Crash Rating Difference between 97 & 99

[rweddy1]

In my search for a 4 runner, my wife did some research and found that on the NHTSA shows the 96-98 with a 3 star rating and 99-00 4 star.

Did Toyota change anything between the years on the 3rd generation?

Here is the page
http://www.safercar.gov/Index2.cfm

 

[MARSHALLMAY]

they shortened the coil springs 1" to reduce rollovers.

 

[RunnerUp]

and changed bumpers

 

[techno]

they shortened the coil springs 1" to reduce rollovers.

I thought the springs were actually 1" taller from 99 on.

 

[GatorGreg]

In my search for a 4 runner, my wife did some research and found that on the NHTSA shows the 96-98 with a 3 star rating and 99-00 4 star.

Did Toyota change anything between the years on the 3rd generation?

Here is the page
http://www.safercar.gov/Index2.cfm

That's interesting, never knew that. Yes they did change the design of the front bumper in '99 but I wouldn't have thought it afforded any better crash protection then the '96-'98 design. The top4runners site provides an excellent summary of 3rd gen changes: http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31999.html

 

[RonMAIDEN]

'01+ got the shorter coils and not all '99s had the taller coils;fortunatly mine came with them.

In '99 the "fatlip" bumper was to give room to the redesigned impact zone.

 

[MARSHALLMAY]

I thought the springs were actually 1" taller from 99 on.

you thought wrong.

 

[rweddy1]

you thought wrong.

isn't that the price is wrong bi#$%?

 

[MARSHALLMAY]

gotta love bob barker

 

[techno]

Ok, so maybe some 99-00's had taller coils but some didnt. Is there any definate guide about this? Was it just Highlander models? There are many posts on this topic but no clear guide as to what had what.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I think all Highlander models got the taller coils but there doesn't seem to be a guide to what Runners got the taller coils. I don't think any Limiteds had them and it was hit and miss on the SR5s.

 

[gapboi210]

Found this on the National Highway site.

Note: Airbag and safety belt changes beginning with 1998 and 1999 models improved the 4Runner's performance in the federal government's full-width crash test at 35 mph, which evaluates other important aspects of frontal crashworthiness.

 

[Grreatdog]

I can vouch for the 2000 model year crash rating. My wife t-boned a minivan that cut in front of her last week without ever having a chance to hit the brakes.

The 4Runner is a total loss with something like $15,000 damage. The front was destroyed and the frame so twisted that the right rear door is sticking. It even somehow snapped the ends off cargo cover.

But the interior is perfect without even a broken window. She walked away from the crash with just two bruised knees and a sore neck. We are definitely buying another one.

 

[GatorGreg]

I can vouch for the 2000 model year crash rating. My wife t-boned a minivan that cut in front of her last week without ever having a chance to hit the brakes.

The 4Runner is a total loss with something like $15,000 damage. The front was destroyed and the frame so twisted that the right rear door is sticking. It even somehow snapped the ends off cargo cover.

But the interior is perfect without even a broken window. She walked away from the crash with just two bruised knees and a sore neck. We are definitely buying another one.

Sorry to hear about your wife's crash but I'm glad she came out of it okay. If you happen to have any pics of the wrecked 4Runner please post them.

 

[Grreatdog]

$10,000 for bodywork plus badly twisted frame and crunched computer, radiator, alternator, etc. = total loss. When you look under the truck and under the hood you see how bad it really is. So the search for a new used one starts in the morning.

This was one sweet 4Runner. We found it 3 years ago with 30,000 miles on the clock and an immaculate leather interior on an SR5. Plus it has the two month old Revo tires I just put on it. So I am pissed but thankful the 'Yo did its job. I would rather have my wife in good shape than the 4R.

 

[BabeGTR]

Ouch! Not pretty, glad the wife is in good shape.

Any chance they'll let you keep the Revo's????

 

[Grreatdog]

Get this, we went to Carmax tonight to look at 2003+ models and suck up big car payments. But there sat an immaculate 1999 with only 45,000 miles and the tow package we need. It is exactly like our crashed 2000 except Burgundy and no leather. And it is actually in better cosmetic shape. We are talking showroom condition.

The good news is that the insurance check will almost pay for it. Plus it has brand new Michelin Cross Terrains on it. So I am over the Revo's. But I sure would like those leather seat covers out of our dead 4Runner. And the price gets me out of my beater Cherokee that much sooner. I can't believe my wife went for it too since she wanted the new model. I guess after driving my Cherokee she had mercy on me.