What years to avoid buying?

[white_n_slow]

I would not "avoid" any year of 3rd gen, however I would pay a few more bucks for a '99+ due to the creature comfort improvements (real cupholders being the biggie).

Just look for the options you want and pick a runner that has good maintenance history and you'll be set. Some people prefer the multi-mode transfer case, some prefer the old school J-shift. Some people like auto, some like 5-speed. Some need a locker, some will never use it, etc. Just make sure it's in decent shape for the price you paid and make sure the PO kept up with maintenance, or be prepared to spend up to a couple grand on baseline maintenance.

 

[KidVermicious]

96 models had a headgasket recall??? I'm gonna do a search on this, but do you have any info on hand? My headgasket is going.

This is amazing to me. No offense, Kanger, but only a Toyota owner would try to get a head gasket that has lasted eighteen years replaced under a factory recall :biggrin1:.

 

[Andywear]

I read this thread about 10 times before I bought my runner

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

 

[wc11]

Check the fame as well.
All the better if previous did some rustproofing.

 

[TheeMikeB]

This is the traction control right?
How do I disable it?

I pulled the ABS fuse under the hood which disables the whole ABS/VSC Trac thing. This will however make the dash warning lights come on, so I also pulled the dash out and removed the bulbs to the corresponding warning lights so it looks fine.

No ABS and no VSC that's how I roll. ABS sucks on these rigs anyway.

 

[Myrunr2010]

No ABS and no VSC that's how I roll. ABS sucks on these rigs anyway.

Don't you mean, that's how you skid/slide? Lol

 

[MojaveMadMan]

I say stay clear of anything 95 and older, or anything 03 and newer!!!

 

[3rdgenT4R]

Own a 97 5spd that has 355k w/ original clutch...love the 3rd gens....just keep up on maintinance.

Just bought a 2000 limited auto w e-locker.....really wanted to stay with a 5spd but they stopped them in 99 and the wife is brutal on clutches.....it'll be a mall crawler and family vehicle for the near future anyway.

I like the 97's -2000..... The only "options" I do not prefer is that additional electronics on the 2000....HVAC/ETC, AWD button, ect.....I'm more of a manual j shift and lever control guy.....less to go wrong IMHO.... but they are easy trucks to work on if something does go wrong and you can get all kinds of helpful reading and tips on this site.... All that said I would not hesitate to buy a 97-2000 if in good shape and well maintained.....that 3.4 was built for reliability and longevity.....if you stay ontop the maintinace they'll go we'll beyond 300k

 

[Kanger328]

This is amazing to me. No offense, Kanger, but only a Toyota owner would try to get a head gasket that has lasted eighteen years replaced under a factory recall :biggrin1:.

ROFL, it's my way of trying to avoid major maintenance so I can spend the $$$ on MODDDSSSSS.

 

[Kanger328]

Yes, there was a headgasket recall for '96-early '97 4Runner's. As well as inception to early '97 Tacoma's and T-100's with the 5VZ-FE.

My '97 which was built on 7/21/1997, was built late enough in the year that it wasn't subject to the recall.

The recall campaign was in effect in the late 90's. It has long since expired.

Boo. Thanks for the info.

 

[poser]

I pulled the ABS fuse under the hood which disables the whole ABS/VSC Trac thing. This will however make the dash warning lights come on, so I also pulled the dash out and removed the bulbs to the corresponding warning lights so it looks fine.

No ABS and no VSC that's how I roll. ABS sucks on these rigs anyway.

hmm…I don't want to disable ABS, maybe I'll rig up a switch so I can turn that mess off when I'm off road, or just was to go drifting :lmao:

 

[poser]

I say stay clear of anything 95 and older, or anything 03 and newer!!!

I've heard people say, the 3rd Gen was the last real 4runner.
I'm curious as to why? and why do you avoid '03 and newer?
I'm not trying to pick a fight, I'm genuinely curious.
I almost bought an '03 V8 when I was looking.

 

[MojaveMadMan]

I've heard people say, the 3rd Gen was the last real 4runner.
I'm curious as to why? and why do you avoid '03 and newer?
I'm not trying to pick a fight, I'm genuinely curious.
I almost bought an '03 V8 when I was looking.

I was honestly just joking because this is the 3rd gen section, so of course we are prejudiced.

Honestly though, I think the 05 and up 4th gens are the best. Thats when they got the 5 speed autos and the VVI V8's. There isn't a single person who can say the 4.0 V6 isn't one sweet engine. Has great power, timing chain instead of belts so maintenance is a lot less. I have a 05 with 160K on the clock and the thing runs like new and never lets me down, one of my favorite cars I have ever owned!

 

[Jowenbrown]

I've heard people say, the 3rd Gen was the last real 4runner.
I'm curious as to why? and why do you avoid '03 and newer?
I'm not trying to pick a fight, I'm genuinely curious.
I almost bought an '03 V8 when I was looking.

Personally, that's when they started using more plastic than metal in the body. It's mainly a cosmetic thing... Plus we're all jealous that we can't afford one.

 

[Tsfc]

Personally, that's when they started using more plastic than metal in the body. It's mainly a cosmetic thing... Plus we're all jealous that we can't afford one.

I have to say I love them too...money is not an issue here...would rather have the third gen and buy a LandCruiser or two if I want a v8

 

[BlackCat914]

I have to say I love them too...money is not an issue here...would rather have the third gen and buy a LandCruiser or two if I want a v8

Same. I could buy a new one if I wanted, but I enjoy not having a payment and my old gal still runs like new. As long as it takes care of me, I'll continue to take care of it.

 

[Tsfc]

^^^^ well said, partner

 

[3rdgenT4R]

I've heard people say, the 3rd Gen was the last real 4runner.
I'm curious as to why? and why do you avoid '03 and newer?
I'm not trying to pick a fight, I'm genuinely curious.
I almost bought an '03 V8 when I was looking.

IMHO....having never owned a 4th, but having owned 2 3rds and 2nd gen taco, to the total of about 500k.....the stock 4ths..especially the early 4ths.....look like you should have a box of tampons in the front seat on your way back from the nail salon.....I know the engine has more HP....just looks funny to me...very shocker momish.....also they are more difficult/expensive to mod, upgrde,fix, ect....and I know of 3 mechanics that all independent told me that 3.4 is a MUCH better engine....the 3rds are just better looking...especially with a nice set of AT or MT 32's .....lastly, from what I have seen you have more room to work in/on the 3rds....the 4ths look awfully tight....just my 2cents

 

[3rzrunner]

I personally prefer the 96-98's
-J style tcase.
-Nice sleek bumpers
-available in 5speed
-available in elocker
-MANUAL heat controls!
-not as many electronics.
-and both motors were available

 

[BlackCat914]

I personally prefer the 96-98's
-J style tcase.
-Nice sleek bumpers
-available in 5speed
-available in elocker
-MANUAL heat controls!
-not as many electronics.
-and both motors were available

Exactly! I LOVE my manual HVAC controls, especially after reading all the issues the electronic ones have.