New Member - Looking for '99-'02 T4Rs

[huntsman]

First off, I love the site. I have already spent hours reading past posts and comments on builds, maintenance, and advice. I have been looking for my first 4runner and have decided to look for a '99 through '02 model. I just like the look of those years. I am sure the current body styles will someday grow on me. Anyway, I have been looking through autotrader, ebay, c-list, and local classifieds for the perfect 4runner with limited success. The prices are fine, they are within my budget but none are selling close to me, pretty much nothing is listed in my state that get me excited (I am in Utah). I have been debating about flying out somewhere to test drive a truck or two, but thats quite an investment or 'leap of faith', trusting the seller to not waste my time and money. If anyone has any advice on purchasing a 4runner from a different state, I could really use it. I pretty much have ants-in-the-pants to get a 4runner. I just finished my masters and want to get myself a 4runner as my graduation present.
Thanks in advance for your help and advice!

 

[4-Ripcord]

Welcome! Finding a clean used 4runner is quite a task. I wish you luck.

Here was a recent thread on buying out of state: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/97537-has-anyone-bought-out-state.html

What are your plans for it once you get a hold of one?

 

[huntsman]

Thanks for the link!

As for what i will do once I find the one? I plan on letting her take me to my favorite fishing holes, mountain bike trials, slopes, and just about anywhere else others can't. I haven't found 'The One' yet, even this morning I drove one and almost bought it, but passed (see photo below) 89k miles, 2002 dark green, SR5.

Anyway, I would love the end result to look a lot like yours Rip, except black . I stayed up way too late last night reading your build, nice job.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Thanks for the compliments.

Where you looking for something specific? Like a certain model or option?

 

[huntsman]

I was hoping to have more luck finding an '02 sport edition, black monochromatic, I really don't care for the two-tone look or chrome. Here is a link to one that I would want.

Cars for Sale: 2002 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 SR5 in SALEM, OR 97306: Sport Utility Details - 297221000 - AutoTrader.com

Sorry I don't know how to embed a link to these posts.

There are several reasons i haven't bought this one. First it has a restored or rebuilt title, I called the guy, of course he conveniently left that off the post. Second, its two states away, about 900 miles away. Third, it has more miles then I truly want (its actually my wife that is more concerned with the miles). Anyway if you see something similar to this one I am willing to fly out somewhere and drive it back. I actually think the road trip would be a good bonding experience

 

[ran]

I'm in southern Oregon, walked out of a medium sized office building and counted all generations of 4Runners in the lot. They seem to live forever up here.

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'07 SE V6 Titanium

 

[Schargedtaco]

97 limited

New to the forum! After being on here 5 minutes I don't know where to start with the mods