Skool me on a 2001 4Runner please

[scottm]

Kinda urgent, leaving on a trip, just noticed this 4R on local Craigslist, need to make a decision quickly as this appears to be exactly what I should get for a good price. Perhaps not exactly what I wanted, but sometimes I'm wrong.

Timing chain or belt on the 3.4liter? I'll know quickly when I check the owners manual I guess. 95k on it.

What to look out for?

This will be a highway car, I've heard the older 4Rs aren't so great on the highway, any thoughts on that?

Is this 2nd gen?

Thanks.

 

[Bighead]

Kinda urgent, leaving on a trip, just noticed this 4R on local Craigslist, need to make a decision quickly as this appears to be exactly what I should get for a good price. Perhaps not exactly what I wanted, but sometimes I'm wrong.

Timing chain or belt on the 3.4liter? I'll know quickly when I check the owners manual I guess. 95k on it.

Belt. Recommended change interval is 90k according to the manual. There should be a sticker on the timing belt cover with the change date if done by a dealership. There is a bargaining chip for you if not done.

What to look out for?

Mine has worked like a champ with no issues. There have been some reports of transmission issues. You can do a search on Yotatech or UltimateYota for additional info.

This will be a highway car, I've heard the older 4Rs aren't so great on the highway, any thoughts on that?

It's a lot narrower than a Cruiser so that might take some getting used to. I did not have a problem with power until I made it quite a bit heavier than stock. There is always the TRD Supercharger option if you feel it needs it.

Is this 2nd gen?

Thanks.

1996-2002 were 3rd Generation 4Runners.

Here is a great site with some light reading for you... Toyota 4Runner History 1996-2002

 

[scottm]

Awesome quick info, thanks! Hopefully it isn't another scam, but so far it doesn't have the usual hints.

 

[psfpilot]

We had a 99. It was considerably sportier than the 80s in both acceleration and deceleration. 19mpg in either city or hwy driving. It will need a water pump at approximately 120k. Drives well enough on the highway. It drives like an 80 on slick roads if it has the multimode transfer case with 2wd, full-time 4wd and part-time 4wd modes.

 

[scottm]

Flagged for removal, that was fast


oh well.

 

[phishtaco]

My wife has a 97 that we got new...190k miles and is just starting to leak at the valve cover gasket. Other than brakes, timing belt and a rusted PS line it has been trouble free.

 

[Cruisified]

Had an 01' bought new put 100k on her. No problems at all, never even had to change the oil.

 

[MoJ]

2000 with 25k miles
Only drawback is that it's from the rust belt.

2000 Toyota 4Runner in Cincinnati, OH 45251: Sport Utility Details - 265669980 - AutoTrader.com

 

[phishtaco]

Cincy is in the rust belt but not as bad as other parts of OH.
I work about 10 minutes away from this dealer if you want me to give it a once over.

 

[scottm]

No thanks, that's a good price but not crazy good. My son-in-law works at a dealership on the side, the owner will get me a 4R at auction, I think he can get me an '03 for less than that. It'd be nice to have two identical engines in the garage again. I've been looking at 4th gen for a while. I didn't realize how nice the 3rd gen are, but they're not really much cheaper, and the newer ones are significantly better.

 

[phishtaco]

I paid about 13.5k for an 04 V8 Sport 4wd about a year ago. It had 60k on it and excellent service records and no paint work. I bought it in KY.

 

[scottm]

I paid about 13.5k for an 04 V8 Sport 4wd about a year ago. It had 60k on it and excellent service records and no paint work. I bought it in KY.

That's what I want. I'd like an '05 (VVT) for $10k, and I think it's possible at dealer auction prices. But I'll settle for an '03-'04 with the 5-speed.

 

[phishtaco]

The 03's had some 1st year problems from what I have read. I know nothing about dealer auctions. All of the ones I looked at in OH had some chassis rust problems going on up front. So take a peak underneath. The power between a V8 4runner and an FZJ80 is great. I still miss the 80 though.

 

[Duane]

If you get a V6 model I think the 05 was the first year with the 5spd...
an 06 model gets you the round wheel wells if that is a preference or not to you.