Reliability - Current Reporting Please!

[KANO]

Hi everyone,

I am buying a 3rd Gen next week and I would like some reporting about the reliability of your 3rd Gen as of recent. Most of the reliability posts on here date back to 2009, 2011, etc which is quite old.

So please answer the followings questions:

-Year/Model/Trim?
-How many miles when purchased?
-How many miles driven?
-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen?
-What issues have you encountered?
-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only?
-Any Regrets?


Thanks!!

 

[shadow247]

Hi everyone,

I am buying a 3rd Gen next week and I would like some reporting about the reliability of your 3rd Gen as of recent. Most of the reliability posts on here date back to 2009, 2011, etc which is quite old.

So please answer the followings questions:

-What Year - 1999 V6 4X4
-How many miles 362000
-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen 3 Years
-What issues have you encountered -
-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only - <$1000


Thanks!!

I bought this with 341k and change on it.

First thing was to change out the lower ball joints and inner/out tie rods. I've since replaced sway bar links on front and rear, shocks front and rear, all 3 belts, and put 2 tires on it. The timing belt squeaks a bit on really cold and wet mornings, but otherwise the truck runs great. I have a rear end clunk that I suspect is due to lack of grease in the spline going into the transfer case. I have not had time to confirm that at this point.

 

[sneezye]

2002 Limited
120k miles
Purchased in 2008 with 76k on it from my father, who had purchased it new.

Ongoing Issues:
Climate Control buttons don't work. Small issue but it's annoying.
Steering is getting pretty loose. Flushing the power steering system made a huge difference but still sloppier than I would like.

Maintenance since 2008:
Battery
02 Sensor
Brakes (F/R)
Oil changes
Transfer Case/Differential drain and fills
Power Steering flush
Spark plugs
PCV Valve

Besides Oil changes, I've probably spent about 600 but I am overdue on timing belt and tires so should be at 2k pretty soon. Not bad for 6 years.

 

[jgue467]

So please answer the followings questions:

-What Year - 2001
-How many miles - obtained at 137k, now 247k
-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen - 5 yrs.
-What issues have you encountered - Just normal maintenance & 1 blown plug.
-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only - full synth oil/filter changes = $55; grease $4/tube; 140wt gear oil $6; air filters $7; full synth trans fluid 1 gallon $11; 125 for blown plug. That's it, the mother simply works day in day out!

And yeah, I love this thing! :cheers:

 

[derpiful]

Mine:
-What Year 2001
-How many miles 240,000
-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen 1 Year, 14k miles
-What issues have you encountered Normal maintenance, valve cover gaskets is the biggest so far. Most of the climate control lights are out.
-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only In just repairs, less than 1k.

Family's:
-What Year 2002
-How many miles 298,000
-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen 12 Years, 298k miles
-What issues have you encountered Normal maintenance, the only major thing in the past few years was the fuel pump. Most of the climate control lights are out.
-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only Over the past few years, less than 2k.

 

[KANO]

Wow you guys are quick!

This is exactly the type of data I was hoping for thanks!

I am picking up a bone stock '02 Thunder Grey Metallic (Sport Pkg) SR5 with 120k miles for $6,400. TB/WP maintenance already done at 100k and very clean inside and outside. From the months of researching and searching I have done, I think that's a solid deal!

Keep 'em coming!

Thanks

 

[TheDurk]

-Year/Model/Trim?1999 SR5 V6 4x4 5spd
-How many miles when purchased? 3
-How many miles driven?165k
-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen?15 years (since new)
-What issues have you encountered? see attached maintenance history--nothing major or unexpected.
-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only?excluding tires, maybe $2500 since Day 1...peanuts. Only two mechanic visit in 15 years: clutch burnt due to two teenage learners and I did 30k service at dealer for warranty reasons. Rest was DIY.
-Any Regrets?Not getting an e-locker (I didn't know they existed or I would have.)

 

[animator]

Bought a 2002 Sport 4wd in 2006 with 30k on it.

Now has 170k.


It's been to the dealership twice in that period. Once for a pad slap and turn, and once to repair the wiring harness a thief cut to hell when they stole my cat. (5 wires, center wire is self-shielded and grounds to the computer... took the techs a call to toyota engineering to figure that one out)


Now I just do brakes myself, and the cat is welded up with steel cable.


