Considering a 4Runner. Looking to be schooled.

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Precision

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I am currently driving a well maintained, low mileage 2002 BMW 330Ci and considering downsizing to free up some cash but I am not sure what to go for and I have been thinking of a 3rd Generation 4Runner because what I want to spend isn't going to get me a nice 4th Gen. I have a bunch of questions however and hopefully I can get some answers in one thread.

What I am hoping to get out of my BMW replacement if I do decide to sell or trade it?

This will depend on how much I get for my car but I am looking to spend around $5-8,500 for something and considering it would be cash in this economy maybe I will get lucky.

I want something fun/interesting that will be satisfying and if it isn't going to be fast and autocrossable maybe it can be something that will take me outdoors to do more things and when I am ready for a sports car it will still be ticking for the tough weather we face in the northeast.

-It must be turn key reliable and pretty low maintenance. I think anything will be low maintenance compared to my car

-It must have the fun factor, good off road is key but I want it to actually be fun to drive and look good.

What have I owned in the past for 4x4 rigs?

I owned a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport with 91,000 Original miles on it that I drove 5 hours one way to get. It had a 3 inch lift, some Toyo Open Country A/T tires and looked great... it was rear ended a month later and totaled... I am very much considering another one if I think I will like it MORE than a 4runner but I am already sure that I like them alot. Is the 4Runner better? Why?

What should I expect to get for a 4Runner (realistically and without waiting forever) with $5-8,500?

How much does mileage REALLY matter with these? I know some can be Toyota Fan bois that just don't have a realistic mentality about how many miles is too many. I personally am somewhat OCD about the ticker. Sure it may last but how tired will it feel?

What are some MUST HAVE answers from the previous owner before pulling the trigger on a 4Runner and what are the trouble spots that I should make sure are addressed before I commit to one?

What are the basic/nice look/ functional off road mods as far as lifts, tires and other small tid bits that go well with this and how off road capable are they in stock form?

What can I expect for REAL world fuel economy? I don't drive like a kid but I also don't drive like a grandmother. I also will consider lifted 4Runners.

What is your overall owner satisfaction of the 3rd Gen 4Runner and why do you think I would or wouldnt like it over a 1997-01 Cherokee, 1999-04 Grand Cherokee V8? (I understand this is a Toyota Forum but people are generally honest, the ones who know what their talking about at least)

THANKS GUYS!
 
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Hope this helps!

Precision said:
I am currently driving a well maintained, low mileage 2002 BMW 330Ci and considering downsizing to free up some cash but I am not sure what to go for and I have been thinking of a 3rd Generation 4Runner because what I want to spend isn't going to get me a nice 4th Gen. I have a bunch of questions however and hopefully I can get some answers in one thread.

What I am hoping to get out of my BMW replacement if I do decide to sell or trade it?

This will depend on how much I get for my car but I am looking to spend around $5-8,500 for something and considering it would be cash in this economy maybe I will get lucky.

I want something fun/interesting that will be satisfying and if it isn't going to be fast and autocrossable maybe it can be something that will take me outdoors to do more things and when I am ready for a sports car it will still be ticking for the tough weather we face in the northeast.

-It must be turn key reliable and pretty low maintenance. I think anything will be low maintenance compared to my car

Anything you buy requires maintenance. Unless a vehicle is well known for specific problems, you're going to be spending money to maintain it.

-It must have the fun factor, good off road is key but I want it to actually be fun to drive and look good.

I honestly think the 3rd Gen fits in perfectly even with all the new vehicles today. I believe they were made way ahead of their time.

What have I owned in the past for 4x4 rigs?

I owned a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport with 91,000 Original miles on it that I drove 5 hours one way to get. It had a 3 inch lift, some Toyo Open Country A/T tires and looked great... it was rear ended a month later and totaled... I am very much considering another one if I think I will like it MORE than a 4runner but I am already sure that I like them alot. Is the 4Runner better? Why?

What should I expect to get for a 4Runner (realistically and without waiting forever) with $5-8,500?


4Runners can be found easily in that price range. Some lower mileage ones got for a little bit more than 8k.


How much does mileage REALLY matter with these? I know some can be Toyota Fan bois that just don't have a realistic mentality about how many miles is too many. I personally am somewhat OCD about the ticker. Sure it may last but how tired will it feel?

Mileage matters with any car. It's the only way anyone can determine how long the vehicle has been 'in service'. I've seen these 4Runners last over 250k. You have to keep up with it. It's all about your region too. With a less harsh environment it's easier to keep these things going. It also ties into the cost. Every region is different prices.

What are some MUST HAVE answers from the previous owner before pulling the trigger on a 4Runner and what are the trouble spots that I should make sure are addressed before I commit to one?

