Best years for 4 Runners?

[Schattenjager]

I am helping a buddy search around for a new rig. He is letting his 07 Tacoma go back to the bank (apparently they have workable deals to do this now-a-days) but wants a reliable, modern SUV that can wheel in Colorado without a lot of spendy mods. He was looking at Dico's but is seeking something with more parts availability and better reputation for durability and reliability. Nothing at all against the Land Rovers (I have had a few myself) but it seems like a 4 Runner is the right size for him. He has no family, just a giant mutt.

Here is what he is wanting:

A modern rig - not so old you can't find parts / service easily

Dependable systems - no chronic problem history

Robust 4X4 - did any of these ever have solid axels?

Easily maintained

Not overly prone to rust problems

Less than $8500

I have search around Craislist and have seen every make and model over every imaginable price range.

Can you make any recommendations for him to consider?

Thanks!

[kcowyo]

'99.

.

[Rallyroo]

Robust 4X4 - did any of these ever have solid axels?

Unfortunately, 1985 was the last year model for solid axles all around on the 4Runner.

[Cackalak Han]

What about an FZJ80? Solid axles, double locked, etc. Can be had for $7k or so then rest on basic maintenance.

4Runner wise, I'd say 99-00. If you want an auto, go for the Limited with the multimode transmission. For manual, get the Highlander/Sport, because they look cool. :D

[Vermejo]

Another vote for 99 Runner, and with luck one that's e-locked. This model was the highest off the ground stock. Some would say the best made and most reliable in the 3rd gen model years.

[greg mgm]

I have a 91 3.0 auto 4Runner. They are reliable for sure, but the 3.0 isn't great on power. My suggestion is to go with 3.4 or bigger if he can afford it.

[DaveInDenver]

I have a 91 3.0 auto 4Runner. They are reliable for sure, but the 3.0 isn't great on power. My suggestion is to go with 3.4 or bigger if he can afford it.
Also going with a 3rd gen or newer would be best for the foreseeable spares availability. The 1st and 2nd gen, particularly the '84-'89, mean as much time at the junk yard as the dealer or NAPA. A few internal parts are starting to become unavailable from a dealer, like 22R oversized rings are no longer available from Toyota. The aftermarket is strong still, though, for the earlier trucks. Helps that the 4Runner and pickup from 1984 to 1995 are pretty much the same.

Personally I would assess the budget and just simply find the newest 3rd or 4th gen that meets the available money with lowest miles. Also depends on how serious he intends to be with the offroad part and if he wants a stick or auto. I personally am no fan of autos and so I would be looking at 2000 and older because of it, but lots of people don't care (4Runners are automatics only from 2001 to present). I think the early 4th gen, i.e. 2003, 2004, V6 SR5 4Runners are getting price competitive with the 3rd gen with the benefit IMO of an even better engine and I think better highway ride (important or not, depends). They'll usually have low miles, too.

I think in any case, with any 4Runner, he'll just need to ditch the running boards, put on AT treads and sliders and he'll be fine on 90% of the roads and trails in Colorado.

[CA-RJ]

Another vote for a 3rd Gen. The 3.4L is very reliable and there are tons of parts available.

[BLKNBLU]

Tough to do as a 1st gen owner, but I'd have to agree with the 3rd gen votes. Plenty of power, comfortable, all the modern conveniences, lots of aftermarket support, and very little drop off in economy from the 4 banger. Plus, some of them are now old enough to be relatively depreciated, making them a good buy.

[Schattenjager]

Thanks for the input!

Is there anything to the "special package" that included a supercharger? There are a couple on the market. Was this a factory / dealer option or an aftermarket kit?

Thanks again for the help!
:elkgrin:

[CYi5]

Thanks for the input!

Is there anything to the "special package" that included a supercharger? There are a couple on the market. Was this a factory / dealer option or an aftermarket kit?

Thanks again for the help!
:elkgrin:

You got it, dealer option or added on later by the owner. There was no factory supercharged edition.

