New member ? on buying used 3rd gen

[DLSHORT21]

So I recently joined after my wife and I purchased a 2014 4runner as a family car. Well now since I've been on here I am ready to start looking for one myself. I am leaving a 2002 Tundra 2wd and looking to purchase a 3rd gen 4wd to start wheeling. I have never owned a 4wd vehicle and have only been wheeling with friends a few times. I love the outdoors and would love to take my kids out wheeling and just out from the house and electronics. So enough with the stories and on to the questions.

What should I look at most when checking out a new ride? How do I test the 4wd to make sure nothing is wrong? Is there any year that was prone to problems or recalls I should stay away from?

Also it should be noted I will be looking to spend around 8,000 for the vehicle and thank you in advance for your help.

Pic of family car attached.

 

[3rzrunner]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html
that should help a lot.

 

[BlazeRunner]

If it were me with 8k to spend, I'd try to find a 99-00 w/ multimode and a locker. Test 4wd on loose surface, never on dry pavement. Same with locker. For the money you're willing to spend, you can find a really nice rig.

 

[DLSHORT21]

Thanks for the replies. Still gotta sell my truck first but that is in the works. Just gives me more time to look and research. Have found some really nice vehicles already although haven't test drove any I will hold off on that until I have cash ready. Don't know whether to go a little cheaper so I have money left to do some minor upgrades after regular maintenance or just get the nicest shape vehicle I can get. My problem is I get caught up in a nice looking set of wheels and tires and body lift instead of looking at the bones of the vehicle and knowing I can do all that myself

 

[GVL]

Welcome DL. There are a LOT of clean 4R's here in CA so you should be able to find just about whatever you decide on.

With your budget you can go two ways: Either a really clean stocker with relatively low miles, or something with a little higher mileage but has been somewhat prepped for off-roading with some of the more costly mods already done - a good exam of the undercarriage will tell a lot about the level of use or abuse.

If you're fairly mechanically inclined and like doing all the work yourself you can save a ton of money, but keep one mod usually leads to another so keep a few bucks for the "must have" things you will encounter once you get started.

Good luck, we look forward to seeing pics of you purchase when it happens.

 

[houjames98765]

Are you looking a 4cyl or v6

I know someone is selling a 99 4runner V6 E-locker, limited 4wd, fog lights, and the truck is 100% Toyota Genuine parts never putted After Market, new tires for $6,900.00. That truck has 169,000 miles and it has been traveling to mexico city for 9 times.

 

[Brique]

If you're patient, my advice might be to keep an eye on the classifieds in this forum and snatch up a truck that's been loved, modded and upgraded already. You'll get a lot for your money that way and someone will know their baby is going to a good home.

 

[DLSHORT21]

Definitely going to keep my eye out on the classifieds section. I would love to get a vehicle that was already modded and belonged to another member.

 

[DLSHORT21]

I should officially be in the market for my first 3rd gen today. I have someone coming to buy my truck at 12. So that in mind if anyone has any leads on nice 4runner it would be appreciated. Hopefully will be able to find one in CA been scouring the Craigslist ads the last week. My budget ultimately is going to he significantly lower than what I expected. Probably 4k-5th range. That will leave me with enough money left over to do some maintenance that is recommended in the buyers guide and start putting together a lift. Thanks for the help and I'll keep everyone posted when I find one.
So excited to get into a 3rd gen

 

[KidVermicious]

If it were me with 8k to spend, I'd try to find a 99-00 w/ multimode and a locker. Test 4wd on loose surface, never on dry pavement. Same with locker. For the money you're willing to spend, you can find a really nice rig.

This. 8k should get you a nicely appointed rust free 5speed/elocker truck.

You can test 4wd on pavement, for the record, just don't get crazy with it.

 

[DLSHORT21]

Yeah I was overly ambitious on thinking I was going to get 8 for my truck on the end getting 6500. So I'm guessing 5 will be my max so I can get some maintenance and little mods done.

 

[tre9er]

Yeah I was overly ambitious on thinking I was going to get 8 for my truck on the end getting 6500. So I'm guessing 5 will be my max so I can get some maintenance and little mods done.

Should be able to get a well-maintained runner that has had TB/WP done, higher mileage, hopefully locker. A guy on here is looking at one with clear-coat peeling but otherwise seems fine, for like $3450.

 

[DLSHORT21]

What do you guys think about this one? I put the vin number in the my toyota app and it has really good maintenance records over its lifetime. Looks somewhat clean although the pictures are limited.

GJD WHOLESALE AUTOMOTIVE
1996 4runner

 

[DLSHORT21]

What do you guys think about this one? I put the vin number in the my toyota app and it has really good maintenance records over its lifetime. Looks somewhat clean although the pictures are limited.

GJD WHOLESALE AUTOMOTIVE
1996 4runner

well never mind on that one it's sold!