New here - looking for a 3rd Gen!

[trailbikerider]

Hey everybody! My name is Blake, like the title states, I'm new here. I have been a Ford guy most of my driving life, My first car was a 2002 Focus that I've owned now for going on 9 years that has turned into my project car. I've also owned a 1994 Ranger 2.3 2wd with a 5 speed, a 1997 Tacoma DLX 4x4 V6 with a 5 speed and my most recent and current daily driver is my 2004 Ranger with the FX4 Level II package that's a 5 speed. Rangers are great trucks, but I have always had a things for Toyota trucks. I loved my Tacoma but unfortunately it was really hacked together and after only a month of owning it, I sold it. Ever since then I've kind of been looking for a clean 1st or 2nd gen Tacoma to replace it, but more recently have been looking at 3rd gen 4Rs.

I'm moving to the Phoenix area at the end of the year (assuming I find a job), and want to sell my Ranger before I move as it's getting a little rusty, and I think I'll have an easier time selling it up here than down there.

Here's a few photos of my rides, also like I said I'm on the hunt for a rust free 3rd gen, so send any my way! I'm budgeting absolutely no more than $10,000 for one.

DSC_0724 by Blake Nichols, on Flickr

DSC_0716 by Blake Nichols, on Flickr

DSC_0713 by Blake Nichols, on Flickr

DSC_0416 by Blake Nichols, on Flickr

 

[NoLight]

Welcome!!

 

[trailbikerider]

Thank you!

 

[swilde]

Welcome - a friend is selling this sick clean Gen3 - might be worth the road trip

 

[MK_Ultra]

Welcome!

 

[PWRSTEVE]

welcome!!!!!

 

[kukini808]

welcome!

 

[elemint]

You should be able to gen a nice 3rd gen for under $5k. BTW Did you hear that Ford is bringing the Ranger back? The Bronco too!

 

[feg7846]

New to 4Runners

Newbie here from Georgia. Newbie to forum but have been around for 70 years. Plan on being here for many more. Have 5 grandsons to teach about vehicles, hunting, fishing and about life in general. Hope I can impart some of my wisdom, and experiences on them.

Personally, I am a decorated, disabled combat veteran of Vietnam. But, the Good Lord was good to me and brought me home for a second chance at life. Have a few scars and all of them are not physical. An engineer by education and worked in the mining industry for 39 years after returning from service. After the 39 years, I had to go out on disability as a result of injuries from Vietnam. However, now, life is good. Great wife, 2 daughters that are nurses and 5 grandsons, 2 of which are twins and 7 months old. Another one 8 months old from another daughter who also had a 7 year old and a 4 year old. So, I have been truly blessed.

I am an old FJ40 fan. Have had 8 of these over the years. Back when I first got into them, you could find a pretty good used one for a good price. Now, the price on them has gone sky high. I have rebuilt just about everything on several year models of the FJ40 from the front bumper to the back bumper. Problem now is that I am 70 years old and don't really want to work on them any more. I still have one and have had it for about 10 years. I do a lot of squirrel hunting and it is my transportation to the woods to hunt squirrels. Also used as a third vehicle sometimes. It is a 78 model with power steering, winch and an aftermarket AC unit. I am the only one in my area that I know of that can literally work on every part of the Cruiser. So, I am now in the market for a 4runner or some other 4 wheel drive vehicle that I can take to my mechanic and say "fix it". All I want to do to my vehicle now is change the oil. I will let my mechanic do everything else, problem is, he does not know much about my 78 FJ40.

So, looking for some advice. I want a 4wd vehicle with a winch and power steering. Preferably air and heat, good knobby tires, good auto tranny(if there is such a thing) would settle for a manual. Year model: 80's, 90's or up to about 2003 or so. Don't want to spend an arm and a leg, VA disability pay is not that much. Also want a hard top, not a rag top. Want something with a little more room than the FJ40 or a Wrangler jeep. Lock out hubs or set up where front drive shaft does not turn unless vehicle is in 4 wd.

What would you experienced fellows out there recommend for an old fellow like me that is still young at heart and wants to keep on trucking' long as he can.

Thank you and thanks for letting me be a part of this forum

 

[NM4Runner231]

Welcome

 

[Falcon_Runner14]

Nice looking couple of vehicles you have, I like your style! I'm in the same boat, currently looking for a nice clean 3rd Gen with around the same price cap, good luck to you!

 

[trailbikerider]

Haha, thanks everyone. I bought an '02 Limited about 4 months ago. Found it on eBay in Philadelphia.

Here's a few recent photos after I had the windows tinted and the running boards removed.

 

[nitroexp600]

Very nice 4runner, looks nice with out the running boards. I'm new here myself and I'm currently looking for a 3rd. Gen. 4runner I never thought about taking the running boards off. I found a 01 for $5999.00 one owner, I'm also looking at 1999 and 2000 4runners. Were you hunting for a limited or a SR5? or did it not matter, just a nice vehicle? I also like your other rides.:nod:

 

[TRDFTW]

that 4runner looks very nice!!

 

[trailbikerider]

Very nice 4runner, looks nice with out the running boards. I'm new here myself and I'm currently looking for a 3rd. Gen. 4runner I never thought about taking the running boards off. I found a 01 for $5999.00 one owner, I'm also looking at 1999 and 2000 4runners. Were you hunting for a limited or a SR5? or did it not matter, just a nice vehicle? I also like your other rides.:nod:

It didn't really matter if it was an SR5 or Limited. Although to be honest I would've preferred an SR5 solely for the cloth interior. I'm not a huge leather fan as it is always either cold or hot.

 

[packrunner]

Hello! And nice 4runner