getting into the toyota game soon....

[Wheelin]

I am trading my 99 blazer 4x4 for a 99 4runner sr5. It has the locking diff option and looks to be in good condition. I was wondering if there are any common problems with these models that i might look at before the purchase.

Thanks,
dave

 

[pat161]

I would have to say that by 99 there were basically no common problems to be worried about. Some of the early 3.4's, like 96, had head gasket issues, but they were minor and not a recall item like the older models. Many had faulty gas gauges so that you thought you needed gas before you did, no big deal but probably too late to fix under warrany now. Other than that I would say have it checked by a mechanic like any used car, unless you are comfortable looking it over yourself. If so I would look at all the fluids and make sure they are clean, check the whole underbody for leaks and take it on a long and varied test drive, and then go again to make sure. But a trusted mechanic checking it is the best bet for most. But a 99 is getting to the point where it may be due for some expensive maintenance, it could need brakes soon, hoses, belts, t-belt, shocks or any other number of things. Not saying don't buy it, just know that a 99 will not be problem free like a new car, things wear out.

 

[ljshein]

I've had my 99 4x4 Limited for a month now and absolutely love the truck!!!

3 problems:
1: the hand brake warning light was coming on and off, it was low on brake fluid.

2: the heater fan was extremely noisy, I pulled it out and found a bunch of shreaded paper and an acorn... been perfect ever since.

3: the tires need to be rotated and balanced, there is a vibration at 70 mph.

Not bad for a 5 year old truck with 54K miles

Mine seems to have the gas gauage issue... the needle comes down very quickly and the warning light comes on and all it will take is 14.5 gallons. I think it's an 18.5 gallon tank. It's not the end of the world.