What 3rd gen T4R would suit me best?

[~Jb]

Hello,

So I am a long time lurker and now I am just about ready to pull the trigger on a 3rd Gen T4R. I have always liked the 3rd gen and have owned other Toyota's in the past so when it came time for a camping rig project, my choice was easy.

I have looked over the buying guides and searched through the forums and it seems like everyone has either a different idea of whats necessary or they just got lucky and scored a rare model or color combo.

So my plan is a rig that I can load up all the camping gear and head up to the mountains. Forest roads and light off road mostly. I do wanna add things like a small lift, tires, armor and lighting just for that purpose, but my biggest use would be the ultimate camper, bed platform, storage, lighting ect.


All that said is there a model that stands out for my needs? I see a lot of SR5's , few Limited's, a couple 4x4's, mostly Rwd. I understand their differences but for what i plan to do is 4x4 the best to have? Do i want the troubles of leather interior? Is the factory E locker even worth the premium? Should I be looking at 2nd or 4th gen?

I am looking for a project, so a mid 100k T4R is what I feel I will end up with, it wont be a daily driver, but since I do work close to home I would like it to still be very streetable.

Thanks for all your help and advice in advance.

~jb

 

[Kanger328]

I'd say 4x4 is recommended for what you're gonna use it for. Even if it's light off roading, with the weight you're going to add to it you may end up needing it if the dirt turns soft or muddy. You can prob do without the elocker, which would be best suited if you're going to do more hardcore wheeling (I'd say I'm an intermediate off roader and haven't had trouble without it so far).

I, personally, like my Limited, but it's hard to find one without the leather all messed up. For Limiteds, I like the '96-'98 because it came without the fancy stuff like auto climate control and fancy traction control/4wd system. Other than that and leather, there isn't much different than the SR5.

Main thing is to look for one that's clean, no rust, no history of pink milkshake, maintained, and hopefully timing belt/water pump already done.

 

[slapdappy]

'99 Highlander w/ elocker. e/ locker def worth it. I like my auto trans with multi mode (2H, AWD, 4H w/center diff locked, 4L with center diff locked, 4H/4L with center and rear diff locked. '99's have tallest springs (most stock ground clearance), cloth interior which is warmer in winter/cooler in summer, cool hood scoop. '99-'02's have better center console and dash/vent/cup holder layout. Love my '99 limited w/locker except for the leather interior. It's not really leather, its a plastic dye sprayed onto leather so you're sitting on plastic: cold in winter, not very breathable in summer.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Based on your description of what youre looking for and how youll use it . . . I would have to say youre ideal vehicle is the 3rd gens bigger, stronger brother, the fj80 land cruiser. Im sure you already know about fj's being that youre a Toyota enthusiast. But it does sound like the perfect vehicle for you. More cargo room, more room for a sleeping/storage platform, more power for towing, dual lockers. The only downside is the gas mileage. But really thats it. Man I want an fj80! Ill sell you my 4runner so I can get one

 

[1985taylor1925]

BAM!!! Ultimate camping vehicle

 

[JBurt]

I'd say you'd be fine with any 4x4. I do really like my rear locker though. I don't need it hardly ever but the few times I've needed it it was very nice to have. Test drive a bunch and check out the buyers guide, then be patient until you find one you really like.

\begin threadjack
Does anyone make a bumper that looks like the one on that 80 series for 3rd gens?
\end threadjack

 

[SR5Runner97]

a 3rd gen 4runner sounds nice. Since it's not a dd fj60's are my favorite, but fj80s are badass too. Any 4x4 like earlier posts. You don't need a locker. Find one in good shape for a good price with 4x4. take running boards off. put an old man emu/lc coil lift on. stock lc shocks. some all terrain/muds and call it good. you won't need sliders it sounds like. goodluck!

 

[1985taylor1925]

I'd say you'd be fine with any 4x4. I do really like my rear locker though. I don't need it hardly ever but the few times I've needed it it was very nice to have. Test drive a bunch and check out the buyers guide, then be patient until you find one you really like.

\begin threadjack
Does anyone make a bumper that looks like the one on that 80 series for 3rd gens?
\end threadjack

addicted offroad makes a bumper that looks similar to that one

 

[TheeMikeB]

BAM!!! Ultimate camping vehicle



View attachment 108071

80s are hot but that 11mpg sucks big time.

 

[TheeMikeB]

To the OP, I would suggest a 3rd Gen 4x4 with the Multi-mode 4wd. ( I think 99-02 range) It sounds like for what you are doing a locker is not really necessary so I wouldn't hold out for one. It's certainly nice to have but if you find a really nice well kept rig and it doesn't have it, I wouldn't necessarily pass on it. It's something that could always be added later if you find you need more traction.

Leather/cloth Id say leather is nice to have if you can find it in good condition but it can be problematic at these ages if not taken care of. Typical tear spots are along driver/passenger seat edges from getting in/out of the rig. Again I wouldn't hold out for either if you find the right rig.

As for 2nd or 4th gen, 2nd gen is going to be a little 'rougher' and truck like, the 3rd gen is a bit nicer for those long road trips. As for 4th gen those are really nice and nicer than the 3rd but it would depend on your budget. Parts/lift stuff is a bit more expensive for them but they are much nicer and more refined than the 3rd gen as you would expect. Equally as reliable in either the V6 or V8. From what I read about your post I think the 3rd gen is more up your alley.

Overall you are better off looking at mechanical reliability and maintenance that has been done on the rig than some of the small details. You can always build or add stuff later but having to put in a new motor or tranny is not the way you wanna go.

 

[vm_boy]

I largely agree with TheeMikeB. Look for a 4wd model with the Multi-mode. If you find one with the locker, awesome!, but I don't think you NEED it for what you plan on doing.

The FJ80 (LC or LX450) idea is worth considering if you don't mind the loss in gas mileage. You could also extend that search to FJ100s if you don't mind paying a bit more for the extra creature comforts.

As far as leather vs. cloth and other "creature comforts", that probably just depends on your (and your passengers') preference. REALLY bad interior might indicate poor overall care. A torn up driver's seat should almost be expected, though. Just realize that you can always replace seats and leather. Depending on the price, you might set your sights on cloth and just plan on replacing.

Personally, if I was looking for something for roadtripping, I would want as much nice stuff as I can get...that's why I ended up getting a Limited....also my wife likes nice things... sooooo

Another word of advice: I think proper maintenance will be way more important than any of the interior/aesthetic concerns. Toyota maintains all of the records for 8 years (I think) whenever the maintenance is done at a Toyota dealership. You pretty much just need the VIN and then you can look it up on the Toyota website. So whatever you find, be sure to check that record.

Good luck! Let us know what you end up getting.