New 4runner!

[riverrat44]

Closed the deal on a 2000 4runner...will pick it up in a few days after I return home from a trip (I drove it before I left).

I'm pretty excited I hardly ever get a new vehicle. This rig will replace a 1988 4runner we've owned for eight years.

Specs:

91K miles
3RZ-FE 2.7L engine
5-speed
4WD
Power windows, locks, mirrors
Maplights/overhead console
Sunroof
Roofrack
Factory alloys 15"
BFG AT/KO 235/75-15s w/ ~50% tread
Privacy glass
Rear heater
AC
ABS
Tow package (whatever that includes besides the hitch)
Running boards (for sale)
Decent looking aftermarket stereo
Silver w/ tan interior

Didn't exactly steal it for $8700 but the rarity of 4runners with this configuration and the fact that is was relatively local and in good shape sealed the deal for me. It's just about exactly what I was looking for.

About the only things it doesn't have are the sport seats - but I already have a line on a set of those - and of course the e-locker. I've heard that you could special order this configuration with the e-locker but I bet only a handful of people ever did, so it would be almost futile to try and find one...

First mod may be a slightly freer flow exhaust, perhaps w/ the LC Engineering header but at least with a different muffler and 2" > 2 1/4" pipe. As needed for replacement I'd probably get Bilstein shocks, OME springs, 31" BFG AT's, and maybe the Tundra brake upgrade & Marlin Crawler short throw shifter.

 

[TopRunner]

I was a bit taken back by the price, $8,700. What was the original asking price?

Post up some pics.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

This guy was offering his '99 for under a little over $9k and it already lifted and locked and a 5 speed but nobody jumped on it so he's keeping it. This would have beem a steal

 

[riverrat44]

I was a bit taken back by the price, $8,700. What was the original asking price?

I responded to a CL ad where the price was listed at $9500; there was a window sign in it that said $10,000. Perhaps I could have gotten it for less by waiting longer, who knows.

I did check completed auctions on eBay, and other 4runners on CL. My impression after shopping for a couple of months is that 4runners fetch somewhat higher prices here in the PNW than elsewhere, especially the east and south. They tend to be in better shape without the road salt than midwest rigs, and the mild weather means they haven't been frozen solid during harsh winters. And they haven't been baked in the sun like rigs from the Southwest.

If I'd been shopping for a V6 auto, I obviously would have had 10X as many rigs to choose from, and probably could have picked up a Limited for a similar price. But I don't want a V6, I don't want an auto, and I don't want a Limited. The faux wood interior trim is ugly as hell, and so is all that BS plastic cladding. I can certainly do without electric seats, just more to go wrong.

The e-locker would be nice to have, but certainly not necessary for the type of use this rig will see. I've definitely seen 5-speeds for less around here, but not with the 3RZ engine and always with considerably higher miles. I understand that 4runners with the 3RZ are worth less than those with the V6 to some people, maybe most buyers, but that is not the case with me. The way I look at it, I found the 4runner I want with at least 2/3 of its useful life left for about 1/3 of its price when new.

 

[rollingthunder]

congrats

 

[polvadis]

This guy was offering his '99 for under a little over $9k and it already lifted and locked and a 5 speed but nobody jumped on it so he's keeping it. This would have beem a steal

Ron, your car just looks too sexy on these photos.

Is that a blinker on the front right fender by the door?