Golden Age of 3rd Gens Ending

[TonyB66]

I bought mine in the BA too. They actually have some of the best 4x4 4Runners in CA since people never need it. Out here in Sac everything with 4x4 costs more because we actually use it!

Damn, that's me. A good reminder. Just spoke with my dad about going-up to the remote family property in the Santa Cruz mountains. Need to make that happen...

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I don't see many in the North East

There are actually 3 In the parking lot at work. I’m surprised. There use to be none 5 years ago when I first started driving them.


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[brillo_76]

There are actually 3 In the parking lot at work. I’m surprised. There use to be none 5 years ago when I first started driving them.


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Besides my 5. I rarely see another 3rd gen in my area. Once in a while I see one passing through on the highways but not really around as they are all gone around here. One lady had one but she got another job and I never see it. However, they brought it up from the south. Most of mine are all from this area.

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[VincentGsrq]

I just bought a 3rd gen last weekend, it is a 98 2wd 2.7 SR5 in nearly pristine condition with 220k miles, brand new set of Michelins on it, I happily paid $3,100

 

[BoomerBob]

You guys see this? I notice prices on nice examples do seem on the rise.

2002 Toyota 4Runner SPORT EDITION | eBay

The prices are trending up for most year 3rd gens.

Toyota 4Runner Price Trends - CarGurus

I like a lot about the 3rd gens but my favorite thing is they are worth fixing (unless the frame is shot). I had to drop a new long block in my 01 last year and did all the brakes and rear axle bearings/seals. I expect this rig to last another 20 years, longer than I'll be around to drive it most likely, and my only regret is it's a 2wd. Rides and drives great though. Good daily driver. It's my long haul road machine.

I'm looking at trading my 98 2wd drive for something 4wd this year though so I can have a toy for the trails. Something with at least 35" tires. Possibly a lifted 89 F150 prerunner later today.

I was looking at 80's jeeps because they are in the same price range as 3rd gen 4wd rigs. The 3rd gens are so much more refined in so many ways. There is something to be said for the SAS front ends though. Just not feeling the Jeeps. They have a bad rep for breaking down. Of course that may have something to do with the duty they are put through.

 

[Jidaran]

I've got a 01 Jeep (XJ) and an 02 4Runner. Granted, I've only had them for 18 and 12 months respectively, so it's not the most comprehensive study, but there's a world of difference between those two vehicles. The 4Runner is so much more comfortable and reliable. The 4.0's can last forever if you maintain them, but it takes constant attention.

Since I bought the 4Runner, the only problem I've had is one of the struts broke and the ABS has been acting up.

Since I got the Jeep, we had a brake caliper seize, power windows go out, oil pressure sender fail, radiator busted a leak, water pump gasket fail, plus we've been chasing a random misfire / stall issue for the past year.

The only advantage of the Jeep is that parts are cheaper and easier to find in junkyards, the engine bay is a little easier to work in, and it's got a little more pep off the line. I guess if I was wheeling I might appreciate the SFA.

I'd stick with a 4Runner.