jimber00

I have a 2000 Tahoe that is way over on lease miles. I'm trying to figure out how to get out of it without getting killed on mileage penalties, and I want to get a low mile 3rd generation 4runner instead. I have a 91 4runner that I prefer to drive right now, and my wife has put almost all of the 94,000 miles on the Tahoe. The interior space is nice in the Chev, but that is about all I like about it. It has dash rattles that drive me nuts- a horribly designed cup holder that is like a squeaky diving board, for one. Anyway, what are the best years as far as changes in options and little style changes in the 98-2002 4runners. How about the best options to look for and those to avoid. Is one year clearly ahead of the others for any reason? Any advise would be appreciated.
Want to be a 2 runner family.

outdoorfever

i have no answer at all, but i wouldnt mind hearing how much you HATE that chevy! and what drives you crazy

jimber00

The Tahoe is not an awful rig, I just have't been excited about driving it. I never have slogged in the mud with it or gotten seriously off road in it- I am always in my 4runner for that type of driving. The Tahoe has these annoying rattles and squeaks in the dash area that are very The steering column was actually rattling, but they were able to fix that by simply greasing it Also, it gets poor mileage, around 14 mpg. I had a Blazer before that that got about 17 or 18 if I remember right. My 91 4runner gets 20mpg on straight hiway 60mph driving. But twice in the shop with the Tahoe after warranty expired and about a grand sucked out of me each time, I am getting ready to say goodbye to the big fella.

CLin9383

i'd say the best year for the 4runner is the 98 or 99's..the cup holder in the early 3rd gens aren't much better than your tahoe...but im sure someone else will chime in with more info.

AznSky

yes the cup holders in the 96-97's are horrible. I'd say go for a 2000. Because it comes with the new extended front bumper, and if you're lucky, the fog lights will still work haha. If not (which in most cases because the housing gets too moist) it's ok too, cuz you'll just replace the whole bumper with an ARB or TJM steel bumper right?

Besides that, try to find a 4runner with an electric rear locker, it might be a little more expensive up front, but it'll save you lotsa of money in the future when you don't have to buy a seperate locker, and then install the darn thing. Also, try to get one that came standard with 16" wheels, I made that mistake and now my runner is geared lower than avg runners. However i think they stopped using the 15" wheels after a certain year, not sure though. Other than that.......... can't really think of anything else so have fun looking!!!!!!

SLC Punk

Sorry, but I gotta correct a couple of things:

the 1996-1998 Both had the crappy in-dash cup holders. You can convert it to the 99-02 center console style cupholder to fix that problem. Bob_98SR5 has done this.

The 1999's also had the longer front bumper "chin", but has a different style tail light than the 01 & 02's.


With that out of the way, are you looking for a 5-speed or Auto?
The 1999 would be my recommendation. Get it with the 3.4L V6 and rear locker.

Sorry to hear about the Tahoe. I have a friend that is a Die-Hard Chevy guy. His parents are the same way. They have gone through 3 Tahoe's 98, 01, and 02. They traded each one for the newer year, because they are not satisfied with the build quality. I tell them to stop buying them, but they won't listen to me.

EDGE

94k on a 2000 Tahoe man where are you driving, how long is the lease and what the buy out, can you buy it and trade it without to much of a loss.

FUGGRWE

I know 2 guys like this. Their GM vehicles were falling apart, and they went out and bought another GM. Duh! Hello? If I hit myself in the face with a hammer its gonna hurt, and I am probably not going to do it again...

rimpainter.com

I recommend a 99+ 4Runner.