Hey all,

I think I'm going to buy a 3rd gen 4runner this weekend. I'm thinking either a 2000 or maybe 2001. I'll put some pics at the bottom.
I have two questions for you guys since I have found two virtually identical 2000s. The big difference between the two is one is 5spd, the other automatic. The 5spd does not have the "sport" package--no hood scoop (yeah, i know its non-functional), the 3 spoke 15" rims, etc. It has 45K miles and is Toyota certified
The automatic has 10K fewer miles, the hood scoop, etc.
They are the exact same price.

1)how much better is the 5spd? I have one right now in my '95 3.slow and love it. I've test driven the automatic, but only for about 10miles. Its hard to compare my current 4runner becuase the 3rd generation has the 3.4L which has more power.
I know this will quickly become a 5spd vs auto poll, but i'm really wondering if there is a major reason, other than personal preference to do the 5spd.
We do some light wheeling in the '95, but mainly just camping and skiing.
Since we are planning on moving out west (and making more $) I will probably have the time, availabiity and resources (is $ when I break something) to do more wheeling. Either way, 5spd or auto is going to get the same mods--ARB safari bar, rock sliders, wilderness rack, K&N, deckplate, Hellas. It will be my DD, so I'm going to keep the stock rims and tires for awhile--probably a year at the least.

2)will my husky liners from a 2nd gen fit a 3rd gen?

 

The earlier pic is the auto.

here is the 5spd:

 

Do either or both have the rear locker?

My dad has a 96 5-speed and I have a 97 auto. When I pull my boat and go off-road, I am so thankful that I bought an auto. But the 5-speed it a little more peppy than the auto, but that can be fixed by adding a S/C.

 

I have the 5 speed in my '97, and the factory E-locker. I have been very happy with the vehicle.

My sister has an '01 with an auto, it feels a little slower, and doesn't get as good of gas mileage.

I would get whichever you prefer. If I had to drive in heavy stop and go traffic all the time, I would probably consider an auto. Good luck.

 

I have a 2000 auto and my dad has a 1997 5-speed. I love the 5speed, it feels faster and he always gets better mileage than me. I wish I had gotten a 5speed. Plus he has a locker

 

I have 5spd and like but it would be easier with a auto/slushbox for stop go traffic up the hill to work and when offroading. Also the 5spd shifting can be notchy and you get to replace the pedal bushings ever so often.

But more importantly as stated above, does either have a factory locker on the rear diff? This would be nice to have for offroading and more difficult to install later

 

i don't know about the locker.
neither place has advertised that theirs has it, but then again....
i guess that i could call them and find out.
How much would a locker cost to have installed?

 

The locker is a big question.

I myself like the Auto, it has color coded bumpers, which is something I really wish mine had back in the day. Also because I'm going through the process of color coding mine right now.

10K less is also a big factor, yeah it's a Toyota and bulletproof, but 10k less is 10k less for the same cost.

 

don't know about the locker
i guess that i could call them and find out.
or you could go there and check in the dash has a switch for it.

How much would a locker cost to have installed?
I don't know (>$1K). It requires the housing to be modified and several people by a whole axel and swap instead.

 

you probably dont want to get the locker installed after buying it.

if you do, then you'd know what it does and why you want it already.

anyway, i'd go with the 01 with sport package. its 4wd will do what you need and it looks nicer too

 

The best years to look into are the 99-00 the last year that the e-locker was avaliable, the 01-02 didn't have the option. The second one you decribed may be your best choice, if it's a 2000.....

 

I think you should buy the auto and tell me where the 5spd is so I can go get it. No really, I guess it's a matter of personal preferance and the overall condition of the car.

Good luck.

 

The first one is newer, less milage, and seems like it has more for the same price. Don't autos usually cost more than manuals? The first one seems like a better deal...but maybe the 2000 has something the 2001 doesnt. Maybe a rear locker? Are they 4WD?

 

Does the Sport model also have the sunroof plus it does have the nicer wheels but the Locker could be the deal maker. I'd go with the nicer one with the most options.

 

If one has a locker, I'd get it.

 

Be aware of the TSB's associated with the vehicle (i.e, TSB BR007-00, brake vibration; TSB ?, fuel gauge/sending unit) and whether they have been performed.

 

there is a guy selling a 00 4runner limited on this board (waskillywabbit). Check out his rig, it might be worth the South west ticktet to go get it .. it has been taken care of pretty well

 

Wabbit's isn't a Limited but it's one very clean Runner and if I had lived a little closer I might have bought it.

 

ditto.

 

This is a good point--and one that I hadn't thought of. That's why I posted this on here. Since these aren't recalls, are the dealers required to fix/replace them, or will they only do so if people have complaints about them?
While checking this out, I saw several that had problems with the original tires (Firestones) and also with the airbags.
I'm not too worried about the tires, since most dealerships put new shoes on them before shipping them out. I know the one has Goodyears anyway.

What about the airbags? There is really no good way to know if they do or don't work until its too late. I'll have to ask the dealership about that one.

Thanks guys