Favorite year for 3rd gens?

[dudeguesswhat]

I'm considering purchasing a 3rd gen 4runner and was wondering what year was preferred. I've researched the difference from year to year as far as options go, but wanted some personal feedback on these too.

Being the frustrated owner of a neglected 22re, I'm ready for something with a bit more power and maybe a few less miles too I'm also curious about how the automatic transmission is for these 4runners, since the manuals aren't too common. Any input would be appreciated!

 

[Clemsonfan15]

There is a poll on this somewhere on this site.

It's kind of a hard choice. '00-01 are definitely out...sit to low. I like the '98 except for the headlights. '99 has the fat lip bumper which I don't like.

 

[peter78]

Yeah, there was a poll. A lot of people voted for the year they had. A lot of people think the changes made in 99 made it a better vehicle. Better safety and of course, the cup holders are changed, a big deal if you ever look at the older cup holders, you will see why. 2000 was the last year for a shifter and / or a 4 cylinder engine.

In 2001 VSC became available, this is a important safety enhancement on a full frame SUV.

So, pick the feature you want, all years are pretty nice. The 96 is now 14 years old, still a great vehicle, but still pretty old.

 

[Elton H]

98 with 99-02 headlights and 01-02 tails looks pretty good all though 99's do have a little nicer interior but dont they got awd type thing

 

[dudeguesswhat]

I searched for a similar poll thread, but didn't find one. Thanks for the input all of you... I'm leaning more towards the 01-02 so I'll have to wait until the right one pops up.

 

[JohnsD90]

I searched for a similar poll thread, but didn't find one. Thanks for the input all of you... I'm leaning more towards the 01-02 so I'll have to wait until the right one pops up.

96-97 is the best years, i have A/C and heat controls with levers and the rolling odometer, the nice front grill, the nice bumper, and 5 SPEED too.

 

[Qyota]

96-97 is the best years, i have A/C and heat controls with levers and the rolling odometer, the nice front grill, the nice bumper, and 5 SPEED too.

Dude! You're shiz is ALWAYS the best, and everyone else's stuff sucks! It's getting old. olice:

To the OP: Just look around for a bit...find the features you like, and go with it. you can't go wrong with any 3rd gen, IMO.

 

[JohnsD90]

Dude! You're shiz is ALWAYS the best, and everyone else's stuff sucks! It's getting old. olice:

To the OP: Just look around for a bit...find the features you like, and go with it. you can't go wrong with any 3rd gen, IMO.

thats how it should be. in your own eyes you got the best stuff. its all opinion.

 

[mtpktz.]

thats how it should be. in your own eyes you got the best stuff. its all opinion.

Well, you don't. 96-98 center console is absolutely useless not to mention the early 96's have the headgasket recall.

For what it's worth, I have a 96.

I didn't realize that 99+ had different AC controls. Can somebody post a picture of their 99+ controls? Also, what year did 5 speed become unavailable?

 

[ric]

all though 99's do have a little nicer interior but dont they got awd type thing

whats this "awd" your talking about ? my 99 didnt have anything like that, lol
I had a 99, and LOVED it, Id say get anything from 97-00 so you can still get the LOCKER :hatsoff:
IIRC the 01s have the first gen atrac which stinks for wheeling.

 

[Elton H]

that must be it atrac i like my 98 5spd and a e locker the cup holders rarely get used so it dont bother me

 

[ric]

that must be it atrac i like my 98 5spd and a e locker the cup holders rarely get used so it dont bother me

probley is, but the 99 or at least mine, didnt have the atrac, i used the locker almost every weekend :whipping2

 

[JohnsD90]

Well, you don't. 96-98 center console is absolutely useless not to mention the early 96's have the headgasket recall.

For what it's worth, I have a 96.

I didn't realize that 99+ had different AC controls. Can somebody post a picture of their 99+ controls? Also, what year did 5 speed become unavailable?

