Buying new 3rd gen runner this week, HELP lease

[Fielding4runner]

Hi all, ok so I've only owned 4runners (a 95' and 98' limited) my 98' was recently totaled and I am now in the market for a new one. I want to upgrade and need something perfect for the conditions in which I drive. In the winter I live in buffalo ny and must deal with heavy snow and sketchy ice whil in the summer I live in nc and cruise beaches and mud holes. I have been looking primarily at the 99' and 00' limited models with rear e locker, and 01' 02' sport editions which don't have the e locker but the center diff lock instead. From what I've come to understand is that the 99' and 00' limited models come with the j shape 4wd shifter with push button, as well as two different 4hi positions. My previous runner, 98' limited, only had push button and 4L-N-4H as do the 01' and 02' sport editions but with the center diff option. Basically I want the best off-roading choice yet one that I can have in 4wd as I drive down snow and ice covered roads. I've heard a whole bunch of mixed info; for instance that the 99-00 have center diff and that is the second 4H that must be manually shifted into; true? Also that the 99' 00' are AWD, true? So would I be able to run the 99' 00' in 4H down the streets or would I just use the e locker, or one of the 4H options?Anyway I plan on purchasing one of the previously mentioned runners and could greatly use some help deciding. Also slightly on the table is an 03' and 04' sport edition V8 but I know nothing of the newer models. Thanks

 

[Ol'Blue]

Hi all, ok so I've only owned 4runners (a 95' and 98' limited) my 98' was recently totaled and I am now in the market for a new one. I want to upgrade and need something perfect for the conditions in which I drive. In the winter I live in buffalo ny and must deal with heavy snow and sketchy ice whil in the summer I live in nc and cruise beaches and mud holes. I have been looking primarily at the 99' and 00' limited models with rear e locker, and 01' 02' sport editions which don't have the e locker but the center diff lock instead. From what I've come to understand is that the 99' and 00' limited models come with the j shape 4wd shifter with push button, as well as two different 4hi positions. My previous runner, 98' limited, only had push button and 4L-N-4H as do the 01' and 02' sport editions but with the center diff option. Basically I want the best off-roading choice yet one that I can have in 4wd as I drive down snow and ice covered roads. I've heard a whole bunch of mixed info; for instance that the 99-00 have center diff and that is the second 4H that must be manually shifted into; true? Also that the 99' 00' are AWD, true? So would I be able to run the 99' 00' in 4H down the streets or would I just use the e locker, or one of the 4H options?Anyway I plan on purchasing one of the previously mentioned runners and could greatly use some help deciding. Also slightly on the table is an 03' and 04' sport edition V8 but I know nothing of the newer models. Thanks

First off welcome and you have come to the correct place to have the questions answered. It seems you have a good start and understanding to the 3rd Gens. This is going to answer all of those questions for you pretty much.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ormational-threads-must-read-new-members.html

Now, my .02 on the matter considering the place you live and the driving you will be doing. I would say a 99 or 00 limited would be a perfect choice for you because of the Multi-Mode 4x4 system. (The Link will give you the run down on this)

This will give you the push button AWD mode for that deep snow. If you need a true 4x4 just pull the stick back and there you go, 4x4 vs AWD. You said "would I be able to run the 99' 00' in 4H down the streets or would I just use the e locker"? I'll almost bet you that any type of driving you will be doing you will not be running the E-Locker down the road on ice. The rear end of the truck would be all over the place and you can only run it in low range unless you Mod it(which is easy anyhow, well will teach you that trick).

Any how read up on that link and the different set ups in a 3rd gen and I think you will be set to go.

You might end up with something like this at the end of the day.

My 99 LTD 4Runner.

Blue


PS- She dose snow really well in the Ozarks.

 

[cencyc]

A few years ago, I faced the same issue. 99/00 Limited (only) and 01/02 all models have the center diff lock. For me that was a key feature (winter mountain driving). 4Hi w/o the center diff lock is AWD and available up to 60 mph. Engaging the center diff lock makes it 4WD.

