New Here - Interested in Buying a 1996-2002 4x4 4Runner

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kiteboarder

New member
Hello,

I'm new here but not completely new to 4Runners... Back in 2000 my mom had a brand new 4x4 which she eventually sold a few years later. As far as I'm concerned, everything she bought after that truck, wasn't as good as that 4Runner. Needless to say, I really liked that 4Runner even though it was automatic and I always prefer manuals.

Bottom line, I'm interested in buying one between 1996-2002.

To be perfectly honest, my initial choice was a 4 door gen 1 Tacoma. Unfortunately, Toyota never sold those with a manual transmission in the USA. Since I'm only interested in a manual, that takes the Taco off the option list.

I'm in SoCal - but I don't deal with much traffic.

Here are the requirements:

1. 4x4
2. Less than 150,000 miles - preferably 100,000 miles or less.
3. Manual transmission.

Something with a quality lift already installed is a plus too. But not a requirement.

However, this thread is not meant to try and find one or to have one of you guys sell me one. Rather, to get tips...

So...

1. What should I expect?
2. Any year in particular I should avoid?
3. Any features I should make sure the truck has?
4. Anything I should watch out for?

The truck will be used on good roads, but I will also use it for driving in the snow for snowboarding trips, light to medium duty off-roading and sometimes in the sand as well. The original reason for considering a Tacoma is space, but the 4Runner, while a little more limited in capacity to carry stuff, is still acceptable for my uses.

Oh, one more thing. While the 4Runner will be driven often, it will not be driven every day. I was originally going to buy a new 2012 Tacoma (manual of course) but decided to buy a 2-seater sports car instead and buy the truck a little older. It makes sense as I would feel much better having the utility car be a bit older. I expect to not put more than 10K miles a year into the 4Runner, if that. Likely less.

Thanks for any advice and help. -Danny
 
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Welcome to the site.

Believe it or not, there is a thread in this very section that will answer every single one of those questions.
 
I was in your position not too long ago and I will second the above posted "Buyers Guide" thread. It answered almost all the questions and concerns I had with regards to buying a 3rd gen 4runner - well worth the read. Couple that with the lift thread and the maintenance thread and you'll be set. My intended use needs approximated your own and I ended up getting a 2002 4wd (automatic) with 104,000 mi for what it's worth...
 
Hi, thanks guys.

I'm a seasoned forum person, just not on this forum (yet). So I understand searches and such. Just thought I should set up a specific threaded related to my specific needs and build upon it with your help (plus searching and reading on here.)

That way there's a place to discuss notes and specifics on the search for the right truck. Thanks for the link to the buyer's guide. I'll start there right now.

@jnnla - Sounds like you got almost exactly what I'm looking for... only difference being the transmission. Cool.

-D
 
Your real quest will be finding a 5speed w/ low miles. 5speeds where only available in 1996-2000 models so you already cut two years out. They are 'rarer' then Autos most say. Best of luck on the hunt :)
 
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^^^ Thanks. I've already found 3 in the last 2 weeks. One with 53K miles, one with 100K and one with 97K. Unfortunately, they have all sold before I had a chance to get to them! So... I'm aiming at getting properly ready to be able to snatch one as soon as it comes up.
 
Glad it helped.

5-speeds go within a few hours of being posted, be ready. Use the CL android app if you can, it is awesome.
 
Hello. I use SCOUT for iPhone - it used to be a very good Craigslist search app, but the developer has let it fall to the wayside.

I'll check out autotempest... Thanks

Yesterday I test drove a 2000 with a 5-speed and even a rear diff locker. It's advertised too high at $9,900 with 150,000 miles. I thought that's what it has been at the dealership for over 2 weeks. But there's more - There's quite a bit more rust to it than I would like. I have some pics, I'll post them up a little later. Maybe you guys can tell me what you think. But my instinct tells me... Not good.
 
Hello, my 4Runner search has taken a bit of a setback with me shuffling some money around - but I'm returning to looking for the right one shortly. In the meantime, I'm reading more on them. Thanks
 
Ok, back in the game! Is a '96 worth buying as 1st model year? I'm headed up to LA to see a '96 4x4 stick with 105,000 miles. Sticker on it is $5,990. What do you guys think?

Thr truck looks in great condition inside out (in the pics) - but the clear coat is starting to fail on the left side top. No rust. It's on Auto Trader if you want to see it.
 
kiteboarder said:
Ok, back in the game! Is a '96 worth buying as 1st model year? I'm headed up to LA to see a '96 4x4 stick with 105,000 miles. Sticker on it is $5,990. What do you guys think?

Thr truck looks in great condition inside out (in the pics) - but the clear coat is starting to fail on the left side top. No rust. It's on Auto Trader if you want to see it.
Click to expand...
Heck yeah its worth buying 96 build is strong.
A mechanic at Toyota dealer offered me 5,300 for mine with 183,000.
If the one your looking at is in tip top shape 5,990 sounds pretty good with such low millage.
 
Got my 96 Limited in cherry condition with 230K for $5.5K in NorCal. Strong as a horse. Even if there are some fixes down the road, for the price it is already worked into the budget.
 
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