Oh, and 99 if he's going to keep it stock, 00 if he's going to lift it...sorry if I didn't read what you said, i skipped to the end. Limited w/multimode transmission + elocker = best of all worlds.

[CA-RJ]

You got it, dealer option or added on later by the owner. There was no factory supercharged edition.

Oh, and 99 if he's going to keep it stock, 00 if he's going to lift it...sorry if I didn't read what you said, i skipped to the end. Limited w/multimode transmission + elocker = best of all worlds.

Wasn't it the automatics in the 00-02 4wd/AWD models that had problems? I thought I remember hearing about early failures in them.

[Cackalak Han]

Wasn't it the automatics in the 00-02 4wd/AWD models that had problems? I thought I remember hearing about early failures in them.

No, it was 01-02.

[Martinjmpr]

The 3rd Gen 4runners are sweet but if MPG is not a consideration I'd also say go for the FZJ-80. There are a bazillion of them in CO.

[Schattenjager]

Why is a 2000 better to mod than a '99? He is keeping it simple - 3" OME lift, front bumper and he already has a ton of gear (winch etc.) Thoughts here are appreciated!

I think the Cruisers are too big for what he wants to do. This rig is going to be 'paid for in full' and will represent a long term relationship for him. The cruiser's gas and gear would offset his goals a little. With fears of gas prices skyrocketing again, he is really focused on the 4Runner.

[BLKNBLU]

Why is a 2000 better to mod than a '99? He is keeping it simple - 3" OME lift, front bumper and he already has a ton of gear (winch etc.) Thoughts here are appreciated!


My apologies to CY if I incorrectly interpret his post. I think what he means is that the 99s came as the highest sitting 4runners from the factory, so if he isn't going to mod, its the best. If he intends to lift it anyways, then the tall factory springs become a moot point as they are going to be replaced. 99 & 00 both have the multi mode t case which is good for on road crappy conditions but only so so for off roading depending on who you talk to. A 99 or 00 "might" also have a factory e locker which would be a big bonus. 01 and 02 IIRC don't have e lock available and they have their issues with tranny and t case as mentioned above. Personally I wouldn't get too caught up in finding one with the e locker. Some folks out there know what they've got and want a premium for it. There are certainly some folks also that have no idea what the button is for and have probably never engaged it. If he stumbles upon one, great. I just personally wouldn't delay a purchase of a good, clean, low mile, rig by holding out for an e locker. I'd just buy the best 99-00 I could find and pop in an ARB with the full sized compressor so I'd be locked and have an underhood air source to boot.

Also a nice site with what changed on runners through the years.
http://www.top4runners.com/runhist/index.html

[Schattenjager]

OK - he just called and seems to have found a DEAL.
This is visually different from other '99 4Runners I have seen. It is very well priced, if the tranny and the 3.4 are the good gear to have.

Opinions?

http://i398.photobucket.com/albums/pp64/schattenjager27/runner.png

[Cackalak Han]

That looks like a great deal! My favorite 4Runner color is the Desert Dune. The only thing to check is if it has a rear locker. (Button to the left of the steering wheel that says "RR DIFF LOCK". I'd snatch it up if all checks out well.

Also, IMO, while it is true that some 99's came with taller springs, it's really a moot point now, because most are sagging and will need replacing anyway. And if you're just going to replace with OEM parts, you can put the taller 99 springs on any 3rd Gen 4Runner.

[BLKNBLU]

Agreed. Dune is one of the very desirable colors and personally I'd pay more for the manual tranny, but that's just me. It's slightly undermiled for it's age, at least in this neck of the woods. If he can get any history on when the last timing belt service was done that would be a bonus. They may or may not know but since they seem to know it is a 2 owner vehicle, they may have a good service record available. If it's on or nearly on schedule he has 35-40k miles before he has to worry about it. And yeah, e locker would be nice but like I said above...

[Schattenjager]

He is looking at it tomorrow. There is no locker, but ARB says they can help with that.

