Newbie Looking to buy a 3rd Gen 4Runner. What to look for?

H

Hollywood1

New member
Hi, Im new to the forum and will probably be doing alot of research on here soon.

Im on the search for a 3rd Gen 4runner here in LA for my GF. Here POS 2003 nissan altima blew a head gasket and we're tired of sinking money into that thing so gonna cut our loses, because I don't feel like replacing the head gasket myself.
Although I am pretty mechanically inclined, its just not worth it to me or her.

I have been pushing her into getting a 4 Runner for some time. It would be great for throwing the bikes in the back and hitting the road, plus its a Toyota and alot more reliable.

She's reluctant to get a car in the 99-2002 range because its older then her nissan, but I said its a Toyota not a Nissan. Big difference.

Anyways, I registered on the forum to get some insight on any common problems that the 4runners might have and to look into when going on the used car search.

Im looking for a 99-2002 4cyl. I know the 4 cylinders don't have as much power as the 6, but she's generally just using it for work commute and roadtrips here in Cali. No snow, No mud, just good MPG.

Im thinking of taking my compression tester to check the prospect 4runners engine when we go shopping. If the seller doesn't let me then I'll move onto the next one.

On the 4 cylinder, what would be good compression numbers?

Are there any other sensors or common problem areas I should look into besides oil and tranny leaks?

Also, whats the comparison in MPG between the 4cyl. and 6cyl.?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You!
 
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Toyota dropped the 4-cylinder from the U.S. after the 2000 model year.

I can't speak from personal experience, but I have read that there is perhaps a 1-2 mpg "real world" mpg difference between the 4 and the 6 (in the 4's favor, obviously). Honestly, if you are concerned about mpg, the 4Runner is not a good choice for you.

Also, yes, a Toyota is well engineered and generally reliable, but there are plenty of basket case 4Runners out there. Find one that was regularly maintained and it will last a lifetime. Find one with an iffy history and it's a ticking time bomb.
 
After looking at the fuel economy research, I realized that I think she'd rather have the security of power getting into LA traffic then the sluggishness of the 4 cyl.

Im looking into the $6k range. So If we can pick one up for $5K then that gives me $1000 to work on the truck for common problems and or any maintenance.

Most mileage that Im finding in that price range is around 150K-175K.

Would this still be a good mileage range to get at least a good 3 years out of?
 
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Hollywood1 said:
After looking at the fuel economy research, I realized that I think she'd rather have the security of power getting into LA traffic then the sluggishness of the 4 cyl.

Im looking into the $6k range. So If we can pick one up for $5K then that gives me $1000 to work on the truck for common problems and or any maintenance.

Most mileage that Im finding in that price range is around 150K-175K.

Would this still be a good mileage range to get at least a good 3 years out of?
Click to expand...

More than likely... as long as gas doesn't get up to $5 Per Gal... cuz that will make you go broke before 3yrs. Either motor will do fine if you are just driving around town or on the highway. With that said if you ever plan to wheel it or take it on steep inclines the 6cyl will be a better choice. Obviously the same is said about towing or moding your rig. Good luck!
 
One thing to look for on the V6 is maintenance records of the timing belt being changed. The timing belt should be changed every 90K miles, and if it hasn't been done (or you can't find records of it being done), then it would probably be something you'd need to get done (which could be pretty expensive, or you can do it yourself).
 
Thanks for the info on the Timing!

What would you say an estimated price would be to do the timing chain. Im sure I could tackle it myself, but want to get an idea of extra $ that might be put out after buying.

Not alot of steep hills here in LA, aside from a few mountain passes if we were planning to go camping and what not.

One thing I have found is some having to get a Trans rebuild around the 150k range. So I think I'd invest in a Trans cooler to hopefully prolong that mishap.

Here is one that I found interesting. Seller said he would not have a problem driving it cross country.
Rear bumper I can take care of myself so its not a big concern

2000 4Runner Toyota clean sr5 v6 149K
 
My truck already had the belt done when I bought it, so I haven't looked into it myself. Usually the water pump is changed at the same time as the timing belt as well, but I seem to remember hearing prices in the $600-800 range (maybe someone else can correct me, and it might be different in your area) to get it done at a shop. I think it can be pretty reasonably done yourself if you have some basic tools etc.

Regarding that truck, I'd say it might be a bit high for a 2x4 with that many miles, but it really depends on the market in your area and the overall condition of the vehicle.
 
Thanks for the heads up on the Timing repairs.

Yes thats about the going rate her in Los Angeles, 99-2002 130K-190K $4500-$6500
 
Some things I would check:

Bring a mirror and flashlight, check the area around the head and the valve cover gaskets for leaks.

