The Curious Case of The WTF-Runner

[StreetCreeper]

The other day I pulled into a very small parking lot and quickly see two other white/silver Runners. Naturally I park next to one and start eyeballin it.

I notice right off its a 96-98 because of the bumper and vent orientation. But then I notice it has a slightly different molding/cladding than my limited.



That's when I noticed the broken side-mount turn signal.

For a second I thought I was looking at a Hilux or something but I didn't see the extra mirror and it wasn't right-hand drive.



Another thing I noticed was the wood dash stuff; it was the kind they glued on — not the plastic stuff like the limiteds have. Plus it looked like base model cloth seats. Then I noticed it had black door handles like a base model, yet had what looked like factory tint which I thought base models didn't have. I didn't think base models came with limited style cladding and flares either?



When I pulled out to leave, I saw that it lacked a rear spoiler like a base model. Nor did it have a tow hitch.

The other curious thing was a TRD emblem on the passenger side of the hatch to the right of the license plate.

I didn't think to snap but a few pics as I was about to leave.

I was scratching my head trying to figure out if this was some rare odd-ball model or maybe a base model truck that someone modded a bit.

The truck didn't look particularly well taken care of either.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Good thing you took pictures or people would have said you were hallucinating. :smokin: It looks like some one did a rather good job of adding on some aftermarket stuff trying to simulate a Limited. Those flares look OEM but the seal between the molding and flare is not. Those running board are different than my 99 but maybe that's what pre 99 running boards looked like. Someone else can chime in on that

 

[IBallEngineer]

The other day I pulled into a very small parking lot and quickly see two other white/silver Runners. Naturally I park next to one and start eyeballin it.

I notice right off its a 96-98 because of the bumper and vent orientation. But then I notice it has a slightly different molding/cladding than my limited.



That's when I noticed the broken side-mount turn signal.

For a second I thought I was looking at a Hilux or something but I didn't see the extra mirror and it wasn't right-hand drive.



Another thing I noticed was the wood dash stuff; it was the kind they glued on — not the plastic stuff like the limiteds have. Plus it looked like base model cloth seats. Then I noticed it had black door handles like a base model, yet had what looked like factory tint which I thought base models didn't have. I didn't think base models came with limited style cladding and flares either?



When I pulled out to leave, I saw that it lacked a rear spoiler like a base model. Nor did it have a tow hitch.

The other curious thing was a TRD emblem on the passenger side of the hatch to the right of the license plate.

I didn't think to snap but a few pics as I was about to leave.

I was scratching my head trying to figure out if this was some rare odd-ball model or maybe a base model truck that someone modded a bit.

The truck didn't look particularly well taken care of either.

First thing is that is definitely NOT a limited. My 2000 is a base, but has wheel flares, not the painted ones though. Also has factory tinted glass, and a rear spoiler. In the mid 90's I was the Snap-on Tools rep to Toyota in Torrance, CA and at the port of Long Beach. I sold them the tools they used to install A/C, running boards and other goofy stuff. But a lot of what got installed was done at the dealer. The wood dash, goofy side moldings, and the ubiquitous cattle crusher.
In the case of the rig you saw, those fender lights sure look to be after market.