Why did you choose your specific 4runner?
- Thread starter Woodsie8
- Start date
The97Runner
New member
Taylor
Ive always liked Toyotas, its a family thing also. I was set on getting
a Tacoma but i started thinking about the system i had
and I have people with me alot, so the 4runner was the solution
and i love the looks also. Almost 2 years ago my neighbor which is
an older lady wanted to sale hers, cause she used it rarely. IMO
it was in great shape as far as motor and interior wise and i knew
it had potential, So i told her to name the price and it was an
incredible deal. So i couldnt pass it up and i have every intention
on keeping it till it wont go anymore.
Ive always liked Toyotas, its a family thing also. I was set on getting
a Tacoma but i started thinking about the system i had
and I have people with me alot, so the 4runner was the solution
and i love the looks also. Almost 2 years ago my neighbor which is
an older lady wanted to sale hers, cause she used it rarely. IMO
it was in great shape as far as motor and interior wise and i knew
it had potential, So i told her to name the price and it was an
incredible deal. So i couldnt pass it up and i have every intention
on keeping it till it wont go anymore.
prospectator
New member
Purchased my 1997 w/ 172K in 08. It's now got 221K. 3rd gens are pretty cheap/easy to work on. Dependable (except for the occasional failed coil pack) and capable offroad. I needed something that wasn't too expensive but fit the above requirements.
I specifically needed it to go wheelin on the weekends, drive to and from work and get me through the desert to take pictures for my website.
I paid $5200 and added the factory locker. He was asking 6200 but he dropped it after I mentioned how bad the paint looked. It was a one owner that parked in the same spot for 11 years and the drive side paint is pretty bad, not to mention the obvious hood and roof paint fading. But, being beautiful wasn't a requirement
: I've got the original window sticker of 31,549 in 1997!!!!
I specifically searched for one without a tow hitch. IMO the tranny is their weak link. I've got a diesel for towing.
Plus how many vehicles can do this? With relatively few mods........
And it's still quite on the highway!
I specifically needed it to go wheelin on the weekends, drive to and from work and get me through the desert to take pictures for my website.
I paid $5200 and added the factory locker. He was asking 6200 but he dropped it after I mentioned how bad the paint looked. It was a one owner that parked in the same spot for 11 years and the drive side paint is pretty bad, not to mention the obvious hood and roof paint fading. But, being beautiful wasn't a requirement
: I've got the original window sticker of 31,549 in 1997!!!! I specifically searched for one without a tow hitch. IMO the tranny is their weak link. I've got a diesel for towing.
Plus how many vehicles can do this? With relatively few mods........
And it's still quite on the highway!
tylerbaird
New member
So true man. I got my '98 in January of 2010 with 180k for $6500. It was the color I wanted (Anthracite Metallic) and had a manual transmission, so I was willing to take the plunge.
the great him
Elite Member
mine was kind of out of necessity, and dumb luck as my family was growing(2nd child on the way) and we needed a bigger vehicle, we didnt have a lot of time to look for the perfect one, as she was going to be back in school and we didnt want to have the money all tied up in a vehicle if we didnt have to so we decided to see if we could find one and get a loan. long story short, 4 days latter we where at the bank with a new(to us) 4runner. short of the 5spd it was what we wanted -red, 4wd, v6, sunroof, clean title(only for the loan other wise i could care less), and hisotry... lower miles obviously would of been preferred, but not a must, as the father inlaw is a toyota tech, and we know/knew the reliability of toyotas. we paid $5500 again a steal for oregon) for a rig with just over 200k on it, it now has almost 230K and have not had an issue. if i had had more time to look(the bank would not have approved us 4 weeks later as my wife was back in school full time and only working part time therefore our combined income might not of been sufficient to qualify) we could of found one with leather or a 5spd, locker, and maybe even a SC... oh well. i think we got a great deal, and ive dumped about $3k into it in upgrades and preventative maintenance bringing it up to date with new parts and accessories. we have always loved the look of 3rd gen 4runners, both me and my wife, even before we met. you just can go wrong with one.
sprchrgd_4x4runner
New member
i got mine becuase it was a steal deal,,, 5900 for 2001 sport edition 4wd, badass aftermarket headunit with nav, and a TRD supercharger. oh and 210000 miles lol
kingwilliam
New member
I bought my '99 about two years ago. I got it cuz it was a 5-speed with ONLY 85,000 kms! That's like 50,000 miles...
Also, I've always liked them, and I wanted a bigger vehicle to haul my drums and other music gear.
Also, I've always liked them, and I wanted a bigger vehicle to haul my drums and other music gear.
awdjunkies
New member
This time around, I wanted a limited w/ locker + Multi Mode without any of the vsc or trac. aids, so I chose the 2000 LTD.