Other than basic maintenance, it has been completely worry free.

LBJ was replaced under warranty before I bought it.
It's been through one brake job, due for a set of new rotors now
Replaced one battery
Replaced one set of belts (accessory + timing belt)
Replaced one water pump and all the crap you replace with the timing belt
Both A/F ratio sensors replaced, one at rear at 60k, front at 150k-ish.
Fluids changed as needed
Could go for a new set of plugs/wires soon.


Biggest regret so far is the fact that I am finding myself needing a truck more often, and I really do not want to trade or sell the 4runner...

 

[02SE]

-Year/Model/Trim? 1997 SR5, V6, 5-speed, 4wd, E-locker, Factory Oak leather, Moonroof, in Anthracite Metallic.
-How many miles when purchased? 13 I put on 10 of those during a test drive.
-How many miles driven? approx. 123000
-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen? Since new
-What issues have you encountered? I replaced the hydraulic clutch hose. $20.00 and about a half hour of my time. Also a few burned out bulbs.
-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only? Maybe $40.00 on repairs. Maintenance I have no idea. Just regular oil changes, and preventive maintenance.
-Any Regrets? Just one. I bought mine with the Goodyear Wrangler RT/S tires. Those tires were pure junk. There was an identical 4Runner on the lot which had Bridgestone tires, I probably should've bought that one.

 

[KANO]

-Year/Model/Trim?1999 SR5 V6 4x4 5spd
-How many miles when purchased? 3
-How many miles driven?165k
-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen?15 years (since new)
-What issues have you encountered? see attached maintenance history--nothing major or unexpected.
-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only?excluding tires, maybe $2500 since Day 1...peanuts. Only two mechanic visit in 15 years: clutch burnt due to two teenage learners and I did 30k service at dealer for warranty reasons. Rest was DIY.
-Any Regrets?Not getting an e-locker (I didn't know they existed or I would have.)

Your maintenance description for 5/17/07 is hilarious! Thanks for posting up!

 

[TheDurk]

Your maintenance description for 5/17/07 is hilarious! Thanks for posting up!

Hey, the kid really did get it to grenade, as opposed to wear out. Poor truck...still has PTSD from those two kids learning to drive. It won't start if anyone with a permit drives to drive it.

 

[KANO]

Thanks everyone for the helpful insight into your Rig's! I will be picking up the Runner tomorrow evening (SO EXCITED!!) and the above info really put me at ease.

The Runner will be my 10th vehicle ive owned, but only my 2nd SUV. My very first vehicle was a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero and it seems like it had a lasting impression on me :naughty:

Anyway best of luck to you guys and your Rigs and thanks again!

 

[wc11]

-Year/Model/Trim? - 1998 Ltd
-How many miles when purchased? - 4 km, 2 miles
-How many miles driven? - 490,000km or 304,000 miles
-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen? - Since new
-What issues have you encountered? - Other than regular maintenance,
right rear wheel bearing in 2014, stabilizer bars in 2012, alternator in 2009.
Front brakes about every 120k Km, 70k miles. Rears were done once so far at 360,000km 223,000 miles. All fluids every 3 years.

-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only? - On average, with everything, and I mean everything, including regular stuff like tires about $1200 per year.

-Any Regrets? - Not having two 3rd gen Runners out:

I had an '89 4Runner before with similar reliability.

 

[rdanford]

-Year/Model/Trim? 1998 SR5
-How many miles when purchased? 218k from 1st owner
-How many miles driven? coming up on 253k
-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen? November will be 2 years and 35k miles
-What issues have you encountered? Oil Changes and tune-up...1st owner had all maintenance done at some Toyota dealership since new and the front diff was replaced at 174k
-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only? less than $1k on maintenance/repairs...over $1k on upgrades
-Any Regrets? Nope...have a 4th Gen as well that's been rock solid for the wife

 

[Buckaroo]

