WTB: My First 3rd Gen T4R! (CHICAGO)

[starclassic]

Greetings. Like many lurkers on this awesome forum, I am on the hunt for my very first 4Runner. Ever since I got my driver's license in the mid-90s, I have wanted one of these—wanted but never had. Until now. I have a wife and 3 kids, I live in the west suburbs of Chicago, and I recently sold my daily driver (a '99 Camry). It's time to find a base 3rd Gen rig that I can drive immediately, and slowly (but surely) modify! I will be doing mostly city driving, but will undoubtedly drive out west with my boys when they get older. So 4x4 is a must. Finding a good T4R up here is tough. But I have faith.

This forum has been so inspirational, there's no way I wasn't going to post a WTB. I believe I have a solid set of basic requirements:

• 4X4 3.4L V6
• Preferred colors: Anthracite Metallic, Evergreen Pearl, Sunfire Red Pearl, Imperial Jade Mica, Thunder Cloud Metallic, Black
• Cleanest possible exterior, minimal rust underneath
• Prefer mileage <250k, would consider a rebuilt engine
• Prefer close to Chicago, but willing to travel
• As long as it's clean, I don't care as much about trim (SR5, Limited, or Sport)
• eLocker nice to have
• Multi-mode a huge plus for the ice/snow/rain in Chicago

That's it, really. My only deal-breakers are rust, super high mileage, any extensive work needed (I need to be able to use it right away) and probably a white or blue exterior

Remember when you were hunting for your very first T4R? That's where I'm at. I'd welcome any insight, referrals, or leads you may have! Cheers!

 

[maverickhawk]

What's your preferred price range? Two years ago we needed a dependable driver so I told the wife ( who had to have SUV ) it's gotta be a toyota, our first. Now we own two a 97 & a 2k. I still look at any for sale constantly. I love all 3rd gens, but i'm addicted to 99's with locker's. If you think you want locker's hold out for one with it. Seriously consider traveling for a rust free truck. Rust is seldom a body issue. It matters when you have to wrench on it. An extra grand for rust free undercarriage will pay off in the long run. Tomorrow I am going to look at a black 99 sport with locking rear. If I like it and can talk myself into waiting till fall to get another that's somewhat built. let me know if I can help in anyway. Good luck with your search.

 

[clemson4r]

If you're willing to travel, I have my '96 for sale in NH that meets all of your requirements except for the multi-mode. Don't know how you feel about a 5-speed as well

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...4runner-5spd-elocker-many-extras-no-rust.html

Max

 

[starclassic]

If you're willing to travel, I have my '96 for sale in NH that meets all of your requirements except for the multi-mode. Don't know how you feel about a 5-speed as well

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-...4runner-5spd-elocker-many-extras-no-rust.html

Max

Man ... looks nice. And 5-speed would be fun. But I'm looking for an automatic. If I did more offroading I would be seriously interested but for the time being it'll be a daily driver. Thanks for the note!

 

[starclassic]

What's your preferred price range? Two years ago we needed a dependable driver so I told the wife ( who had to have SUV ) it's gotta be a toyota, our first. Now we own two a 97 & a 2k. I still look at any for sale constantly. I love all 3rd gens, but i'm addicted to 99's with locker's. If you think you want locker's hold out for one with it. Seriously consider traveling for a rust free truck. Rust is seldom a body issue. It matters when you have to wrench on it. An extra grand for rust free undercarriage will pay off in the long run. Tomorrow I am going to look at a black 99 sport with locking rear. If I like it and can talk myself into waiting till fall to get another that's somewhat built. let me know if I can help in anyway. Good luck with your search.

Good questions. I'm looking at $4000-6000 ideally. My plan is to turn around and do some mods: 2" lift, Tundra brakes, sway bars, wheels/tires. And maybe stereo. And probably a few additional cosmetic items

I need a good base to start on. Don't mind higher mileage as long as it's been clearly cared for. I'm going to keep at it! Thanks for the advice. My sister and brother-in-law live in Nashville, I've been looking for T4Rs there as well.

 

[01thunder]

plenty of clean ones here in florida.

 

[kcbackh]

1996 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4, Manual Trans - $4,000

I have a 96' for sale near Joliet. If you are interested, please check out Craigslist South Chicago. Thanks.

 

[FanCon]

CL Find

This isn't mine, buts its a good looking 3rd gen. And it's close to you.

Lifted 1999 Toyota 4runner 4x4

 

[JJ1234]

Hey, wondering if you found your 4runner yet, thinking of selling mine, 2002 mostly stock, CBI offroad bumpers front and rear, just had toyota dealer replace timing belt water pump and inspect it in Dec. 207k miles. External transmission cooler. Limited with leather, Multimode 4wheel heated seats etc. Auto. In Vermont, here is a quick pic just took it now, if interested ill get more pics more info. Haven't made an add yet, am doing that later today. Looking for $7k. oh and price includes set of 265/75/16 Copper Discover ST Maxx almost forgot that. there in great shape I have pics those too, just running the winter tires right now.

 

[JJ1234]

Just relized your post was from June saw the dates on last few posts thought it was more recent, hope you found what you wanted,