Which 3rd gen year to buy?

[Edubsam]

Alright, so Iv been looking for a new rig to buy and have decided on a 4runner. I have been doing some research and this forum keeps coming up and you all seem pretty knowledgable.

What I want to know is, which year would make a good entry level rig? I won't be doing any really extreme crawling or anything, but I like to get out there. As far as I can tell, the third gens look great. They stopped the stock locker in 01 right? And is it any better from buying aftermarket and putting it on myself? I'm just looking for information an opinions on model years. So far, I am thinking 98-00 limited but I'm open to suggestions. You guys know more about it than I do.

 

[the great him]

if i was to do it all over again id by a 03 TRD sport with the 3.0 v6 and the 6spd

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

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

 

[Edubsam]

Also, it's going to be a daily driver too, and I have a 45 round trip commute, so I need decent mpg. I'd also like to stay lower 10 grand before mods and such.

 

[SRSRunner]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html
J.A.'s Toyota 4Runner Highlander and Sport Edition Informational Website

These will give you a quick run down of everything. If it were me Id look for a 99 ltd just because of the ground clearance stock over mine. Granted Im going to lift mine, but it would of made my first wheeling trip that much more fun..

 

[TheDurk]

'99 is the sweet year; I say this not just because I have one but because:

'99+ upgrades: cupholders, headlights, accessory power, improved and cheaper MAF/intake.
Highest stock springs
Can still get M/T and e-locker
No VSTRAC silliness
Cheaper and less problematic O2 sensors and Cats if you can get a 49-state
No DRL's.
'00 are the same except for spring height.

 

[the great him]

if i was to do it all over again id by a 03 TRD sport with the 3.0 v6 and the 6spd

btw i was being totally sarcastic, but with a little research here you would of found the 4runner buyers guide and that will tell you everything you need or would want to know...

 

[PNWRunner]

my 99 has DRL's

But it all seriousness the stock height of the 99 is great. Im going to lift it anyways, but it already looks lifted sitting next to other Runners.

 

[Edubsam]

Im leaning towards 99, but it's gonna he tough to find it used with everything I want. Like I said pretty new to the wheeling mod world. How tough/spendy would it be to swap an AT with a MT? Or is it even possible? Iv found a couple limiteds with lockers, but they are all autos...

 

[the great him]

its possible but you really really have to want it, its cost prohibitive, even if you do the work yourself its gonna be a headache and or PITA and yeah.. the autos arent that bad. i am a manual person through and through so is my wife but our runner is an auto and its actually not that bad and kinda nice off road im really impressed!

 

[MAD 69]

Im leaning towards 99, but it's gonna he tough to find it used with everything I want. Like I said pretty new to the wheeling mod world. How tough/spendy would it be to swap an AT with a MT? Or is it even possible? Iv found a couple limiteds with lockers, but they are all autos...

You would have found all your answers in the post 3 above, check the buyers guide or refer to the other 69 threads that ask the same exact questions...

 

[TheDurk]

my 99 has DRL's

But it all seriousness the stock height of the 99 is great. Im going to lift it anyways, but it already looks lifted sitting next to other Runners.

You have a Canadian model, then. Windshield washer level warning, too?

 

[PNWRunner]

You have a Canadian model, then. Windshield washer level warning, too?

yeah its canadian. and whaaaat that cant be a real thing!

 

[XCG3]

Any of the 3rd gens would be my choice. Preferably one in of the 00 01s but those can be a little pricer