Are these rigs good for off road? He is unhappy with the Tacoma's of road performance and was comparison shopping a Discovery II. I have had a Disco II and while they are amazing off road, reliability / operation costs makes me think sacrificing off road prowess for day to day usability is a wise condiseration.

[BLKNBLU]

Really? I don't know much about the newer Tacomas. The 3rd gen Runners and Tacomas of the same era that I have wheeled with do very well.

[BLKNBLU]

To whet your friends appetite
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/111db/Martinez%20Canyon/MartinezCanyon12-15-0701.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/111db/Martinez%20Canyon/MartinezCanyon12-15-0706.jpg

From this:
http://www.yotatech.com/f100/az-martinez-canyon-12-15-07-a-132481/

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/5421/dsc02155vq4.jpg

From this:
http://www.yotatech.com/f100/log-corral-az-now-officially-difficult-153776/

That is 111db from this board. Also SOAZ here wheels the snot out of his 3rd gen, I just don't have any good pics of him. He might have some though.

[Cackalak Han]

Exactly. This is why we all have Toyota's. Reliability and great off-road prowess--even in stock trim.

[deadbeat son]

He is unhappy with the Tacoma's of [sic] road performance and was comparison shopping a Discovery II.

Is his Tacoma a 2WD? What Disco II is he shopping for? The only one with a CDL is a 2004, and those will be well over the $8500 target. Some of the earlier models can be modded for a CDL shifter, others will require a new TC. Has he googled 3 Amigos? The rear overhang is pretty significant on the DII as well. I just can't understand that he thinks one will be a better candidate for a trail rig than his current Tacoma.

[Schattenjager]

Every rig represents a set of advantages and compromises. He is just trying to find a formula that will work best for him and his needs and I trust the folks of ExPo to tell it like it is.

[deadbeat son]

Let me begin by stating that I also am not trying to flame or bash anything/anyone. I just don't understand the complaint of lack of capability of a Tacoma vs a DII (I currently own a Rover as well as my Tacoma, albeit a Rangie not a Disco). Granted, the DII has a LOT more interior space/dry storage (if that's what he's looking for) and a great view of the trail from the driver's seat. You're right, each vehicle has its advantages and disadvantages.

[Ric]

I use to think that the 3rd Gen E-locked 4runners were pretty sweet off road as well as a DD, untill I got a 4th Gen, Even with the "minivan" tires, this thing is awesome, in stock form, it does sit lower than a 3rd gen. but your gonna put a lift kit on it anyways, lol and I LOVE the power vs my 99 :victory:
its wider, more comfortable, better mileage, more power, but I really do LOVE the looks of the 3rd gen. That being said, its all just personal preference.

[Applejack]

My '99 4runner w/Truetracs x's2 and a 2 inch OME lift was better than I thought at the time. I like my Taco and will keep it, but am looking for another low mileage '99 for the wife and for tighter trails . I loved that rig. It will not disappoint your friend.

[Mr. Leary]

3rd gen probably best. I have a 99. It goes most places, and handles well on the road. Never had anything break on me on the trail except my WARN winch remote....

[Mr. Leary]

To whet your friends appetite
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/111db/Martinez%20Canyon/MartinezCanyon12-15-0701.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/111db/Martinez%20Canyon/MartinezCanyon12-15-0706.jpg

From this:
http://www.yotatech.com/f100/az-martinez-canyon-12-15-07-a-132481/

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/5421/dsc02155vq4.jpg

From this:
http://www.yotatech.com/f100/log-corral-az-now-officially-difficult-153776/

That is 111db from this board. Also SOAZ here wheels the snot out of his 3rd gen, I just don't have any good pics of him. He might have some though.

Sweet pics BTW. I can contribute some as well if desired... :)

I also just bought an LC80, but will not be finished with the 4bt conversion for a while, have not wheeled it yet, but have been in one off road. Capable, but heavy... big tires or you sink into everything...