Newbie Looking for 3rd gen weekender

O

OBreezy

New member
Hi All- I am looking to buy a 3rd gen, 4wd T4R. I am trying to guage what mileage I should be looking for and what prices. I am looking to spend between 5 and 10k. As this is more of a toy, I'd rather keep the price lower if possible. I will be using the truck mainly on weekends to drive around 75 miles to the beach in the spring/summer and occasionally to drive to Vermont from NYC around 6 times a winter, then general weekend driving beyond that. Most week days it would sit in a driveway on Long Island or in a gated lot in NYC. I like the 1999 highlanders with the slight lift. If i didn't get that model, I would probably look into an inch coil spacer or something. Not doing crazy off-road but some deep sand on the beach and some snow up north. Sounds like I need to look for a 1999+ for the mid gen upgrades. Not sure about leather, I would probably prefer it but it does get cold in winter and hot in summer. Can anyone tell me if this
looks like a good deal? (2000 Sport SR5 with 131k miles)

2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD, $6,495 - Cars.com

Are all 1999+ models with the hood scoop equipped with the lifted springs?
It looks like this guy put a K&N filter on it, should that be inside a box? Any insight would be great, really not sure how much i need to spend to get a decent one of these trucks, i have had friends who have had them in the past and i've always loved them. Lastly, i have driven the 3rd gen in stick many times and loved it, however they seem impossible to find?
 
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The car in the ad looks nice. What I figured out buying a base model was this: all the nice options you get with a Limited are almost free, compared to buying a base. That goes double for all the free add ons like the floor mats, vent visors and brush guard. So if you would buy the add ons anyway, you're money ahead.

Whether or not you think the K&N is a good idea is a matter of opinion. I always stick with the filter the manufacturer put on it. I would guess the K&N will be louder than stock, if that is a factor.

A Highlander might ride better and get better mileage. 4Runners are very durable, but if you're mostly driving down the road... I have been on rough roads with a RAV4, and they hold up well.

I don't buy black cars, because it gets too hot here for that. And they don't look good unless you just washed it. Otherwise, if it drives out like it looks, I would go for it. Tires for these things are spendy, so if it needs rubber, use that to work on the price a bit. Get a CarFax and look over the paint carefully for collision damage. If something doesn't add up, move on to other options.

Good luck!
 
Good point on the options. I think I would probably at least stick with the SR5 trim. To clarify, what I meant by the "Highlander" comment was referring to the sport trim that this model for sale appears to have. I believe that it used to be called "highlander" trim, but I am not sure, in any case I am definitely in bed with the 3rd gen 4Runner and if I get a truck that is what I want. The Sport/Highlander model appealed to me because some of them seem to come with sort of a factory "lift kit" so to speak. Since I am not looking to lift more than an inch (for now anyways!), I think it would make sense to try to find one of these models to avoid lifting and worrying about other suspension and drive components that a lift could potentially impact. thanks again, this is a great forum.
 
O'Breezy,
It's refreshing to see a forum newb do their homework for their first post. Nice job. :hatsoff:
I have virtually the same truck with the supercharger.
I can tell you that not all "Highlanders" have the tall coils. My 2000 has the 8-wraps and it appears to sit about an inch lower than the '99s with the talls. It also has the very slight negative rake that it appears your prospect has. That is to be expected with vehicles of this age.
All in all, on the surface I would say you have a nice find there. Obviously you have to look closely for signs of body repair and, of course, the dreaded NorthEast Road Cancer. Make sure you run a Carfax.
I can also tell you that the ONLY upgrade you will need to take that truck up most any mountain access road or beach blast is a decent set of tires. I'm not sure those Radial Long Trails will cut it when it really hits the fan.
It appears that truck does not have a locker which would have really sealed the deal as far as being unstoppable, but that could be added later if you really want it.
Good luck with your decision and welcome to the forum, even if you is from New Yawk. :biggrin2:
 
