Looking for a 3rd Generation

[indieangler]

Hello,

I'm new around here and new to 4Runner's in general. I always wanted a 4Runner when I was in high school and early college but I was never able to obtain one. Now that I'm 25 and in the market for a new vehicle, I'm thinking of picking up a 3rd Generation 4Runner to satisfy the 5 years of my life where I really wanted one.

I'm really looking for a SR5, I think, solely because I really don't want to deal with leather seats (unless anyone else thinks the Limited is worth it). I'm looking in the DFW area which seems to have pretty reasonable prices. Anyways, I'm not even that particular on the options really. I was initially wanting an 00 or 02 just to have something slightly newer than a 98 or 99 but I recently found a 99 SR5 on eBay, in the DFW area that looks pretty nice and has very low original miles (66k). However, I'm having a hard time telling the color. It's listed as Silver, but it really doesn't look that silver to me:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars...QddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item330247326406

Can anyone help me determine if that truly is silver? I was really hoping to find something in Desert Dune or Gold as I really can't stand for silver vehicles. Would love to hear any other advice when I'm looking, I've been looking for a few months now and I'm waiting on the perfect one to come along. Anyone have any other thoughts on the vehicle in the eBay auction? Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!

CF

 

[p nut]

Ok, first of all, I would HIGHLY suggest getting a 4WD. Main reason--resale value and it's better to have it and not need it than vice versa.

Secondly, yes, that is Desert Dune. I like that color, too. However, like I said, get a 4WD.

Thirdly, I would suggest getting a Highlander Edition (99-00) or Sport Edition (01-02). Both are the same thing, but differnent names for the years. They have color keyed bumpers and hood scoops.

This is an example of one

Also, note in the picture right below the steering wheel picture. There is a button to the right side of the picture that reads "RR DIFF LOCK". That is a rear e-locker. Very useful in off-road situations (if you plan to do any of that at all).

I wouldn't get the vehicle above, because for one, they are asking a little too much for a vehicle over 177k miles. But I was just giving you an option. Note that the Highlander/Sport Editions did not come in Desert Dune. Only Green (shown above) and Black for 99-00 and few other colors for 01-02 (Black, Silver, Blue, Red, ???).

BTW, what is your budget?

 

[4x4Runner09]

I hate to scam this thread, but my 2000 4Runner is up for sale. You can see the mods and info my signature. I also have all the stock parts. PM or e-mail for pricing/ mileage.

 

[indieangler]

Hello! Thanks for the informative reply! I'm actually in an interesting situation. I live over on a small island off the coast of England, where I work. I'm looking to buy the vehicle soon and storing it with a family member until I'm back in the US a year from now. I'm going to probably just pay cash for the 4Runner, hoping to get a slightly better deal. I'm ideally looking to spend around $8000-$9000, but hopefully not more than $9000.

I understand your point about the 4WD but I'm really falling for the vehicle above (on eBay). I'm trying to see the lowest price the seller will take, but it appears in very good condition and has low mileage and most importantly is the style and color I love. I really don't care for hood scoops on the Sport/Highlander edition you showed me, but thanks for informing me about those because I wondered why some of them had scoops on them. I'm an avid fly fisher and occasional kayaker so this vehicle will taken off the beaten path from time to time, just to get to rivers and streams, but probably never any true off roading. I'm also hoping for a comfortable ride all around while still being able to tote my kayak/canoe.

I'm now pondering whether I should try to buy this one I'm looking at or keeping looking for something with FWD. Any more thoughts with my new details? Thanks a ton mate!

 

[p nut]

No problem. But I am wondering, why buy a vehicle now that you won't even be able to drive for a year? The vehicle will also lose value in a year's time. Why not invest it in something or just put it in savings until the time comes to buy one? Just curious is all.

But, to get back on topic, have you ever considered a Tacoma? I know there aren't any in England (I think you guys get the Hilux), but for what you're describing (fly fishing, kayaking, etc.), I think a truck would be better suited. I had a 98 4Runner and a 2002 4Runner, but I like to fish, ski, hunt, etc. and the Tacoma was an overall better fit for me, because I could just throw my wet/muddy/icy stuff in the back without worrying about the interior. It would also be easier to put the kayak in the truck bed mount than a roof, plus the MPG's will suffer if mounted to the roof. Just a thought to consider. The Tacomas are pretty much the same as a 4Runner (engine, suspension (front), interior, etc.).

Also, if you will be going "off-road" to get to some of your fishing spots and what not, there might come a time where a 4WD might be the difference between you getting home that day or not. I know its something that many people regret not getting. I've known people that wished they would've gotten the 4WD instead of the 2WD, but never the other way around.

Anyway, good luck with the search.

 

[indieangler]

Thanks again for the response! The main reason that I'm getting a vehicle soon is because we're coming back to visit for a few weeks in November, then another few weeks in April, and I think it makes more sense to already have our vehicle bought and waiting on us, instead of paying overly priced car rental rates for all of our trips home. I'm actually American, just working over here.

I have considered a Tacoma, for sure, but there's something just drawing me to the 4Runner still. I like the extra room of the 4Runner for the wife and for the dogs to tag along. Also the prices seemed a bit more steep for the same year model Tacomas compared to the 4Runner's but they definitely look like great trucks so I might keep my eyes peeled for them as well. I'll give the 4WD some more thought as you did make some pretty valid points for it. Thanks for the help!