Which is better?

[JDMFan87]

Which one is the better buy?

Newbie here looking to purchase a 4x4 3rd gen. Lately I have noticed that there has been quite a few threads about blown head gaskets in the 3.4s so I thought I would post up here before I make a final decision. I am currently looking at 3 4runners but I am having a hard time which one to choose. The first one is a Stock 2000 Sport with 175k miles for $6000 but the top end was rebuilt at 155k cause of a blown head gasket. The 2nd one is a 96 3rz 4x4 5spd with 210k miles for $3000, its stock and runs well but has quite a bit of big dents. The last one is a 99 Limited E locker with 159k miles for $6350, has a mild lift and its in pretty good condition. I am having a hard time choosing one and would greatly appreciate fellow members advice. The 4runner has to last me through college but I will also have a street bike to ride also. What do you guys think is the better option? Thanks guys!

 

[farmerjon]

Newbie here looking to purchase a 4x4 3rd gen. Lately I have noticed that there has been quite a few threads about blown head gaskets in the 3.4s so I thought I would post up here before I make a final decision. I am currently looking at 3 4runners but I am having a hard time which one to choose. The first one is a Stock 2000 Sport with 175k miles for $6000 but the top end was rebuilt at 155k cause of a blown head gasket. The 2nd one is a 96 3rz 4x4 5spd with 210k miles for $3000, its stock and runs well but has quite a bit of big dents. The last one is a 99 Limited E locker with 159k miles for $6350, has a mild lift and its in pretty good condition. I am having a hard time choosing one and would greatly appreciate fellow members advice. The 4runner has to last me through college but I will also have a street bike to ride also. What do you guys think is the better option? Thanks guys!

I would pick the 1999 Limited with the e-locker - from how you describe them, that sounds like the best option.

Our AWESOME 4Runners can go 400,000 miles, easy. So don't worry too much about the miles. Some would say that 200K is just breaking in the vehicle...

And...

:worthless

 

[4Running Daily]

I would pick the 1999 Limited with the e-locker - from how you describe them, that sounds like the best option.

Our AWESOME 4Runners can go 400,000 miles, easy. So don't worry too much about the miles. Some would say that 200K is just breaking in the vehicle...

And...

:worthless

I agree completely.

 

[Duhockey]

The only thing worse than passing on the elocker is passing on a supercharged elocked 4runner...

 

[JDMFan87]

I would pick the 1999 Limited with the e-locker - from how you describe them, that sounds like the best option.

Our AWESOME 4Runners can go 400,000 miles, easy. So don't worry too much about the miles. Some would say that 200K is just breaking in the vehicle...

And...

:worthless

I will try to post some pics tomorrow. The only bad thing about the limited is that it will need a timing belt soon. You guys don't think the one that had the top end rebuilt is better buy? It had all of the gaskets done a long with the water pump/timing belt. I was pretty surprised to find a 3rz 4x4 manual for sale cause they seem pretty hard to find

 

[Duhockey]

I will try to post some pics tomorrow. The only bad thing about the limited is that it will need a timing belt soon. You guys don't think the one that had the top end rebuilt is better buy? It had all of the gaskets done a long with the water pump/timing belt. I was pretty surprised to find a 3rz 4x4 manual for sale cause they seem pretty hard to find

very few 4runners require rebuilds so soon... I would say that if they had to rebuild the engine they did something very wrong, I would not trust that runner at all...

but the one that you know needs maintenance and do the maint right... then you know you got a 4runner and you know whos hands it was in when it was worked on.
99 limited, elocker... never underestimate the elocker

 

[JDMFan87]

very few 4runners require rebuilds so soon... I would say that if they had to rebuild the engine they did something very wrong, I would not trust that runner at all...

but the one that you know needs maintenance and do the maint right... then you know you got a 4runner and you know whos hands it was in when it was worked on.
99 limited, elocker... never underestimate the elocker

Thanks for the heads up man. Honestly I have really been leaning more towards the 96 with 3rz cause I have talked him down to 2500. I have only seen a few 3rz 4x4 4runners for sale and they seem to being going for a quite a bit of money. Plus I wouldn't mind a boosted 4cyl runner

 

[994runner21]

I would probably go with the 99. They are very good reliable suvs. Before you buy them though check the antifreeze color, and tranny color. The radiators are known for blowing out internally mixing the transmission and coolant together causing the gaskets to usually go out, but that is a rare occasion. overall the 99 is the best, having a life of over 300,000mi. with no issues. timing belt is not a hard task if you are mechanically inclined, and familiar with motors, or toyota i think is doin just a belt replacement for about $200 right now.

 

[highcountry]

I would go for the '99. Get the timing belt/pump/hoses replaced and you will be good to go for a very long time, and have a super little truck.