appreciate some help,

re: what model year might be preferrable...V6 would be fine. Ofcourse I'd like to get something w/o too much mielage.

Should I be concerned that the 2000-2 models had a suspention recall ?

Much thanks for any pointing in the right direction.

 

are you looking for 4wd or 2wd? For 12-14k with 4wd, I think you will have to go for a 98 to 2000. For some reason 2001 and 2002's are commanding high prices. Don't worry about recalls, they get fixed for free anyways. Just make sure its done. Good luck.

 

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...hlight=capable

thats a good thread to what some of the best things about the 3rds gens... if i could go back and buy again, i would go with a 99 highlander with hood scoop, 5 speed, e-locker. thats the magic combo. its before the traction control junk and you can still get the 5 speed and elocker combo. search on here before you buy... i bought then fuond this place, i sorta lucked out and got a 99. but i didnt even know they offerec a factory elocker, and i couldnt find a 5 speed... theres one on ebay right now actually... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyot...16324963QQrdZ1 not sure how close it is to you , but thats a great rig, its got all the goodies...

 

Hey, Thanks. I'd rather go w/ 4wd, but that said I need to get an automatic.

Could consider spending a little more...if there's much of an advantage to going w/ a 2001-2-3 vrs a 1999 or 2000.

Don't do alot off ofroading cept for relativly tame fishing trips.

 

for your price range youre looking at maybe a 99-00 with between 50k-75k. I wouldnt go earlier then 99, the styling changed alot between 98-99 and even more in 00. Find acouple, drive them all, and make sure you have mantenece records. when i bought mine i didnt get anything... thank goodness i found a receipt to a dealership and the guy there hooked me up with the records... plus if you can, get a carfax report on them.. have the dealership through it in for free... if theyre serious about selling the car, theyll eat the $20 for the report and show confidence in the car their selling.

 

Thanks for the info. gonna keep looking for the best I can get for around 15k I guess.

 

if you plan to offroad definitely look for a 2000 w/ the rear locker (switch that says RR DIFF LOCK to left of steering wheel)

 

If I go w/ a 00 or 01 limited, is it possible to find that in 4x4 w/ rear locker?
Trying to boil it down a bit but I think I'm gonna go w/ a 4runner...and starting to feel good about it.

Truth is, I had my mind set on a new FJ but due to the price out the door hitting the 31k mark I'm going to hold off and reconsider the FJ in a year or 2. As well, It might be good to wait and see how they work out.

As always, Much thanks for the guidance.

 

'00 was the last year equipped with the locker as an option.