Year/Model/Trim? 2000 SR5 4wd 3.4LV6 Auto Trans
-How many miles when purchased? 20 or so....first owner
-How many miles driven? ~210,000 miles
-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen? 14+ years....
- What issues have you encountered? Trans cooler in radiator blew and I was really lucky - trans fluid on the ground and didn't hose the transmission. Serious frame rust on passenger side between frame rail and muffler including leading control arm bracket - had them welded and all good now. These are recurring problems and, on a used 3rd gen, you need to watch them. If the trans cooler has blown (or even if they say it hasn't but have not replaced it), be very suspicious because once the coolant hits the trans, your days are numbered.
-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only? don't know - not much as I do it myself....timing belt/water pump etc can be costly if you don't do it yourself but, on the positive side, it is a non-interference engine. My advice? Learn to do the work yourself - great opportunity and you have lots of help on this forum.
-Any Regrets? None - Great truck...as they get older in colder climates, watch rust that attacks frame and can perforate exterior of rear diff.

Buckaroo

 

[UnderFire]

-Year/Model/Trim?

97 Base 4Runner, 2.7L 5 Speed

-How many miles when purchased?

137ish

-How many miles driven?

13k

-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen?

Almost 2 years

-What issues have you encountered?

O2 sensor went bad, that's it.

-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only?

Around 700$ if you include the clutch (which wasn't necessary), 450ish without.

-Any Regrets?

Not a single one.

 

[pluton]

-Year/Model/Trim? 1997, SR5
-How many miles when purchased? 119K in June 2013
-How many miles driven? about 14K
-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen? june 2013
-What issues have you encountered?
When purchased:
Had dealer service fix leaking rear axle seals;
repair lasted 3 months, then they had to redo it 5 times more;
last repair holding since Dec 2013, but dealer has---needless to say--- lost credibility.
Replaced throttle body due to mystery fast idle. (came with new TPS, IAC valve, more)
Replaced PCV valve and grommet.
Replaced steering rack cause old one was beginning to have play.
Replaced radiator because it's easy and I don't trust any 16 year old radiator.
Replaced springs, shocks, and tires. Replaced all fluids and radiator hoses.


All of the above repairs were in the purchase budget.

-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only?
Oil changes, changed the spark plugs and wires once.
-Any Regrets?
When it's raining, and the vehicle pitches forward or sideways, collected rainwater from the roof drops into the open driver's window and falls directly onto power window control switches. Stupid design flaw.
Dislike power windows.

 

[Coyote4R]

-Year/Model/Trim? 2000 limited 4x4 Auto
-How many miles when purchased? 215k
-How many miles driven? 2k miles, yes I'm a newbie
-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen? 2months
-What issues have you encountered? When I bought it the rear seals were leaking, come to find out I had to do the whole rear axle rebuild, but now I have peace of mind. Also my valve cover is leaking and is on my to do list.
-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only? So far around $1200, I got the rear axle rebuild, Tundra brake upgrade (231mm), rear drums/shoes, Trans cooler bypass (tru cool 4589)
-Any Regrets? Yes, not getting a brand new one back in the day

 

[Coyote4R]

-Year/Model/Trim? 2000 limited 4x4 Auto
-How many miles when purchased? 215k
-How many miles driven? 2k miles, yes I'm a newbie
-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen? 2months
-What issues have you encountered? When I bought it the rear seals were leaking, come to find out I had to do the whole rear axle rebuild, but now I have peace of mind. Also my valve cover is leaking and is on my to do list.
-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only? So far around $1200, I got the rear axle rebuild, Tundra brake upgrade (231mm), rear drums/shoes, Trans cooler bypass (tru cool 4589)
-Any Regrets? Yes, not getting a brand new one back in the day

 

[Alabamaguy]

Year/Model/Trim?
1999 4Runner SR5 4x4

-How many miles when purchased?
219k

-How many miles driven?
~55k

-How long have you owned your 3rd Gen?
3.5yrs

-What issues have you encountered?

Torque Converter Squeal - Replaced with lower mileage trans
All Ball Joints
Spark Plugs
Steering Rack Bushings
Inner/outer Tie Rods
Brakes x2
Tires x2
Rear axle seals
Front CV Axles x2
AC Button Broke
Window Switch
Passenger Door Lock
Sunroof Leak, killed motor
Starter Bolt backed out
Intake Hose Leak

-How much have you spent on maintenance/repairs only?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHAH

-Any Regrets?
Not Buying a Limited or SR5 with Flares and better gearing