Hunting for a 4runner! What to buy!?

[Sharpshooter677]

Hey guys,

I am in search of a daily driver that I can take on offroad adventures, long trips, and just look bad ass! I am a VW/Porsche guy and have never owned an offroading vehicle or a Toyota, so I need help!

When searching for a reliable offroader, I had no doubt in my mind it would be a 4Runner.. My preferences are the 1996-2002 models specifically the 2000 and later SR5 for their more modern comforts and appearances. At the same time I am a sucker for a properly set up late 80's car.

My MAIN QUESTIONS is, WHERE ARE ALL THE TRUE MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS?! Again, I am new to the Toyotas, so feel free to school me on this.. Why do I only see Automatics available for sale on my local listings?

Which engine? 4 cyl 6 cyl Supercharged? Which is most reliable, bulletproof, longest lasting, most efficient? This is my daily driver so I need something I won't have to loose sleep over (im sure I won't have to).

Any info is much appreciated! I am excited to get into the LEGENDARY 4Runner game and hit the trails!

 

[broncosi]

there are manual tranny's out there you just have to search harder, most likely craigslist(search beyond local) and ebay motors. Just about everyone who will respond about suggesting a 3rd gen will most likely suggest the sport editions with the e-locker and all that junk.

Me personally? Id go with the 2002 limited that is all pearl white. It has leather, woodgrain and 4WD and is a pretty rare color. Not many for sale.

id lose the running boards too:

 

[broncosi]

one more:

 

[SCRunner12]

If you are looking for a 5 speed then only the 96-00 have it. They discontinued the 5 speed after 00, so that is why you probably can't find any. They are hard to find as it is. I would suggest the 99 or 00 if you want a 5speed because they made some changes that year and have one of the more desired 4x4 systems of the 3rd gens. It will be tough to find one and many members spend months looking for a 5 speed 4x4 with decent miles.
Where are you located? This may help with the search. As far as engines you really can't go wrong with either. I would suggest the v6 because it has more power and isn't that much worse for fuel economy. Its not a fast engine, but it will get you where you need to go. You definitely won't lose sleep over this engine. Tons of people on this forum have original engines with 200k+. A supercharger for the v6 will help out a lot. I had one on a tacoma and it was a ton of fun. They really get the v6 moving. If you go that route you want to get the 2nd gen SC. It is black and fixed the minor problems of the 1st gen SC. There are a ton of other components that compliment the SC and you can find those out by searching the site.
Good luck with your search!

 

[Sharpshooter677]

If you are looking for a 5 speed then only the 96-00 have it. They discontinued the 5 speed after 00, so that is why you probably can't find any. They are hard to find as it is. I would suggest the 99 or 00 if you want a 5speed because they made some changes that year and have one of the more desired 4x4 systems of the 3rd gens. It will be tough to find one and many members spend months looking for a 5 speed 4x4 with decent miles.
Where are you located? This may help with the search. As far as engines you really can't go wrong with either. I would suggest the v6 because it has more power and isn't that much worse for fuel economy. Its not a fast engine, but it will get you where you need to go. You definitely won't lose sleep over this engine. Tons of people on this forum have original engines with 200k+. A supercharger for the v6 will help out a lot. I had one on a tacoma and it was a ton of fun. They really get the v6 moving. If you go that route you want to get the 2nd gen SC. It is black and fixed the minor problems of the 1st gen SC. There are a ton of other components that compliment the SC and you can find those out by searching the site.
Good luck with your search!

Thanks guys!

I am located in Los Angeles and although there are plenty of cars to choose from, there are not many Automatics... I don't get it though, why would they discontinue Manuals? Don't I want a manual for offroading?