Shopping for a 4runner - give me your thoughts!

[calrider]

Hello everyone. This is my first post here on these forums. I've been lurking for a few months trying to educate myself, as I am in the market for a 4runner (never owned one before).

After a lot of reading and moderate understanding, I've narrowed my decision (I think) down to a '99 or '02 4runner. I do not plan on doing any wheeling with this vehicle, but I live in CA and surf, camp, and mt bike and want something more capable for these activities than my previous car, which was a sedan. I really like the 3rd gen 4R because it seems to be the best combination of form and function. As far as the 99 and 02 models, I just really like the hood scoop....silly, I know.

Anyway, in Ripcord's sticky'd thread he said to post up any promising 4runners we find to let you guys dissect them. Now I'd like to do just that.

I just found this vehicle on craigslist and am waiting for them to get back to me with a price check. In the meantime, I thought I might run it by everyone here, although there isn't a ton of information in the ad and I have yet to see it in person. The low mileage seems like a good sign though....

.:.:.: 2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5...WE HAVE YOUR CAR HERE ===

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[eightyhd]

if youre camping or mountain biking, a 4WD will save you ace.

only the SR5 Sports have the hood scoop, but the limited do not.
The limited have the built in e-locker for very sticky situations.

Your best best is the Sport Edition w/4WD

 

[calrider]

I'll definitely be getting 4WD, but I don't feel as though I absolutely need the e-locker. What's your take on the vehicle I linked to? Turns out its listed at $9.5k...

 

[NathanOfSeattle]

If you like a manual transmission, I believe 2000 was the last year they offered it. If you don't care, then personally I would go with the 2002 model reason being is that it's newer (assuming you believe newer is better).

 

[calrider]

I know how to drive manual but I'd prefer to get automatic. I live in LA right now and there's just too much stop and go driving for manual to be practical. Newer doesnt matter that much to me. I just want something that's sound mechanically. I have about 7,500 to spend on this at the moment

 

[theizzardking]

i know this is of no help, but personally i hate that color, that said, for around here the price is about right with that mileage imo , but that's relative to your area , i would also tell them to do the timing belt if not done already and get a independent mechs inspection done for piece of mind. given your location i don't see much issue with the models you've chosen, not going to debate it here but i personally hate the vsc 4wd system of the later 4runners , i opted out of a lower mile 2002 sport due to this among other factors, i will say though it's all personal preference, the mere fact your looking at a toyota 4runner 3rd gen is good enough any of the makes or models will serve you will, provided you go with 4wd......the one listed is rwd...., just find one that's well taken care of and one you can envision a build plan for and drive everyday and call it good.

 

[calrider]

not going to debate it here but i personally hate the vsc 4wd system of the later 4runners , i opted out of a lower mile 2002 sport due to this among other factors

sorry, not sure what the VSC part of this means. Like I said, done a fair bit of reading on here, including ripcord's buyers guide and various other things but I guess I missed this part.

Also, the ad says the engine is DOHC 24V. Not sure what that means either.

Def want 4wd so I guess this one is out.