Also consider that adding the e-locker later is an option. I've not heard of anyone adding a Center Diff Lock later, but I suppose it is possible.

Another site to use for reference is 4Runner History (Top4Runners.com - Toyota 4Runner Informational Website). It has a nice summary of each model year and links to actual Toyota spec sheets and marketing docs. From the site regarding Multimode 4WD in the 2002
"Toyota's Multi-Mode 4WD system is standard on all four-wheel drive models. The Multi-Mode 4WD feature is actually an open center differential with locking capability that provides a full-time 4WD system with the ability to select 2WD mode. The all-wheel multi-mode 4WD system may be used in normal driving conditions on all types of roads from dry, hard surface roads, such as pavement, to wet or snow-covered roads. Driving with the Multi-Mode's 4WDl drive system engaged provides the driver with a more sure-footed feel because power is applied evenly to all four wheels which improves traction.

To switch from 2WD to the 4WD mode, simply reduce the vehicle's speed to less than 62 mph and push in the One-Touch "4WD" button located on the front drive control lever knob (on the transfer case the 4WD mode is indicated as "H4"). Returning to the 2WD mode is just as easy, depress the "4WD" button once more and the vehicle is again operating in 2WD.

Off-road enthusiasts will find enhanced low-traction performance available through a locking center differential and a two-speed transfer case. With the center differential lock switch engaged, the front and rear axles are locked together for better grip in low-traction situations. Shifting the transfer case to 4WD-Low provides an extra measure of control. A center differential lock switch is provided on the instrument panel so the locking and unlocking of the center differential can be controlled by the push of a button."

 

[SteelRunner]

I purchased a 97 because it was 5 speed and had the elocker.

I now realize I would have used the awd + centre diff much more often than i will use my elocker with canadian road conditions.

Id recommend you get a 99-00 limited if possible.

 

[quicksilvr]

I purchased a 97 because it was 5 speed and had the elocker.

I now realize I would have used the awd + centre diff much more often than i will use my elocker with canadian road conditions.

Id recommend you get a 99-00 limited if possible.

I had both a '96 and '99 with e-locker, and for my driving, I literally never needed it. I was always on mostly flat surfaces...sometimes deep snow, sometimes dirt/gravel roads, or grassy fields. Unless you are off-roading on severe uneven terrain where one wheel could be dangling, the e-locker will be a little used feature.

I personally like the multi-mode AWD/4wd system in my 2001 the best. 85% of the time I don't lock the center diff when I need 4wd. It's great for driving on road in poor conditions.

 

[hambob]

I agree with all the above. I had a 98 with 4x4 and I would use it to get unstuck(like a snow bank) but I would then have to turn it off once I hit the clean plowed street(dry). I have a 2002 with awd drive now and its nice just leaving it in awd all the time in the winter. I have definitely used it more than 4x4 and feel that for my purposes its the best option. I live across the lake in toronto.

Good luck, stay clear of the rust.

 

[Fielding4runner]

May have found the one

Wow you guys are awesome, thanks for all the info it has really helped; just checked out a car this morning:
1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited, $6,995 - Cars.com

(Using my iPad so not sure how to insert a link)
I took it to my mechanic who specializes in Toyotas and has worked on all my other runners, his inspection concluded as follows:
Brake pedal low-air in system, rear wiper blade, tag light out, battery needs replace, air filter, rust underneath, hood has been painted, hood latch does not work, dome light and clock inop, radio inop, oil light inop

