In the market for a 3rd Gen 4runner (1 Viewer)

[TCSTARK]

Hey all,

I am looking for a 3rd gen 4runner that will be added to the fleet as a daily driver and vacation hauler. I am interested in a 1999 thru 2001 that has been well taken care of. I'd even consider a trade for my 1976 FJ40 and cash if its got a diesel conversion.

With that said,.. what should I be looking for when inspecting the vehicle? I have read up on the threads and know about the timing belt, water pump and usual rust locations.

I will run a carfax and have it looked at by a local mechanic..What am I missing?

 

[Duane]

normal used car stuff..check fluids, body lines for any damage as a carfax isn't always complete
You should know that 99 and 00 are pretty much the same but 01 and 02 have the traction control add ons.
Would you like a manual tranny?
Always nice to get a rear diff lock option?
A hitch is nice to come with but always a risk of having pulled something and taken some life out of it.
Nice to get the remote starter if someone has added it in.
Good set of michelin tires usually cost no more if it comes with.
Never usually pay more for one with a sunroof either.
Rear bumper extensions like to rust through and antennas fail.
See if you can get one with the brakes recently checked to know the lining thickness left.
I like a bone stock one..don't care for an aftermarket air filter/ holder..K&N's mist oil and you'll be cleaning your MAF more frequently.
I don't care for lift kits that bugger up angles on components.
Leaks are usually pretty rare but check for any.
I like to take the vin# into the local Toyota dealership and they can tell you what it has been in for service and at what dealership. Nice to stay away from one chucking engine codes or that has been overheated for instance.
Other than that drive it and make sure everything works smoothly and you should be golden. Good luck

 

[TCSTARK]

Thanks Duane. This was exactly what I was looking for...

 

[badams1897]

Thanks Duane. This was exactly what I was looking for...

Hate to thread jack looking at a 99 Limited great shape, fully maintained with 177k on the clock. Am I approaching end of life for the 3.4L V6?

Let me know your thoughts.

 

[2020 Rocks]

If it was properly maintained and they have the service records to prove it then no, it has not reached the end of it's life.

Hate to thread jack looking at a 99 Limited great shape, fully maintained with 177k on the clock. Am I approaching end of life for the 3.4L V6?

Let me know your thoughts.

 

[badams1897]

If it was properly maintained and they have the service records to prove it then no, it has not reached the end of it's life.

Yeah the owner just put a good deal of maintenance into it, and I checked the VIN with Toyota it has been serviced at the dealer multiple times, just not for everything.

 

[SRSRunner]

Thanks Duane. This was exactly what I was looking for...

all depends on what you want to do. 99's have the most ground clearance. 00 and up limiteds have the multimode 4wheel system, as well as the rear locker. limiteds have the the bigger fender flares, paint matched bumpers etc. You can get an SR5 with leather but the wood trim is different. Then theres your sport and highlander models(scoped hood) Theres a full write up on all this on t4r.org on all this , i just couldnt find it off hand. check it out, theres some good info there.

Hate to thread jack looking at a 99 Limited great shape, fully maintained with 177k on the clock. Am I approaching end of life for the 3.4L V6?

Let me know your thoughts.

as for 177k IMO your fine- these trucks can 300 or more with ease my biggest concern aside from the normal items, would be the radiator- look up pink milkshake and youll see what i mean. If its been maintained and the price is right go for it- Ive got 228k and still going strong.

 

[badams1897]

all depends on what you want to do. 99's have the most ground clearance. 00 and up limiteds have the multimode 4wheel system, as well as the rear locker. limiteds have the the bigger fender flares, paint matched bumpers etc. You can get an SR5 with leather but the wood trim is different. Then theres your sport and highlander models(scoped hood) Theres a full write up on all this on t4r.org on all this , i just couldnt find it off hand. check it out, theres some good info there.



as for 177k IMO your fine- these trucks can 300 or more with ease my biggest concern aside from the normal items, would be the radiator- look up pink milkshake and youll see what i mean. If its been maintained and the price is right go for it- Ive got 228k and still going strong.

Too funny I was just looking at the pink milkshake thing. That is nuts. I will keep my eye out and make sure I have a glass with me at all times! I love Milk Shakes

Bought the truck pick her up tonight.

 

[SRSRunner]

lol yes it is! just drop in a new radiator and tranny cooler and youll never have to worry about it again. Congrats on the buy- Throw some pics up..