Looking at A 96 SR5 4WD

[Poorboy64]

Been looking for a 4WD for a while, mostly 99-2000, ran across a 96 in town today 260K miles everything seems to work, Looked up the vin and there are history records form the local Toyota dealer, The only real draw back is the clear coat is peeling ( color is green) and Would need a few things and a really good cleaning. He has the timing belt kit but not installed.
Haven't really done much reading on a 96, Are there much difference in the 3.4 and transmission from 96 to 99+ ?

Thanks,

 

[BrianSD_42]

There is a buyers guide sticky, be sure to check it out.

With that many miles I HIGHLY suggest you do a proper compression test before purchase. It is a very reasonable request and unlike the gospel here, these trucks don't actually run forever. A long long time, yes.

Good luck with your search!

 

[Poorboy64]

I read the buyers guide, A lot of good info, I have a 01 2WD and have done a lot of work to it thanks to this site,
It does have a lot of miles but a good history, But for the price of a 2 owner Ca. car, I will check the compression.
This trucks undercarriage is a heck of a lot cleaner than some of the lower millage ones I have looked at.
I was just wondering if the 96 engine /transmission have a lot of differences from 99+

 

[T4R2014]

I read the buyers guide, A lot of good info, I have a 01 2WD and have done a lot of work to it thanks to this site,
It does have a lot of miles but a good history, But for the price of a 2 owner Ca. car, I will check the compression.
This trucks undercarriage is a heck of a lot cleaner than some of the lower millage ones I have looked at.
I was just wondering if the 96 engine /transmission have a lot of differences from 99+

It's the same engine an transmission. 99+ is just some cupholders if you don't opt for the 99+ Limited with multimode 4WD.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Been looking for a 4WD for a while, mostly 99-2000, ran across a 96 in town today 260K miles everything seems to work, Looked up the vin and there are history records form the local Toyota dealer, The only real draw back is the clear coat is peeling ( color is green) and Would need a few things and a really good cleaning. He has the timing belt kit but not installed.
Haven't really done much reading on a 96, Are there much difference in the 3.4 and transmission from 96 to 99+ ?

Thanks,

The poor green & black colors are prone to peeling clear coat unless it was waxed and/or garaged in its lifetime. Other colors are much more resistant to peeling.

No major difference at all except for a slightly different valve body design in the transmission but functions the same. However like others mentioned, there are different transfer case and other interior options you can only get in later years, and only 5-speeds in earlier years. If you post up what options you absolutely want (part-time 4WD, electronic locker, etc.) we can help with what years you should look for. If that's not a necessity but rather would just be a plus, then any year is fine.