Which model is preferred

[Nicelag]

I am thinking of purchasing a used 4wd 4Runner. We will be using the runner for family trips to include fishing and hunting. Currently we are looking at the limiteds in the 1999 and 2000 model years which, in my area in California, seem to have b/t 160,000 and 190,000 miles for appx $4500 to 7500 dollars.

Are these vehicles worth purchasing with this mileage and price range?

Are there other years (newer) I should be looking at that would suit my needs i.e. fishing and hunting back roads?

Thanks

 

[jgue467]

Yeah

in 3rd gens those are very good. Just depends on what you plan to do mostly. If its as you describe, not very aggressive offroading I think any year will work. If you want the most serious (from the factory) the 99-00 had an Optional rear e-locker (highly preferred by the serious offroaders). The 01-02 added several safety features (but no locker) and has the 'multi-matic' transmission, meaning it can be used on all types of surfaces in 4wd (has a center locking diff), not just offroad - so if you're on ice that can help.

Yes those prices are ok, these machines command a slightly higher price since most know their longevity and high reliability. If you find one with the potential 'strawberry' shake problem taken care of already (factory trans cooler bypassed), all else equal, buy it, tells you the owner was taking care of it. If not, just do it yourself, lots of doco on this site about that. Look underneath first, if clean then drive it, then decide.

ToyotaReference Brochure Viewer Luck!! :banana:

 

[KidVermicious]

Are there other years (newer) I should be looking at that would suit my needs i.e. fishing and hunting back roads?

You're overthinking it. Anything with decent clearance and true 4WD is capable of handling light off-pavement duties like backcountry dirt and forest roads. That includes every model of 4Runner ever produced, though if you're schlepping a family along you might want to skip the two door 1st gen trucks.

If you're planning on tackling more technical driving, the 3rd gen trucks you're looking at have probably the best combination of off-road prowess, modern refinements, and price.

 

[Nicelag]

Update

Definitely getting a 4 door for starters as we need the room. Especially with long legged kids.

The hunting areas include going into the desert and washes which tend to have softer silty sandy areas, some of which you can't see till your in it.

The fishing areas are mostly mountain dirt and fire roads in the Sierra Nevada's to include going to and from lakes and rivers, as well as driving around lakes via shorelines.

My biggest concerns are pot holing, rain, snow and ice. un-forecasted rain (and sometimes snow) is common in these areas. I have been stuck, and had to get pulled out, after a flash rain as the ground gets very slushy mushy in these areas as well. Snow and ice is also common when fishing in the spring, fall and winter months.

Don't do any true what I call straight "gettin' stupid" 4 wheeling or rock climbing. So do I actually need the "RR Diff Lock" ? What features should I look for as a minimum in this area?

Thanks,

 

[Brian757]

Definitely getting a 4 door for starters as we need the room. Especially with long legged kids.

The hunting areas include going into the desert and washes which tend to have softer silty sandy areas, some of which you can't see till your in it.

The fishing areas are mostly mountain dirt and fire roads in the Sierra Nevada's to include going to and from lakes and rivers, as well as driving around lakes via shorelines.

My biggest concerns are pot holing, rain, snow and ice. un-forecasted rain (and sometimes snow) is common in these areas. I have been stuck, and had to get pulled out, after a flash rain as the ground gets very slushy mushy in these areas as well. Snow and ice is also common when fishing in the spring, fall and winter months.

Don't do any true what I call straight "gettin' stupid" 4 wheeling or rock climbing. So do I actually need the "RR Diff Lock" ? What features should I look for as a minimum in this area?

Thanks,

Your totally overthinking this.

If I were you, I would shoot for a 99-00 and go searching for a reliable 4Runner in that year range and if you can't find one, go try and find a 96-98 because they offer the locker as well. If all else fails, go with the 01-02. The 01-02 model years have the multi-mode 4x4 which is nice and also the VSC/TRAC systems but people like to do the Andy Mod and opt out of this feature altogether anyways. This suggestion comes from my assumption that one of your primary concerns is the locker feature.

Unless your in an area that's saturated with 3rd gen 4Runners, I wouldn't be too picky about the year. All Runners 96-02 are reliable as hell, and same goes for their ancestors. Find one that looks like the owner cared about it and will require the least amount of upfront maintenance and in the healthiest shape with 4x4; drive it and buy it.

