Help IDing year...

[rnb]

Hi, looking to buy my first 4runner. Just wondering if anyone can help me confirm if this Limited I have my eye on is a 1998 or 1999 (see link below)? I'm told by the owner it's a '99 but have a feeling otherwise looking closely at some of the pics.

Thanks for you input, hoping to join the ranks soon!

1998 or 1999? Image Gallery

 

[UnderFire]

I'm not extremely well versed on when the mid-year changes occured, but form what I see.

96-98 Features include - Center Console / Dash, Small cubby in cargo area panel, License plate frame, analog odometer (not sure when they went all digital), No headrest holders on rear seats, darker colored seatbelts.

99+ Features - Bumper, Grill (99-00), Headlights, not much else.

To me it looks like a 98 with a 99 front end put on, but I'll let others chime in.

 

[thebrandon]

2015

 

[nor_cal51501]

Easiest way to tell what year it is would be to look at the 4wd shift nob and that will tell you exactly which t-case it has.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...-transfer-case-awd-multi-mode.html#post669885

Also, I looked at the 3rd gen color chart and it looks like that two tone silver was only available in '99-'00. I would almost bet it is a '99.

Hope this helps you out.

 

[cdrewferd]

99 for sure. Fat lip bumper and the cup holders are the easiest way to tell.

 

[djskorch]

Look at the build date on the tag in the door jam. It could be a late 98 build sold as a 99.

 

[TakeitApart]

Interior is definitely '98, but the exterior is '99+. What's the tenth digit in the VIN if you have access to that info. "W" would be '98 "X" would be '99.

 

[JWaldz]

All the pics lead me to believe it's an early '99 model and I know it's a limited due to the push button on the 4wd lever. Is it possible for you to get more pics?

 

[nissanh]

Look at the seat belt label. It should say the year too

 

[sn0wrunner]

My guess is a '98 that has been in a front end collision and they replaced the bumper/headlights/grille with '99 parts. Everything on the interior and the rear tailgate appear to be from a '98. They definitely offered that color combo from '96-'98 also.

 

[sawguy]

Did the '99 limited come with those wheels? How come there's a lack of buttons to the left of the steering wheel? I thought limited's came pretty well loaded.

 

[Mtssurf1]

Just run the VIN? Why didn't we think of this earlier....

 

[Doc2012]

'98. The vents on the dash should have the clock in the middle, not off to the driver side, and the cup holders are clearly visible under the vents. The Hazard switch is also located in between the Vents, and is not there.

 

[jasonoflivingston]

My guess is a '98 that has been in a front end collision and they replaced the bumper/headlights/grille with '99 parts. Everything on the interior and the rear tailgate appear to be from a '98. They definitely offered that color combo from '96-'98 also.

I have to agree. Look at the alignment of everything in the picture that is the most head on. The top of the grill is off. Under the headlights is off. The bumper looks to be angled slightly upwards.

 

[sawguy]

I think I would check all numbers on this one.

 

[541joseph]

Worth doing a carfax

 

[zacattack20]

98 for sure. It has the old style instrument cluster without the digital odometer that started in 99 and that wouldn't be an easy swap.

 

[rnb]

Well... paid the $80 for a very revealing carproof report. Turns out its not an immaculate 1999 with 200k for $6800, it's an 1989 with 'Rebuilt/Rebuildable' title and $20k worth of insurance claims over the past 10 yrs. Ugh! When I called the guy back he pointed out that he didn't 'hide' the rebuilt title from me, and "98's are the same as 99's you know".

Reminder to self, it it's too good to be true... it probably is.
Reminder to self, never trust a salesman.
Reminder to self, if you get taken it's your own fault.