What to Look for in a used 4Runner??

[Fitz]

Hi, new guy to this forum. Seems like a great site with lots of info and good people.

I'm looking into buying a 4Runner and have a few questions. This will be a family vehicle for four. It has to be dependable, able to haul the groceries, able to get through the snow out here in the middle of nowhere, and get decent fuel mileage. I was originally thinking of a 4 door Tahoe or Yukon, but I think we might be OK with the room in a 4Runner, and would really appreciate it being less thirsty ($3.65+/gal here). I won't be towing anything heavy anymore, maybe a couple ATV's.

I'm thinking the years 96-99 would fit my price range and we like the looks of those years too, although we don't care for the '99 grill as much. Are there certain years that would be better to look for? I want a V6, automatic 4x4.

I don't know a lot about them, so could you guys help me out with years, options, any problems to look out for, etc.? Are there different 4 wheel drive systems in these years, like true 4x4 with low range vs. AWD? BTW, I've been into 4x4's for a long time, but have only had a couple Toy 4x4 pickups a long time ago, so not real familiar with Toyotas specifically.

Thanks!

 

[Greedy]

99 is a good year ( i might be a little biased though)

1. Stock ride height is taller than later models
2. Has newer front end (this is obviously subjective)
3. Has a rear differental locker (model 2001 or 2 + have center I think)
4. Hood scoop available if you like it (2000-2001 too)
5. Last year they made them with 5 speeds (maybe 2000 too?)
6. Has new style headlights
7. Uses cheaper MAF sensor if you need to replace it (i have)

These are just my biased opinions. I am sure that someone with a newer 3rd gen will have a list too. Good luck and good choice on the runner!!

Gregg

 

[pat161]

Just to clear up one thing, a 99 could potentially have the rear locker, most will not have this option. You could get the manual tranny in 00 also the 4 cylinder was available, but 00 was the last year for 2.7, 5 speed and rear locker. But on a positive side all 01 and 02 had the center diff allowing for 4wd use under any conditions, before that most 4Runners had a true part time system, so if you use it on dry pavement it could bind up on you. Limited had center diffs starting in 99 IIRC, and some apparently had both the center diff and rear locker, best of both worlds IMO. The 01 and 02 also had VSC and TRAC, some like these and some find them intrusive, I am undecided as I only had my 02 for 1 winter after driving the part time system since 93, but this winter I did pull out into a street and the truck started to come around, it beeped a few times and before I knew it I was in a straight line with no driver input, I could have corrected myself, but the VSC worked pretty well and very quick. There were only 2 4wd systems offered in 3rd gens and they all have a lo range.

Gas mileage is iffy, some report getting over 20 regularly, I average closer to 16-18 w/ no mods and a fairly light foot, so personally I would say 3rd gens get poor gas mileage. I don't drive highways and do many short trips, so that hurts. The Runner should be fine for a family of 4, but they are fairly narrow, so expect to rub elbows and share the arm rest up front. Seats are OK if you get one with the Sport/ Limited seats, the base model seats are terrible and become uncomfortable after only a few miles, I actually upgraded the seats in my 00 2.7 because my back couldn't take it. Good way to tell which seats, better seats will have some form of adjustable lumbar and head rests that tilt.

I am in no way endorsing the Yukon, but I will say this. When I head up to my friends in the Mts. of VT my Runner struggles on the hills, it downshifts a lot and on back roads around 40 I think it down right dogs, I almost think my 2.7 manual pulled them better. My buddies Yukon w/ the 5.3 goes up the hills in overdrive w/o even working and he regualarly gets 15-16 MPG. Of course his tranny blew at 115k, but other than that his truck has been good, so I would not be afraid of the Yukon if you like them better.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Actually a rear locker really isn't hard to find you just got to look.

Limited's in '99-00 had the multi mode auto.

Other '99+ upgrades

Cupholders moved from the dash to a more sensible lower center console position

Multi power outlets (3 up front,one by the rear hatch)

Auto up/down windows

Heated mirrors on the SR5s

Oh heck,here's a full rundown of the big changes in '99


http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31999.html

 

[pat161]

Who said the rear locker was hard to find? Would you say that more 3rd gens had or did not have the rear locker?

 

[Fitz]

Thanks for the input. Those are the things I'm looking for.

We could still end up with a Tahoe/Yukon because of space needs. We plan to test drive one and see how we fit. I'm 6' 1" and my son is 5' 10" and just turned 15. He has been in the back seat of an '01 4Runner and said he had enough room. My daughter isn't far behind, being tall for 12 years old. I know we would like the Tahoe/Yukon because I've had them before. I really don't want to go back to 13-16 mpg though. Even a few mpg more has a big effect on fuel cost the higher the price per gallon goes.

We are in a GMC 2500HD crew cab diesel right now and of course room is not a problem. Mileage is decent at 17 with the diesel, especially considering what this beast will tow effortlessly. I have this truck to tow a gooseneck trailer with a camper and trail Jeep on it. I'm selling all that now and downsizing to get rid of unnecessary debt (all but the house). If I didn

 

[KellyJ]

Not to downplay the 4Runner, which has been very reliable for my mom and then me (besides the water pump going at 80k), I am going to have to say that there are better suited vehicles for what you describe you need. My 4Runner with very small engine mods, if you can even call them that, gets about 16-17 MPG in both highway and city driving, but if you do mostly highway driving you might see closer to the 20 MPG range. My uncle recently purchased a 2007 Honda Pilot, and although he does not take it hardcore offroading, he does take it on some trails to go fly fishing and appreciated that it has an AWD-like system. He says he can get 400 miles or maybe more on a single tank of gas (18 gallons approx.) while I struggle to get 260-270 in my 4Runner, even with a light foot. And the Pilot had a much smoother ride and is very spacious in the back, from the couple times that I have rode in it.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

My uncle recently purchased a 2007 Honda Pilot, and although he does not take it hardcore offroading

I don't think he has a choice.

