New to the site--I want a 3rd gen 4R

[Jphilos]

I am looking for suggestions as to what to look for in a 3rd gen 4R.

I currently own a '05 Tundra 4WD and it is a great truck-but I want a SUV and the 3rd gen 4R has always appealed to me.

Are there any issues I need to know of? Any particular problems with this vehicle? Also, Where would you guys look for one?

Great site-I appreciate any help you guys can offer.

jphilos

 

[p nut]

What are your plans for it? Daily Driver? Off-road only?

Here's how I would break down which model years to get given different situations:

1) Off-Road only - Doesn't matter, but cheaper the better, so 96-98 with a rear locker.

2) My daily driver/weekend wheeler - '99-'00 Highlander or Limited with a rear locker. '99-'02's have better interior ergonomics for a daily driver.

3) Daily Driver for me and wife/GF - '01-'02 Sport or Limited. The ride height is slightly lower than '99-'00's, so less likely to roll. Plus, all model trims come with AWD/4WD system, so 4WD can be engaged on pavement. Plus, comes with VSC and TRAC.

Look for them on autotrader, craigslist, and other local classifieds. Or even the dealership is a good place right now, due to the higher gas prices. I got a pretty good price on mine straight from the dealership.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

good breakdown by P nut

P nut has summed it up nicely but I can make it even simpler.

5 speed 4Runners ceased to exist after 1999 (or maybe it is 2000)

So if you are a manny tranny kind of guy it is a 96-99 for a 3rd gen with a 5 speed.

And if you wanted the 4 cylindermotor (probably unlikely since you have a Tundra) .. same deal they ceased to exist after 2000 I believe it is.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

5 speeds and the rear locker made it til '00.

The biggie ergonomic changes which were mad in the '99 year were:

Cupholders moved from the dash (a huge for the better change IMO)

Mulitple power outlets - 3 up front,1 in the hatch area

Crystal clear diamond cut reflector headlamps

Auto up/down front windows