Newbie looking to buy a 3rd generation

[Desertyodaboy]

Hello all,

Im very interested in this site since I have always been a toyota pickup owner and I am finally taking the plunge and getting ready to buy a 3rd gen 4runner. All the insight will be appreciated. Thanks and looking forward to talking to you all

 

[Ron Helmuth]

biased toward 99-02

welcome and good luck finding your new ride


The 3rd gens are 96-02 but a lot of us favor the 99s for a number of upgrades were made that model year.

I am sure some 96-98 owners will chime in to disagree, but the cupholders and center console arrangement was improved in 99.

Are you needing the 4 cylinder?-it ended in 2000. Are you needing a manual transmission?-it ended in 2000 also I believe.

If you want an auto with 6 cylinder then any of the years are fine....

4 wheel drive or two wheel? We can't find the two wheel drive ones out here, I don't know your market however....

 

[Desertyodaboy]

I do agree with you I would like the 99 and above after going and looking at a few. Ideally I would love the limited 4wd auto V6....so the search will continue until i find the right one

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Here's a link to the best year by year 4Runner history of changes and stuff. Yes,in '99 was the mid gen changes and along with better cupholders you also got :

Updated headlamps
Multiple power outlets - 2 + ciggie lighter up front and one by the rear hatch
Auto up AND down power windows on both driver and passenger


http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31996.html

 

[2000t4rAKS]

I am gonna have to agree with Ron, I have a 2000 Limited 4WD Auto V6 and I LOVE my baby. She has treated me vey well. The only thing that I would even love better is if mine came wiht a rear locker, and scoop hood. I am one of those people that have hood scoop envy. The 99 model is very unique because it is the highest 4Runner to date. But you should definitely narrow it down to 99-02.

 

[Desertyodaboy]

Yeah I am with you on that scoop hood, that is a nice feature. Well I appreciate all the insight and my search noe begins to find my new 99-02 runner....hopefully i find one calling my name here soon

 

[Desertyodaboy]

Well I finally found my new baby....Found a 2000 limited 4wd V6 Auto...with a rear locker....it has 110,000 miles....1 owner and looks in great shape minus some wear and tear on the seats....picking her up Monday for 10,500.....very excited

 

[hani1400]

Congrats and dont forget the pix

 

[Desertyodaboy]

Thanks!! I will do that for sure Monday

 

[burnt03]

Going to have to keep this thread alive, we're in the market for our first 3rd gen and looking for some more opinions.

Other than the afore mentioned things, why else should I hold out for a 99 (or 98, or 2000, etc etc)?

I noticed on the link that there is a change in the 4wd system in 99 (center differential added). How does this thing work? Is it a good option to have? (only ever had older toyotas with locking hubs, top mount xfer case)

Thanks in advance, any and all opinions are appreciated!

 

[RonMAIDEN]

In '99-'00 only the Limiteds had the mutli-mode auto with the locking center diff. The others just has the standard 4h-4lo setup.

 

[jspagna1]

My TR4 is a 97 and if I were to get a new one I would go for a 2002. You can still find them with limited miles and still at a reasonable price. They usually say the last model year is when they finally figured everything out and got it right.

 

[p nut]

My TR4 is a 97 and if I were to get a new one I would go for a 2002. You can still find them with limited miles and still at a reasonable price. They usually say the last model year is when they finally figured everything out and got it right.

That statement is generally correct. The only flaw for the 01-02 models is that they did away with the rear locker. If it had TRAC and a factory e-locker, it would probably be the most desired model year. But even with the TRAC alone, it is pretty capable.

Past weekend, I was going up to a cabin where the snow was starting to melt and there was slush and mud everywhere. I just locked the center diff, and climbed right up some pretty good-sized hills covered in mud and snow. TRAC kicked in a few times and got me up and over some deeper stuff. Still wish for a rear locker (and front), though. This is why the new FJ's and Tacoma's are peeking my interest.

 

[Desertyodaboy]

Here is my new 2000 4 runner Limited
rear locker with all the the goodies....very excited to start doing some stuff to it and seeing how she handle off road

 

[Desertyodaboy]

Some updates on the runner

Well today I took some more pictures after some work.....got some new tires
265/75/16 Cooper discoverer S/T
got a new magnaflow 14 inch exhaust
Did spark plugs and wires
Cleans the throttle body
Waxed her
Changed all fluids to synthetic
Took running boards off

 

[4X4snowRunner]

Re: Some updates on the runner

Well today I took some more pictures after some work.....got some new tires
265/75/16 Cooper discoverer S/T
got a new magnaflow 14 inch exhaust
Did spark plugs and wires
Cleans the throttle body
Waxed her
Changed all fluids to synthetic
Took running boards off

I can see your doing quick upgrade on that beauty.....Nice Rig!!!

4X4snowRunner

front:
OME882
OMEn91s
5mm trim spacer
sonoransteel tapered 1" diff. drop
rear:
OME891
OMEn86
5mm trim spacer
sonoransteel adjustable trac/panhard bar
265/75/16 Geolandar i/T

 

[Desertyodaboy]

4x4snowrunner....do you like your rear setup with the OME?? thats what im leaning towards for the rear

 

[4X4snowRunner]

Rear: OME891 with OMEn86

4x4snowrunner....do you like your rear setup with the OME?? thats what im leaning towards for the rear

Yes.....I get firm ride and great on corners it