OBreezy said:
Good point on the options. I think I would probably at least stick with the SR5 trim. To clarify, what I meant by the "Highlander" comment was referring to the sport trim that this model for sale appears to have. I believe that it used to be called "highlander" trim, but I am not sure, in any case I am definitely in bed with the 3rd gen 4Runner and if I get a truck that is what I want. The Sport/Highlander model appealed to me because some of them seem to come with sort of a factory "lift kit" so to speak. Since I am not looking to lift more than an inch (for now anyways!), I think it would make sense to try to find one of these models to avoid lifting and worrying about other suspension and drive components that a lift could potentially impact. thanks again, this is a great forum.
Click to expand...

Not only the highlanders had the tall springs. My 99 sr5 that is almost a base model came with the tall springs. The one you are looking at is a sport model, correct me if I am wrong but the highlander model was only made in 99 and then sports started in 2000.
 
PhdNPrerunners said:
Not only the highlanders had the tall springs. My 99 sr5 that is almost a base model came with the tall springs. The one you are looking at is a sport model, correct me if I am wrong but the highlander model was only made in 99 and then sports started in 2000.
Click to expand...

No, the "Sport Edition" didn't debut until '01. The Highlander was '99 and '00. There were no badges of any kind that identified a "Highlander" as such, just the designation on the window sticker.
Toyota 4Runner Highlander Information
sticker.jpg~original
 
SkidPalace said:
O'Breezy,
It's refreshing to see a forum newb do their homework for their first post. Nice job. :hatsoff:
Click to expand...

x2

With that one you posted, it looks just fine and the miles are 'decent' for a 4runner. I would give them a call and ask about all of the known issues with 4runners (transmission/radiator failure, axle seal, rust, etc..) Move quick though, good 4runners don't stay single very long..
 
Thanks for the quick responses. Being that this truck is not exactly around the corner from me, I'd like to put together solid list of things to ask the dealer before taking a look. So far it looks like:

Specs:
-e-locker? (prob not, but not sure where the switch is to see in the pics)
-Tall springs? (by the pic it doesnt appear so)
-Other mods? (since there is that K&N filter, there could be other mods?)

Condition:
-Life remaining on rubber (id prob get new ones anyways, suggestions?)
-Amount of rust on vehicle (Damn salty roads)
-Apparent body/frame/mechanical damage from collision/4wheeling
-Transmission/Radiator issues (leaks, clunks, slips, etc)
-Axle Seal - Not sure exactly what to ask on this one...

If anyone has anything to add that would be a great help. Also, does anyone have an insight on this price? Seems lower than others I've seen, but they were mostly dealers, not sure what the private market is like. Anything major that would typically be in need of replacement at this point in this particular trucks life? (131k miles)

thanks
 
OBreezy said:
-e-locker? (prob not, but not sure where the switch is to see in the pics)

There is a little rectangular button on the dash just to the left of the steering wheel with orange print that reads "RR diff lock." Ill put up a pic for you. And in case you didn't know, 2000 was the last year of diff lock

-Transmission/Radiator issues (leaks, clunks, slips, etc)

The issue was that the radiator would fail, mix transmission and coolant fluids, that would get back to the tranny and basically destroy it. New radiators or transmission work is a big red flag. Search 'strawberry milkshake' for more info

-Axle Seal - Not sure exactly what to ask on this one...

The rear axle seals are known to leak, just needs a replacement.

Anything major that would typically be in need of replacement at this point in this particular trucks life? (131k miles)

I also forgot about the timing belt/ water pump change, about every 90k miles. And don't forget plugs/wires, transmission and differential fluid changes, etc..
Click to expand...


thumbnail.aspx




EDIT: this button is NOT to be confused with the 'center diff lock' button that will be found in the exact same place..

thumbnail.aspx
 
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That 4runner does not have an elocker. They mount the security light there if it doesn't. If you can I would venture south to buy this and drive home or ship it. One rust problem would cover the shipping. Mine came from Maryland and I have spent over a thousand easy fixing rust issues with me doing the labor. i would look for a 99-2000 highlander of limited. They will usually be well optioned and have a good chance of having the locker.
 
