Potential buyer of 2000 Limited

[elraido]

Hi,

Wife and I are debating if we want to buy a 2000 4Runner limited with 179K miles on it. Has the electronic lock out, on the fly 4wd, leather, etc. Runs real nice, very minor oil leakage from valve cover gaskets, rust on the frame...but body is good. The previous owners did take decent care of it, just drove it a lot. They are asking $5990 for it...the climate control has the issue with the knobs not wanting to work etc, but that seems like an "easy" fix to send it in. Rear defrost and wiper doesn't seem to work either (guessing the motor is shot). Any thoughts or concerns? I know these trucks can go a looooong time, so the mileage isn't worrying me too much.

 

[MONTYMTB]

:welcome:

A lot of information about the 3rd gen 4Runner can be found in this thread. If you have any specific questions that aren't answered by looking there, post them and someone will be glad to help.
Good luck!

 

[Nelsonmd]

Minnesota uses salt right? I know they used to. If it's a minnesota vehicle, I'd say pass. You will find more rust in all kinds of places even if you dont' see it now. If you want one of these, get a 1 way ticket down south and drive one back. Trust me, rust has made me a very unhappy camper...

 

[elraido]

How much can rust effect these vs a reg car? I know there are some frame issues with the rust....but up here, everyone's car has frame rust after 5+ years of winter driving.

 

[jgue467]

Probably the same, texas rust only occurs along the coast, probably not comparable.

You seem to really like it, so go check it out Closely. Tap, bang, poke along everywhere you see True rust issues (not so much surface) and then decide + a drive of course.

VCs probably just need a little snug up to stop the minor leak. I'd try to talk them down a bit on those couple haggling points to repair, $5k would be great.

Color scheme? Among alot of other 'limited' features, I Love the heated seats right about now, even in central texas.

 

[jawga4runner]

Minnesota uses salt right? I know they used to. If it's a minnesota vehicle, I'd say pass. You will find more rust in all kinds of places even if you dont' see it now. If you want one of these, get a 1 way ticket down south and drive one back. Trust me, rust has made me a very unhappy camper...

There's one on Craigslist down here. 2000 White limited 4wd 155k miles emaculate condition. Leather, 4wd, sunroof, etc. They want 5,900 for it. Seems like a steal for those interested.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Sounds like my truck. Paid almost the same. As someone else said poke around, especially on the frame rail next to the muffler, for rot. I'm sure it has surface rust but as long as it's not too bad, it can be dealt with. The problem with the rear defrost wiper issue is the rear body ECU, I believe. I didn't have that problem but I've read about it. I had the same issue with the digital climate control, and yes you send it somewhere, and won't have it for about 10 days, and costs $70. The 2000 Limiteds came with a lot of options, but unfortunately for this time of year, heated seats weren't available until the next year DAMN!

 

[mn_swede]

How much can rust effect these vs a reg car? I know there are some frame issues with the rust....but up here, everyone's car has frame rust after 5+ years of winter driving.

FWIW-
I live in MN myself- looked high and low in 5 state area for a 3rd gen daily driver. After 4 weeks of looking at junk, I bought a 1 way to Denver (Kansas vehicle) and bought a 2000 highlander that should last me for many years to come. I now buy all my vehicles south of the salt belt - more for the $ if you are patient and are willing to travel.

Added bonus is that 4wd's don't demand the premium $ down south that they do up here come winter.

 

[Mgyver1]

Color scheme? Among alot of other 'limited' features, I Love the heated seats right about now, even in central texas.

I wish the '00 limiteds came with heated seats! And Homelink, but I do believe those features weren't introduced untill 2001.

 

[elraido]

The color is a silver with gold lettering on it. Might need to take it for another test drive to see how she goes.

 

[jgue467]

So how did it feel/look on the first drive? Sitting even on suspension? Feel almost like new drivetrain/suspension wise?

 

[elraido]

So how did it feel/look on the first drive? Sitting even on suspension? Feel almost like new drivetrain/suspension wise?

It looked almost too good to be true for that price. And when I drove it, it tracked nice, suspension felt good (not new but acceptable), no weird sounds, they actually ordered a new climate control to put in it (they just didn't get around to installing it yet..they only have had it 2-3 days).

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Did you thoroughly check it for rust, especially in the spot I mentioned? That will give you a barometer of the entire frame.

 

[maverickhawk]

You should have seen the reaction I got when I told everyone I bought a plane ticket to fly north to Chicago to buy our 97. I got a fantastic deal. I bought it from BlackCat 914. Awesome truck with the right upgrades. Yes, some rust issues with the rockers but the frame is solid. Next year I will glue in new rockers.
The best deals are rarely local. Do your research, don't be afraid to fly to the best deal or the best truck.
I love this truck so much I'm going to look for a second one to drive in crappy weather.

 

[HiLife]

Don't forget to check if they serviced the timing belt, and to check for any loose front suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends, etc), especially if it has new tires on it.

 

[elraido]

Did you thoroughly check it for rust, especially in the spot I mentioned? That will give you a barometer of the entire frame.

Yup. Actually was able to see it a little better this time since it was still light out. The frame actually was in really really good shape. Barely any surface rust on it at all. The more I look at this thing, the more I like it. Dealer also said he ordered a new climate control unit for it and it will be installed.

Question about the timing belt. If the belt goes, do the valves drop and get crushed up?

Also, there is a red switch to the left of the rear lock button...any ideas? I don't think it is stock,but not sure.

 

[Mgyver1]

Yup. Actually was able to see it a little better this time since it was still light out. The frame actually was in really really good shape. Barely any surface rust on it at all. The more I look at this thing, the more I like it. Dealer also said he ordered a new climate control unit for it and it will be installed.

Question about the timing belt. If the belt goes, do the valves drop and get crushed up?

Also, there is a red switch to the left of the rear lock button...any ideas? I don't think it is stock,but not sure.

I'm no mechanic but from what I've read and what I've looked at when I replaced my timing belt, it has nothing to do with the valves. So if that thing snaps your valves wouldn't be affected.

Don't know about any red switches on the dash so I'm pretty confident it's aftermarket, but you could post up a pic. Also look under and see if you can tell where any wiring goes.

 

[jgue467]

:smokin:Yeah its a 'non-interferance' engine so no worries on a breaking timing belt except of course depending on where it leave you.

The switch is part of the toyota distributor installed alarm, i think it controls the valet mode. If it hasn't already, the alarm will fail, usually the darn thing just sets off for no apparent reason, pita. Sounds like you need to jump on it. Luck!