20034RunnerV84x2
New member
I have a friend that's selling a '96 SR5 an I think it has the e locker. Ill see is she still has it.
Considering a 4Runner. Looking to be schooled.
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20034RunnerV84x2
New member
You have a PM!
You may run into some scams on Craigslist. I did. Phantom sellers, often from afar, with choice, almost written to order, clean machines. But something always made me wonder when they'd disappear, not reply, or post in another state. I also thought recent military deployments were suspect. Gotta say, after all my caution, my purchase was still pretty weird. I saw what I wanted and promptly violated all good reason to get it. Didn't even get a mechanic to check it out for me. Sheesh... As undeserving as I was, luck was kind to me.
There are good ones out there. Take your time, get what you want, but be a little flexible. I thought I didn't want black paint, leather interior, or a sun roof, and now I like them all. And expect to go through some withdrawals after you find yours. Weeks later, you'll still search Craigslist for that unicorn.
poleclimber63
Member
Welcome!
Totally agree with ARKRWLR and Brianemc2 42! I've had mine for just under a yr and love it! The only problem I've had is a rear axle seal failure which happens with the 3rd gens.... wasn't a big deal. Again, as everyone has said, maintenance is the key to longevity. I had a fair amount of info wrt maintenance records for mine(receipts, carfax, Toyota), this was reassuring for me. I did all the major maintenance items as soon as I got it home and started with a clean slate. I've owned 13 vehicles over the years, which includes trucks and cars, and I'll say the 4Runner is one of the best conceived packages I've owned, as far as durability and ease to wrench.
Every vehicle has its strengths and weaknesses. 4Runners are durable, and fun to drive, they'll last as long as you maintain them, at a reasonable cost. They have an exceptional drivetrain and can be modified almost infinitely--- at a reasonable cost! As far as economy is concerned, its a truck! It is one of the most economical, on the road for what it is! My friends' Sedona minivan and his Santa Fe get similar or slightly worse mileage... It still gets TWICE the mileage of my former 99' Chev Suburban! However, I would say, they are a little under-powered stock (this can be rectified with mods), and the brake issues have to be watched (again, these can be virtually eliminated with a simple mod and in the case of rears, maintenance).
Check out some threads:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/68346-i-found-one-2001-sport-ed-trd-scd.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/85197-ripcords-2002-4runner-build-photo-timeline.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/125426-t4rex-build-thread.html
This will give you a taste of what's possible... its just depends on how far you want to go. For me, I just want a capable vehicle that isn't going to cost a fortune to keep on the road. I want a vehicle I can rely on and will last for as long as I want it without falling apart. I realistically understand that at some point you have to put money into vehicles eventually, but I believe, as long as I maintain it, it will not disappoint.
Again checkout the buyers guide... lots of guys have commented on advice, prices etc
Good Luck!
Totally agree with ARKRWLR and Brianemc2 42! I've had mine for just under a yr and love it! The only problem I've had is a rear axle seal failure which happens with the 3rd gens.... wasn't a big deal. Again, as everyone has said, maintenance is the key to longevity. I had a fair amount of info wrt maintenance records for mine(receipts, carfax, Toyota), this was reassuring for me. I did all the major maintenance items as soon as I got it home and started with a clean slate. I've owned 13 vehicles over the years, which includes trucks and cars, and I'll say the 4Runner is one of the best conceived packages I've owned, as far as durability and ease to wrench.
Every vehicle has its strengths and weaknesses. 4Runners are durable, and fun to drive, they'll last as long as you maintain them, at a reasonable cost. They have an exceptional drivetrain and can be modified almost infinitely--- at a reasonable cost! As far as economy is concerned, its a truck! It is one of the most economical, on the road for what it is! My friends' Sedona minivan and his Santa Fe get similar or slightly worse mileage... It still gets TWICE the mileage of my former 99' Chev Suburban! However, I would say, they are a little under-powered stock (this can be rectified with mods), and the brake issues have to be watched (again, these can be virtually eliminated with a simple mod and in the case of rears, maintenance).
Check out some threads:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/68346-i-found-one-2001-sport-ed-trd-scd.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/85197-ripcords-2002-4runner-build-photo-timeline.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/125426-t4rex-build-thread.html
This will give you a taste of what's possible... its just depends on how far you want to go. For me, I just want a capable vehicle that isn't going to cost a fortune to keep on the road. I want a vehicle I can rely on and will last for as long as I want it without falling apart. I realistically understand that at some point you have to put money into vehicles eventually, but I believe, as long as I maintain it, it will not disappoint.
Again checkout the buyers guide... lots of guys have commented on advice, prices etc
Good Luck!
TAKENALEFT67
New member
:sad:
ToyotaBrah
Member
What should I expect to get for a 4Runner (realistically and without waiting forever) with $5-8,500?
I think you can get a good 4runner with 5-6k. I purchased my 00 4runner with 212k for 6,300. I believe that I overpaid for the vehicle, but they guy wouldn't budge. I couldn't find one that clean within 400 miles from me, so i purchased it from him. No complains so far.
