New member-Taco switch to 4Runner?

[Joseph]

I am a brand spanking new member to your forum-I may be a little out of place as I am very limited in mechanical or technical knowledge-In fact that is why I like Toyota so much-I don't have to fix 'em.

I am a Toyota lover-I now have a 1998 Limited Tacoma Black in color with 178K miles-previous had 1993 taco with about 120K and traded for '98.

Anyway-I am looking for advise, sugestions, etc. I am looking to buy 4Runner 1999 to 2002 model 4WD probably green or silver and hoping to get candid feedback about my decision-I use my vehicle for backpacking trips, hunting trips, fishing trips and from time to time to go to work (ugh).

Please chime in and tell me about the best place to buy (used)4Runner and what to look for. Is any particular year of the 3rd Gen better than the others? Any aftermarket products that you think I may need for moderate off-rado use?

I appreciate any information and thank you for allowing me to be part of this forum.

Joe

 

[lee]

sounds like you wont need to modify much for your offroad use... the runner is very capable stock offroad.

99-02 are all good years for what you want to do. just try to find one that fits your color and option specs, and of course price range!

look at autotrader and search around the dealerships... if you have craigslist in your area, hit that up to. as always, have a mechanic you trust look at it and you'll be fine.

any specific questions, or more details on the kind of 'off roading' you see may help direct this conversation better...

good luck, feel free to ask if youre getting burned when you find some trucks you like.

 

[Joseph]

Lee,

Thanks for the info. You are the only one that responded and I appreciate you doing so. I may run some more questions out there and like you said I will be more specific about my off roading and other aspects. Thanks again.

Joe

 

[lee]

hey joe,

its what we're here for!

any more q's are welcome. good luck.

 

[jim4runnerny]

Joe,

You sound just like me.. I traded in my '02 Tacoma TRD Extended Cab for my '01 4Runner Sport. My Taco was Silver with the color-keyed package (I used to post a fair amount on customtacos.com) and I ended up with a silver color-keyed 4Runner!! Ended up picking it up certifed-used with 40k miles and got a ton of money for trade on my Taco (it only had 30k miles, gotta love Toyota resale value).

As for 4Runners to look for, I focused my search on 4Runners with the sport package, I love the way they look with the hood scoop, fog lights, silver painted dash, etc.. I looked at some Limiteds, but they were a little pricey still for what I was looking to spend.. I live in New York, so I wanted to get an '01 or newer with full-time 4WD (with selectable 2WD, 4WD part-time and low range), skid-control, traction control, brake assist, etc... But any of the 4Runners in your range of years would be great!

Jim