New guy here...a few questions for you 4Runner veterans!?

[Ross Rodgers]

Hey all, first off I know I'm probably one of many to come on and ask some of these questions but I did search so to please have mercy on me!

I'm looking at trading out my current vehicle for something more practical. My Dad used to have a 4Runner and it was always good to him. I think when he sold it the thing had 200k miles on it and as far as I know the family that bought it still drives it to this day.

My main questions:

What are the best bang for you buck model years? I'm looking to spend ~$5,000-7,000 but if it means spending an extra $500-1000 to get a much better model I'll gladly do that. I want something that's going to last and that I can drive for years to come. It will be a daily driver and I'd like to do some minor modifications to it (larger tires, possibly wheels, and some suspension components).

What are the best years for purely offroading? Also, is there anyway to find out via the VIN if the car has the locking differentials that I have read about or are there any telltale signs that point that it does? I did read about the suspension recall so I'm not too worried about that.

My whole life I've driven 2 door cars and I'm ready for something more practical. I saw a few supercharged 4Runners out there, too...what are your thoughts on them? Do they suffer when it comes to long term reliability?

Also, what's the average mileage before something major needs to be done mechanically...and what are the Achilles flaws built into them?

Like I said, my Dad's was really solid and I'd like another one like that. Be it his was a 2WD and I'd definitely get a 4WD.

Are there any other forums out there specific for the 3rd gen?

Thanks!

 

[Elton H]

welcome to the forum..... 01-02's limited's are the fanciest of them all prob not the best for off road as they sit the lowest of all years the 96-98s are nice there easy to find cheap might be easier to find a locker in that model the 99 is a little taller than all years it has nicer interior multi mode 4wd theres one call highlander that are really nice and should come with a locker

 

[Elton H]

im not sure if theres away to tell if it has a e locker via the vin but if you look on the left side of the steering wheel and see a button that says RR DIFF LOCK thats the locker button .... these 3.4L 5vzfe motors really dont have no problems only major thing that should be done is the timing belt etc every 100k as for the super charger as long as its set up right with all the fuel mods and tuning shouldn't be no problem other than having to run only premium fuel in it

 

[Ross Rodgers]

im not sure if theres away to tell if it has a e locker via the vin but if you look on the left side of the steering wheel and see a button that says RR DIFF LOCK thats the locker button .... these 3.4L 5vzfe motors really dont have no problems only major thing that should be done is the timing belt etc every 100k as for the super charger as long as its set up right with all the fuel mods and tuning shouldn't be no problem other than having to run only premium fuel in it

Elton, thanks for the great advice. I'm reading and I really like the upgrades they did on the 99's...I think I'll be looking for a 99 with the upgrades in either silver or black. Also, I noticed that many of the older ones come with chrome front bumpers...was this a particular package? I'm not really a fan of them to be honest but it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

Thank you!

 

[Elton H]

i think the limited come with color key bumper and trim or its option for the sr5

 

[JohnsD90]

5speed 96-00, non-limited models

Auto-all years

 

[96743runner]

Based on what you said, it seems like a 99 or 00 T4R with a rear locker and 5spd tranny would suit you best. The 99 has the tallest coils of the 3rd gen T4Rs and has the mid generation interior upgrades that I really wish I had on mine (better located cupholders, overhead compartment, dual power outlets, etc.)