Where to buy a low mileage 3G 4runner

[tarasgrosh]

Other than autotrader/ebay/craigslist does anyone know where to find a LOW mileage (less than 50k) 2000-2002 4runner?

 

[Gumballf355]

You can always start a wanted post in the classified section. What you're looking for could easily be over $10k.

 

[pat161]

Finding a 3rd gen w/ 50k or less is going to be a challenge, though I'm sure there are a few out there. You have to figure the truck will be from 7 to almost 10 years old, very few people drive 5-7k miles a year, IIRC the national average is closer to 12k. If I were you I would up my mileage to the 75k range and look on dealer lots, if one in good shape w/ low miles comes in chances are they will sell it themselves. But it has been a while since I've seen a 3rd gen on a dealer lot. If you are set on that mileage range patience will be your ally, keep looking until you find what you want.

 

[tarasgrosh]

You are quite right, it sure is a challenge. I did find a pair in TX, unfortunately, the majority of the vehicles in the south are 2wd. Drifting a bit: Have their been any documented diesel conversions by any of the members?

 

[techno]

No one here has done a diesel conversion that I know of. There was one advertised on ebay about a year ago though, they even rebadged it with Hilux Surf stuff. The biggest hassle is actually sourcing the motor. 3.0lt diesels weren't sold here so the imports are expensive. For some strange reason the suv market in the US has something against diesels.

 

[az4runner02]

I went out looking for a low mileage 3rd generation and after months and months of searching, I hit pay dirt. I found a 2000 SR5 4x4 with 52,000 miles. It was a one owner Arizona vehicle (No rust what so ever!!) and I ended up paying $9900. So if you look hard enough and look across the country, you will find what you are looking for.

 

[az4runner02]

And I did find mine on a Lexus lot, here is another pic. I didn't go out looking for green but my eyes watered when I found this one.....And it came with an excellent carfax report including all scheduled maintenance done at the same dealership.

 

[Stick Figure]

while low mileage is usually a good thing, there are some things to remember. A well cared for engine w/ high miles will almost always be in better shape than a low mileage one that hasn't had enough maintenance done. The other thing to remember is it is still getting to be an older vehicle, rubber bushings , seals etc will deteriorate regardless of if they have been driven on or not. Bottom line keep a look out for a low miles truck, but i would still go look at some well cared for examples w/ a few more trips around the block.

 

[808TRDRunner]

I searched for months until I found my 01 w/ 42k on it. There is an 02 for sale locally with 57k on it on Craigslist, and they are asking a lot!

Just keep looking and be patient.

 

[tarasgrosh]

You sure are right! I've taken the advice around here; searched Denver/VT/NH many of the ski towns etc. On craigslist, Boston offered quite a lot; but this has to be the best example I have found: from denver http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/1115195450.html

 

[Gumballf355]

Thats a great price for such a low mileage example... I say go check it out and if it's truely in as great of condition as it's mileage hints you should scoop it up.

 

[IntoTheVoid]

Here is 1999 with 75,000 miles.
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/1118832143.html

Another 1999, probably not what your looking for in mileage but this one is a Sport Addition with a 5 speed manual.
http://portland.craigslist.org/grg/cto/1118811363.html

 

[tarasgrosh]

Thanks for looking around, really appreciate it! Portland is quite a hike from NJ though. Shame they stopped making 5spd after '99

 

[pat161]

Thanks for looking around, really appreciate it! Portland is quite a hike from NJ though. Shame they stopped making 5spd after '99

Just to clarify, they stopped making the 5 speed after 2000, you can get, and I had, a 2000 5 speed.