What year to buy?
- Thread starter Woodsie8
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Nunyabiz
New member
There are as many answers to that as there are 4 Runners.
They are all good, personally I 'prefer" the 2002 Sport Edition 4X4.
A 5 speed with Elocker would also be nice but those are sorta like hens teeth at least in my area.
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
It sure sounds like these people are just favoring the years that they own.
Many would disagree with anything 1996-1998. They're pre-facelift trucks, they have poor headlights, different style grille, front bumper, side mirrors, center consoles, and lack certain mid-generation upgrades. 1996-1998 had poor ABS systems, ESPECIALLY in snow.
In 1999, Toyota introduced many new upgrades that are particularly desirable. Here is a link showing those upgrades: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/44297-99-mid-gen-upgrades-w-pics.html
The optimal truck for many to own is a 1999 4Runner "Highlander" Edition. It has the highest ground clearance of any year 4Runner, it has the hood scoop that many desire, and color keyed bumpers and grille. It has the lever operated 4WD transfer case as opposed to the push button AWD counterpart. It is also available with E-locker and a 5 speed transmission. Many also prefer that is does not have daytime running lights. Their skinny profile fender flares, which mount without drilling holes in the fender, are often preferred.
In 2001, they did away with the 5 speed and 4 cylinder engine. They also did away with lever 4WD. The 2001 is the lowest suspension height of all 4Runners.
Many have shown that a 1999 4Runner Highlander 4WD with 5 Speed, E-locker, and supercharger would be the "Holy Grail" of 3rd Gen 4Runners.
They are still available with automatics, though, of course. They're only available with the two best colors, IMO, Imperial Jade Mica (Dark Green) and Black. The 2000 4Runner Sport Edition compares well, but is lower and has larger fender flares.
2001 and 2002 4Runners are low, have daytime running lights, push button AWD/no e-locker option, a center diff lock option for true AWD, traction control (which you may or may not prefer), and do not have a 5 speed option.
Many would disagree with anything 1996-1998. They're pre-facelift trucks, they have poor headlights, different style grille, front bumper, side mirrors, center consoles, and lack certain mid-generation upgrades. 1996-1998 had poor ABS systems, ESPECIALLY in snow.
In 1999, Toyota introduced many new upgrades that are particularly desirable. Here is a link showing those upgrades: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/44297-99-mid-gen-upgrades-w-pics.html
The optimal truck for many to own is a 1999 4Runner "Highlander" Edition. It has the highest ground clearance of any year 4Runner, it has the hood scoop that many desire, and color keyed bumpers and grille. It has the lever operated 4WD transfer case as opposed to the push button AWD counterpart. It is also available with E-locker and a 5 speed transmission. Many also prefer that is does not have daytime running lights. Their skinny profile fender flares, which mount without drilling holes in the fender, are often preferred.
In 2001, they did away with the 5 speed and 4 cylinder engine. They also did away with lever 4WD. The 2001 is the lowest suspension height of all 4Runners.
Many have shown that a 1999 4Runner Highlander 4WD with 5 Speed, E-locker, and supercharger would be the "Holy Grail" of 3rd Gen 4Runners.
They are still available with automatics, though, of course. They're only available with the two best colors, IMO, Imperial Jade Mica (Dark Green) and Black. The 2000 4Runner Sport Edition compares well, but is lower and has larger fender flares.
2001 and 2002 4Runners are low, have daytime running lights, push button AWD/no e-locker option, a center diff lock option for true AWD, traction control (which you may or may not prefer), and do not have a 5 speed option.
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That was really helpful!!!! I know nothing about 4Runners, other than I love them
So this kind of info is really what I need. Thanks!
Clemsonfan15
New member
You can't really go wrong with any of the years. A lot will just be up to you. Do you like the fat bumpers or not? How high do you want to ride? 01-02=lowest.
For me the biggest problem with the 96-98's are the cup holders. Absolutely terrible design, but luckily I don't use them much.
You can always get new "clear" headlights for under $100.
Another big factor is the hood scoop. They are only found on Sport Editions.
For me the biggest problem with the 96-98's are the cup holders. Absolutely terrible design, but luckily I don't use them much.
You can always get new "clear" headlights for under $100.
Another big factor is the hood scoop. They are only found on Sport Editions.
Nunyabiz
New member
That was really helpful!!!! I know nothing about 4Runners, other than I love them
Thanks!
