Why a 4runner?

[giovannie23]

I thought it would be cool to start a thread about what made you pick a 4runner (as well as this gen)
I'm sure there has to be a reason why We're all in love with our runners let's hear them!!

For me it started when I was a youngn my pops had a first gen which he took us offroading, from fast desert rodes to snowy mountain trails. This truck never let us Down and gave me great childhood memories... fast forward to now, I also want to give my son great memories and a hobby he can carry throughout his life. So I got a 3rd gen just as rugged and dependable and body style is just perfect not to boxey and not to new looking and of course factory locker and that 3.4!! it's been the best car decision I ever made I guess I'll always be a 4runner dude!!

 

[repo]

It was the winter of 2005 and I had high centered my beater suzuki esteem and decided I needed a car with 4wd next winter. I was looking at subarus but then I heard about the hilux and tacoma and the legendary reliability which is most important to me. I saw the pics of those Afghanistan special forces modded tacomas and my mind was set on a tacoma.

Unfortunately I couldn't afford one. A few months later I noticed a white 4runner with 1 owner with 146k miles for sale for $8900 (may have been less I cant remember) on a tiny used dealer lot on the way to work. I really liked the look of it and I knew it was the SUV of a tacoma, and I could afford it so I went to check it out that evening. It drove great, everything looked good on it although I was completely ignorant of cars, and I knew it was a good deal so I just paid him the asking price (after he fixed a cracked windshield). Drove it home and cleaned it up and have enjoyed driving it every day since.

BTW that suzuki is still on the road in North Dakota.

 

[giovannie23]

It was the winter of 2005 and I had high centered my beater suzuki esteem and decided I needed a car with 4wd next winter. I was looking at subarus but then I heard about the hilux and tacoma and the legendary reliability which is most important to me. I saw the pics of those Afghanistan special forces modded tacomas and my mind was set on a tacoma.

Unfortunately I couldn't afford one. A few months later I noticed a white 4runner with 1 owner with 146k miles for sale for $8900 (may have been less I cant remember) on a tiny used dealer lot on the way to work. I really liked the look of it and I knew it was the SUV of a tacoma, and I could afford it so I went to check it out that evening. It drove great, everything looked good on it although I was completely ignorant of cars, and I knew it was a good deal so I just paid him the asking price (after he fixed a cracked windshield). Drove it home and cleaned it up and have enjoyed driving it every day since.

BTW that suzuki is still on the road in North Dakota.

Love at first site!!

 

[mtbtim]

I always liked them when I was younger, but couldn't afford one, and then forgot about them over the years. When it came time to relegate my 99 Subaru to a commute vehicle because it was starting to have some issues, I wanted to get a new adventure vehicle. I first started looking at 1st Gens but decided not to go that route because I'm usually carrying lots of gear and the 4 cylinder wouldn't have the power I needed. Then I looked at 2nd Gens but heard about the head gasket issues. So I finally landed on the 3rd Gens. The 3.4 liter V6 is considered an excellent engine, people generally loved them and a good used one with low miles was within my price range.

With a little patience, I found a good one. Now I'm a 3rd Gen addict trolling the forum. My girlfriend is tired of me talking about trucks and tools. But the important thing is, I'm having fun. Really enjoying the community we have on this forum and now getting into videoing repairs to share with the masses.

 

[StreetCreeper]

My truck is a 97 ltd. with about 350k on it when I got it. Previous owner drove it till the wheel fell off literally (LBJ failed on the passenger side). They gave up on the truck and said I could just have it.

The truck was disgusting. Hadn't been washed in a long time. The shifter handle and steering wheel had 20 years of sweat and hand grime baked into them. The seats were destroyed, carpet was nearly black (where there was carpet left) and the truck had lots of typical 3rd gen issues (warped brakes, sloppy steering etc....) as well as strange problems like the lights pulsing at night as if I were a flying saucer going down the road.

Despite all this, I could tell the truck was quality built and there was a gem just waiting to be dug out from the filth and neglect of the past two decades.

