

As for what I want... My highest preferences... 1999-2000 Limited with E-locker, white or silver, miles under 150,000, under $7,500. ETA: ABS
Secondary wants are a trailer hitch, rear heat vents, moon roof, NON-sport hood (doesn't matter to me; looks cool, but it's another place to clean bugs out of ), roof rack, and I'm a happy guy.

 

[TNRunner99]

You need to check the Southeast. Rust free and lower cost of living down here. Just stay away from vehicles from Florida or next to the coast. We have mild winters and roads are never salted. Plus it would be a great vacation.

 

[audiness]

Georgia/ Florida/ South Carolina. Prices for 3rd gens are usually at blue-book or less, no rust, etc.

 

[Jumpkix]

This is from my experience, I've bought 2 3rd gens, been around 4runners a while.

Northern Middle/Northeast states-Rust, cheap, good paint, 4x4
Southern Eastern states- less/no rust, decent price, good paint, mostly 2wd
South Western states (exclude CA, CO)- decent prices, bad paint, higher miles
CA-minimal rust, harder to find 4wd, high prices, generally good paint
PNW+CO- Usually no rust, lower miles, good paint, high prices, 4wd

^^After months of looking, I completely agree with this summary. 2WD is pretty typical in warm/sunny climates. In the PNW, everyone pays 4Runner tax

You need to check the Southeast. Rust free and lower cost of living down here. Just stay away from vehicles from Florida or next to the coast. We have mild winters and roads are never salted. Plus it would be a great vacation.

Any state specifically in the southeast?

Georgia/ Florida/ South Carolina. Prices for 3rd gens are usually at blue-book or less, no rust, etc.

I'll have to look at Georgia and SC, but Florida tends to be 2WD for the most part. Although the market is dirt cheap in that area.

 

[LittleCaesar]

My 4runner came from SC and has rust, not bad as compared to the Northeast, but it is there. The problem can be that the indigents that own them beforehand usually never take care of them. No state inspections for SC anymore, so who knows what one will get. NC and GA are pretty strict with theirs.

There are deals to be found in FL though, especially in the Snow Bird areas where older folks drove them down to their beach homes and never took them back.

CA 4runners in good condition are pricey.

 

[JohnsD90]

Best is Arizona, in terms of climate.
Utah and eastern Washington state can have rust. Not as bad as back east rust. Mine came from Tucson: No rust, no rot, shiny, and not trashed.

Faded paint, cracked dashboards, brittle plastics, and perished seals from sunlight -AZ

 

[Bucket81]

I got a 99 SR5 in Phoenix last year. With 95K on he clock for $10K.

They don't sit on lots in AZ, I had been in looking at a 4th Gen and saw it posted on there website(no pics) I told my sales rep that I wanted it. I waited at the dealership for an hour for it to come out of service. My rep hid the keys. It was like a pack of vultures 3 other people showed up to look at it as I was taking it for a test drive. It was a snowbird car well maintained and in great shape.

 

[RubiconBob]

Got my '99 high, dif lock, limited with 80k in august for $6000. It was on Long Island in the rust belt. Yet it was totally rust free. Not even surface rust on the bare steel undercarriage.
I got the previous owners name off of a receipt i found in the glove box. Gave her a call and found out. The runner never saw winter salt and has never been shifted into 4x4.

Gems are out there. Just be patient.

 

[OTB]

Got my '99 limited here in NC, 170k miles, no rust for $4300

 

[TNRunner99]

Any state specifically in the southeast?

Not really. I'm in Tennessee, a great place to look, and pretty much any of the 7 states that surround us (all have mild winters). Like I stated before, just avoid Florida and any thing along the coast due to salt spray from the ocean.
Good luck with your search.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

I'm debating buying a '99 Limited with a branded title. It was rear-ended. The bumper and tailgate were damaged. No damage to the frame. A shop is selling it, after replacing the bumper and repainting the tailgate. 118k miles and all the options that I really want. They are asking $7995. It is a 3 hour drive just to go look at it.
I don't know. Any advice?? ...on choosing to buy a vehicle with a branded title?

 

[slapdappy]

As for what I want... My highest preferences... 1999-2000 Limited with E-locker, white or silver, miles under 150,000, under $7,500. ETA: ABS
Secondary wants are a trailer hitch, rear heat vents, moon roof, NON-sport hood (doesn't matter to me; looks cool, but it's another place to clean bugs out of ), roof rack, and I'm a happy guy.

That said, what do you guys think is the best state/region to shop 3rd gens?

Like this....?
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...nner-4x4-5spd-$5-500-southern-california.html

 

[slapdappy]

I'm debating buying a '99 Limited with a branded title. It was rear-ended. The bumper and tailgate were damaged. No damage to the frame. A shop is selling it, after replacing the bumper and repainting the tailgate. 118k miles and all the options that I really want. They are asking $7995. It is a 3 hour drive just to go look at it.
I don't know. Any advice?? ...on choosing to buy a vehicle with a branded title?

A salvage title should come with a substantial discount, i.e. $thousands. There may be an issue getting it insured. Crummy resale value. For $8000 you can buy a nice one that hasn't been in an accident. Mileage is relevant, but history - including maintenance, region, number of owners, and how it was used - and condition are primary.

 

[MtnChick]

In some states (mine) you can't get comprehensive insurance coverage with a salvage title. I wouldn't buy one unless it was a screaming deal, and even then I'd be hesitant. Full book value? No way.

One problem with this whole discussion is how does someone in the PNW really know the condition when shopping somewhere like Georgia or Long Island? I paid 7995 for my '00 5 speed with 85k in PA sight unseen. Good price, and the frame and body are OK, but there is surface rust. Nothing like what some have posted, but it's still there. I feel like I took a big risk on that purchase and don't ever plan to buy another without seeing in person or having someone competent who I trust check it out thoroughly. You can see rust in photos, but there are plenty of other problems you can't.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

A salvage title should come with a substantial discount, i.e. $thousands. There may be an issue getting it insured. Crummy resale value. For $8000 you can buy a nice one that hasn't been in an accident. Mileage is relevant, but history - including maintenance, region, number of owners, and how it was used - and condition are primary.

Cool. I think that's good advice. I'm not in a rush to give someone my money.

 

[KMAYO]

The south central is always a good place to start simply because we're RUST FREE!! West coast is also good. You'll pay a pretty penny though for both places especially if you find one with lesser miles on it. However, you might get lucky and find a great deal.

I have to agree with [MENTION=58830]JWaldz[/MENTION]. I purchased my 2000 here in LR almost 3 years ago for under $11,000 with 69K miles.

Then I turned around and purchased a 2002 in Missouri for under $6000 although it had significantly more miles.

Regardless of where you purchase your 3rd Gen from you will not regret the decision!

-KMAYO

 

[TNRunner99]

Cool. I think that's good advice. I'm not in a rush to give someone my money.

I'm sure it could be a good buy if they repaired it properly. But due to the title issue I would not pay what they are asking, ever.

Mine has been in three accidents. Front twice and rear once and still no one can tell because the repairs were done properly. But, the value of the car doesn't matter to me cause I will never get rid of it. Too good of a truck.