Want to make the change 3rd-->4th gen.

[Shawn5800]

Hey guys, I love my 3rd gen but quite frankly im tired of driving 90's vehicles, i have never owned anything over a 2000. I want the new technology that was put into quicker acceleration, smooth shifts ,etc.

For those of you who made the transition, what are your thoughts?

Im going to look at this truck this weekend, what do you think? What are specifics to look for with this gen?

Thanks in advance guys!

2003 Toyota 4Runner, $10,995 - Cars.com

 

[TN22Corps]

Rust

Check it over for rust. From the engine pic it looked like a good bit of the small metal pieces were rusty.

 

[progress4m]

4th gen specific:

1) “Frozen” front brake calipers.
2) 4x4 actuator (check it for functionality and for oil leaks).
3) Since it is a V6 I would check for leaking valve cover gaskets.
4) Make sure you do not have issue with Head gaskets- it is rear issue, but it was some cases where HD would blow around cylinder # 6 on V6 models.

I am sure someone else will chime to add to this list.


Good luck!

 

[Opi]

Hey man, I literally JUST did this, saturday. sold my 99 back in december, missed it, drove a newer one and fell in love. I dont see myself heavily modding this or throwing beefy tires on or anything its too nice. I love it, no regrets. However that bug deflector thing on the hood I can almost guarantee has destroyed the paint where the poorly designed brackets are. Check operation of windows/4wd hi and lo etc. I just made a thread check my posts lol. My vote is go for it!! :bigok: p.s. silver is the best color

 

[Opi]

and OP, your sig, best. movie. ever. i loved it.

 

[alaskaman]

I owned a 97 for several years. The basic upgrade is size and power. New bells and whistles include a burger tray (until 2010) side curtain air bags and more power. The SE has larger brakes and heated side mirrors. XREAS finishes out the changeover (sure there are more details) so the ability to take the weight around a corner is improved. Top years are 2005 to 2008 which the cream finish coming in 2007 the last model year made entirely in Japan.

I love the SE with more power, more safety and more rugged. The more toylike 97 was a BLAST anywhere and some times I miss the less weight more torquey nature but the ample room, substantial seats and abilities of the V6 (it's AWD all the time with the V8) including 2WD is superior.

Good luck. I'd aim for a 2006 and up.

 

[DoWnAqT]

I just bought one today... I've been toying the idea for a couple of weeks now, I drove the new one home a few times and loved it. But I just couldnt let go of my 00 sport...But the other day I had it again, and like how it drove on the highway much better. So I bit the bullet, and bought this one...

So now I will be selling my 00 sport...if anyone is interested?