Which should I choose...?

[mikracer]

I've been reading a ton of info on this forum and trying to gain some knowledge on the 3rd Gen 4Runner. I've narrowed my search to a late 99-00 simply because they seem to be the most desirable and pretty affordable (always thinking of the resale value if I need to sell).

I've found 2 4Runners that I think will be a good fit for me. Keep in mind that I am not a hard core offroader by any means. I'm buying a 4Runner for the occasional snow trip and camping trip and maybe a trip to the dunes here and there.

The first 4Runner I found is a '99 Limited with E Locker. It has about 170k on it and is fully loaded. Had the timing belt changed about 40k miles ago and is in good overall condition according to the current owner.

The second 4Runner is a 2000 Sport 4x4 with 143k miles. It also has the E Locker and has some minor mods done (Fabtech springs/shocks, aftermarket wheels, larger tires).

Both have clean titles and appear to be in good condition. My question is, does the 2000 Sport have the multi-mode 4wd system? Which T4R would be more desireable if I were to sell it down the road? I like leather because I have a couple Boxers I tote around with me but I'm not opposed to cloth. The '99 Limited has seems to have the "ultimate" setup from the factory being that is should have the multi-mode with locker. If the 2000 Sport has that setup as well, then it might be a better buy since its newer with less miles. Both are asking the exact same price and are somewhat negotiable. Sorry for the long post, but I like to be thorough so all the info is out there.

Let me know what you guys think!

 

[Hepar]

I would say they are about even. It comes down to preference too. If I were you, I would get the 2000. I would go for one with both less miles and a year newer. I also like the Sport setup over the Limited's (however there are some Limited features I would like. Heated seats and climate control to name a couple of them). But that is giving a blind opinion having not seen either one. Condition is another biggie for me. Where are you located?

 

[quicksilvr]

I've been reading a ton of info on this forum and trying to gain some knowledge on the 3rd Gen 4Runner. I've narrowed my search to a late 99-00 simply because they seem to be the most desirable and pretty affordable (always thinking of the resale value if I need to sell).

I've found 2 4Runners that I think will be a good fit for me. Keep in mind that I am not a hard core offroader by any means. I'm buying a 4Runner for the occasional snow trip and camping trip and maybe a trip to the dunes here and there.

The first 4Runner I found is a '99 Limited with E Locker. It has about 170k on it and is fully loaded. Had the timing belt changed about 40k miles ago and is in good overall condition according to the current owner.

The second 4Runner is a 2000 Sport 4x4 with 143k miles. It also has the E Locker and has some minor mods done (Fabtech springs/shocks, aftermarket wheels, larger tires).

Both have clean titles and appear to be in good condition. My question is, does the 2000 Sport have the multi-mode 4wd system? Which T4R would be more desireable if I were to sell it down the road? I like leather because I have a couple Boxers I tote around with me but I'm not opposed to cloth. The '99 Limited has seems to have the "ultimate" setup from the factory being that is should have the multi-mode with locker. If the 2000 Sport has that setup as well, then it might be a better buy since its newer with less miles. Both are asking the exact same price and are somewhat negotiable. Sorry for the long post, but I like to be thorough so all the info is out there.

Let me know what you guys think!

You know it has Multi-Mode if there is the indicator in the center of the dash. looks like 4 wheels with a circle in the middle.

 

[mikracer]

I would say they are about even. It comes down to preference too. If I were you, I would get the 2000. I would go for one with both less miles and a year newer. I also like the Sport setup over the Limited's (however there are some Limited features I would like. Heated seats and climate control to name a couple of them). But that is giving a blind opinion having not seen either one. Condition is another biggie for me. Where are you located?

I'm located in San Luis Obispo, CA.

 

[mikracer]

You know it has Multi-Mode if there is the indicator in the center of the dash. looks like 4 wheels with a circle in the middle.

Good to know. Thank you for the picture!

 

[Nelsonmd]

By Sport, do you mean SR5? I have a 2000 SR5 and it has every feature on it that they offer on the limiteds except for the security system and the automatic climate control that breaks alot. The SR5 will depend alot on what features are actually on it.

I don't think any of the 2000's came with multi-mode (SR5 at least). Mine is the J-shifter, and my 4WD light is int he lower right of the IP.

 

[peter78]

I would say they are about even. It comes down to preference too. If I were you, I would get the 2000. I would go for one with both less miles and a year newer. I also like the Sport setup over the Limited's (however there are some Limited features I would like. Heated seats and climate control to name a couple of them). But that is giving a blind opinion having not seen either one. Condition is another biggie for me. Where are you located?

I kind of agree, pretty much even. The 2000 with less miles and newer might be my first choice. As far as depreciation goes, a 11 year old car with lots of miles on it has much of it's depreciation done. I would say, running costs would be my concern. I would think you could drive both for a number of years and lose very little money as far as depreciation goes. Having to get a new transmission or a new engine would be a real bummer though. Bottom line, I would go for the one better maintained and passes a GOOD mechanics test of looking at it.

 

[mikracer]

By Sport, do you mean SR5? I have a 2000 SR5 and it has every feature on it that they offer on the limiteds except for the security system and the automatic climate control that breaks alot. The SR5 will depend alot on what features are actually on it.

I don't think any of the 2000's came with multi-mode (SR5 at least). Mine is the J-shifter, and my 4WD light is int he lower right of the IP.

Im pretty sure it has the Sport package, perhaps based on this website, its also the Highlander package??

Toyota 4Runner Highlander Information

I know the 2000 with the "Sport" package has the hoodscoop. Pics are going to be sent to me sometime today. Both these cars are at least a 3-4 hour drive from me.