Fast forward to 390,995 miles & several thousand $ spent bringing her back from the grave and I'm every bit in love with this truck now as I was back then — more so in fact. I love working on it (despite cursing it up & down when I'm wrenching on it).

I plan to buy another one in the future and if this one were to suddenly fail catastrophically — I would not hesitate to immediately go buy another.

 

[IsaiahC]

I always liked Toyota trucks when I was younger. My first time off-road was in the back of my uncles fj40 and my cousin also had an 80s Toyota pickup that was sweet. My first vehicle was a 95 Toyota Pickup with a 3.slow. Besides blowing a head gasket, that truck was reliable for a couple of years until I got hit by a drunk driver while going through a green-lit intersection. I was originally going to replace my pickup with a 22re 1st gen 4runner but my budget could afford better. Being a little older, having done research, and wanting more seating, I wanted a 96-02 4runner. I drove 3 hours to check out 2 4runners. One of them was a 96 sr5 with ~120k miles, no locker, for $7000. The other one is the one I bought: a 96 limited with ~173k miles and an e-locker for $5300 and it's been good to me since.

 

[trovergraywilson]

Growing up, my good friend had a 1995 T4R SR5 LTD, dark red with tan leather interior. We had so many good times in that car and probably should've been arrested quite a few times. Loved the way it drove, the reliability, even the 2nd gen styling. Remember when a high school classmate got a 1996 T4R new and was green with envy.

In 2002 (I think), I test-drove a late-90s LTD in Millenium Silver Metallic. Was in rough shape and the interior was torn up but I fell in love. Couldn't afford it and ended up buying an old Pathfinder (Patrick). Patrick made it a few years and developed a lot of engine problems, had to let him go.

In 2008, same story, couldn't afford a 4Runner and bought an old Isuzu Rodeo (Rita). Big mistake - 2 mos after I bought Rita, the head cracked, gaskets were long gone, and I had to sell her @ auction. Was moving to IL from VA for grad school and bought an old Honda Accord (Adam) outright. Adam was bulletproof and I loved that damn car - 3.0L VTEC V6 coupled with a 6-speed manual. Got me through grad school, a 120-mi daily commute, blizzards, road trips, and the rest of my 20s.

Summer 2015, I started reminiscing and eventually narrowed down my search to a 3rd gen T4R. Lost a few, they never stay on the lot long. Was looking all over the country. Was in Mexico for the holidays and came back to find a 1-owner, clean Carfax, 2002 T4R LTD in Dorado Gold for sale outside of Lancaster, PA. Every single maintenance record, rustproofed on delivery in 02.2002, perfect upkeep, 148K. My unicorn. Put down a deposit a week later, and 2 weeks after that I flew to PA and bought her. Mind you, this was late last mo during the massive blizzard, which landed me spending the night in the car on a blocked PA Turnpike trying to drive home. Worth every minute. Got her back to Chicago, full tune-up, and she runs like a new car. I couldn't be happier, and am real thankful this forum exists because I'm a better, smarter, more informed owner. Plus, I know there are a bunch of other T4R enthusiasts out there that are just as ridiculous as me.

 

[Ol'Blue]

Because it not a jeep.......

 

[Chuckles89]

Because a 3rd gen is the newest real 4Runner you can get- manual transmission, small, sorta lightweight, well made....

 

[Sukirman]

Hilux and 4Runner

I chose a 3rd gen 4Runner because of my love for the Toyota Hilux. They are not the same cars but they share the good looks, interior layout (5th & 6th Gen) and legendary reliability.

Between 1995 to 2009, I worked for various mineral exploration companies in Asia and we had Toyota Hiluxes. I actually drove 3 generations of them, 5th, 6th, and 7th. The 5th gen was a real kidney jiggler. Ride was so rough but it took us to where we needed to go and brought us back home. It got the job done. The 6th gen was just as tough but a bit more comfortable to drive. The 7th gen was a totally different animal though, bigger and more powerful. We drove those little trucks hard. What many of us here consider as difficult trails were ordinary everyday stuff there. Most of the places we had to go to were accessible only by long abandoned logging roads. A lot of times, there were no roads at all. And all our trucks were bone stock. No lifts, no winch or special bumpers. About the only mods we did to them was ditch the running boards. We did carry tire chains though, and we used them a lot, especially during the rainy season. Of the three gens I used, I love the 6th gen the most, hence my 3rd gen 4Runner.

