WTB a high mileage 3rd gen - anything to avoid?
- Thread starter dax702
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Not really. The 3.4L V6 is incredibly solid. Just make sure you do the normal checks you would when buying a used car. Engine oil (smell if it's burned, color), transmission oil (burned, make sure it's red and not brown or "milkshake"), etc. Make sure if it's 4WD you thoroughly test the transfer case (shift in and out of 4HI and 4LO, listen for clicks in the front end).
The only real problem I can think of is the real axle seal. Other people who have owned a T4R longer than me might know more.
For what it's worth, I bought a 98 SR5 4x4 with 160k miles 2 weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I've changed the brakes and headlight/tail light/dome light bulbs, plus a full oil change, and that's pretty much it. It runs awesome to be such a high mileage vehicle.
The only real problem I can think of is the real axle seal. Other people who have owned a T4R longer than me might know more.
For what it's worth, I bought a 98 SR5 4x4 with 160k miles 2 weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I've changed the brakes and headlight/tail light/dome light bulbs, plus a full oil change, and that's pretty much it. It runs awesome to be such a high mileage vehicle.
Well I know it isn't high mileage to you, but for someone who hasn't owned anything with over 100k miles, it is a lot to me.
PirateExplorer
New member
Really it's not high mileage for the 3.4 v6. My best friends a yota mechanic and he coached me on what to buy. When I brought a 2000 Sport to him with 153k he told me the same "just gettn started".....The 3.4 is bulletproof if well taken care of. Get as much docs as u can on the maintenence and do the basics: check all fluid conditions, roll under and check for leaks, and make sure to do a compression check. These r easy things you can check out yourself without having to take it to a dealership to get scoped out. Good luck man. And make sure you buy a 96-02 with a 3.4L.......
PirateExplorer
New member
And personally I like the Sport Editions. They come with a hood scoop and a little bit better ride. Oh and the fender flares. If you can find a limited theyre obviously nice too but finding one with acceptable leather might be a stretch, I looked at a lot that were nice just worn inside. Turned me off to the sale. So I got a Sport with cloth interior that cleaned up really good.
Ron Helmuth
Senior Member
99-00 still had 5 speeds
A few people would argue that the changes made to improve the 3rd gens in 99 are worth a bit. Some of the creature comforts like the cupholder being moved to the center console instead of the flimsy dash unit for example-but honestly that is just minor little things that some folks have retrofitted to suit their needs.
But when you see one as nice and as well equipped as Toytech76's you got to snap those up...
You don't mention where you are...or if you want a 5 speed- and 2000 models are the last of the manny trannys...maybe you would even prefer the 4 banger model.. personally I like the 3.4 with a 5 speed but of course I am biased...
Look for one you can get all the records on. History of alignments, oil changes, transmission flushes and so on. Check steering wheel feel at highway speeds to see if tires are balanced or the front end play is excessive.
good luck with your search...
A few people would argue that the changes made to improve the 3rd gens in 99 are worth a bit. Some of the creature comforts like the cupholder being moved to the center console instead of the flimsy dash unit for example-but honestly that is just minor little things that some folks have retrofitted to suit their needs.
But when you see one as nice and as well equipped as Toytech76's you got to snap those up...
You don't mention where you are...or if you want a 5 speed- and 2000 models are the last of the manny trannys...maybe you would even prefer the 4 banger model.. personally I like the 3.4 with a 5 speed but of course I am biased...
Look for one you can get all the records on. History of alignments, oil changes, transmission flushes and so on. Check steering wheel feel at highway speeds to see if tires are balanced or the front end play is excessive.
good luck with your search...
