toyota 4runner. . . . . .
 

ok, let's hear what you guys know about , say, the 1997 to 2003 4runner. any first hand experience?? c'mon, let's hear it.

The third generation models (1996-2002)are preferred amongst a lot of hardcore 4runner folks. Truck frame, more hp than the 2nd gen by a long shot, Cool styling, tons of factory and aftermarket parts available. The 3.4 V6 with the 5 speed is the preferred amongst most of the wheeler crowd. I've had 5 different toyotas that I can remember. Currently own a 2nd generation. Check out this site, it's a cult like we are about our V20s: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/

4Runners are great trucks! We have a 92 4x4 with the 3.0 and a 2002 with the 3.4. Definately like the 3.4 alot better. They've both been great trucks. The 92 4x4 rides alot better than the 02 2wd. We've got 8 Toyotas in the family. Ive got a 72 FJ40 and a 97 Tacoma 4x4 with 309000 miles and it still runs strong!

is this to replace the yukon you just got?

First thing that came to my mind.....what happened to the Yukon?

it wasn't green!

y'know, i've been doing a fare amount of kayak fishing lately with my 11 year old. hoisting those things up and down on this thing with an 11 year old on the other end is a bit of a b!tch. also the thing is an absolute pig on gas. i've had toyotas and have had good luck with them in the past. figure i'll drive this thing for another year or so and start looking to make a change.

Here we go again!!!:head:

Wife has an '01 w/150k still smooth as silk never any problems and never sits still haha!!

My Buddy who lives out near me and commuted to the P.D we both worked on, he had over 300,000 on it and sold it finally for 1500. Their only real problem is corrosion, check for that real good under the quarter panels and the body mounts underneath as he had to have his body mounts repaired at 200,000.

Fellow 2nd gen owner here. My '95 has 215,000 miles on it. The 3rd gens are better, I agree. Some day I'll buy a 4th or 5th gen to replace mine. This is my go-to site: http://www.yotatech.com/f60/

HA :haha:

so you thought...

Well we did have a couple month reprieve.

And yes, I think spare was right about the yuke not being green....

rkc

I forgot about yotatech, also a great site. My 94 has 225,000. My next one will be a 1st gen with a 22r and a 5 speed or a 80's model FJ 60 Landcruiser.

Willy is right, check for rust, especially living up north. Also be sure the timing belt has been changed according to schedule. If you change it or have it changed do the water pump at the same time.

I knew a guy when I lived in Florida that would buy just about any toyota SUV or truck in almost any reasonable condition, any miles, as long as it ran good and ship them to his brother in the Dominican Republic and a friend in South America. He said he knew of trucks he shipped with 300,000 on the ticker that now had 500-600 thousand.

Willy beat me to it.. Great mechanically, but I know of 3 of them that have rotted out by the quarter panels and under the wheel wells... especially the rear wheel wells. Check carefully...

wish I was ready to make a move right now. this is a high-mileage beauty.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-v...etroit-mi.html

that looks nice!! I had a friend that had 2 of them, they were very dependable, but I hated the comfort and room it had, of course I was 350# at the time!! lol But really that's were Toyota failed in my eyes, they were never a comfortable thing to be in.

^ Better deals than that out there Charlie. I've seen worse, but still looks pretty rusty underneath, hack stereo install (what else was done that way?), dry rotted tires, running boards have been removed, and that "sludge" he put on is most likely hiding a lot of damage.

That's just what I noticed off the bat without actually studying the pics.

It's like looking for a V20, the untrained eye misses a lot.

For what it's worth I paid a lot less for mine from the original owner, all the original documents and maintenence paper work, only 187,000 miles, almost zero rust with the exception of the bottom edge of the rear passenger side door, new tires, timing belt and water pump. The exterior is dam near perfect and the interior is the cleanest I've seen besides brand new.

well, when i'm actually ready to do the deal i'll get everybody involved here and together we'll find that "ONE" that I've been looking for.

LOL Charlie... there's no such animal.:hide:

If I find that "ONE" then I'm buying it! <;-)

ok, everybody BUT pipe is recruited for the search.

here are a few from the south, I've been looking for the right one for 2 months for the wife. most of these have little to no rust because we never get any snow. might be worth the drive

http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/3954754813.html
http://images.craigslist.org/00o0o_1...7f_600x450.jpg


http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/3969568412.html
http://images.craigslist.org/00x0x_4...5U_600x450.jpg

http://greenville.craigslist.org/ctd/3894657423.html
http://www.motorsportsautosales.net/..._185739594.jpg

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/3965211220.html
http://images.craigslist.org/00k0k_l...L5_600x450.jpg

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/3949201956.html
http://images.craigslist.org/00B0B_f...qF_600x450.jpg

http://asheville.craigslist.org/cto/3942786111.html
http://images.craigslist.org/00808_a...Ps_600x450.jpg

that green one speaks to me. not ready yet but when I am i'll recruit you to get in the mix.