Howdy from Katy TX

[poser]

New member just checking in.
Live down in Katy TX (just west of Houston). Dad of 2 very busy young boys. When I'm not at work I try and get out to ride the KTM or the mountain bike.
Currently driving a 2008 Toyota Tundra with 5.7, and looking around for info on 4runners.
Thinking about selling the Tundra and getting a Gen 3 4runner (2000-2002). I'd really like a Gen 4, but I'm trying to keep the cost lower, so we'll see. Not many 4wd for sale down here that don't have a ton of miles.
What should I look for?
What should I look out for?
How many miles is the v-6 good for?
Should I be afraid of units over 200k miles?
I'm very mechanical so I can repair most things myself.

 

[KidVermicious]

No mechanical worries with the 3.4, but hold out for a five speed. I've driven a 5.7 Tundra and I own a 4Runner with the 3.4/auto, and you'd hate it. It's useable, but a slug compared to what you're coming from.

My '99 rolled over 200k a couple months ago on the factory timing belt. I'll get around to changing it one of these days . Check out the 3rd gen buyers guide thread for more than you ever wanted to know.

 

[poser]

No mechanical worries with the 3.4, but hold out for a five speed. I've driven a 5.7 Tundra and I own a 4Runner with the 3.4/auto, and you'd hate it. It's useable, but a slug compared to what you're coming from.

My '99 rolled over 200k a couple months ago on the factory timing belt. I'll get around to changing it one of these days . Check out the 3rd gen buyers guide thread for more than you ever wanted to know.

Haha, yeah the 5.7 is a rocket ship. It will definitely surprise you. I realize I won't be getting anywhere near as fast, but it will be nice to average more than 14 mpg.

I'll check out the buyers guid, thanks!

 

[Speedy Gomez]

:welcome: to T4R.ORG

 

[oriojasjr]

Jason, welcome to the forum, man. I'm down in Friendswood area- we may need to connect and hit the trails on the mountain bikes! I've got a Scott 29'er that needs to be broken in a bit!

I have a 4th gen right now, but had two 3rd genners before this, and I sold each of them either right at, or just above 200k. I'm with KidVermitious on browsing the buyers guide as there's a plethora of great info, but wanted to chime in some personal experience (to hopefully alleviate SOME worries) by saying I sold each of the 3rd gens simply to upgrade. I was pretty meticulous on maintenance, however. You'll hear lots of folks that go onto 150k+ on the factory t-belt, but I preferred the peace of mind and changed at 100k (recommended every 90k). Good gas, good oil, and other than normal maintenance, you should feel comfortable with the expected longevity. After all, these are 4Runners, not Jeeps.
Hahaha--- anyhow, hope that helped, man, and again, welcome!

 

[kapmakesthemoves]

jeepersarentkeepers

I liked ur introduction there at the end...
I was looking at jeeps myself first but I ended up with a
1997 4Runner. It's actually for my daughter.
She is always borrowing my Tacoma for her
and her friends to go camping. The Runner
needs some work, but I hope
it holds up to its reviews...
Have a great day!

 

[oriojasjr]

Kap, totally understand the interest in the Jeep family. At 20 years old, I had an '87 Wrangler, the upgraded to a '97 when they first came out (late '96) again with round lights. It was then that I realized (after thousands of $$ on vehicles with less than 90k miles) that looks are NOT important. Why have a convertible SUV if it spends more time in the shop than on the trail, right?!?! And so I sought the most reliable SUV OUT THERE....Jeeps still look as bada$$ as ever, but knowing what's under the hood kills the buzz VERY quickly.

Here's to the 4runner!!

 

[poser]

Jason, welcome to the forum, man. I'm down in Friendswood area- we may need to connect and hit the trails on the mountain bikes! I've got a Scott 29'er that needs to be broken in a bit!

I have a 4th gen right now, but had two 3rd genners before this, and I sold each of them either right at, or just above 200k. I'm with KidVermitious on browsing the buyers guide as there's a plethora of great info, but wanted to chime in some personal experience (to hopefully alleviate SOME worries) by saying I sold each of the 3rd gens simply to upgrade. I was pretty meticulous on maintenance, however. You'll hear lots of folks that go onto 150k+ on the factory t-belt, but I preferred the peace of mind and changed at 100k (recommended every 90k). Good gas, good oil, and other than normal maintenance, you should feel comfortable with the expected longevity. After all, these are 4Runners, not Jeeps.
Hahaha--- anyhow, hope that helped, man, and again, welcome!

For sure, I don't get out near as often as I'd like. So far mine has seen more trail riding in the DFW area than here, and I live here.

As I've been reading and looking around, I may try and push my budget up enough to go for the gen4. I'd love to get 4x4, but we'll see. From what I've been reading the v6 made a significant jump in performance from Gen3 to Gen4. I haven't read up much on a the small v8, any thoughts on that?