what 4runner should I get??

[troutbumtn]

So I am looking at getting a 4runner in the next couple of weeks. I am looking at mostly 98's through 01. I was just wanting your opinions on what year and model would be the best buy or if there all about the same. I do not know much about 4runners, just they can run a lonnnnng time. I am open to all views of what to look for. Thanks for the help.

 

[gecko0]

I would recommend investing some time into researching each available model in your price range. Once you have a list of the features and options in each, you can compare to your goal for the vehicle. Without knowing what you are going to use the vehicle for (offroad, mall parking lot warrior, ski trips in the mountains, mudding, etc?), I don't think anyone on the forums will be able to provide you with proper guidance.

 

[541joseph]

So I am looking at getting a 4runner in the next couple of weeks. I am looking at mostly 98's through 01. I was just wanting your opinions on what year and model would be the best buy or if there all about the same. I do not know much about 4runners, just they can run a lonnnnng time. I am open to all views of what to look for. Thanks for the help.

99 e locker look for rust anywhere on the car and make sure 4x4 and e locker work

 

[Stockwell45]

Read through this, it will give you a better idea of different features different models and years came with.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

It really comes down to how they are maintained. I would take a 96 with 250k miles with perfect maintenance records before I took an 01 with 140k and no maintenance history an uncared for. Good luck.

 

[troutbumtn]

Thanks for input. I would mostly be for just every day use. But I would like to some sort of a small lift and different mods to it. I would not be using it for mudding or anything to that extreme. At the most it would only be hitting some trails when I go to the mountains trout fishing and hunting. I am looking at one 98 sr5 4x4 v6 with 218,000 and still in great shape and good records.

 

[Schargedtaco]

Although they run forever I wouldn't get one with over 200k mainly due to resale value and increased maintinence needed all around. Unless of course alot of maintenance items where done! Shocks, etc and the price is right. 96 and 97s can be had cheap and I think are some of the best years. I wouldn't worry about impeccable maintenance hx if the deals right and it looks/drives inspects okay. You can neglect these trucks pretty good and still get 300k out of them. A good prepurchase inspection isn't a bad idea as repairs and timing belt can add up over 2k in a heartbeat. Good luck in your search

 

[oljedi11950]

You know we have a for sale classifieds here & you could look thru some of the ones up for sale , see what has been done , what mods peps do ? Seems like the 5-speed highlander is popular , but good starting point maybe !!!!

 

[troutbumtn]

I actually just bought a 00' sr5 v6 with 195k off a eye doctor in knoxvill,tn. He had it for awhile but wasn't driving it the past 2 years. It is still in good overall condition some paint is coming off and the inside is in great shape. Im really pumped about doing mods to it. Now I just have so save the money.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I actually just bought a 00' sr5 v6 with 195k off a eye doctor in knoxvill,tn. He had it for awhile but wasn't driving it the past 2 years. It is still in good overall condition some paint is coming off and the inside is in great shape. Im really pumped about doing mods to it. Now I just have so save the money.

Sounds like a good one. Automatic I presume? Might want to consider an auxiliary transmission cooler and bypassing the factory cooler. This avoids the "pink milkshake" transmission failure.

The 2000 is nice because it didn't have the traction control yet (some people complain about the traction control in the late 3rd gens as being problematic.) Simple 4wd with a lever on the floor, plus all the goodies that come from a 99+ 4runner.

Post some pics when you get the chance. :welcome:

 

[troutbumtn]

Yeah its the auto. I plan on ordering the aux cooler tonight when I get home. I posted some pics last night under the new memeber thread..its says new guy from tn.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Yeah its the auto. I plan on ordering the aux cooler tonight when I get home. I posted some pics last night under the new memeber thread..its says new guy from tn.

Ah, I see it now. Nice looking truck! Is that Imperial Jade Mica (the dark, forest green?) Looks like it. If so, I'm jealous! IJM is by far my favorite 4runner color. There were a very few 1st gens in that color in 2003 only, every now and then I see one around town and it always catches my eye!

 

[troutbumtn]

Yes, it is the imperial jade green.When I saw the color..i knew i had to have it. That is by far my favorite color on any vechile. I had that same dark hunter green on a 94 ford bronco, that I wish I still had. Paint is still pretty good. The hood is fading and there are some spots that are peeling on top but overall not that bad.

 

[rangermenace]

Yeah its the auto. I plan on ordering the aux cooler tonight when I get home. I posted some pics last night under the new memeber thread..its says new guy from tn.

What is aux cooler? My SR5 is a 96 with 118,000+ and had to replace rear skid plate. My sister hit a block of ice and dented it good :faint2: but Firestone said everything but the plate was fine. Check rear wheels cause around 1k my rear axel seals went :rain:

one thing, not sure about oo but 90s were kind of curved and you couldn't crack the window in the rain without getting wet. Window wind deflecters fixed that and block the sun so check them out.

:yo:

 

[troutbumtn]

Aux cooler, was just my short hand for the external tranny cooler. But, I check it out today and whoever had it before already put one on it. And speaking of the seals, my rear passenger one is apparently going bad or was bad when I got it. There is oil all over the back of the wheel and into the wheel well. I've been doing my research on leaking rear seals and they seem pretty intense. As of right now, im not sure what im going to do...but I did find a service receipt from the previous owner getting new drum brakes,shoes,axle seals..the whole 9 yards done about 7k miles ago.But that also was 2 years ago. I think he just let it sit since he had all of that done.