Timing belt maintenance for sure. Seals, bearings, fluid flushes are also good to know. Over-all maintenance of the truck, ask to see receipts.

What are the basic/nice look/ functional off road mods as far as lifts, tires and other small tid bits that go well with this and how off road capable are they in stock form?

In 1999 they revamped the 4Runner. Same overall look and performance just different odds and ends. Refer to the stickies at the top of the 3rd gen section to see what I mean. As far as mods, it's easy and affordable to lift these things with spacers. Might not ride like a Cadillac (or your BMW for that matter). These things work really well offroad in stock form. Just throw some more aggressive tires on it and you'll be amazed.

What can I expect for REAL world fuel economy? I don't drive like a kid but I also don't drive like a grandmother. I also will consider lifted 4Runners.

I think the average going rate these days is around 16-19 mpg. There are some people that see 20+. Lift it and with bigger tires you'll see the lower end of that if not less, around 15-17 mpg.

What is your overall owner satisfaction of the 3rd Gen 4Runner and why do you think I would or wouldnt like it over a 1997-01 Cherokee, 1999-04 Grand Cherokee V8? (I understand this is a Toyota Forum but people are generally honest, the ones who know what their talking about at least)

I use to own a Cherokee so I can 1st hand tell you I much rather have a 4Runner than a Cherokee. There are different aspects of the Cherokee I liked, but the negatives outweigh the positives when comparing it to the 4Runner. Not to mention I feel a million times safer in it than I ever did in my Cherokee. The Grand Cherokee V8's were turds and fell apart. Sure, they hauled ass but you'll be spending more money on gas and repairing that motor than anything else. SUV's weren't meant to haul ass. Not a 4x4 SUV anyways.

THANKS GUYS!
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It seems after looking on craigslist you either have people that think their 4runner is worth a million dollars because "they will go for 500k so it doesnt matter if mine has 195k on it I still want $8,000 for it"... or it can be $6,000... look nice with pretty low miles and scare me off because it seems too good to be true?
 
Look for rust underneath... these were not well rustproofed vehicles. Odds are not good that you will find a clean one that has spent most of its life in the NE.

A Cherokee is a neat runabout, but they are overpriced for what they are, they were not well built and even a 2001 is more or less a lightly updated 1984 vehicle. I really like them, but every time I ride in one, I'm reminded of how ancient they feel. Cramped, poorly packaged, rattly etc.

You won't find much of a ZJ Grand Cherokee these days - the newest is a '98 and I'd imagine the ones left are rough. I'd be surprised if there is a 98 or older Grand Cherokee worth more than $4,000 on the road. A WJ (99-04) is still reasonable. I had a couple of V8 WJs (2002 and 2004). They have a nice, cushy ride, the 4.7 is a rocket ship and the interiors are more comfortable than 4Runners. But they simply don't hold up as well (my 2002 was a lemon buy-back and my 2004 wasn't really much better).

I am no Toyota fanboy, but I do recognize that the 4Runners seem to age better than any competitive, decade plus old vehicle.

I picked up mine as a second vehicle a few months ago and, aside from some normal wear and tear items, I haven't had to do a thing to it. I looked at a bunch of XJs, but every one needed work, even the ones that listed for more than an equivalent 4Runner.
 
Precision said:
It seems after looking on craigslist you either have people that think their 4runner is worth a million dollars because "they will go for 500k so it doesnt matter if mine has 195k on it I still want $8,000 for it"... or it can be $6,000... look nice with pretty low miles and scare me off because it seems too good to be true?
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that's the nature of the beast, it's not that we think they are worth alot, it's because they actually are, there's a big reason why a 4runner with the same specs will cost you alot more than a cherokee, and it's not just us forum guys being pretentious about our trucks, they just have a really high resale value due to the reliability, again big reason why a 150k 4runner goes for the same price as a 80k or less cherokee, at that mileage the 4runner will still outlast the Cherokee for the most part...i say this after owning around 5~6 xj's ....in some regards you really do get what you pay for, like i always say though, i much prefer to have the toyota as most of my money for my truck gets spent on upgrades as opposed to trying to keep it running like all of me xj's i had. hell at 120k on my old zj i had to already replace the transmission , transfer case and redo the rear end...had too....not because i wanted to, i wanted a lift and tires but was too busy chasing down parts breaking all of the time...just my personally story.

in the end you got to decide what you want and what your willing to pay for that, persaonlly i don;t mind paying the same for an older higher mileage 4runner over a zj,xj,wj, ect ....that's the choice i made.
 