00 they stopped 5 speed. The 98 or 99 they changed to knobs for A/C controls. the cupholders are my only problem and thats only because i cant adjust the heat or A/C or see the time when i have a drink in them. And my center console is very usful. both models have there downfalls, its all opinion.

 

[steezemcqueen]

99 and 2000 are the best years IMO..check the sticky in this forum called 99 Midgen upgrades

here is the other thread

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=48531

:guitar2:

 

[haddix]

Id say the newer the better. Most people on here are all crazy about the 5 speed. Most people probably just jump on the bandwagon and dont even know how to drive one. I personally love my auto and wouldnt trade it. Great for city and offroad its great. Dont have to wory about a clutch at all. The auto trannys are very good and reliable also. So I say just go for the newest you can find or the best deal you can get.

 

[peter78]

Well, you don't. 96-98 center console is absolutely useless not to mention the early 96's have the headgasket recall.

For what it's worth, I have a 96.

There was a problem with the head gaskets in 96 and early 97, but it was unlike the 2nd gen. If you had a problem, it was in the first 20,000 miles. If you had the problem, it should be fixed and it should not re-occur. Sure, there could be a head gasket problem, but now it would be because of old age. So, for what it is worth, keep your 96.

 

[mtpktz.]

There was a problem with the head gaskets in 96 and early 97, but it was unlike the 2nd gen. If you had a problem, it was in the first 20,000 miles. If you had the problem, it should be fixed and it should not re-occur. Sure, there could be a head gasket problem, but now it would be because of old age. So, for what it is worth, keep your 96.

I have no intentions of getting rid of my 96, for now at least.

The one thing that bothers me is the cup holders, but I rarely use them so I guess it's a moot point.

It's an Anthracite 96 w/ 130k, 4x4/5spd/e-locker (Which I still need to learn to use, because my first attempt was unsuccessful, lol). I love it.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Rolling odometer a good thing? No way IMO,I like the '99s digi with dual tripometers. Auto up and down front windows are a nice touch too plus the extra power outlets up front and one in the rear makes for a great convenience. I also owned a '97 and I just couldn't go back.

Here's my thead of mid gen upgrades with pics and there were many in '99 but having the multimode autos available in the SR5 trim (Only '99-00 Limiteds had that option) in '01 is really nice but I like my factory locker better.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=44297

 

[Martinjmpr]

Depends on what you will use it for. If you go off road the 99 - 00 limited is probably the best one to get. It has the highest suspension of the 3rd gen series and is available with both the locker and the multi-mode 4wd.

My 99 SR5 has the locker but not the multi-mode. I avoided the 01-02 models (even though they look very nice) because of the ATRAC/VSC or whatever it's called, plus the fact that the locker was not available.

If you don't go off road and don't need a locker the 01-02 should be fine. I've heard of some tranny problems with the 01-02 models but not sure how common that is.

The auto up/auto down front windows on the '99 are nice, the cup holders and console are very useful and I love having 3 power outlets in the front and one in the back! And yes I have used all 3 at once: XM receiver, GPS and cell phone charger.

Did all 3rd gens have the rear-seat heat controls? That's a nice feature, too.

 

[JohnsD90]

Depends on what you will use it for. If you go off road the 99 - 00 limited is probably the best one to get. It has the highest suspension of the 3rd gen series and is available with both the locker and the multi-mode 4wd.

My 99 SR5 has the locker but not the multi-mode. I avoided the 01-02 models (even though they look very nice) because of the ATRAC/VSC or whatever it's called, plus the fact that the locker was not available.

If you don't go off road and don't need a locker the 01-02 should be fine. I've heard of some tranny problems with the 01-02 models but not sure how common that is.

The auto up/auto down front windows on the '99 are nice, the cup holders and console are very useful and I love having 3 power outlets in the front and one in the back! And yes I have used all 3 at once: XM receiver, GPS and cell phone charger.

Did all 3rd gens have the rear-seat heat controls? That's a nice feature, too.

damn, i want that auto up and down feature.
I have rear heat in my 97 and my aunt has it in her 01 so i would think it extends to all years.