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?
I purchased my 4runner with 212k on the ODO; it now has 224k. The 4runner does not feel tired at all. The engine and tranny is smooth. Also, literally everything still works on the 4runner (every interior light as well as every function). Keep in mind that I replaced a lot of parts for maintenance when I purchased the truck. Perhaps, that is why it feel nice.
I replaced the starter, MAF sensor, IAC, cleaned the throttle body, spark plugs, o2 sensors, engine coolant temperature sensor, throttle position sensor.
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?
In my experience, I tend to be extremely picky compared to the sellers. I get under the vehicle to check for leaks and rust. I don't ask many questions, because most of the time they don't have answers.
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?
I usually don't modify my vehicles if the modifications are not needed for my daily commute. My 4runner is probably one of the more capable 4x4 vehicles that I have owned. This is compared to a 2010 Tacoma, 1996 wrangler, and 1981 toyota pickup. It also keeps up and has more ground clearance compared to my dad's 2016 frontier.
My 3rd gen doesn't have traction control, so in 4hi or 4low the tires spin out a lot on loose gravel. Luckly, i have a 4runner with a stock diff lock. The diff lock makes all the difference.
I take my 4runner offroad at least once a week. I go rock climbing on the weekends and that requires me to take a vehicle down fire roads. Any 4x4 can make it down the roads that I travel through, however, while others are romping up hills, I creep up them. Because Diff lock. I recommend you finding a 4runner with a diff lock. You can find one in your price range.
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 get around 16-17 mpg. Maybe 235 miles per tank. On the high way, my stock 4runner is able to drive comfortably at 80mph. I have 31" tires and a roof rack.
----
The 4runner has a good repetition for being pretty reliable and it is not uncommon for you to see very high mileage runners. But, just like anything else, parts do wear down. If you buy a used 4runner with more than 200k or so, i recommend you replacing the starter. I'm 80% sure that the contacts will be highly worn. Also, you should check the timing belt and misc sensors.
My 4runner came with dying 02s, then the check engine light came on for a failing TBS, the starter failed intermediately (worn contacts), the MAF sensor was really dirty, the fuel cap leaked, and the brakes rotors were warped. I spent an additional 700-800 dollars replacing all these parts. So in total, my 4runner cost me around 7,200. Yeah, i really overpaid. But it's one of the better vehicles that i have owned. I put over 10,000 miles on it in less than 8 months.
I think you can get a good 4runner with 5-6k. I purchased my 00 4runner with 212k for 6,300. I believe that I overpaid for the vehicle, but they guy wouldn't budge. I couldn't find one that clean within 400 miles from me, so i purchased it from him. No complains so far.
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?
I purchased my 4runner with 212k on the ODO; it now has 224k. The 4runner does not feel tired at all. The engine and tranny is smooth. Also, literally everything still works on the 4runner (every interior light as well as every function). Keep in mind that I replaced a lot of parts for maintenance when I purchased the truck. Perhaps, that is why it feel nice.
I replaced the starter, MAF sensor, IAC, cleaned the throttle body, spark plugs, o2 sensors, engine coolant temperature sensor, throttle position sensor.
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?
In my experience, I tend to be extremely picky compared to the sellers. I get under the vehicle to check for leaks and rust. I don't ask many questions, because most of the time they don't have answers.
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?
I usually don't modify my vehicles if the modifications are not needed for my daily commute. My 4runner is probably one of the more capable 4x4 vehicles that I have owned. This is compared to a 2010 Tacoma, 1996 wrangler, and 1981 toyota pickup. It also keeps up and has more ground clearance compared to my dad's 2016 frontier.
My 3rd gen doesn't have traction control, so in 4hi or 4low the tires spin out a lot on loose gravel. Luckly, i have a 4runner with a stock diff lock. The diff lock makes all the difference.
I take my 4runner offroad at least once a week. I go rock climbing on the weekends and that requires me to take a vehicle down fire roads. Any 4x4 can make it down the roads that I travel through, however, while others are romping up hills, I creep up them. Because Diff lock. I recommend you finding a 4runner with a diff lock. You can find one in your price range.
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 get around 16-17 mpg. Maybe 235 miles per tank. On the high way, my stock 4runner is able to drive comfortably at 80mph. I have 31" tires and a roof rack.
----
The 4runner has a good repetition for being pretty reliable and it is not uncommon for you to see very high mileage runners. But, just like anything else, parts do wear down. If you buy a used 4runner with more than 200k or so, i recommend you replacing the starter. I'm 80% sure that the contacts will be highly worn. Also, you should check the timing belt and misc sensors.
My 4runner came with dying 02s, then the check engine light came on for a failing TBS, the starter failed intermediately (worn contacts), the MAF sensor was really dirty, the fuel cap leaked, and the brakes rotors were warped. I spent an additional 700-800 dollars replacing all these parts. So in total, my 4runner cost me around 7,200. Yeah, i really overpaid. But it's one of the better vehicles that i have owned. I put over 10,000 miles on it in less than 8 months.
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