urbanj

Im getting a 3rd gen 4runner. its between 3. ones a 97 limited 4wd with 97000mi and the other two are sr5's but 99 and 00 with 116k and 129k mi. they are all in around the same price

even though its a 97. is that truck that much better because its a limited. or would i hate myself if i ended up not getting the newer sr5 model.

Are the extras on the limited worth it over the mid model changed sr5.

sorry if there is info out there but trucks are all new to me.

thanks

HuskyRunner

In, I think '99 (someone will correct me if I'm wrong) they changed the 4wd system - it seems more complicated, there's buttons and things...The '97 will have a shifter with 2HI-4HI-N-4LO. The limiteds had the option (or was it included) of leather seats, and a wood grain dash. They also had the bigger fender flairs. The '99-'00 sat higher than any other 3rd gen 4runners, with '01 on being the lowest. If I were to do it again, the things I'd look for are: a locker, a sunroof (I like 'em) and possibly a 5 speed. I like my cloth seats, and non fake wood dash.

Just take a good look at them, and see which one is in better shape. Pride of ownership will show - if it's been well taken care of it'll last forever.

Don't let the years of the trucks worry you- a difference of 3 years is nothing, especially with the 97 having the lowest mileage. Get the one that has the options you want.

FUZION

Go with the 99 sr5, right off its taller than all the other years plus the newer grill and front bumper along with other things.

Henrythewound

I would opt for the post 98 years even though I like the look of the 96-98 bumper better. I have a 2000 and love it. I am iased though b/c I hate the look of the side cladding (present on a 97?) and wood grain style dash/trim. The post 98 model will have the cente console cup holders everyone w/ a 96-98 wants to trade up to.The 99 MIGHT sit taller stock, it depends whether it was made early or late in the production run. The most important thing is how well each has been maintained.

dijlop

deff depends on the maintanence. ask them if they ever went off-roading. lol. if they say yes, then you know that they most likely took good care of it, like most of the members on this forum.

if they say no, ask if they did any maintanence themselves. that shows how much they care.

if all else fails, go with the prettiest one for the cheapest price. ^_^

urbanj

ok thanks guys. the one ive decided to get is pretty mint. the 99 sr5. the interior fabric is perfect and overall the interior is good. the exterior is good. just a bump on the rear bumper. runs mint. clean title etc. ill get some pics up when i get it.

oh, did all 99+ trucks come with the 16" wheels and 265 tires?

HuskyRunner

Every one I've ever seen. I think 15''s were standard though, and 16's an option

86tuning

Ditto that. If any of them have a rear locker, that's $3-500 that you don't have to spend on the truck later...

Ron Helmuth

the early 99s had the 15" wheels and tires. Mid-run in 99 Toyota went to the 16" wheels and tires and I believe the final drive gear ratio changed as well-but I am a 5 speed guy and do not pretend to know the automatics-just have never liked them.

Another forum for 3rd gen 4Runners only is "T4R.org" and there are experts over there on trim levels and options and so on.

Hope your purchase all goes well-there are no Runner lemons out there so you have no real worries. Like all vehicles they must be maintained, of course....

nc994run

I'm pretty sure that any Limited model 4Runner has the push button 4wd mode as opposed to the J shift 4wd. The 99+ models have a dash upgrade as well as the bumper differences. There are some SR5 Models that have leather and sunroofs, scooped hoods, but are hard to find. Definitely look for one with the rear locker, as it will cost you at least $500 to get a comparable (selectable) locker. Maintenance is always 1st though.