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jrm
New member
I got lucky
after chasing ****ty ones. i traveled 5 hours to see it after reading the CL post. It wouldnt have been my first choice bu the options out weighted the color. The best part about buying it was when i was dropping off the owner after coming back from the bank. She got out of the truck, looked back, kissed her hand and patted the hood of my 4runner. LOL
after chasing ****ty ones. i traveled 5 hours to see it after reading the CL post. It wouldnt have been my first choice bu the options out weighted the color. The best part about buying it was when i was dropping off the owner after coming back from the bank. She got out of the truck, looked back, kissed her hand and patted the hood of my 4runner. LOL
fightman80
New member
I bought mine over 7 years ago, and bought it because after thoroughly researching, and test driving vehicles for 6 months, I found that the 4Runner was best suited for my needs. I tested all kinds of things, including a 2002 TJ, a 2002 Dodge Dakota, a 2004 Impala SS, a 1995 Chevy Z71, a couple of 2002 Blazer/Jimmies, and finally this 4Runner.
I needed something that would carry around me, my future kids, and misc. junk, and something that was 4wd but would be reliable. The 4Runner offered all of this, and looked good to boot! I knew next to nothing about the 4Runner, but knew of Toyota's reputation for reliability and value, and loved the idea of 5 passenger seating.
In the end, I found the 1st 4Runner in town for sale at a Toyota Dealership used lot, and tought it looked great! It had minor body rust, mainly around the windshield, inner door jams, and rear lift gate. But at 6 years old, only 60000 miles on it, and a brand new set of BF Goodrich AT's, I couldn't pass it up!
I had hoped to find a Manual Tranny rig, but hadn't found another 4Runner for sale during those 6 months, and wasn't a fan of traveling out of town to buy a truck. I got this one with a Auto Tranny, SR5 package, for $21300.00 and have driven it ever since.
It stayed mostly stock for 5 years, before I decided to add a lift, and then bigger tires. I still love this truck, and hope I have it for another 7 years! Just hope that the next 7 years are as relatively problem free as the first 7....
I needed something that would carry around me, my future kids, and misc. junk, and something that was 4wd but would be reliable. The 4Runner offered all of this, and looked good to boot! I knew next to nothing about the 4Runner, but knew of Toyota's reputation for reliability and value, and loved the idea of 5 passenger seating.
In the end, I found the 1st 4Runner in town for sale at a Toyota Dealership used lot, and tought it looked great! It had minor body rust, mainly around the windshield, inner door jams, and rear lift gate. But at 6 years old, only 60000 miles on it, and a brand new set of BF Goodrich AT's, I couldn't pass it up!
I had hoped to find a Manual Tranny rig, but hadn't found another 4Runner for sale during those 6 months, and wasn't a fan of traveling out of town to buy a truck. I got this one with a Auto Tranny, SR5 package, for $21300.00 and have driven it ever since.
It stayed mostly stock for 5 years, before I decided to add a lift, and then bigger tires. I still love this truck, and hope I have it for another 7 years! Just hope that the next 7 years are as relatively problem free as the first 7....
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
I needed a new car that was reliable. I had a few different models in mind.
I was looking out of my bedroom window and saw a Realtor setting up Open House signs. He drove a silver 2002 Sport Edition. I thought it looked way cool.
I could only afford a 2nd gen, but I couldn't find one that I liked. There were a few beater 96's in my price range, too.
The previous owner of my 4Runner passed through a family friend's smog test shop. He notified my dad, who borrowed it for a test drive.
He brought it by the house so I could take a look. It was a smoker vehicle and had been involved in 2 DUI's. The interior was very dirty and there was makeup smeared all over the steering wheel, shifter, and buttons. The radio was broken. Most of the bolt covers and a bunch of interior parts were missing. I found a smashed cigarette in the glovebox and beer bottle caps under the seats. The paint was messed up, all of the plastic was faded, the tires were crappy, the antenna was broken, and there was a cracked exhaust manifold.
It was the only 1999 within my budget, so I bought my 4Runner on March 30th, 2008. I paid $5,500.
I just wanted something to daily drive, I didn't think I was gonna own it for very long. 2WD Auto 4 cylinder just meant good gas mileage to me.
These 4Runners, though... they get to you...
That became this:
I was looking out of my bedroom window and saw a Realtor setting up Open House signs. He drove a silver 2002 Sport Edition. I thought it looked way cool.
I could only afford a 2nd gen, but I couldn't find one that I liked. There were a few beater 96's in my price range, too.
The previous owner of my 4Runner passed through a family friend's smog test shop. He notified my dad, who borrowed it for a test drive.
He brought it by the house so I could take a look. It was a smoker vehicle and had been involved in 2 DUI's. The interior was very dirty and there was makeup smeared all over the steering wheel, shifter, and buttons. The radio was broken. Most of the bolt covers and a bunch of interior parts were missing. I found a smashed cigarette in the glovebox and beer bottle caps under the seats. The paint was messed up, all of the plastic was faded, the tires were crappy, the antenna was broken, and there was a cracked exhaust manifold.