A Pilot is built on a car frame or actually it's a unibody and is more car than truck so it better have a better ride.


About the lockers on 3rd gens;less were equipped with the diff lock but they aren't uncommon. A locker doesn't affect price but it enhances desireability when you sell one.

 

[psfpilot]

...
So all models had real 4WD, and not

 

[Fitz]

psfpilot,

That's the operation I was hoping for. The AWD would be nice for roads with patchy ice or snow, especially for my wife. True 4WD for off road. Best of both worlds.

Any problems or issues I should look for that are particular to the 3rd gen 4Runner? I know the general things to look for in used vehicles, as I have bought more than my share. :

Ideally, I'm now looking for a '99 V6 auto 4WD Limited.

As far as mpg, our driving is what I call "country miles". Not city, but not steady highway either. We typically get closer to the highway rating of the vehicle.

 

[psfpilot]

I *think* that pre-99 had a different, weaker head gasket design that is more prone to failure on the 3.4L (5VZ-FE). Do a search to verify that...

 

[RonMAIDEN]

The two common recalls on 3rd gens pre-99 were the headgasket and rear coils.

 

[pat161]

Runners with the center diff do not have AWD, Subarus and other such vehicles have AWD. 4Runners have the option of full time 4wd, and yes the center diff can be locked. If you look at a true AWD system compared to the 3rd gen or 4th gen Runner you will see that they are very different.

 

[psfpilot]

True. The VF3A (t-case) does not have a viscous coupling incorporated in its design, and therefore wouldn't be an AWD.

 

[Fitz]

Well I have looked at a few 4Runners and driven two now. I really like the ride. The first one I test drove was a white '99 SR5 with a rebuilt title. I had no intention of buying it, but drove it to see if I even liked them. It rode nice, but seemed to be low on power. It was obvious that it had been wrecked and "fixed up".

Last night I drove a '99 Limited 4WD. The pros are that it has everything we want (pretty much every option I know of), and is priced right. There must have been something wrong with the SR5, because this one has better power. The cons are that it needs a good cleaning of the interior, and the front plastic below the bumper is a little broken up and paint is falling off of it. There is no rust, no leaks, the rest of the paint looks good, and the owner has maintained it well mechanically. It has 120K miles. The switch on the side of the drivers seatback falls out, but still works. It just doesn't stay snapped in. We worked a deal for $8,000, and I fix the front plastic. I thought it sounded pretty good, and was ready to take it home, but the owners could not find the title. They are supposed to call when they find it.

Any ideas where I could look for a replacement plastic piece for under the bumper?

 

[p nut]

Your local junk yard or perhaps members on here who have upgraded to an aftermarket front bumper could help you out.

I have a 2002 Sport Edition, and with stock tires, I am getting an average of 20-21mpg. I do about 70-80% highway (going anywhere between 70-80mph). Driving 80-90% on the highway, I usually average 21.5mpg.

I would also like to throw in another option for you, since you have a family. 80-series Land Cruisers. I have always loved these rigs, and would like to build one up someday. They are bigger than the 4Runners, 3rd row seating, will haul a lot of gear, solid front axle, Front AND rear locking diff's, full-time 4wd, and very reliable if all of the PM (preventative maintenance) is done. The only downside is of course the gas mileage. Visit ih8mud.com for more info. Lots of friendly people on there and most are married/family guys. If I had a family of 4, I would sell my 4Runner for an LC in a heartbeat. The price range will be around $7k-$12k depending on mileage, condition, options, etc.

They're both good choices, and you really can't go wrong with either.

 

[Fitz]

Your local junk yard or perhaps members on here who have upgraded to an aftermarket front bumper could help you out.

I have a 2002 Sport Edition, and with stock tires, I am getting an average of 20-21mpg. I do about 70-80% highway (going anywhere between 70-80mph). Driving 80-90% on the highway, I usually average 21.5mpg.

I would also like to throw in another option for you, since you have a family. 80-series Land Cruisers. I have always loved these rigs, and would like to build one up someday. They are bigger than the 4Runners, 3rd row seating, will haul a lot of gear, solid front axle, Front AND rear locking diff's, full-time 4wd, and very reliable if all of the PM (preventative maintenance) is done. The only downside is of course the gas mileage. Visit ih8mud.com for more info. Lots of friendly people on there and most are married/family guys. If I had a family of 4, I would sell my 4Runner for an LC in a heartbeat. The price range will be around $7k-$12k depending on mileage, condition, options, etc.

They're both good choices, and you really can't go wrong with either.

I saw valances on eBay. Does anyone know why there is a chunk missing low on the passenger side from the valance and if that piece comes with the valance? When I look at pictures of other 4Runners, I see that this is a separate piece.

Those LC's sound cool, but I think we'll be OK with the 4Runner, and fuel mpg is a priority in my choice. I'll check them out though. Thanks for the input.

 

[TNTEMPEST]

The piece you are talking about is removeable to get to the tow hook so you don't smash it when being pulled out