Tried a search and couldn't find much. I figured I'd make my own thread.

I currently own a 2003 Golf GTI VR6. Its worth about 14,000 trade in and just over 15,000 private party. I used to live in NJ. Since then I've moved to Colorado for school. I plan on living and working in Colorado or possibly Wyoming (better pay, cheaper housing, less people). Anyway - my VW was my dream car when I saved up and bought it new in high school. Now I want to go camping, 4 wheeling, tow my little sailboat, commute in snow, go on road trips, carry 4 people comfortably with gear, have 4 doors, and an automatic (I once swore I would always have a stick, but i have a stick in my dedicated 'wheeling 4x4 and I'd just prefer the slushbox now for a variety of reasons.


So I was looking at FJ Cruisers and XTerras, new. I've since decided that I could get into a used 4Runner for a lot less money and get a vehicle that would suit me better and not have a payment. I'm looking to spend less than 20,000. I'm hoping to get a 99+ 4Runner with somewhat low milage depending on how old it is. Things I need:

4x4
Auto

Things I'd like to have:

Locker

Things I don't care at all about:

Power windows / locks
Keyless entry
Fancy trim levels (I plan on taking any running boards off ASAP).


I'll be using it for some mild trail riding and camping. Any mods I do will be minor at first. This is going to be my daily driver, I'd like to keep it somewhat nice and hold onto it for a few years (like 10).

What should I be looking for specifically. Are any years better than others/get better stuff? Any known issues or problems to watch out for? Generally just tell me anything and everything, what should I expect, etc.

 

Check under the roof rack rails for rust

 

Welcome to Yotatech, get yourself a sport or sr5 model. check the 4runner history section for year specifics.

 

look for a 99 or newer. they just have some small things that are nicer.


sorry man you going to have to deal with those standard options. when you looking for a 4Runner with a locker which are not on the base model.

 

Ive say this alot, "if your gonna wheel it, get the 99 with a LOCKER"

 

'O really?

Help! What do I look for in a used (3rd gen) 4Runner...
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/help-what-do-i-look-used-4runner-2001-a-85053/

Newbie buying a 3rd gen 4Runner questions...
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/newbie-buying-4runner-questions-after-searching-33494/

If you were to buy a '96-'02 4Runner...
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/if-you-were-buy-96-02-4runner-55611/

3rd GEN QUESTIONS...
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f5/3rg-gen-questions-99962/

What to look for in a 3rd gen 4Runner...
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/what-look-1999-4runner-55400/

What to look out for on a 3rd gen 4Runner?
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f5/what-look-out-98-4runner-94291/

Plan on purchasing a 96+ 4runner...
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f120/plan-purchasing-96-4runner-90900/

Buying a 3rd gen 4runner, what to look for? ( same title )
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/buying-3rd-gen-4runner-what-look-70341/

buying 3rd gen 4runner...
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/buying-3rd-gen-4runner-weekend-45788/

Buying a 2000 4Runner...
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f5/buying-2000-4runner-73456/

looking at a 4runner - issues? Things to look for?
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/brother-looking-96-4runner-issues-things-look-92423/


Theres more where those came from. Please read them all...every question you have will be answered and you'll gain a lot of other useful info.

 

^ I agree with Ric (and Rocket ). And might I also suggest a lighter color, such as silver or white? I will never own a dark vehicle again (if I can help it). It shows way too many nicks, scratches, residual bird poop, and other junk. It's also extremely hot in the summer.

Also, consider the 5-speed vs. Auto thing carefully. One is not necessarily better than the other, it's more of a preference thing. I think Auto's are easier to wheel though...

 

I agree with 96 runner, get a lighter color. And def get one with an e-locker. If you don't use it, no biggie. But you'll want one later if you don't get it.

 

Look for a 1999 or 2000, if you're looking for a rear locker. A local dealer sells mainly 4Runners and usually has a couple 99-2000's in. Sport Editions and Limiteds go for around $14-16k with miles ranging from 30k - 60k miles, which is definately within your budget.

And I know you said you didn't care about trim levels, but little ammenities that come on the sport and limited will serve you well in the long run (in my opinion), especially if this will be your main mode of transportation.

 

guess everyones saying get a 99 is this cause it has taller spring

 

99s and 2000s both have the taller springs.

 

i like the 96-98s my self dont like the bumpers on the 99+

 

The 99's also have some other "advantages" such as rear 12V power, better headlights, better climate control system, better cupholders, etc. They also handle supercharging a lot better. At one point I had a 2000 with hood scoop but decided to keep my 96 and sell it, making $5K in the process.

 

Check the maintenance history. I spent about a year looking around a 4runners. In the end, I realized there was one option that I could not ignore-miles. Seems around here and Seattle, people commute their little 4runners as if they were Geo Metros. The majority of 4runners had over 120K on the clock before 2007 rolled around. One has more than 190K. That is 20k per year or 385 miles per week-more than one tank of gas.

I found one (mine) with 87K for less than 13K. Miles matter. Now, the kind of miles also matter. Not to harass anyone, but I would not pay top dollar for a wheeled rig. Lots of idle time, 4x4 use, possible damage no one sees...etc.

What kind of history does it have? Invest $20 in carfax. You will discover a lot. Does it have dents? Scratches? Dents and scratches tell stories.

As for options, get one with every option out there. I liked the SR5 up until 2000 because it DID NOT have all wheel drive. That made me nervous. If you can find an SR5 with under 100K miles, all options (minus leather), factory tow hitch and fender flares, buy it and don't dicker on price if it is right.

One more thing, shiny is not always better. One with a few scratches might be better than a shined up rig. Avoid dealers, they don't care and are willing to sell you crap.

good luck.

Check craigslist and autotrader daily. Get a feel for prices. Avoid those that are asking anything more than 14K. Seriously, they are on crack. Wait for the kid who has to sell his ride to pay bills or the man who was just divorced.

 

See, this guy is on crack...

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/car/239229719.html

This guy has a much better idea...

http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/car/239688457.html

Almost a good price...
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/car/237827931.html

That should get your started...!

 

Check autotrader a lot, and play with all kinds of search features. If your waiting on a loan go get pre-approved. I had been looking for about 4 months online, and finally one popped up in my price range that i liked. I got a 96 4Runner for $6k on the penny. (kinda high miles 156k)

But without my pre-approval and the fact i snapped it up as soon as it came on i might not have gotten it (checked autotrader a few times a day, it only takes about 45 seconds) i got it for $2k less than he was asking.

Carfax was great, it showed me everything that was important, including all of the emissions testings. No wrecks, had some few bumps in the rear bumper from him backing into stuff.

Mostly highway miles, he was a doctor working for the military making prostecic (sp?) limbs. Bought the 4runner 9 years and 11 months prior to me buying it from him (carfax also proved it was one owner) when he and his wife married. Said he used the 4wheel drive only on the highway on ice (well, i guess that isn't a great thing, but at least it hadn't been wheeled)

Get any maintence records you can. He had almost none (besides telling me timing belt was changed at 130k miles), so im stuck changing every fulid in the thing.

 

nope. a friend has a 4banger SR5 base model auto, with manual windows (that would really suck), & black bumpers. came equipped with a locker. i believe it was an option all across the board ('cept maybe the 2WD runners)...on this side of the border anyway.

 

Not all '99s had the taller coils and the later '00s all have the shorter coils but not as low as what came stock in the '01s.

I do think all Highlander models in '99 had the taller coils.

 

when you go to test drive one, take notice of the gear shifter, a lot of them are prone to moving(bouncing) while your driving, not a big issue, it just drives me nuts

 

i just picked up a 99 and that happens to mine... what is that all about?