What am I getting myself into?

ShooterMcGavin

ShooterMcGavin

New member
Hey all. I'm a new guy, and new to offroad driving. I have wanted a truck for years!!! I used to go out with friends and get stuck and basically break things :) I guess it's my turn now... Maybe. I don't own anything yet, but I am looking at a 4Runner tomorrow - 2000 4x4 SR5, stock, 115,000 miles, $6500 asking price. I think it has the E-locker, but not sure. Is this a decent value??

I have read the 3rd Gen 4Runner Buyer's Guide several times, to get all the info I can.

I have a lot of questions... I live in WA state. I'd like to keep my truck mostly stock for a while, due to a shortness of money.
1. Are there some good places to get up onto some rough roads, trails, etc., in western WA?
2. How capable is a stock 2000 4Runner? I mean, can I spend a lot of time up in the mountains before I am forced into lifting, skid plates, and winches?
3. For those guys with stock trucks... If you keep up on maintenance, and you are cautious with the conditions you put the truck into (regarding rocks, stumps, mud, etc.), how often do you break parts? What are some of the things that will break early/easily?

I am really interested in getting out to finally do what I love, but I need to be careful that I don't get in too deep too fast ($). Thanks for all the help.
 
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I'm not sure what the 4Runner market is like in WA, but that'd be a decent price in Socal if it has the elocker. It's really hard to say without actually seeing the vehicle, but that's pretty low mileage for a 2000. Really inspect the vehicle for leaks, breaks, maintenance record (timing belt and water pump!).

I'd say the 4Runner is pretty capable stock. Really depends what kind of terrain you're tackling. If you're just looking at dirt roads with uneven terrain or sand, then you'll be okay. Add rocks, etc. and you'll want more ground clearance. As far as breaking parts, much of this has to do with your driving. Take the proper line, know your truck's limits, and don't gun it when you shouldn't and you'll have less breakage. I have a '96 and I haven't had any breaks so far...I've been through some rough terrain. Even my stock CV's are fine...a common issue when off roading.
 
ShooterMcGavin said:
Hey all. I'm a new guy, and new to offroad driving. I have wanted a truck for years!!! I used to go out with friends and get stuck and basically break things :) I guess it's my turn now... Maybe. I don't own anything yet, but I am looking at a 4Runner tomorrow - 2000 4x4 SR5, stock, 115,000 miles, $6500 asking price. I think it has the E-locker, but not sure. Is this a decent value??
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Sounds like a good deal, all things being equal. I paid $7k for a 2000 LTD with elocker in New Mexico, 150K miles.

Read this carefully!

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

There are known issues with 3rd gens. None deal breakers IMO but should be figured into offers. All of them can be address for <$500 if you do it yourself and none too difficult. Double that price for shop work.

As far as capability… You'll be limited more by your 4x4 driving skills…that's how it is for me anyway.

Good luck, have fun!

UTEP
 
Thanks for all the advice so far. UTEP, thanks, that Buyer's Guide is great!! I've been through it a few times so far :)

I will definitely be doing some inspection when I look it over tomorrow. I am not a mechanic, but I am pretty thorough, usually finding issues that private sellers don't know about vehicles they are selling. When I asked about the value, I was certainly asking with the *assumption* that everything is up on maintenance and the truck is clean and working well. Anything I find when I inspect it will, of course, drive the value down. If the seller doesn't have records of the timing belt being replaced, I will definitely use that to my advantage in negotiations.

If I get it, those running boards are coming off pretty soon. I'd also like to add some fenders, like the Limited ones. Eventually, I would really like a mild lift, maybe 3-4", just enough to fit 35s. I'd like a new front bumper with winch, skid plates, and some other little mods. Bead lockers would be cool. I'll do the rear diff breather hose relocation, external tranny cooler, and maybe some other stuff to improve reliability (lower front diff?, add a 2nd battery, etc.).

If I'm honest, I think the price they are asking for the truck is pretty fair, assuming it's in good condition. Still, I want to get the best price I can, and I am not in love with it.

