Search Help Needed! Best State with Best Prices?

[B4Him2Day]

I know this question must have been posted already. Hoping for some good advice! I've owned some Toyotas in the past and love the reliability. I'm searching now for my first 3rd Gen 4x4.

Can anyone throw out some advice on what the best states to search would be? I don't mind to travel for the right one, I just would like other options if the first one falls through.

My preference is 200k or under, rear locking option, and service records. I need to stay with an automatic for my first one as my wife can't drive manual. I know it's a tall order and something we all hope for but I live in central NY state and have been searching for a while.

It seems like a lot of dealers are grabbing anything good for resale. I've missed a few but search every day! All replies greatly appreciated! I have plans to turn my large Pole Barn into a Toyota SUV Haven for storage, repair, and maybe some custom part fabrication.

 

[Hepar]

Given that you're in NY, the age of these vehicles and that the frames are prone to rust, I would start by only looking at areas that are known for being low-rust.

 

[B4Him2Day]

I Agree! That's pretty much what I'm doing.

Given that you're in NY, the age of these vehicles and that the frames are prone to rust, I would start by only looking at areas that are known for being low-rust.

Yes, that is where I'm trying to focus. PA doesn't salt their roads like NY. But population isn't high anywhere close which leaves fewer options.

Once I find my prize I have a local company that does great undercoating. We'll be moving within a few years. That's the current plan. I just met someone today who pulled a nice one out of Mass with only 85k! I was surprised, he put new rims on so I bought the stock ones.

Appreciate the reply!

 

[pluton]

Southern Arizona, Phoenix/Tucson. No rust, no rot. Sun fading possible, but some are garaged/sheltered.

 

[B4Him2Day]

Sounds right. That might be where we end up eventually!

Southern Arizona, Phoenix/Tucson. No rust, no rot. Sun fading possible, but some are garaged/sheltered.

Appreciate the reply. I have done some looking down there online. I would need to have at least three good options to travel that far. Thought about flying there and driving back. If things didn't work out it could get costly. But I wouldn't mind checking out some property.

Any other ideas or leads greatly appreciated!

 

[RyanNapoleon]

Appreciate the reply. I have done some looking down there online. I would need to have at least three good options to travel that far. Thought about flying there and driving back. If things didn't work out it could get costly. But I wouldn't mind checking out some property.

Any other ideas or leads greatly appreciated!

AZ guy here who's been perusing craigslist 4x4 Toyota's for ten years. The problem you will encounter is that any decent rust-free rig (especially one w locked diff) sells THE SAME DAY it is posted, minus a few (very few) outliers. M

It's frustrating, but that's the reality of the situation.

 

[dogtail]

You being in NY/northeast is nice for price, and you can find some pretty much rust free ones if you do a lot of hunting. Shoreline 3rd gens where they have little in the way of snow is your best possibility for minimal rust. Also those old timers that barely drive and garage it, and don't realize how sought after their rig is. A rig in the salt belt if properly "belly lubed" wont be rusty. Some rigs also make it up here from the south, I just grabbed a 98 a couple weeks ago, I also have my 99 DD I got near Boston as rust free. Happy hunting.

 

[96RedRunner]

Any other ideas or leads greatly appreciated

The South East is a good place to look for rust free. Texas and Atlanta prices have been
more in line with West Coast last couple years, the rest of SE is catching up
when comparing condition vs asking price, CL has new listings regularly as does FB.

 

[Jidaran]

I'm currently also on the hunt, but with slightly different specifications (<170k and multimode). I've been searching as far north as CT and as far south as SC. In my experience, there are far more trucks in the DC area / northeast than there are in the southeast. The ones in the southeast also seem to be priced higher, maybe because of the lack of rust? PA might be a good bet, as they require inspections every year.

If you're looking for an elocker, good records, and no rust, you gotta be quick. Or willing to pay top dollar. I've seen those posted for $10k+ even with ~200k on the odo.

If I come across what you're looking for, I'll try to remember to shoot you a PM.

 

[MK_98]

If you're okay with shipping... I did a search here in Sacramento CA on Facebook and came back with 8 within 50 miles of here with less than 200k Auto would have to ask to see if they have E locker

 

[B4Him2Day]

You being in NY/northeast is nice for price, and you can find some pretty much rust free ones if you do a lot of hunting. Shoreline 3rd gens where they have little in the way of snow is your best possibility for minimal rust. Also those old timers that barely drive and garage it, and don't realize how sought after their rig is. A rig in the salt belt if properly "belly lubed" wont be rusty. Some rigs also make it up here from the south, I just grabbed a 98 a couple weeks ago, I also have my 99 DD I got near Boston as rust free. Happy hunting.

