Thinking about getting 3rd Gen 4Runner

[linvillegorge]

Ok, here's the deal. I graduated college in December and now I've landed a solid job and I'm starting to get settled down. I currently have a '97 Jeep Wrangler, lifted on 33s. I bought the Jeep to get me through college (it did that!) and to turn into an off-road toy afterwards. Now that I'm getting financially secure, I can start looking for a daily driver. I was considering Tahoes and Expeditions (can't afford a Sequoia) because I need my daily driver to also double as an occassional tow vehicle for the Jeep. But then I discovered that 3rd Generation 4Runners have a 5000 lbs tow rating! That's plenty to handle the Jeep on a flatbed with some tools. I've always loved Toyota trucks and SUVs (my first vehicle was an '88 Toyota 4x4 pickup), but hadn't considered one because I wanted to tow. My girlfriend of three years also really likes them and is pushing me hard in that direction. Women have their ways of being very persuasive. :girl:

Now, my questions...
Any years/options to avoid?
Any years/options to especially look for?
I know I want 4x4 and a sunroof. I want leather, but I can get that added for around $750.
What are some problem areas to look for in a used 4Runner?

 

[lee]

since you'll be towing, get a V6.

all years are great, but if you get a 96/early 97, make sure it got the headgasket recall done (have a dealer run the vin).

what year you pick depends on how youll use it...

if youre offroading it at all, youll want one with an e-locker.. so 96-00. 01's and 02's have center locking diffs only, but even those are very capable.

just make sure its inspected and try to get service records if possible... all runners need are oil changes!

if you find some potentials, post em up here w/ their prices, and we'll guide you from there.

good luck!

 

[Jason B]

Re: Re: Thinking about getting 3rd Gen 4Runner

Welcome to the fourm and good look on your hunt. Feel free to check out my site on my '97 limited.

 

[peter78]

Just to add to Lee's, the 3rd generation is known for excellent reliabilty. A five speed manual transmission is available from 96 to 2000. The V6 has a timing belt, make sure it has been replaced by 90,000 miles. Some changes were made in 99, up-dating the interior, minor exterior and saftey. In 2001 they dropped the 5 speed and 4 cyl and added traction control and VSC (vehicle skid control).


http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist3.html

 

[lee]

good posting, peter. yea, 99 is sort of one of the better years... none of the minor issues of the older models (cup holder / center console annoyances), and it has the updated headlights.

01s and 02s have updated taillights.

ok, lets not overkill this now... good luck!

 

[Kizer]

Go for it man! All years are great machines. I just went throught this process this month and finally have my 97 SR5 (see avatar). This page helped me out a bit, and it might for you as well:

ConsumerGuide 4Runner Highlights

Good luck!

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Another plus on the '99+ is three power outlets up front and one in the rear and the sotrage compartment in the back is a little bigger.