The Search is on!

THatfield

THatfield

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Hi Guys, I figure I should introduce myself to the 3rd gen guys. I have my heart set on a 1999-2002 4Runner (Auto, Multi-Mode 4WD) to replace my tired and true 1994 Isuzu Rodeo, 5speed 4x4. The 4Runner seems to have reliability that can't be beat as well as good longevity and low cost of ownership, something I will need when I go to college in a year.

I have been reading every possible thing I can on here to take in as much information so I will have some knowledge as to what I am doing when I begin looking (which will be soon). I hope to have a new to me 4Runner no later than this November.

Just figured I should introduce myself to the guys who I will be communicating with most. I'll post any questions I have as I search as well.

Regards,
Taylor
 
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kball said:
Welcome to the forum and good luck on your search! Be sure to read the buyers guide sticky.
Click to expand...

That Sticky was crucial in helping me to determine what 4Runner would be best for me. I cannot thank 4-Ripcord, and all other contributors for putting that together. The Isuzu board I am on has nothing like that. To have that wealth of information all right there is amazing.

:thanks:

I am thinking a Limited trim will suit me best. Then just find a sport hood later on. I do love bells and whistles, plus who doesn't love a hood scoop.:guitar3:
 
welcome! just picked mine up a few weeks ago. i recommend 99 limited like mine which has the multimode 4wd, rear locker, and not to mention tallest springs on the 3rd gens!
 
Digging this back up

Hey there fellas!

Well, I am back to looking for a 4Runner. I bought an 03 Infiniti QX4 back in October, and it just isn't panning out. It's a very nice car but just not for me. Everytime I see a 4Runner I still wish I had one. So, I'm back to searching. Coincidentally, after owning this jazzed up Pathfinder, I'm not so gung-ho about all the bells and whistled like I was a year ago when I initially started searching.

Anyways, I've refreshed my memory by going through the Buyers guide, caught up on 4-Ripcord's amazing Runner build (only took me an hour or so! :hail: ) and have been browsing around the past two weeks as I pondered if I should get rid of my Infiniti. The decision has been made, it's time for a Runner.

So here I am. I spotted a nice 01 down at a local dealer, but it has more miles than I would like (160K). Here's the link, (i know you guys get this a lot) but what do you guys think?

Jason Hatfield Automotive - Sunbury, OH (no relation to the guy selling, FWIW)

I decided to stop by just to take a look (after closing hours) and the doors happened to be unlocked. I snooped around. It seems to be a clean truck. I didn't crawl under it, it was tight quarters squeezed in between an Audi and a Mazda. However, I noticed no rust on the sheetmetal/body which was good.

Anyways, let me know what you guys think. I'm thinking of going and checking it out when a salesman is there, so I can maybe get some more details.

Thanks in advance for your guys' 4Runner advice and expertise!
 
Mad_Work said:
welcome! just picked mine up a few weeks ago. i recommend 99 limited like mine which has the multimode 4wd, rear locker, and not to mention tallest springs on the 3rd gens!
Click to expand...

I second this, although I got an 00'....I was on here for over a year, reading, and learning before I picked mine up last week. I searched everywhere and the wait was worth it! I love the truck so far
 
Truck looks pretty good on the outside. You've read the buyers guide so you know the questions to ask (Timing belt, water pump, radiator, tranny, etc.). Ask to see if they have service records (might be on carfax too). If its a well taken care of truck that 160k odometer reading is just a number. I bought mine with 140k and it runs like clockwork. Check out the underside definitely. If it has a massive hole in the frame its no good to anyone. Take it for a drive and see how she feels. If it pulls to one side when braking it could have been hit. Mine was and it never showed up on carfax (and coincidently was never very prevalent until I lifted it and I had to use more braking power to stop). Good luck! Price wise it seems like a steal.
 
Hey fellas. Still searching and I think I found one. Even though it's not a sport edition, the miles are where they need to be. Talked to the salesman on the phone and he rattled off a list of work they did to the truck, including front brakes (death wobble), a sensor (didn't know which one), gas cap, evap canister and an oil change. I asked about the Timing Belt/WP but he wasn't sure nor could he locate the tag (Not sure he looked on the engine though). I asked about the underside (not a fan of rust) and he remarked on its cleanliness, but I'll look for myself even though the hitch appears to have no rust, and from what I understand that's a problem area and an early indicator of problems to come.

Anyways, I'm going to make the trip to see it probably this weekend and more than likely bring it back if it checks out. Did 4R's have the option of an Auto-Dimming rear view or is this aftermarket?

Link:
2002 Toyota 4runner SUV | Used vehicle located in Cincinnati OH | VIN: JT3HN87R720365371

Thanks for any advice.
 
Nice! Good luck. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the auto-dimming rear view was standard on the Limited - I've got one in my '99.
 
Found 2 Runners, and one might have a problem.

Hey fellas. I have a quick question. So I found a Runner (02 Thundercloud SE 4WD), but as I read the description it quickly turned bad. He mentions replacing the Transmission and Radiator, which leads me to believe he had a Strawberry Milkshake. My question is, if he replaced both of those components, should I be worried about feeling any effects of the milkshake?

It has 119k, and, well it's a sport edition. Looks awesome!

Here's the link: http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/3885469012.html

As for the other Runner, it's a 00 Limited with the RR Diff Lock. only has 10k more miles than the 02 SE (128, almost 129k), it's cheaper from the dealer, and has the diff lock.

Link:
2000 Toyota 4Runner - Used Akron OH | Tempest Motors

Any opinions on which to get? If i got the 2000, I would probably have money left over for other goodies (after a Radiator replacement and Auxilary Cooler!), plus I would have the Locker. But I do love the looks of the Sport Editions. Thanks for input guys!
 
Last edited:
The cl link is no good.

The dealer one looks nice but $7K is too much to me. There's some rust on the brackets on the engine, so I'd bet there's some rust underneath as well.
 
I like the 2000 (not being able to see the first link). I've been searching for about six weeks now on the East coast and the $7000 is right in the ballpark for the region-especially at a dealer.
Definitely check out the body, doors and frame on the passenger side. I notice the running board is missing, which may mean an impact on that side-or a n00b hi-centering and tearing it up...
 
CL Link fixed

Hey guys, I fixed the CL Link.

I too found it weird the passenger running board was gone. I'll definitely have to check for any signals of an impact or body work. I would probably try and negotiate the 2000 down to 6000 or 6200. That way after tax, title and doc I would be at about 7000-7200.

Thanks for all the advice and insight. This forum has been essential in helping me search for a Runner!
 
Highlander?

I think I found a 4Runner Highlander.

2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD Sport For Sale In Logan OH - CBI

Has only about 118k. I can't see if it has a Locker or not, but I can't remember if it was standard on the highlander or not. I'm going to recheck the Buyers Guide. The more I think about possibly having a locker, the more I want it. The price on this one isn't bad either. My QX4 needs to sell! :gun5:

Thanks for the advice on these 4Runners. I can't wait to join you guys as an owner!
 
I'm a fan of private party purchasing rather than dealers. I think more used car dealers are snakes than your average Joe who's just looking to get rid of his 4Runner. Then when you register your vehicle, you don't have to get raped on taxes. Take the money you saved and put it into mods or maintenance. Or just pocket it, whatever. Last four vehicles I purchased (5 counting helping my gf buy a motorcycle) have been off Craigslist.
 
I would love to buy Private Party. I just can't seem to find one with the miles and options I would like. I really might be under pressure since I have a serious buyer for my Infiniti that might take it away tomorrow morning.

I really hope this one has a locker. It would be perfect.

Thanks for your advice.
 
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