Airmapper
New member
Not new to 4x4s, off road, or forums, but I am new to 4runners.
I found myself continually referencing this site when researching my 4runner purchase. It's been a great help in determining things to look for, how to fix things I might have issues with, and useful modifications I might like to make. Once I actually bought a 4runner I went ahead and joined as I'm sure my adventures (good and bad...) with this vehicle are just getting started.
I was wanting a inexpensive secondary vehicle as a backup in case modifications, repairs, or some other situation required I needed to leave my primary vehicle parked for a day or two, ease the miles driven on my primary vehicle, and so on.
I searched many models, and continually came back to the 4runner. Mostly because I liked the way it looked, it's reputation as a 4x4, it's reputation for reliability, and the price was right. I didn't need another new vehicle, I loathe cars, but I wanted something easy to work on and would probably last a while. To be honest I didn't need another 4x4, but if you don't find a vehicle interesting, what good is it.
Probably didn't hurt I've seen them in action quite a bit as several of the guys I ride trails with from time to time have them and I have been impressed with them.
The one I found was a 2000 Limited. It has about 239k miles (Probably will tick that mark today.) It's been in an accident up front, repaired well enough for looks, but lots of minor things were not repaired very well.
The frame appears to be in very good condition. An earlier 98 model I found had a rotting frame underneath so bad I wouldn't even consider buying it even though it functioned well otherwise. Best I can tell my 2000 led an easy but high miles life as someones daily driver, maybe even a kid hauler as I found some kid stuff in it. (Artwork on the rear door handle, a marker, etc...)
I managed to find some maintenance records in the glove box. I don't think it was maintained to the letter, but the oil was changed on a regular basis at least. It probably was good enough though, engine runs very smooth and it drives well.
As I mentioned I'm not new to 4x4s, here is my primary vehicle, a 2011 Nissan Xterra. It's a PRO-4X (Probably similar to a Toyota TRD or Trail trim level) and has the harder to find 6 speed manual transmission. I've modified it in the direction of a camping and off the beaten path, off pavement travel rig.
Since I primarily run with Toyota guys, I've made the joke of it being my "discount Toyota." Although having run with several 5th gen 4Runners, I don't think I'd be quite ready to hand my Xterra over if you offered to swap, even though I do like them.
As for my 4runner, I haven't decided on the direction I'll take it. Since I got it as a backup commuter, probably nothing too wild, but I doubt I'll be able to resist utilizing it's 4x4 abilities and will enhance them somewhat.
Catching up on general maintenance and usability upgrades will be the priority for a while. Fluid changes, fixing lighting issues, brakes, and making sure steering is all good will take me a while. I'd like to get where I'm comfortable in it in all weather and any time of night or day.
I drove it to work this morning in the dark and in thick fog. I made it well enough, but it was a good opportunity to figure out what I want improved. Looks like I'll be doing some adjustments to the headlights, the missing fog lights are now a higher priority to fix. And there are several interior feature lights that need to be fixed or improved.
But I know it will get some AT style tires sooner or later. Running boards are coming off. I don't want to dump a lot of money into it, but a mild lift would be nice and update the tired stock suspension.
Anyway I'm liking my 3rd gen 4runner so far, it's not big, it's not overly powerful, I'm just a shave cramped in it, but it has character and I think I'm going to have fun with it. Plus with that sunroof and rear glass that open, I know I'm going to absolutely love it in the warmer seasons, even with climate control, if the weather permits I'd always rather have my windows down.
Nice forum you have here, looking forward to hanging around and leaning all the tricks of the 4runner.
I found myself continually referencing this site when researching my 4runner purchase. It's been a great help in determining things to look for, how to fix things I might have issues with, and useful modifications I might like to make. Once I actually bought a 4runner I went ahead and joined as I'm sure my adventures (good and bad...) with this vehicle are just getting started.
I was wanting a inexpensive secondary vehicle as a backup in case modifications, repairs, or some other situation required I needed to leave my primary vehicle parked for a day or two, ease the miles driven on my primary vehicle, and so on.
I searched many models, and continually came back to the 4runner. Mostly because I liked the way it looked, it's reputation as a 4x4, it's reputation for reliability, and the price was right. I didn't need another new vehicle, I loathe cars, but I wanted something easy to work on and would probably last a while. To be honest I didn't need another 4x4, but if you don't find a vehicle interesting, what good is it.
Probably didn't hurt I've seen them in action quite a bit as several of the guys I ride trails with from time to time have them and I have been impressed with them.
The one I found was a 2000 Limited. It has about 239k miles (Probably will tick that mark today.) It's been in an accident up front, repaired well enough for looks, but lots of minor things were not repaired very well.
The frame appears to be in very good condition. An earlier 98 model I found had a rotting frame underneath so bad I wouldn't even consider buying it even though it functioned well otherwise. Best I can tell my 2000 led an easy but high miles life as someones daily driver, maybe even a kid hauler as I found some kid stuff in it. (Artwork on the rear door handle, a marker, etc...)
I managed to find some maintenance records in the glove box. I don't think it was maintained to the letter, but the oil was changed on a regular basis at least. It probably was good enough though, engine runs very smooth and it drives well.
As I mentioned I'm not new to 4x4s, here is my primary vehicle, a 2011 Nissan Xterra. It's a PRO-4X (Probably similar to a Toyota TRD or Trail trim level) and has the harder to find 6 speed manual transmission. I've modified it in the direction of a camping and off the beaten path, off pavement travel rig.
Since I primarily run with Toyota guys, I've made the joke of it being my "discount Toyota." Although having run with several 5th gen 4Runners, I don't think I'd be quite ready to hand my Xterra over if you offered to swap, even though I do like them.
As for my 4runner, I haven't decided on the direction I'll take it. Since I got it as a backup commuter, probably nothing too wild, but I doubt I'll be able to resist utilizing it's 4x4 abilities and will enhance them somewhat.
Catching up on general maintenance and usability upgrades will be the priority for a while. Fluid changes, fixing lighting issues, brakes, and making sure steering is all good will take me a while. I'd like to get where I'm comfortable in it in all weather and any time of night or day.
I drove it to work this morning in the dark and in thick fog. I made it well enough, but it was a good opportunity to figure out what I want improved. Looks like I'll be doing some adjustments to the headlights, the missing fog lights are now a higher priority to fix. And there are several interior feature lights that need to be fixed or improved.
But I know it will get some AT style tires sooner or later. Running boards are coming off. I don't want to dump a lot of money into it, but a mild lift would be nice and update the tired stock suspension.
Anyway I'm liking my 3rd gen 4runner so far, it's not big, it's not overly powerful, I'm just a shave cramped in it, but it has character and I think I'm going to have fun with it. Plus with that sunroof and rear glass that open, I know I'm going to absolutely love it in the warmer seasons, even with climate control, if the weather permits I'd always rather have my windows down.
Nice forum you have here, looking forward to hanging around and leaning all the tricks of the 4runner.
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