Hi Everybody, first poster, going to buy a 3rd gen

[timmy96815]

Hi Everybody, My name is Jeff, I live in Oahu on Hawaii. We have some places to 4x4 for hunting and fishing over here. I have been saving up and researching on which suv to buy. I decided on 3rd gen 4 runner because of the good track record with reliability. and the suv design that I like. It seems to have a little more clearance than the ford explorer, which I also considered.

So I have a question hopefully you guys can help with. What years are good / bad for 3rd gen 4runners. Also is there anything I should look out for or look for in my search. My buddy told me to beware of the 3.0 engine. Is there anything else.

thanks everybody
Jeff

 

[4-Ripcord]

the 3.0 wasn't on the 3rd gen. the 3.4 is a very good engine though.

check this thread out.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

Edit: Welcome to the forum! Good luck with your search.

 

[timmy96815]

Thanks 4-Ripcord. I should have found this myself. I am reading it now.

 

[timmy96815]

Just read the thread. Thanks, so there are certain things to watch out for like strawberry milkshare, etc, but as far as years go. The article said certain features are offered with certain years.

So my conclusion. All years are equal in 3rd gen in regards to reliability / breakdown.

is this right.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Just read the thread. Thanks, so there are certain things to watch out for like strawberry milkshare, etc, but as far as years go. The article said certain features are offered with certain years.

So my conclusion. All years are equal in 3rd gen in regards to reliability / breakdown.

is this right.

Si Señor

 

[4runner_kid]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[THEREALTOR1]

So my conclusion. All years are equal in 3rd gen in regards to reliability / breakdown.

is this right.

But each had their slight differences. Start here in 1996 and work you way up.

welcome to the site.

 

[timmy96815]

Thanks everybody, I've been saving and saving cause I hate loans. I have enough now.

Here is one that I was interested in 85K miles. He said he has offer and will call me if it falls through. So tempting, he said it has the e-locker

1997 Toyota 4runner 4x4 v6 auto a/c runs like new

 

[zcruiser]

But each had their slight differences. Start here in 1996 and work you way up.

welcome to the site.

I love that site. Good luck Timmy. That '97 looks good, esp service & tires. How many miles?

 

[BrianSD_42]

wow only 85K.... in California that would not stay for sale very long.

 

[Hepar]

Good luck with the search. You won't be disappointed with one of these. Make sure to post pics and stats when you do finally get one!

 

[awpsome]

welcome to the forum!
finally another local! im even in the same zip 96815.
ahha nice! let me know if you need any help! good luck with finding a 3rd gen. you wont be disappointed!

 

[brian2sun]

That's a really good price for a '97 w/85K and the locker. Swoop it up if he hasn't sold it yet!

 

[4-Ripcord]

That's a really good price for a '97 w/85K and the locker. Swoop it up if he hasn't sold it yet!

:iagree: especially in Hawaii. I did a double take when you said 85k miles. I was like "Whaaa???" nice find.

 

[timmy96815]

Yea it was a nice find and he didn't say how many miles in the ad. When he said lockers and 85K, my heart started racing. Probably I will buy this if he didn't sell it today. Gonna go get cash and call him in the morning.

Thanks for the advice everybody. Will defanitely keep everyone posted and thanks for the warm welcomes.

And awpsome, That was my old zip code. I moved across the canal and live in moili'ili now 96826.

Jeff

 

[awpsome]

oh i see well thats not to bad still. nice, well let me know if you end up picking up the t4r i wanna check it out! haha shoots best of luck to you in the morning!

 

[8sm]

Howzit Timmy,

I would hele over and grab that 97 if still available. Wow, the miles are extremely low for the year, that is worth the pursuit for sure. Nice find.

Aloha for now,

8sm

 

[timmy96815]

Looks like I missed the 4runner with the e-locker. Gonna keep the search. I will post results.

 

[timmy96815]

found this, I probably will call today and see if they will take blue book value and check it out. I posted in the 2nd gen forum (was considering one of those) Sorry if this is redundant but thought someone may be able to key in on things I should watch for. Like "very well maintained" How can this be verified?

1997 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 SR5,V6,Hwy mi,Super clean i/o!!!

Thanks again everybody
Jeff

 

[BrianSD_42]

my advice:

take it to a mechanic you know and he doesn't.

test drive it hard. You want to check for tranny slippage because this should be a deal breaker.

also DONT rely too heavily on carfax. The system has many flaws. It is good for identifying salvaged titles but that is pretty much all. Many other major accidents will be unreported by carfax systems because of the way state to state DMVs work.