I think looking south is a good idea, however I did not see any down there that looked like a good deal on CARS.com Does anyone have any advice on other places to look for 4Runners? Or any input on buying from a dealer vs private seller? This one that i posted came with a 6mo/7500 mile warranty which is sort of comforting...
 
OBreezy said:
I think looking south is a good idea, however I did not see any down there that looked like a good deal on CARS.com Does anyone have any advice on other places to look for 4Runners? Or any input on buying from a dealer vs private seller? This one that i posted came with a 6mo/7500 mile warranty which is sort of comforting...
Click to expand...

Usually when you buy from a private seller you are going to pay less money because they are willing to negotiate where is when you buy from a dealer they are going to be asking retail. Dealers probably will not budge on the price as much as a private seller. Thats just my experience between the two
 
OBreezy said:
I think looking south is a good idea, however I did not see any down there that looked like a good deal on CARS.com Does anyone have any advice on other places to look for 4Runners? Or any input on buying from a dealer vs private seller? This one that i posted came with a 6mo/7500 mile warranty which is sort of comforting...
Click to expand...

Try this website:

AutoTempest - Find your next car... Faster.

It searches all the big time car dealer websites, (auto trader, eBay, cars.com, craigslist, carsdirect.com, etc..) and brings all the results to you. Hope that helps.
 
Thanks I'll take a look at that one, kind of like Kayak.com for plane tix, i love that site.

Can anyone provide some good info on the differences between the center locking diff and the e-locker? Looks like the center lock became standard on the limited at some point. Can you have both options? If not, which is better? thanks
 
The center diff is the transfer case. And when it is unlocked, it acts as an open diff, allowing differentiation in front and rear driveshaft movement. When it is unlocked, you can say it is in all wheel drive mode and is safe for use on dry pavement. When the transfer case case is locked, the vehicle is in true 4x4, which can only be used offroad and in snow.

The rear locker simply locksthe driveahafts on the rear exle. Making both wheels ALWAYS spin at the same speed.

The rear locker was available '96-2000
Multi mode transfer case was available in 99+ limiteds and on all trim levels '01-'02

So the only one that has both of them is the '99-'00 limiteds. But Im just going to retrofit an elocker into my '02. So I can have both also.
 
So is it safe to say that for my purposes (not hard core off roading but some snow and beach, and some camping) I will be pretty much ok if i have at least the center locking diff? I will look for one with e-locker, but if the center lock is decent it will open up my options a bit. Is the center locking diff only available on the limited from 1999-2000 and then standard on all 3rd gen models thereafter?
 
OBreezy said:
So is it safe to say that for my purposes (not hard core off roading but some snow and beach, and some camping) I will be pretty much ok if i have at least the center locking diff? I will look for one with e-locker, but if the center lock is decent it will open up my options a bit. Is the center locking diff only available on the limited from 1999-2000 and then standard on all 3rd gen models thereafter?
Click to expand...

the center lock is just regular plain old 4x4, meaning it locks the front to the rear, it's not AWD but 4x4....

and in most cases that's fine for just getting around on logging trails and places that are pretty accessible, but if your trying to go up and over alot of things i'd consider holding out for a locker, but again for just getting down a beach or rutted/muddy roads the normal 4x4 or center lock as your calling it will be just fine.
 
from re-reading this thread just hold out for the 1999 highlander/limited with the multi-mode t case and e-locker, it is regarded as the best of the 3rd gens by some and by myself, as it comes completely flushed out with all of the best options provided in the 3rd gens with the exception of the hood scoop, doesn't have the drive by wire system (vsc & trac) which if you read around causes some problems and some people just don't like it and disable it all together losing their abs without some rewiring of a bunch of stuff.

this is all personal opinion, but i really do feel the '99 highlander/limited is the most ready out of the box for off road adventures and most flushed out of the model years of the 3rd gens.
 
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