Precision said:

What should I expect to get for a 4Runner (realistically and without waiting forever) with $5-8,500?
I paid $5500 for my 1997 4Runner with 233k 3.4L factory locks 5-spd with no rust. Though the asking price was $6400. Up here in the PNW we have a premium on 4Runners for some reason, almost always $2000 over KBB value. Though price doesn't really change with mileage. 100k or 200k the price maybe varies $500. The 3.4L is toyota's best built v-6 they've ever put out. It's simple, powerful, and easy to repair and maintain.


How much does mileage REALLY matter with these? I know some can be Toyota Fan bois that just don't have a realistic mentality about how many miles is too many. I personally am somewhat OCD about the ticker. Sure it may last but how tired will it feel?

Overall it's really just a matter of if it's been taken care of.

One thing i've noticed with mine is that I bought it for $5500 knowing it had 233k on the clock and the valve covers leaked a little. this is, it runs so well. The motor feels night and day compared to my less than 80,xxx 3.0 in my 2nd gen. I looked for a good month or so till I found this one. test drove it and it drives beautifully, I honestly couldn't believe the mileage, the 3.4L is one of toyota's best motors they ever built (the 22re is the other great motor, though it's gutless)

What are some MUST HAVE answers from the previous owner before pulling the trigger on a 4Runner and what are the trouble spots that I should make sure are addressed before I commit to one?

Timing belt is key here. Part of the reason mine was cheaper was because this fact was unknown. On the timing cover it says 69,xxx I'm taking on faith that between now and then the owner did his own timing change. Which is reasonable. However, I will be replacing this part or at least inspecting it this spring break from college to make sure. You've read the buying guide so you know about the Auto trans strawberry issue, details on that would be important.

What are the basic/nice look/ functional off road mods as far as lifts, tires and other small tid bits that go well with this and how off road capable are they in stock form?

Arkrwlr covered this pretty well and so does the buying guide.

What can I expect for REAL world fuel economy? I don't drive like a kid but I also don't drive like a grandmother. I also will consider lifted 4Runners.

I don't have a lift, but i'm getting about 15mpg in the city, BUT you must consider that my city is a college campus, I drive for less than 10 mins. Not accurate at all. Coming over here the 300 mile drive though i got about 21-22mpg. I imagine city would be between 15-18 depending on how much of the gas i get into haha

One note about lifting, I have a 1994 4Runner (in my signature) with a 2" Old man emu lift, and my mileage didn't see any change, maybe and i mean MAYBE 1mpg drop.... maybe... haha I really didn't notice a difference in the city or highway after the lift.

What is your overall owner satisfaction of the 3rd Gen 4Runner and why do you think I would or wouldnt like it over a 1997-01 Cherokee, 1999-04 Grand Cherokee V8? (I understand this is a Toyota Forum but people are generally honest, the ones who know what their talking about at least)

I'm not going to tell you not to buy a jeep. Personally I had a 1994 4Runner for 1.5 years until some wench made me wreck it and I lost my baby. Naturally though I knew I was going to get right back into a 4runner, I love them. I loved my 2nd gen and I'm starting to truly love my 3rd gen. I love toyota's well built engines and simplicity of their systems. Makes it easy for me to work on and repair. I bought my 1994 4Runner with the plan of keeping her for a long time 15+ years, I bought my newer 1997 4Runner with the same idea behind it.

The input i can give you about jeeps is that a buddy of mine always has issues with his wranglers, i know it's not a cherokee, but it just seems that it spends more time in the shop than on the road, much less the trails. That's the only experience I have with jeeps though, sorry.
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Ill write more later, Have to go to class.

EDIT: Well i finished up my answers, I hope they help. Good luck with your search!

Extra note, check for rust. It's been mentioned before but it bears repeating, cancer (rust) sucks so try to avoid it.
 
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I am going on my second month owning my 4runner.

When looking here in AZ we had plenty of supply and none were priced to KBB/Edmunds. But a line was there, most 4s with 200k plus and little to no record and half decent at best started at $4-$5500. Anything under 150k started at 6k. Now we have very little 4s and all over priced. And like you mentioned everyone thinks it worth a few grand more above kbb because "use imagination".

Another important thing to do look up carfax/auto checks, so many people will lie out of their arse like you wouldn't believe to sell. Out of 6 I looked at, 4 lied about something on the reports. Toyota owners link is also another good place.
 
Seems in my area, Austin, Texas, people are letting them go because they want better gas mileage. I bought one because someone totaled my last vehicle, everyone here convinced me Runners were great machines, they're big enough to haul all my work stuff, and it's fun to drive. So, for the price of more gas I get all those other things. Good deal in my book. My two cents; take your time and get the one you want. They're out there.
 
Read the buyers guide!