ETA: If the difference between 31" tires and 35" tires is smaller than the difference between an "ok" driver and a "good" driver, I think I will do just fine with a stock truck. I learn quickly.
 
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A stock 4runner is very capable in the right hands.

Leave the running boards on to start. Would you rather smash them, or your rocker panels?
 
Be sure to do your homework on verifying that mileage. 115k is quite low for a 3rd gen, and there's a lot of fraud out there.
 
Brad, you make a good point. Really, I don't want to smash anything. Can I go with that option? ;)

Brique, I will, thanks. This is being sold from a dealership which states in the ad "EXPERIAN CERTIFIED-COMPLETE VEHICLE HISTORY AVAILABLE", so I'm expecting a pretty detailed history of maintenance. I'm considering bringing a jack, jack stands, and creeper to get underneath - should I? I also assume, but I'm not sure, if it's coming from a dealership they probably have a Carfax account at least.
 
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ShooterMcGavin said:
Brad, you make a good point. Really, I don't want to smash anything. Can I go with that option? ;)

Brique, I will, thanks. This is being sold from a dealership which states in the ad "EXPERIAN CERTIFIED-COMPLETE VEHICLE HISTORY AVAILABLE", so I'm expecting a pretty detailed history of maintenance. I'm considering bringing a jack, jack stands, and creeper to get underneath - should I? I also assume, but I'm not sure, if it's coming from a dealership they probably have a Carfax account at least.
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Carfax is not always accurate, as not everything gets reported
 
Brique said:
Be sure to do your homework on verifying that mileage. 115k is quite low for a 3rd gen, and there's a lot of fraud out there.
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I bought my '96 1 1/2 years ago with 112,500 legit. I don't disagree there's fraud out there but sometimes you get lucky. OP, I took both my Runners playing in CO bone stock and they do just fine (especially the '96 with the locker). Just know your limits.
 
There are some runners out there with low mileage hiding. My 97 was up there with 166k when I got it, my 2001 had 74k when I got it 3 months ago!
 
Just my advice (passed on from my dad), get a compression test done on any vehicle you are serious about buying, have it done by a private mechanic. Also be sure to use Carfax, it is at least good for detecting odometer scams.
 
If you are concerned about fraudulent mileage and it was a dealership maintained vehicle, you can go to the Toyota owner's website and check for consistency in the records. The mileage of each service is recorded. I found my '99 Limited in August with only 115k. Also if it has low mileage the wear and tear on the interior will more than likely seem consistent with that. Especially the driver's seat. Not the best litmus test, just an indicator.
 
Welcome. There are plenty of trails around here. With a good set of tires, these rigs are plenty capable stock. However, if you plan on running them on as hard of trails as you can, I would at least get a set of sliders. They're pretty cheap and will protect your rockers WAY more than if you leave your running boards on. Any decent tree around here will just shove those things right into your rockers anyways.
 
Oh and if you buy one local, be prepared to pay a premium. Especially if it's in good shape. Prices run high around here.
 
Hepar said:
Oh and if you buy one local, be prepared to pay a premium. Especially if it's in good shape. Prices run high around here.
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That is so true! I'm starting to look out of state for something closer to a reasonable price.

Just to update on what I went to see on Saturday... I must have made a mistake. I thought the 2000 4Runner had 115,000 miles. It actually had 215,000 miles. I will chalk it up to my mistake, not the dealer's fault. He had it listed for $6500. I didn't even make him an offer; I told him I am not ready to buy that truck. Yeah, things around here are priced very high! I have seen 3rd gen 4Runners with 200,000-230,000 miles with asking prices of $8-10,000. It seems a little crazy.
 
ShooterMcGavin said:
That is so true! I'm starting to look out of state for something closer to a reasonable price.
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Definitely do that. Just be super careful with ones from places where rust can be an issue. Have them send pics of the undercarriage as well as the rear diff. And know the signs when someone is trying to cover up rust issues.
 
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