Thanks, needed that encouragement! I found a few up here. Waiting for replies. Searching everyday so I'm sure the right one will come up eventually! I've been searching in CT as their inspections are strict on rust and with dense populations more available usually means better choices and prices.

 

[B4Him2Day]

I'm currently also on the hunt, but with slightly different specifications (<170k and multimode). I've been searching as far north as CT and as far south as SC. In my experience, there are far more trucks in the DC area / northeast than there are in the southeast. The ones in the southeast also seem to be priced higher, maybe because of the lack of rust? PA might be a good bet, as they require inspections every year.

If you're looking for an elocker, good records, and no rust, you gotta be quick. Or willing to pay top dollar. I've seen those posted for $10k+ even with ~200k on the odo.

If I come across what you're looking for, I'll try to remember to shoot you a PM.

If I'm right, all the Limited came with E Lock or was that optional? Being new, I'm not sure what "multimode" means.

I've looked at so many that I can't remember now, but I saw one nice one in DC. I use Craigslist an FB. If I find it, I'll let you know. I decided not to travel with only one option unless it is exactly what I want and the seller will wait till I get there.

Thanks for replying!

 

[B4Him2Day]

If you're okay with shipping... I did a search here in Sacramento CA on Facebook and came back with 8 within 50 miles of here with less than 200k Auto would have to ask to see if they have E locker

Thanks, I'll peek and see what's there, appreciate the help!

 

[B4Him2Day]

The South East is a good place to look for rust free. Texas and Atlanta prices have been
more in line with West Coast last couple years, the rest of SE is catching up
when comparing condition vs asking price, CL has new listings regularly as does FB.

Thanks. That's what I'm using for my search. eBay has to much competition and "surprises"! Appreciate the reply!

 

[Jidaran]

If I'm right, all the Limited came with E Lock or was that optional? Being new, I'm not sure what "multimode" means.

Elockers were never standard, but they were available for all trims up to 2000. They seem to be particularly common on 99 and 00 limited's, I'd say maybe 75% of them have it. I think the option was just a few hundred bucks so plenty of buyers said why the hell not.

Multimode is only on 01 and 02 3rd Gens (all trims) and 99 and 00 Limiteds. It involves a center differential, which allows for full time 4wd. Good for light snow, heavy rain and the like. No better for real off roading though.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Thanks, I'll peek and see what's there, appreciate the help!

I'll reply to the Sacramento area, anything with an e-locker is gone almost same day unless it's absolutely trashed. Avoid CA in your search, they are just too pricey since there's a huge off-road crowd here that covets factory lockers.

The best prices I've seen are south of you along the Eastern seaboard. Try places like the Carolinas, Florida, or other places in the south.

The highest prices you'll see are in WA, CA, and CO. Avoid buying there since they will be at a premium.

 

[B4Him2Day]

Elockers were never standard, but they were available for all trims up to 2000. They seem to be particularly common on 99 and 00 limited's, I'd say maybe 75% of them have it. I think the option was just a few hundred bucks so plenty of buyers said why the hell not.

Multimode is only on 01 and 02 3rd Gens (all trims) and 99 and 00 Limiteds. It involves a center differential, which allows for full time 4wd. Good for light snow, heavy rain and the like. No better for real off roading though.

Thank you, appreciate the reply. Where do I look to find a multimode control? Is it a Dash button like the E Lock on the left side?

Glad you pointed out that not all "Limited" had the E Lock! I started limiting my search to SR5's and Limited thinking all the Limited's had it. I saw some SR5's didn't.

 

[97Cruiser40th]

These guys while they can be high get some decent looking rigs

Inventory | Davis Autosports

I am in VA and if you see anything in my area...DC MD VA Id be happy to scout them out for ya. I found mine last year in FL

 

[Jidaran]

Thank you, appreciate the reply. Where do I look to find a multimode control? Is it a Dash button like the E Lock on the left side?

For the detailed explanation, check out the 3rd Gen Buyers Guide that Ripcord put together, it's outstanding.

At least for 01 and 02s, you put the truck in full time 4wd (aka multimode) with a button on the side of the shifter:

If you want to lock the center differential, there's a button on the dash, where the e-locker button is on other models.

It's a little more complicated on the 99 and 00 Limiteds, if you google it there are explanations out there.

 

[B4Him2Day]

These guys while they can be high get some decent looking rigs

Inventory | Davis Autosports

I am in VA and if you see anything in my area...DC MD VA Id be happy to scout them out for ya. I found mine last year in FL

Thank, greatly appreciated! I'll keep searching and let you know.