Tacoma owner looking in to a 3rd Gen 4Runner

[SodakTaco]

Greetings everyone, my name is Alex and I drive a Tacoma. I like my truck a lot, but I unknowingly bought it damaged and have had enough of bringing it in to the shop every couple weeks. So I've been looking around at my options and a third gen 4Runner with a manual is among the top of my list for replacement candidates. I located one in Denver that according to the buyers guide here, is about as good as it gets on options and packages with the 5 speed. It's a one owner 1999 with 97k on it, and the dealer has all the service records. Only damage I can see from the pictures is a dented bumper and the trailer hitch is showing some rust.

The price online is $13k but the KBB and NADA guides are showing between 9 and 10k for clean retail.

I don't know much about the 4runners aside from what I've read on here for the last couple hours and that they're fairly indestructable. It looks like this could be worth driving an hour and a half to check out, but it would be great if you guys could take a look and let me know what you think from the online listing.

Thanks for your help!

1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5, $12,995 - Cars.com

 

[Dark Lord]

Damn, I sure would love to have that 4runner! I will tell you this, $12K is WAY too much. I have noticed Colorado overprices these vehicles a lot. If you read my build thread you'll read a story about how my GF bought one with 67K miles, 5-speed, California no rust vehicle, for $9800 OTD. The dealer was asking $12K so yeah..... Think about it....

 

[CanadianTRD]

Damn, I sure would love to have that 4runner! I will tell you this, $12K is WAY too much. I have noticed Colorado overprices these vehicles a lot. If you read my build thread you'll read a story about how my GF bought one with 67K miles, 5-speed, California no rust vehicle, for $9800 OTD. The dealer was asking $12K so yeah..... Think about it....

They are overpriced here in Alberta as well. it is very common in areas close to mountain ranges that Toyota Trucks in general will fetch around 15% more in price. I hear it all the time in Utah, Colorado, BC etc

I would say if you make off with it for around 10-11 it will be a win

 

[SodakTaco]

I'm not mistaken though am I? It looks to be the "Highlander" model that the buyers guide mentions.

And yes, there's no way I would pay the $13k that they're listing. For something like that if it's in as good of shape as it looks like and all the required maintenance has been kept up on, I'd be ok paying $9-10.5. Things like this do tend to fetch a premium here.

 

[CanadianTRD]

Sport/Highlander..not a real difference

-Notable features include the standard Hood Scoop, black or wood grain interior trim pieces, cloth sport seats, color-keyed bumpers, fender flares (black SR5 flares in ’99, color-keyed limited flares in ’00), Limited '5-star' wheels, roof rack, fog lights, Larger brakes, Optional 5-speed manual transmission and optional Rear electronic locking differential. It is very common to find these with the e-locker option, but not a guarantee.

-4.10:1 diff gear ratio without elocker, 4.30:1 with elocker. (usually)

-Highlander models with the rare combination of 4x4, 5-speed, and E-locker are commonly regarded as the most ‘off-road capable' of all 3rd gen 4runners, and are very desirable.

Colors:
The highlander trim model was available in Imperial Jade Mica green and Black. In 2000, this package was additionally available in Millennium Silver.

but I'm sure you checked that info out already

 

[spitvenom]

I have a 3rd gen, MANUAL 5spd, 4x4, e locker, sunroof, leather, premium sound with the 6 speakers, rear heater, towing, new just about everything, new tires, new bilstein lift, blah blah blah have receipts for everything, clean title, new 3k dollar paint.

I may be selling to buy a diesel to haul all my toys,

here is a pic. I PMED YOU

 

[knoxrocks222]

I would jump on this sir ^^^^^

 

[JohnsD90]

I would jump on this sir ^^^^^

No, that list sounds expensive, I would want an unmolested truck, stock as it gets. Also Paint hides alot.

 

[spitvenom]

No, that list sounds expensive, I would want an unmolested truck, stock as it gets. Also Paint hides alot.

The only thing paint hides is bondo and anyone with a little experience tapping their nails on the metal or with (forget the name) tool that uses a magnet it allows you to find out what parts have been filled, my truck has no bondo, it was only starting to get white residue from clear fading and I like to keep my stuff in top condition lol.

Most 4runners with original paint should be on the last stand as far as clear coat goes unless it was garaged the majority of its life.