 

[dwmckeehen]

Because if I bought a Jeep, I would have to make friends with someone who owned a 4 runner to get me out when I went wheeling.

 

[GrassFed]

I'll hop in on the fun. The ability to get off the beaten path a little bit and sleep for free in the back of the 4runner definitely drew me to the 4Runner. I like that they aren't huge, yet they are roomy enough inside.

I cannot wait to get mine off of the operating table and out into the world!

Matt

 

[Ol School]

I've been a land surveyor for almost thirty years and have worked for companies that used Tacomas as work trucks. They were always dependable and small enough to get a 2-man crew + equipment to places a full size would not go. With camper shells, they would accommodate all of our tools and gear but a shell is often a pain to work out of. When I started my own company a few years back, I stuck with Toyota but opted for the roominess of a 4runner. With little start up cash, I bought a beater '96 with a 2.7/5-speed combination, AC, hand crank windows and, oh yeah, really high miles. It was perfect for my needs but we parted ways last year with antifreeze in her crankcase. I've since replaced her with an low mile '01 and the venerable 3.4.
Haven't looked back. I take care of it in hopes it will last forever.

 

[Dephcon]

My first love when i was a child was a 1st gen toyota pickup that my cousin built. It was always my dream of getting one and building it up. Unfortunately, by the time I was old enough to drive, the 1st gens where of prime property around where I live. If it wasn't beat to shit or rusted out, you had to take out a 3rd mortage to afford one. I eventually settled on a 3rd gen pickup, beautiful forest emerald green, 5spd 3.slow extended cab. Things changed in my life and had to sell, which it felt like i was selling a piece of my soul.

Eventually ended up getting involved in a 4x4 group again and picked up a Jeep XJ since it has a decent following around here and was more family friendly. Needless to say, trying to keep it running was more than i was expecting and when it got stolen, I used the insurance money to pickup a more reliable 4runner. Now, I cant imaging what living life without it would be like. The vehicle is solid, reliable and the community (T4R.org and various facebook groups) is amazing.

 

[jhuerta22]

My father had a 1st gen 5 speed that I loved to cruise around in after learnig how to handle a manual transmission. I got his hand-me-down 2nd gen SR5 in college when he got his new 4runner, and when the cylinder head gave out on the 2nd gen weeks before moving out to Denver in January, I was in dire need of a 4x4.

I made the painful mistake of buying a 2000 Chevy Blazer. It did what I needed it to, but was far from the quality and reliability of a 4runner. After looking around for a while, I found a 2000 SR5 with a 3 inch lift, BFG's, and a factory rear locker. I managed to sell the Blazer, scrap together some cash, and buy the 4runner before taking a job back in Nebraska. I bought it with 231k and I'm currently at 277k and have no intentions of parting ways with it. Starts every time, gets me anywhere I need to go, and is just an amazing vehicle. I might be upgrading to a 5th gen in the near future, but that 4runner will always be my rig.

 

[702 Desert Rat]

I was selling my 2012 FJ Cruiser to get out of debt. I started looking at 4Runners as an acceptable replacement, especially since they can be found for an affordable price. I found this amazing Land Cruiser for sell 5 hrs away. I found several backup 4Runners just in case. He unfortunately was not responding to any messages. I went to my 1st alternative, a 2004 4Runner with 176k-ish miles. Turns out his friend was looking at the same Land Cruiser and hadn't heard in longer time than I had tried. Anyways, ended up buying that 4Runner without looking at any other vehicles.
As we were about to go out of cell reception I received a voicemail from the Land Cruiser saying it was still for sail. After talking with my wife about it, she he the idea of selling her Jeep Liberty (she didn't really like and fell in love with the 4th gen really fast). As we were driving to find the Lamd Cruiser, he wasn't answering his phone. As I was close to where the CL add was listed he finally called me back and told me he just sold the Land Cruiser .
Being depressed and sulking in a parking lot, my wife suggested we could still sell the Jeep and buy another 4Runner. So I found another 4Runner for myself since my wife wasn't giving up the 4th gen. I found a 3rd gen with 185k miles that was a manual. We bought it the next week. Since buying it, I've had $3000 in repairs on a vehicle advertised as excellent mechanical condition. That being said, I do love driving a manual again and look forward to many adventures.

