Looking to get a 3rd gen

[Maxil]

For a long time now I have wanted a 4runner, and have just now been able to afford hopefully a decent one. I am hoping to be able to get some advice on what year/s best suite me.

I need a 4x4, 3rd Gen, the biggest thing is that it runs great, some body damage is actually a plus as I have a friend that can fix cosmetic issues very well. Extra power and 4x4 ability is nice but I would rather have the most reliable one than the best in the dirt. I live in Southeast Ga so they are not terribly in Demand here.

My max Cash budget is $4500, can I expect to get a reliable 3rg gen for that?

Thanks a bunch,
Maxil

 

[drinknmolson]

I would search craigslist in areas that you or a friend would be willing to drive you to and look for cars for sale by owner (owner's rather than dealers may be more willing to negotiate).

You should be able to find something within your price range, I bought my '97 for 4k with just about 200k, took it to a mechanic and everything was just like the previous owner had stated and my mechanic was confident in telling me that it was in good working order and for a good price.

biggest thing is be patient, it took me just under 6 mos to find what i wanted.

Now I have 240K, lotsa mods, lifted, and it runs like a champ!

 

[Justin727]

For a long time now I have wanted a 4runner, and have just now been able to afford hopefully a decent one. I am hoping to be able to get some advice on what year/s best suite me.

I need a 4x4, 3rd Gen, the biggest thing is that it runs great, some body damage is actually a plus as I have a friend that can fix cosmetic issues very well. Extra power and 4x4 ability is nice but I would rather have the most reliable one than the best in the dirt. I live in Southeast Ga so they are not terribly in Demand here.

My max Cash budget is $4500, can I expect to get a reliable 3rg gen for that?

Thanks a bunch,
Maxil

Finding one that cheap is rather hard thats in decent mechanical condition. Can it be done? Sure. But at that price range you're closer to the 4cyl range.

Good luck with your finds

 

[peter78]

You should be able to find something within your price range, I bought my '97 for 4k with just about 200k, took it to a mechanic and everything was just like the previous owner had stated and my mechanic was confident in telling me that it was in good working order and for a good price.

biggest thing is be patient, it took me just under 6 mos to find what i wanted.

Now I have 240K, lotsa mods, lifted, and it runs like a champ!

That sounds about right, you should be able to get something in that price range, especially if you don't mind some body damge.

What "drinknmolson" said is very true, be patient, keep looking and have a mechanic look at it. You should get an early model 3rd gen with a few miles on it and hopefully still is in sound shape. Be prepared to do a lot of searching and be willing to travel a little bit. Good luck with your search.

 

[Maxil]

I appreciate the responses. Also, is it hard to find one that has not been smoked in? I found one that I was about to go look at but then found out it was smoked in, kinda worried I won't be able to remove that smell. Also, something just didn't feel right about it, can't put my finger on it, but already had me a bit scared of it.

Thanks again,
Maxil

 

[IanV]

I got my 97 4cyl for 3700 with 166k on it. I would have enjoyed a v6 4X4 but almost all of my driving is commuting so there was no real need for it. I like how utilitarian mine is. Manual windows and locks with a standard transmission. Some might not like it but its so basic I like it lol. It has a radio and drives well.

 

[Maxil]

I got my 97 4cyl for 3700 with 166k on it. I would have enjoyed a v6 4X4 but almost all of my driving is commuting so there was no real need for it. I like how utilitarian mine is. Manual windows and locks with a standard transmission. Some might not like it but its so basic I like it lol. It has a radio and drives well.

I know what you are talking about. I drive a 98 Corolla, it is almost as basic as you can get. I actually never thought I would consider ever getting rid of due to it's reliability, but I just need a 4x4 vehicle that can carry 4 and is reliable also. The place I work has a 98ish 4runner that has 250,000+ miles on it and works perfect, probably one of the reasons I am looking more into it.

I will be as patient as I can, and hopefully get a good one.