Newb Buying a 4Runner 3rd Gen

[ruffin media]

Hello all,
For my daughters 17th birthday she wants a Toyota 4runner. Since shes 17, Ideally, I'd like to get her a 96 (because thats when she was born) but am open from 96-2000. The issue is I dont know hardly anything about cars however I have had 3 4runners (96,99,03) and I love them. As long as you maintain them, theyre solid (which is why my daughter wants one).

Can anyone give me any advice on purchasing a 3rd gen (between 96 and 00) of potential things to look for? the last thing id want to happen is to give a car and inheret alot of problems. I wish I could afford a newer one but cant at this time.

A friend of mine is letting me borrow is OBD Scanner Tool (for PC) but even with that, i still dont know how to read it or what to look for. I know to make sure its not a slavage title and im not going on 175k miles. Im looking to spend 5k or below.

Any advice in purchasing my fav vehicle (Toyota 4Runner) on making her 17 bday special would be greatly appreciated. I have to buy this weekend and have found about 8 in my area.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ruffin media]

Also, just found a thread here about used 4runners. Nice

Also, would anyone recommend carMD?

 

[exporunner]

Not sure if the thread you found is the used 3rd gen buyers guide but if not it would definitely be one of the best places to look for more information it helped me a lot when I was searching a few months back. Just search 3rd gen buyers guide or use link below. Also if you posted some links to some of the vehicles your looking at Im sure you could get some more specific feedback

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyer-s-guide.html

 

[DGO-SR5]

I have a 96 with 210k and what I found needing the most work was the suspension. This can also be the hardest to test or find what needs to be replaced with the suspension. Struts/shocks, steering rack and sway bar bushings, inner/outer tie rods and upper/lower ball joints. I just did all of these on mine and it improved everything immensely. That and checking fluids(trans, cooling system, diffs/transfer case, brake fluid and power steering and you should be set! Good luck!

 

[TRDteen]

I would HIGHLY recommend getting a 99-02. A LOT more small features compared to 96-98. With the 96-98, they have old sh*tty ABS, flat front bumper and grille, cloudy headlights/corner lights, no fogs, no center cup holders, the cup holder is on the dash in front of the AC.

Check for:
Rust on frame/underneath the car
Last time timing belt was changed?
Engine bay looks like everything is connected and nothing is missing.
Regular maintenance has been done
AC, Climate Control, all things work on dash and center dash
Suspension/UCA's/LCA's are in good condition
Body is in good condition
All electrical components are in line and working

 

[myers0ma]

X2 on the 99 up ,cupholders dont sound very important but WOW when ya dont got 'em,uh ya scratch your head wondering,WHY!

 

[BrianSD_42]

Low miles, like less than 150k. That is all. 97 is fine the only differences are cosmetic .

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A friend of mine is letting me borrow is OBD Scanner Tool (for PC) but even with that, i still dont know how to read it or what to look for.
-----

Not very useful. All you need to know about codes: If it has a code don't buy it. Done.

 

[TRDteen]

Not very useful. All you need to know about codes: If it has a code don't buy it. Done.

Not necessarily. some codes are very easy to fix. But if it does come up with a code, i would be concerned.

 

[JohnsD90]

Buy the 4runner in the best condition, and dont worry about the small changes from year to year. You want a vehicle that will last, not one that holds your drink in a more convient place.

 

[ruffin media]

Thanks everyone for all of the info. I fill more confident and equipt to deal with the purchase. Since i am a dad, I dont want to act as if i dont know (even if im questioning everything inside). I think if i do the following i should be ok.

-Check for rust underneath
-Stay away from salvage
-Inquire about the last time timing belts were changed
-Listen for anything strange in the engine
-Connect my scanner and be cautious of any codes it brings it. Ill try to research what the code means while im on the spot. If i determine what it is and its not a big deal, i probably can get the seller to knock down the price.

 

[ruffin media]

Would anyone recommending going for one with over 200,000 miles or is that a bad idea altogether?

 

[TRDteen]

Would anyone recommending going for one with over 200,000 miles or is that a bad idea altogether?

IMO, i would try to stay away from anything 175k+. I mean, these are yotas, And VERY reliable. But you dont know what you are buying and how well it has been maintained. Higher miles just mean more opportunity for problems. I think 100-150k, is your best bet!

 

[wanta4runner]

If it was over 175k+ see if they have maintenance papers. on second thought anything with maintenance papers is a +

 

[MattAK]

+1 for checking for rust. That's the first thing I looked for when shopping for mine. I would stay away from any significant surface rust on the frame and run away if you see holes in the frame.

I also would test the 4WD, if it has it. Put the truck in 4WD and see if it tracks straight. This is a good way to make sure the truck is straight on the frame. I was test driving a '94 a few years ago that drove great, until I put it in 4WD. Suddenly it REALLY wanted to go sideways. The guy admitted the frame was twisted, but I never would have noticed without testing the 4WD.

Good Luck!