Looking for used 4x4 to have fun with

[dirtybird33]

Hey all, I'm rarely new to the 4runner scene and want to get a good reliable offroader that will be almost purely a recreational vehicle rather than a daily driver. I will want to drive it to work sometimes, but mostly taking it to the mountains (from the Albuquerque, NM area) and knowing that I will not break down or anything in the middle of the forest or on my way to the mountains. I don't really know what to look for in these vehicles and don't know what deals are good, and what deals are horrible. I have seen some deals that I think look good, but have high mileage, but again, I know 4runners last longer than normal vehicles. So if somebody can help me out and give me some tips on what to look for in a 4runner and what milage is good for what prices. I am looking to spend no more than 10k, but would like to keep it under 8k. I do know that I can find something reliable under that price. Thanks in advance for the help.

David

 

[GatorGreg]

For your intended use and ideal $8K price limit I think you would probably be best served to look for a 3rd gen - I believe the '99 and '00 were considered the best off-roaders stock, especially if equipped with optional rear diff lock. '00 was also the last year for the manual tranny if you like to shift gears yourself. You will be hard pressed to find a low mileage 3rd gen though - people that own them like to drive them

There are also some early 4th gens that will fit your $10K max budget but again they will tend to have high mileage. I just bought a '05 4WD SR5 for $11,000 with 104,000 well-maintained miles on it - but I saw quite a few for sale for less money and a bit higher mileage but almost all the ones in my area are only 2WD so I was very happy to find one with 4WD. '05 was a good year because the V8 models got a power boost and the V6 models got a 5 spd tranny. '06 was the refresh with LED tails, etc, but the prices will start to bust your price cap at that point.

I would definitely test drive both gens to see what you prefer - I've owned both gens and they are both great IMO. But for your primary use I'd recommend the '99/'00 3rd gen.

 

[techno]

What kind of offroading will you be doing mostly? Just rough roads, or some really fun stuff? Are you looking for something ready to go within your price range, or are you budgeting for modifications too?

 

[4Runner2B]

I second GatorGregs opinion on the 99 and 00 3rd generation 3.4L 4Runner. I would like to have this engine put into my 1990 and am looking for advice on this engine swap if anyone can help. I have heard they are much more reliable than the 3.0 that I have. Blown head gasket is a common issue for my 3.0 and thats what I am currently plagued with.