For a 99 the interior is actually pretty nice and the body and paint are pretty flawless, unfortunately what the pics don't show is all the rust, it was originally from ny and the undercarriage is extremely rusty, so is the engine block, alternator and headers, as well as various bolts in the engine. Carfax shows 4 owners and all appropriate maintenance done, and a accident reported in 08 saying is hit a guard rail. My mechanic didn't price it but says it should be listed for wholesale not resale. He also said it's not going to rust out but that the rust will just complicate maintenance, also the bolt/latch at the end of the cable that holds the spare tire tight seems to be completely rusted on, the dealer said they could probably take care of that. When I asked if he knew anything about the radio and dome lights he said no and that they weren't working the last time he showed it. It says it comes with a warrantee but I forgot to get the details on it. I've never bought from a dealership so I'm a bit weary, esp since they have done things like spray paint the exhaust tip, tow hitch, and wheel wells to hide the rust. Oh and the front windshield has a chip in it that has spidered to about the size of a quarter. Anyway, what to you guys think? The mileage is 166,484 and asking price $6995

 

[Fielding4runner]

Oh, also, one tire does not match and will need to be replaced

 

[TheeMikeB]

Agree with above statements. For snow driving get the multimode with CDL. Adding a locker later is easy it just costs $$. Only way to add a CDL later is to change out the entire transfer case and by doing so you just created a multimode vehicle anyway. (And I have never heard of anyone doing this) Makes much more sense to but the right vehicle for your conditions, save your $$ and throw in an ARB later.

 

[2fas2c]

man that's too pricey for a rusty 99'

I paid $7000 for my mint 99' Limited w/ rear e locker. Only thing wrong was the paint on the front bumper and hood was a little worn from highway driving. No rust everything works. Oh ya the truck is absolutely amazing, handles great in the snow with push button AWD. 4x4 off road is superb. 99' Limited model also has the tallest springs but if you need heated seats you may want the 00'

 

[So Many Roads]

avoid rust if possible. these trucks need work, rusty bolts break and are a b*#@ch to drill out.

 

[hambob]

I got my rusty 2002 sr5 4x4 v6 for 4500. 6995 is too high IMHO.

 

[Fielding4runner]

Yea not going with that one, found two more, a 99 and 00 limited that I'm going to look at and a 01 sport edition which I would later retrofit with an elocker

 

[Super-G]

I have an 02 Sport Edition and I absolutely LOVE this truck. My previous daily driver was a 94 Wrangler that I bought brand new in 1994 and drove the snot out of it. I was OK driving a beat up Jeep as a daily driver because I have a restored Musclecar in my garage, but as I got older that bouncy Jeep started to take it's toll on me.

I decided on a 4 Runner because of it's excellent 4WD reputation along with the Toyota quality. I bought my 02 Sport about 2 years ago with only 84,000 original miles and I've never looked back.

This truck is AWESOME in the snow, great in either the AWD or 4WD option and has NEVER left me feeling uncomfortable in snowy weather. As a matter of fact we're expecting somewhere from 5-10" of snow tonight into tomorrow and I know for sure that I'll make it into work.

I have a vacation home in the Pocono mountains of PA and I've used my 4 Runner in 18" of snow to get back and forth to the ski slopes and never had an issue.

Love this truck.

 

[Fielding4runner]

Ugh, this is harder than i thought. I'm stuck between two, a 00' limited with elocker and an 02' sport edition:

2000 Toyota 4Runner - Used SUV Moyock NC | Auto Direct Wholesale Center

2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Westgate Imports

I like the 00' limited bc it has the elocker, however it also has a good amount of ware to the seat and steering wheel, is 5hr drive away, and I won't be able to get it checked out by a mechanic bc it is in the middle of nowhere and I'm not familiar with the area. I like the 02' because of appearance and it has cloth seats so I don't have to worry as much about the interior, however I am an aggressive driver who enjoys his fair share of donuts and drifting around corners and the track/vsc prevents such fun, also I'll be in icy conditions where logical driving sometimes just doesn't work; I know this can be disabled but I'm just not sure my skills can handle that. It also doesn't have the elocker but I'm not too concerned since I could always add that later (any idea what that would cost). Anyway what do y'all think?

 

[justwoody1]

Get the one with no rust.
I would get the Sport edition and then add a e-locker later.
But that's just my.