3rd gen 4runner question... (1 Viewer)

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dace voit

dace voit

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Howdy all!

My girlfriend is looking into a 2002 3rd gen 4runner. Can anyone point me toward some good pre-purchase info that I can use when helping her find her car?

I am an FZJ80 owner and am quite familiar with them, but am new to the 4runner world.

Are there any known problem areas that we should know about? I plan to go with her on her search and want to have as much knowledge as possible!

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Dace
 
96-00 have a rear locker option.
01-02 changed to having traction control "a-trac" and vehicle stability control.
The A-trac works well for light offroading. Works well with stock sized tires.
I would prefer a 99-00 Highlander or sport version of a 4runner with a 3.4 v6, rear locker and manual transmission.
The 01-02 have some different color options though. The grey is really sharp looking.

Otherwise there are not really any issues with these trucks. Find a nice one with no rust for her.

lastly, parts are cheap compared to an LC.

Enjoy!

Almost forgot, yotatech.com has a huge technical section that can cover just about anything and everything that has to do with a 3rd gen 4runner.
 
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The above links are great to read. I'd get a 99 or newer 3rd gen. just for all the extra options they came with especially those front cup holders.
99 and 2000 still had a rear diff lock available and a standard tranny but that's not likely her choice.
I agree with check to see when the timing belt and usually water pump is done at the same time.
Get one with a clean accident history and a good service history for fluids. Bonus if you can get someone who added a remote starter/alarm, perhaps a hitch if you need it but be careful as then it may have towed, sometime folks just carry bikes on the hitch. A front hood guard, good tires, clean windshield. Rear bumper extensions rust through. See if they have changed coolant, brake and power steering fluid yet as well..it all cost $ down the road. Tuneup, plugs, ign leads etc.
Other than that I try to see that everything works, lights, horn, wipers,washers, STEREO, brakes, sunroof etc as anything needing fixing cost $:D
that's my 4 cents I guess
 
Great advice from all the posts. Just had my timing belt and water pump done at 90,000mi. Has been
an excellent and dependable rig and not too shabby an offroader I might add. I still prefer the styling
of the 3rd Gen over the 4th and even upcoming 5th Gen. With good tires and VSC/4WD we got through
a really nasty snowstorm near Laramie. Stable as a rock.
 
You know Happy Trails..I agree with you on the 3rd gens...
I like the way they look over 4th and 5th gen 4runners. I have been looking for a 4th gen and found this 99 for a decent deal so I bought it.
I sometimes wonder what a 4th gen is going to be like to repair or fix down the road after 100,000 miles. I take my 96 through creeks and down dry rocky creek beds and it just keeps going and it doesn't squeek and rattle. I somehow think a 4th gen would not be so accomodating. Way way more stuff to go wrong I'm thinking.
A 3rd gen 4runner or similar Taco still turns my head where the newer styling just doesn't do it for me. I like round wheel wells and not the crazy big fender flares like what's on my 05 Tundra. The 99 and 00 having the most clearance are great as well. Other vehicles you had to install a lift kit to get the clearance and look that these come with stock.

The other thing locally is that I think a 3rd gen 4Runner is a bargain. Locally there are plenty of clean units with 110,000 miles on them and they are only 2/3rds the price of a Tacoma with say 140,000 miles on them. I have a small utility trailer for anything much that i need a truck for so these 4Runners are just darn handy. We load up gear for 4, throw in a dog and a canoe on top and head off for the weekend. It goes about anywhere I want it to go 12 months a year with reasonable gas mileage and yet still small enough to easily wheel in and around city parking lots etc.
I'd recommend them to anyone. Do your routine service and just add gas and drive.:D
99 runner pic1.jpg
 
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Duane said:
We load up gear for 4, throw in a dog and a canoe on top and head off for the weekend.
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:eek: Clark Griswold! :D

The only issue I have with 01-02 4Runners is the sensitive VSC/TRAC system. Other than that, they're solid.
 
I couldn't have said it better Duane! I bought my 4Runner off my Dad. He upgaded to an 04' and every
now and then, when mine is all shiney and clean, he says he wished he hadn't sold it to me. Mainly for
styling reasons. His rig is pretty decent. X2 on the tacomas as well. I have no plans to ever sell mine.
The new ones have gotten too wide, not good for some of the trails in the central high sierra.
 
Yea I have to say the 3rds. are a great shape and work really well all around.Since running 265/75 BFG AT's and dumping the running boards on our 2000 Limited,it looks really good for stock hieght! We have the silver color,auto,and the thing is a little rocket! I like the 4WD system w/the AWD button on the side of the TC shifter.
PS look for one w/a rear locker,that would be way cool.I want to turn ours into a trail rig someday.Check out the latest copy of 4WD Toyota Owner Mag(Great/Best mag!!!!)for some trail ready ideas.
 
definitely get an elocker. bone yard axles with elockers cost anywhere from $500-1300 plus shipping.
TEPUI said:
If over 90K miles, check if the timing belt was replaced. If it has not been replaced, use it as a bargain chip.

As an 80 owner, you may also want to look for one equipped with a rear e-locker.

Good luck!
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