Purchasing a T4R

[T4RFuji]

Hello Everyone,

I just recently sold my car and I am searching for a daily driver. I have been interested in 3rd gen T4Rs even before I sold my car. I have been reading about them for the last couple of days, but I am still kind of confused on what to get and what to look out for.

What ever I get will be used for my work commute and some light off roading. Even though I live in NC it does snow here and sometimes it's alot. Everything I find in my price range is 2wd (examples below). I may add wheels,tires and lights later on but that is it as far as modifications. I would like to know what 4Runner would you suggest, is a good fit for me,Thanks.

Examples*

1. 98 Toyota 4runner SR5 4wd 5-spd

2. Roxboro2000 Toyota 4Runner

3. 1999 Toyota 4runner SR5 V6 2wd 155k

4. 2000 Dark Green Toyota 4Runner 4x4 - Best Offer!

5. 1999 Toyota 4Runner

6. 2001 Toyota 4Runner - Wake Motor Co. Garner, NC

 

[Hepar]

Get the 2001, but I am biased towards Millenium Silver Sports.

I would say that it's hard to judge based on pictures. Nothing glaringly stands out on any of the ads (outside of the two people who are both leaving the country). My friend is looking for a Runner right now. She found one she wanted me to look at with her. The picture and description sounded great. I think the owner described it as immaculate inside and out. Had 85k miles on it. When we looked at it, it looked like it had 200k HARD miles on it. It was beat to sh*t.

Basically I'm saying you need to go check them out in person. See how the owners maintained them and what condition they're in.

 

[SCRunner12]

Get the 5 speed 4wd.

 

[4-Ripcord]

That 01 is a good price, i'd call on that one first.

 

[liv2bike]

The Sport runners are nice. Just be very cautious on CL whenever the seller says they "must sell because they are leaving the country." This is usually a scam unless you can physically go see the vehicle for yourself. Good luck and be cautious on craigslist. Full of scammers.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

#1,3 and 4 are the only ones I would go to look at. #3 just because it's one owner, looks clean and hopefully they have records for it.

But, do you need 4WD? It's nice to have, I live in PA where our winters seem to get worse every year so it's nice to have. But the other 355 days/year I don't need it.

 

[zcruiser]

If you're resigned to 2WD only, I'd go for door #3. The others look a little abused.

Let me know if you want someone to go with you to check one out, I might be available.

 

[T4RFuji]

Thanks everyone. I would have like to have four wheel drive for when it snows but like I said I haven't found one that has reasonable amount of mileage and is in my price range. Also many of my friends and family live out in the country and there homes are down paths and trails, some of which are very ruff especially in a car, so I was thinking 4wd would help there too. ZCruiser I will definitely take you up on that offer when the time comes,Thanks..

 

[zcruiser]

My daughter has my SR5 out in Boone and the 4WD is handy out there, as they do get quite a bit more snow. I like the AWD feature on my Limited around RTP area when there is sleet.

I'd keep looking for 4WD if I were you. SR5 with rear locker would be best find if you want to do some wheeling.