Make sure you take it on a good test drive, ask the owner before driving if it has any issues. Take the owner with you on the test drive, do some city driving and get it up to highway speeds, if anything seems funny he will be right there to address the issues. If his answer is kinda janky, he's trying to play you.

I've bought 3 used 4runners before, 2002, 1997 and now a 1999. 2002 was the best one, only issue was TRAC light issue, the 97 and 99 were already modded out, the problem with that is you are relying on the person who did the modding to do thing right. Sometimes you win sometimes you lose.

If you find one with no issues whatsoever buy it! The 3rd gens are reaching that age where you are going to have to settle for one issue or the other, just depends on what is acceptable to you, and of course everything can be fixed!
 
What you want to look for is a stickied thread call 4Runners Buyers Guide in this 4runner. Has great info on the differences between models years and some of the things to avoid.
 
My bad on the sticky. Sorry about that.

I'll research through it.

On way to check out a 2000 with 149K
Supposedly in imacculate condition and babied. The said the Timing belt was changed at 80K miles. Im not sure if thats a good thing or bad thing that it was changed in its earlier years.
 
Hollywood1 said:
After looking at the fuel economy research, I realized that I think she'd rather have the security of power getting into LA traffic then the sluggishness of the 4 cyl.

Im looking into the $6k range. So If we can pick one up for $5K then that gives me $1000 to work on the truck for common problems and or any maintenance.

Most mileage that Im finding in that price range is around 150K-175K.

Would this still be a good mileage range to get at least a good 3 years out of?
Click to expand...

lol, good luck with that, even with the 6 cylinder.
 
I purchased mine for about 3500 with 165k on it. It's a 97. Guy was very upfront with me about it. He said the timing belt needed to be changed. I got an estimate and let the guy know what it would be and we split the difference off his asking price. Other than that he had all maintenance records since he purchased it.

I changed the timing belt on my own and basically pocketed the difference I had saved on the asking price.

I've had no major issues with power train. Only little pesky things here and there that bother me because I want it to be perfect and like new always.

Biggest issue was the bearing on the ac clutch went out. This in turn tire up the shaft on ac compressor. So I replaced that on my own for about 250 OEM compressor.
 
Thanks guys!

Yes I read through the sticky on buyers guide. Great info listed!
I went to see one today but didn't like the dent on the door panel that I couldn't see from the CL pics. but it ran great.

Gonna check out another one tomorrow. 2000 $5750, 121k Miles. said he'd take $5k but I think I can get him down to $4800. He said there are some paint issues that just need a good buff. Hopefully not like my 2004 Tundra that has all the clear coat peeling, WTF!
Said he changed the timing belt 30k ago so it should be a good deal even at $5

Gonna go through the buyers check list.

Alaskaflyer: Thanks for the tip on valve cover area. I'll definitely give it a look.
 
Also something for everyone to watch out for,ROT- RUST whatever you want to call it depending on the area you live(like central Illinois) .I had to shop thru many many shiny nice 4runners that were rotten crap under the shiny stuff,buyer beware,crawl under those babies and root around!
 
Okay, so I used all the points of interest that you guys told me and what I read in the Buyers sticky, and picked up a 2000 2WD 4runner today.

My GF loves it! 100K miles with every maintenance receipt from day it was bought.
V-6 100K with timing belt changed 15K past.
The guy was asking $6000, got him down to $5200. In this area thats a great price for the mileage.
Gonna need new tires soon so I'll be on CL for those.
No leaks, No rust, Brand new Kenwood, Sunroof, and Excellent interior.
"Score!"

Thanks again Guys!
Got some questions on tire size but I'll post that in the appropriate area.
Gonna detail it tomorrow so I'll post some pics after.
 
Hollywood1 said:
Okay, so I used all the points of interest that you guys told me and what I read in the Buyers sticky, and picked up a 2000 2WD 4runner today.

My GF loves it! 100K miles with every maintenance receipt from day it was bought.
V-6 100K with timing belt changed 15K past.
The guy was asking $6000, got him down to $5200. In this area thats a great price for the mileage.
Gonna need new tires soon so I'll be on CL for those.
No leaks, No rust, Brand new Kenwood, Sunroof, and Excellent interior.
"Score!"

Thanks again Guys!
Got some questions on tire size but I'll post that in the appropriate area.
Gonna detail it tomorrow so I'll post some pics after.
Click to expand...

That seems like an awesome deal! Wow. Should last you a really long time. Enjoy!
 
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