While the 99' Highlander(not to be confused with the Toyota Highlander which is not a 4Runner) Sport edition with 5 speed and Elocker (that is pretty much the one I was referring to) would be optimal, I would not hold your breath trying to find one, especially in really good condition.
Probably have a better chance winning the lotto.
You will most likely have to make a few concessions on exactly what you "want" and after lots of searching take what you can "get" that is as close to what you want in the condition and price you are looking for.
In my case it was a 2002 Sport Edition in excellent condition for a good price.
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
While any 4Runner is a good truck, Woodsie did ask which year we should suggest he buy.
Optimally, it's been expressed that the 1999 Highlander is such, and I only explained to him why some feel that way. One of his main goals is ground clearance, and we know that the 1999 has the highest of all clearances. He also asked good in snow, which I've heard from countless sources that the 1996-1998 ABS makes for poor snow performance. I have no ABS anyway.
Good luck with your choice, Woodsie! The right truck for you is certainly out there.
Optimally, it's been expressed that the 1999 Highlander is such, and I only explained to him why some feel that way. One of his main goals is ground clearance, and we know that the 1999 has the highest of all clearances. He also asked good in snow, which I've heard from countless sources that the 1996-1998 ABS makes for poor snow performance. I have no ABS anyway.
Good luck with your choice, Woodsie! The right truck for you is certainly out there.
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
Of course. The ABS can also be modded to a switch, the lights swapped, the bumpers changed, etc, etc. The 4WD transfer case options would be harder to mess with, as well as the traction control systems and rewiring the whole center console (ECT buttons, window buttons). As far as i know, there are no successful swaps of the 1999+ Digital ODO, either.
He should also keep in mind that ride height can always be changed, too.
Stock for stock, though, 99 highlander's where it's at.
Nunyabiz
New member
All true, but what are the odds of finding a 99' Highlander SE 5 Speed with Elocker?
That would be probably the Holy Grail of 4 Runners, it is what I was originally looking for myself but I quickly snapped out of that dream state and settled for the one of the next best options.
When buying used vehicles more than 10 years old you basically take what you can get and need a series of options/guidelines to go by.
a 1st, 2nd, 3rd choice.
If he waited until he found a 99' Highlander SE 5 speed with Elocker in very good condition for less than $9K he might be too old to drive it.
But you are right, the right truck is out there just need to keep looking and looking everywhere.
SCRunner12
New member
I agree the 99 Highlander is awesome, but the 99-00 Limited may also be better suited. Some of the 99's came with the factory talls (which are kind of pointless since the original suspension is probably sagging or needs to be replaced anyways, so any year you could just add the 99 talls) also the limiteds came with AWD and the option for a locker. A lot easier to find a locked 99-00 limited than a highlander. Plus he lives where it snows so the AWD would be used much more often than someone in sunny SoCal. Especially since he mentions rain and snow driving.
Nunyabiz
New member
That is kind of why I suggested the 2002 Sport Edition as a second choice.
It is basically as close as you will get to the 99' Highlander especially if you put on a lift and better coils, it just doesn't have the 5 speed or Elocker.
but the AWD with the center differential lock is supposed to be excellent in snow.
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
I don't know why you all think they're so hard to find, a quick local search and I already found one in my area:
1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD
1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD
the great him
Elite Member
here look through this, http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html that along with what COB posted above should tell you what you want to know... but that 99 that i showed you, i would really seriously look at, ive wanted it ever sense the day i saw it
SCRunner12
New member
Yeah my buying wants were either a 99-00 Limited with Locker, a 96-98 with a locker or a 01-02. I figured better to have all the upgrades and AWD with a 01-02 than a 96-98 without a locker. If I lived somewhere where it snows a lot the AWD would be a must.
The cup holders are a huge thorn in my side. I have a old Toyota 2WD Tacoma, hate the cup holders!
I am going to go look at it, when he gets back with me. Thanks!
Will do my homework now on elocker vs AWD
So, I guess I better do my homework on elocker, and AWD and 4WD. I really have to have a vehicle that does well in snow, rain, and city dry payment. If I keep the Mazda, I guess I can drive it in the city, but there are days, that I leave while it is raining and then on way home a snow storm hits.
So, I guess I better do my homework on elocker, and AWD and 4WD. I really have to have a vehicle that does well in snow, rain, and city dry payment. If I keep the Mazda, I guess I can drive it in the city, but there are days, that I leave while it is raining and then on way home a snow storm hits.