It was the only 1999 within my budget, so I bought my 4Runner on March 30th, 2008. I paid $5,500.
I just wanted something to daily drive, I didn't think I was gonna own it for very long. 2WD Auto 4 cylinder just meant good gas mileage to me.
These 4Runners, though... they get to you...
That became this:
zcruiser
Senior Member
Here's how it went:
1. 89 Land Cruiser - Loved, loved, loved it. Sadly, too much of a "truck" feel for my girls and a bit underpowered, so sold it for a...
2. 95 Land Cruiser - Also loved it, but a bit too large, poor gas mileage. Sold it for a...
3. 99 4Runner LTD - Very nice fit, better mileage. Totalled by my youngest daughter's boyfriend. Replaced it with a...
4. 00 4Runner SR5 - Actually for my older daughter in NC mountains, and she liked the more basic cloth interior, dial climate controls, and no running boards. Youngest daughter went w/o a vehicle for a while.
A few months later bought a...
5. 00 4Runner LTD - This one was for my youngest daughter but I liked the black/silver combo, AWD transfer case, and the leather interior.
In every case, I bought Toyotas because I fell in love with the FJ62 and have stayed with Toyo trucks ever since.
1. 89 Land Cruiser - Loved, loved, loved it. Sadly, too much of a "truck" feel for my girls and a bit underpowered, so sold it for a...
2. 95 Land Cruiser - Also loved it, but a bit too large, poor gas mileage. Sold it for a...
3. 99 4Runner LTD - Very nice fit, better mileage. Totalled by my youngest daughter's boyfriend. Replaced it with a...
4. 00 4Runner SR5 - Actually for my older daughter in NC mountains, and she liked the more basic cloth interior, dial climate controls, and no running boards. Youngest daughter went w/o a vehicle for a while.
A few months later bought a...
5. 00 4Runner LTD - This one was for my youngest daughter but I liked the black/silver combo, AWD transfer case, and the leather interior.
In every case, I bought Toyotas because I fell in love with the FJ62 and have stayed with Toyo trucks ever since.
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javendan
New member
We had our first kid and my wife had a '93 extra cab 4x4.
We replaced the truck w a 98 limited 4Runner 2 wheel drive.
After 2 years the wifee wanted a manual transmission and we found a 2000 millennium silver Highlander edition 4x4 w 5 speed.
Traded in the limited and got the 4Runner and she still drives it.
Joel
We replaced the truck w a 98 limited 4Runner 2 wheel drive.
After 2 years the wifee wanted a manual transmission and we found a 2000 millennium silver Highlander edition 4x4 w 5 speed.
Traded in the limited and got the 4Runner and she still drives it.
Joel
jrm
New member
Before i had the 3g
I had one of these
<img src=http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/attachments/f93/25597d1282172925-wi-silver-2006-fxt-ltd-5mt-1rightside.jpg>
I chipped it and added larger sway bars and tires. I had never had a car you could pitch into a 4 wheel drift and then straighten by lighting up all four wheels.
B4 i had the FXT i had a 98 SR5 4x4. man that thing was great. I camped in it loaded it up with everything, roadtripped to races in it. So when i was done with the FXT i bought my current 3g. Next is a tundra front end
I had one of these
<img src=http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/attachments/f93/25597d1282172925-wi-silver-2006-fxt-ltd-5mt-1rightside.jpg>
I chipped it and added larger sway bars and tires. I had never had a car you could pitch into a 4 wheel drift and then straighten by lighting up all four wheels.
B4 i had the FXT i had a 98 SR5 4x4. man that thing was great. I camped in it loaded it up with everything, roadtripped to races in it. So when i was done with the FXT i bought my current 3g. Next is a tundra front end
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derekabraham
New member
It was one of the few 4x4 3rd gens for sale in the San Diego area. It just happened to be in pretty good shape. 
CoMarc
New member
At the time I was looking for a V8 truck, then decided to back down to a V6 due to the gas prices going up, wanted a Tacoma and decided with a baby soon on the way that I needed more room. I looked to the 4Runner and bought mine based off of:
1) Had the 3.4L V6, 4x4, eLocker, and 5spd transmission options
2) Was a '96-98 (at the time didn't like the fat lip bumper)
3) Low mileage (111,000 miles)
4) Cheap.. $5,000!
What she looked like when I first bought her:
Obviously, she doesn't look like that anymore...
1) Had the 3.4L V6, 4x4, eLocker, and 5spd transmission options
2) Was a '96-98 (at the time didn't like the fat lip bumper)
3) Low mileage (111,000 miles)
4) Cheap.. $5,000!
What she looked like when I first bought her:
Obviously, she doesn't look like that anymore...
