Spectre

Some of you might know that I am in search of a good third generation 4runner 4x4 ( I have a 4x2 2nd gen right now) and have been searching high and low. None here in Scabilene ( oops I meant Abilene) I drove out to the Dallas area yesterday to see some that I found on the net ..and all were gone before I could get there.

ok, my requirements.

-less than 65K on miles
-4x4
-2000-2002 ( might look at a 1999)
-and I had wanted Auto because I have not driven a stick since well..I first learned how to drive ( I only used the stick one day back 17 years ago)
-I was looking for white or silver.
-Toyota certified
-3.4L

What I found

51K on miles
4x4
2000
5speed
and forest green
Toyota certified
3.4L

my question is does the 5speed perform any better off road? I know it used to be the preference for off road..
had anyone used both..and what do you like?

Spectre

Here she is
they said they wuld put on a roof rack and mudflaps for free..

TDiddy

Its probably more of a preference thing. Some people swear by it, some only want an auto off road. I guess alot depends on how well you handle a clutch.

What are they asking for it?

Spectre

17400

and they will give me 3500 for my old 1991 4x2

4x4Lamm

A lot of it depands on what you are gonna do with it. in the mud, an auto senses wheel-spin and upshifts sometimes...BAD. In the rocks, an auto is super compared to sticks. i have seen one pickup on the trail once with a serious prop, in the lowest crawl ratio (1st gear and low range times 2 (duel transfer cases) and with crawler gears in both of em, the brakes were overpowerd by the ultra low gearing...BAD). I perfer stick because I have more gear ratios, have better command of the 4x4, dont have to fret about trans. temp and best of all, hardly anyone I know can drive stick so no one asks to borrow it ever, not that I'd let em' anyway.

Spectre

I think I will hold off for a color I like and I also will hold off for the Auto.. ( I will do more rock stuff)
I also want the RR DIFF LOCK feature...

I will wait I guess

Darren

If you want the locker, the only option you have are with the 2000 models, unless you are open to the 99's. I would suggest the 99's anyway as they are about an inch higher in the ground clearance department. The mileage you're looking for might be a little tougher to find on those, though.

I was going to mention on the pictured model that it appears to be a base model. I believe those always (?) come with the smaller tires (and wheels), with 3.7 gears, if memory serves. I might be a little off on the gearing. Something to look out for as you keep looking.

If you're planning to play on the rocks, I think the auto is the right choice. You will stall many times and rely on momentum otherwise, unless you get some better gears in. I don't know how people do it. Standards would be nice for going downhill, though.

I'm also guessing you could get at least $1,000+ more out of your '91 if you sold it to a private party. You probably already know this.

Good luck with your continued search.

X-AWDriver

I've logged a few thousand miles in my mom's '99 Limited with the auto and now with a few thousand in my 5 speed I prefer the 5 speed in daily driving and that's realistically where most of my driving occurs of course. Off road I had good control with the manual but I can see where people prefer the auto but I'd like to think I'm decent with a clutch so I really haven't had any regrets getting a manual.

rixham

Herkengineer - Nice Avatar. I am about to PCS from Germany and go to Hurlburt as a Sensor Operator on Gunships.

As for the Runner I would say go with the 2000, but since you want an auto either the 99 or 00 would be good. The 99's are about 1 inch taller than my 2000 stock. If you decide to get a manual, 2000 was the last year for the manual. 2001 - present are auto only.

Fink

There is a '99 here locally, ~61K miles, 4x4, Silver, 5-speed, Yakima roof rack, Toyota Certified with the 3.4L motor.

$14,995

He said that they will do the timing belt, fluid changes, plugs, cap, rotor, brake service and balance and alignment for free once a deposit is made on the truck.

Just thought it would give you an idea of pricing...is that good for that truck? All I know is I paid half of that for my rig and I think it looks better and I'm not scared to take it off road.

Fink

Spectre

I wish I was still on the Gunships.. I am now on the C-130H1s out of Dyess AFB ( I HATE IT HERE...I would much rather be at Hurlburt on my old gunpigs )

Do you know if you are going AC-130Hs or Us?
I perfer the H model...but for crew comfort people like the U boats..anyhow..good luck with it.

does anyone know if the 2001s are an inch or so shorter then the 99s too?

I want to thank you all for all the inputs

Spectre

I thought if it was Certified they have all the service done to it already right?

you have a 95 right..
I have a 91 right now..but I can not even find a 95 or 96 with the low miles I have on mine..( and that is how I am convincing my wife that I need a new 4runner ..plus I want a 4x4

Fink..I agree I think your rig is a sweet looking truck

Do you have the dealership of the truck you found?