Read the buyers guide :)

Read the buyers guide :)-

Whatever you do don't buy a 06 or newer BMW. What a money pit.
 
Precision said:
PS: I did check out the buyers guide sticky, just looking to discuss etc.
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brianemc2_42 said:
Read the buyers guide!

Read the buyers guide :)

Read the buyers guide :)-

Whatever you do don't buy a 06 or newer BMW. What a money pit.
Click to expand...

Read the thread :) Back on topic however.



I recently sold a semi restored 86 Chevy for almost 2k over what anyone said I would get for it. So its all about how you market it and how long your willing to wait.

On the topic of mileage pretty much what everyone else has said. Mileage means wear and tear but if its been well maintained it becomes more a number and less of a problem. I've seen these trucks with well over 300K and running like a top.

Must have answers are well discussed in the buyers thread which you've read. Only thing I would add is look everything over in person real good because even though it wasn't listed by the dealer or carfax my truck had some front end damage. I couldn't tell until I tried to put my aftermarket skids on and one of the bolt holes didn't line up.

There is so much stuff you can do to these trucks its crazy. So as far as mods go its whatever your heart desires. Apart from that try to get one with a rear locker and you'll be very pleased with its capability.

I get about 16 in the city and have gotten up to 20 on the highway with a lift, 33" mud tires, and armor.
 
I recently rolled my previous 4runner and walked out with just a scratch. A few weeks later I bought a fully modded 2000 4runner (bumpers, tires, regeared, less than 150k miles, rear locker) for $5000. Best buy I've ever had. Just be patient. Check my build thread(not updated)
 
Mileage is king. A lot of talk on this forum but relatively few have conquered the 200k mile mark.

I've had my 4Runner for 12 years now, since 67k miles on the odometer.

If you buy one with 175k miles on it, don't expect it to make 250k without spending several thousand, best case $2500 on maintenance. And that is if your engine heads and tranny are still 100% operational.

Best trucks on the road YES.

250k miles without major maintenance: NO.

Don't listen to the idiots on CL, a 4Runner is only worth its market price. Not $2000 more just because some yokal thinks he can sell it high. If you wait you will find a good deal; they are out there.
 
A few weeks later I bought a fully modded 2000 4runner (bumpers, tires, regeared, less than 150k miles, rear locker) for $5000. Best buy I've ever had. Just be patient. Check my build thread(not updated)
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Awesome dude. I was following your crash thread but didn't know you found a replacement.
 
Agree with Tom P.

If you can take you time purchasing because you know as soon as you settle with something, the perfect 4runner will be for sale shortly.
 
brianemc2_42 said:
Awesome dude. I was following your crash thread but didn't know you found a replacement.
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Yeah man, I had plans for my old 4runner inspired by yours. I liked the Savage bumper and your red/black on black TRD decals. I was going to do the same, and had intentions to eventually paint my new one black, but this silver has grown on me... Plus it has a Savage rear.
 
Dark Lord said:
Yeah man, I had plans for my old 4runner inspired by yours. I liked the Savage bumper and your red/black on black TRD decals. I was going to do the same, and had intentions to eventually paint my new one black, but this silver has grown on me... Plus it has a Savage rear.
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Thanks man. You should start a new thread even if your new rig is partially built. Call it a build, maintenance and trips thread. Not everything has to be about major mods. Some of the best threads on this site are the ones with lots of trip pics and relatively little mods.

:plane:
 
I was somewhat confused by the buyers guide so which year/model has the rear locker? Which locker is the one you speak of?

I have checked craigslist and I have seen some really nice and clean (in the pictures) 4Runners with say 85,000 miles for the same if not less than some guys selling them with 175k. It scares me, like a too good to be true scenario.
 
Precision said:
I was somewhat confused by the buyers guide so which year/model has the rear locker? Which locker is the one you speak of?

I have checked craigslist and I have seen some really nice and clean (in the pictures) 4Runners with say 85,000 miles for the same if not less than some guys selling them with 175k. It scares me, like a too good to be true scenario.
Click to expand...

1996-2000 could have the optional rear differential lock. There's a button just to the left of the steering wheel marked RR DIFF LOCK.

The 01-02s have the center diff lock button there (on the 96-00s, the center diff was locked via the center console-mounted transfer case lever). The rear diff lock was dropped after 2000 (it was "replaced" by traction and stability control).

If you plan to enjoy your 4Runner off road, it is worth seeking out a 96-00 with the locker. If your off roading won't extend beyond occasional dirt roads, you'll be fine with the open rear end.

If you are confused about locking differentials (rear or center) or traction or stability control, there are plenty of good explanations online.

There are lots of scams on Craigslist.
 
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