 

[Mightbuya4run]

Any advice?

I'm looking at buying a 98 4Runner. Seller states the vehicle has been maintained well but what advice or things should I look at/for when I go check out the truck? Has 144k miles and pics look okay. It's a 98 so I just want it to run dependably. It's the 3.4 limited and has some interior snags but nothing out of the norm.

Any advice helps.

 

[mtbtim]

I'm looking at buying a 98 4Runner. Seller states the vehicle has been maintained well but what advice or things should I look at/for when I go check out the truck? Has 144k miles and pics look okay. It's a 98 so I just want it to run dependably. It's the 3.4 limited and has some interior snags but nothing out of the norm.

Any advice helps.

Don't take their word for it that it was well-maintained. Ask for service records to back it up. Run a CarFax or similar report because some maintenance records will be listed on the report if the service was done at a dealership. The CarFax report also will let you know any problems with the title, if there were any accidents and how many owners. Ideally, getting one from the original owner is the best because then you're in a position to get an accurate history of the vehicle.

Run the vehicle year and mileage on the Kelly Blue Book website to give you an idea of what it's worth. There's people out there asking seriously stupid money for these rigs. I know they're desirable, but I wouldn't pay way over blue book unless it's in pristine shape.

Finally, don't be in a hurry to buy. These trucks aren't rare and if you take your time, you'll find a good one for a reasonable price. But, it's competitive out there so be ready to search Craigslist and other websites multiple times a day and have cash ready so you can run out the door and get there first when a really good deal pops up.

Good Luck!

 

[Road Bull]

Even before I could drive, I really liked the look of 1st gen Toyota 4runners. I distinctly remember riding on a bus in elementary school in Florida and passing a 1st gen everyday parked on a street in my neighborhood. I liked the look of the removable top and rear windows.

Back in 1991, I was trying to decide between a Nissan Pathfinder and a Toyota 4runner. I went with the Nissan, and should have gone with the Toyota. After that, I tried a Honda Civic hatchback, and while if felt sporty and made mechanical and economic sense in college, I opted to sell it and try to find another Toyota 4x4. Well, I found an Isuzu Trooper. It was neat in some ways, very roomy and felt like a safari vehicle. Mechanically, it sucked. I drove it from FL. to WA. and ended up trading it in for a 1994 Toyota Extra Cab. I loved, and now miss that truck. (Sold it last month). But I finally got the rig I should have got from the beginning.

I switched over to a 4runner because it was a quality Toyota 4x4 with more seating than my pickup, it had a secure covered place for me to transport my drums, is a great value, is reliable, has tons of great aftermarket options, has a stronger 3.4 V6 than my previous 3.slow V6, great turning radius, has a great community of enthusiast, and just, looks, fantastic. I have been the happiest with both of my Toyota vehicles that I have owned. They work well, and look good doing it.

 

[I_bRAD]

I was looking for a truck and got tired of coming up with 50K prices and got pissed off and did a search locally for cars <$1000. Came up with a second gen 4runner that caught my attention. When I went to look at it, it was too far gone for my purposes but the fire had been kindled. I decided on a 3rd gen as mentioned above was the last available with a manual transmission. After a few months of looking I came across the one I have now- a '97 SR5 5sp elocker. Incidentally, this one was half the price of the one I had my eye on, but since it was a long drive to see the other one I arranged to see it while I was out there- turns out it was the better of the two by a longshot!

I've got to get some expensive stuff done this year- repair the rust on the body, but I think I'll go ahead with it. Just like back in the day, by the time I find a truck I like as much as the 4runner, I'm back in 50k territory (including a new 4runner)