In terms of buying, I typically use KBB's rating system of price from "Fair - Good - Very Good - Excellent" and I use it to my advantage. I print out what KBB considers which features of the vehicle fall under which condition range. For instance, fair will have dents/scratches in paint whereas excellent looks like the vehicle was garage kept and hand waxed on a weekly basis. It will give you pricing for each condition and I would haggle with the owner if your passionate about owning that vehicle. Give them valid points as to why you don't want to pay what they are asking. You will eventually own a badass rig.

That's all that needs to be said here. Good luck!

 

[Nunyabiz]

I think your main concern should be how well the previous owner took care of it.

ANY of them are going to be fine as far as getting you where you need to go.

a 99' Highlander/Sport 5 speed would be nice but good luck with that.

The best all around option that you most likely can find is a 2002 Sport IMO.

 

[Brian757]

The best all around option that you most likely can find is a 2002 Sport IMO.

Why? Are you selling yours?! I'm interested..

 

[flyinbrick]

My biggest concerns are pot holing, rain, snow and ice. un-forecasted rain (and sometimes snow) is common in these areas. I have been stuck, and had to get pulled out, after a flash rain as the ground gets very slushy mushy in these areas as well. Snow and ice is also common when fishing in the spring, fall and winter months.

Don't do any true what I call straight "gettin' stupid" 4 wheeling or rock climbing. So do I actually need the "RR Diff Lock" ? What features should I look for as a minimum in this area?

Thanks,

It seems the Multi-Mode is what you want. Read "Transfer Case Differences" (3rd post down).

 

[slapdappy]

'99 LTD or Sport/Highlander model with the elocker and multi mode automatic transmission. 2WD to AWD to 4H can be done on the fly up to 60 mph. Push button convenience switching from 2 WD, to AWD (front, center, rear diffs open), to 4H (center diff locked), to 4L (center diff locked), to 4L with elocker (center and rear diffs locked). The locking rear with 4L makes a substantial difference getting through, over, or out of things (including sand and mud, I assume). It helped in the snow a couple of times this winter.
I am not a hardcore offroader and it is my DD, so I want to minimize the wear and tear on the truck while being able to handle trials I might not otherwise choose. I like being able to push a button and continue moving forward with the least amount fuss. It allows me to drive over things very slowly with much more grip and much less wheel spin. Slow reduces the bouncing that whams the undercarriage and rocker panels on the rocks or whatever. You may find yourself wanting to navigate tougher trails later on, so why not have the elocker?
99's have highest stock ground clearance, which improves the functionality and appearance. Earlier years have obnoxious cup holder layout and do not have the trick storage panel in the rear right cargo area. LTDs have bigger fender flares, leather, and lots of nice convenience features. The Sports/Highlanders have more subdued trim and the hood scoop, whose only function is aesthetics. I think all of the LTD options were available on them. I suggest a fabric interior. Wears well, breathes better, cooler in summer, not so hard and cold in winter, less slippery, just more comfortable.

 

[02SE]

'99 LTD or Sport/Highlander model with the elocker and multi mode automatic transmission. 2WD to AWD to 4H can be done on the fly up to 60 mph. Push button convenience switching from 2 WD, to AWD (front, center, rear diffs open), to 4H (center diff locked), to 4L (center diff locked), to 4L with elocker (center and rear diffs locked). The locking rear with 4L makes a substantial difference getting through, over, or out of things (including sand and mud, I assume). It helped in the snow a couple of times this winter.
I am not a hardcore offroader and it is my DD, so I want to minimize the wear and tear on the truck while being able to handle trials I might not otherwise choose. I like being able to push a button and continue moving forward with the least amount fuss. It allows me to drive over things very slowly with much more grip and much less wheel spin. Slow reduces the bouncing that whams the undercarriage and rocker panels on the rocks or whatever. You may find yourself wanting to navigate tougher trails later on, so why not have the elocker?
99's have highest stock ground clearance, which improves the functionality and appearance. Earlier years have obnoxious cup holder layout and do not have the trick storage panel in the rear right cargo area. LTDs have bigger fender flares, leather, and lots of nice convenience features. The Sports/Highlanders have more subdued trim and the hood scoop, whose only function is aesthetics. I think all of the LTD options were available on them. I suggest a fabric interior. Wears well, breathes better, cooler in summer, not so hard and cold in winter, less slippery, just more comfortable.

Just for the OP's own research, the Transfer Case is Multi-Mode, not the transmission.

 

[Nunyabiz]

Why? Are you selling yours?! I'm interested..

nope, probably be buried in mine I figure.

 

[Brian757]

nope, probably be buried in mine i figure.

attaboy!