I've narrowed my search down to the following.

It'll be used to haul a small pop-up to the deer lease, haul kayaks to the water, and DD in the rain so my Lexus stays pretty. Budget isn't an issue, so let me know what I should do to the truck upon purchase. I'm thinking doug thorley headers coated in jet hot to keep the HG cool? Def a rooftop kayak rack, some interior gun racks, and some type of lockable cargo solution.

Please tell me which one you'd buy and why:

http://dallas.craigslist.org/sdf/cto/3386458579.html

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/cto/3453657249.html

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/3465520859.html

THANK YOU!

 

Personally, I'd want the third one. Yeah, it has more miles and a salvage title, but it's got a manual trans instead of the other 2 with autos. I'd definitely not pay that much, though. I paid $3100 for mine all stock and not really maintained all that well, but it wasn't a salvage title or beat up, just neglected.

 

Third choice. But I'd pick it apart until youget him down to about 3000 or so. Do you need the space inside? For you, an extra-cab truck sounds like a better option. But if not, the third choice. F auto's. They pretty much suck.

 

Interesting take so far...

 

Budget isn't an issue??

If that is true I would spent a a bit more money and find a lower mileage 96-98 3rd Gen 4runner.. 3.4 motor is way better than the 3.$ IMO ..

 

Good point Dropzone, I sorta thought he specifically wanted the older body style or just an older rig so he wouldn't be worried about messing it up.
The 3.4 is definitely a better engine, though I can't say I really had any problems with my 3.0 that were due to the engine's design.

 

I am thinking more of the increased power of the 3.4 pulling a trailer and a roof pod he mentioned. I have driven several 2nd Gen 4runners with varying mileage and felt they could use some more ooomph.

 

I like the 2nd gen body style, reminds me of the pickup I had in HS. I loved that thing (it was stolen while home for summer break in college).

I'm leaning towards the 1st one... but all the talk about the 3rd gen has me exploring my options.

 

I owned the old 3.0 auto and I can tell you that the 3.4 or better yet the 4.0 in the later years have some HUGE upgrades to usability and power.

If i had to pick out of those 3 I would pick the 5 speed for daily driving and an auto for crawling or offroading.

 

Money isn't an issue? You're going to have a lot of people living vicariously thru you HAHA. I would go with the third choice too. It's got a lot of new parts and somebody put some time into it. Plus it has the manual transmission. I'd still talk him down because of the salvage title tho.

 

Personally I wouldn'nt even consider the salvage title there is no telling what underlying problems you could be buying. If you want a manual trans go find a oringinal non lemon.
The white one is nicer & very clean but the red one has had the timing belt changed.
If I was going to primarily use it for a camping hunting vehicle I would go for the red one.
If you are towing anything heavy I would also look at the new 3.4 4 runners.
I dont know about texas but in TN you can get a super clean 3.4 4wd runner with low miles for 5-8k. In my opinion that may be better.

 

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-...sting=46633314

This is a 1999 limited automatic. missing a front turn light but that should be able to be replaced pretty easy.

if you lived around here there is this one

http://bc.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-...AdIdZ431372354

keep in mind 360k = 225 miles

I am sure there are more in your area that meet or beat the qualifications that you have. Try to get a 4runner with a diff locker in the back. Save the upgrade later.