What to look for when buying a used 3rd gen. 4Runner

[trd_4runnin]

Ok guys, it seems like every other day I get on here and there is someone looking to buy a used 3rd gen 4Runner and wanting to know what kind of things to look out for. So lets make one thread (sticky possibly?) that people can use as a reference when looking at used 4Runners.

I'll start by saying that axle seals seem to be a pretty common problem. For this you would check for fluid on the inside of the rear wheels.

Anybody else have anything...?

 

[Fo_SheeZy]

Low mileage, when I bought my 02 last year it only had 42,000 miles on it.. lol

 

[Denio]

One owner, low mileage,and all the maintenance records.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I think this is the main page for diff between the years and definelty needs to be included in this thread.

http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist31996.html

 

[trd_4runnin]

Just bumping this crazy-old thread and seeing if we can maybe make it a sticky? Still seem to be seeing this question quite a bit in the forums..

 

[makakio]

In all seriousness, by the time Toyota got the 3rd gen, there were no major weak points to the truck. None.

Obvious stuff:

Look for leaks on all powertrain, P/S and brakes.

Check the AC to see if it blows cold.

Check out tranny operation cold and warm (especially the shift into and out of OD).

Carfax for wreck and lien reports.

Make sure it's a one-owner, all-service records truck. And +1 on going as low as possible on miles.

The 3rd gen trucks are ridiculously cheap when used compared to what they have to offer in terms of ability, utility, style, mpg, insurance and reliability factors. 2001 SR5 and Limited 4x4 models with 60k miles on them are going for $13k out here in NorCal.

That's a no-brainer.

I love this truck. I hate how it rides. I hate that there's only room for one elbow on the center console. I hate how cramped I feel in it these days. I even hate how slow it is (well, a little, but then again I drive a BMW daily).

But I love how great this screaming deal of a vehicle is.

 

[Victor]

Check maintenance!

Rear Window, ensure that it rolls up and down smoothly. (Note, the window lock button on the door will lock the rear window.)

Rear Parking brake, depending on where you live, especially if it's an automatic they like to sieze up if they aren't used often.

Power Antenna, the cable is plastic and likes to break inside the motor-drum assembly, if you're lucky you can get away with changing the cable only if the pieces aren't stuck inside the drum.

Rear Axle seals, they leak often get those replaced if they're leaking and change the differential breather vent (Stupid not to do so.) Cheap insurance as well.

Water Pump, sometimes they start leaking no matter what the kilometers or mileage is. So if the mileage is near, save yourself the hassle and do the timing belt too.

 

[01t4rnr]

on these rigs i dont think mileage would stop me from buying one if the price was right, look at some of the threads with mileage reports. You can look at the overall condition and tell if its been maintained or not. Water pump, rust, axle seals would be the top 3 for me